Category: Home Improvement

Model home on top of money

The Power of Home Equity: A Guide to Leveraging Your Home’s Value

As a homeowner, you’ve likely heard of home equity, but do you know how it works and how you can tap into it? At Peoples Bank & Trust (PBTC), we’re here to simplify home equity and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to unlock its potential.

What is Home Equity?

Home equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. It’s the amount of ownership you have in your home, and it can be a valuable asset for homeowners.

How Does Home Equity Work?

Here’s an example to illustrate how home equity works:

Let’s say you purchased a home for $200,000 with a 20% down payment ($40,000) and a mortgage of $160,000. Over time, the value of your home increases to $250,000. You’ve paid down your mortgage to $120,000. In this scenario, your home equity would be:

$250,000 (current market value) – $120,000 (outstanding mortgage balance) = $130,000 (home equity)

Suggested Renovations Based on Era of Your Home

The era of your home can greatly impact the types of renovations that will increase its value and appeal. Here are some suggested renovations based on the era of your home:

Pre-1940s Homes

  • Update electrical and plumbing systems to modern standards
  • Insulate walls and ceilings to improve energy efficiency
  • Replace original windows with energy-efficient, historically accurate replicas
  • Refinish or replace hardwood floors
  • Add modern amenities like central air conditioning and heating systems
  • Refinish unique details of the home. Here are some ideas for doing so: 11 Ways to Update an Old House Without Erasing Its Character

1940s-1960s Homes

  • Update kitchens and bathrooms with modern fixtures and appliances
  • Add insulation to attics and walls to improve energy efficiency
  • Replace single-pane windows with energy-efficient, double-pane models
  • Install new flooring, such as hardwood or tile, to replace outdated materials
  • Add outdoor living spaces, like patios or decks, visible from the street to increase curb appeal

1970s-1980s Homes

  • Update kitchens and bathrooms with modern fixtures and appliances
  • Add energy-efficient features, like solar panels or skylights
  • Replace carpeting with hardwood or tile flooring
  • Install new windows and sliding glass doors to improve natural light and views
  • Add modern amenities, like smart home technology and high-speed internet connectivity

1990s-Present Homes

  • Update kitchens and bathrooms with modern fixtures and appliances
  • Add energy-efficient features, like LED lighting and smart thermostats
  • Install new flooring, like hardwood or luxury vinyl tile, to replace outdated materials
  • Upgrade outdoor living spaces, like patios or decks, with modern materials and features
  • Add modern amenities, like smart home technology. Check out the latest tech for 2025: The Best Smart Home Devices for 2025 | PCMag

Peoples Bank & Trust’s Equity Solutions for Your Next Project

Now that you understand how home equity works, you may be wondering how to tap into it. Here are a few options:

  • Home Equity Loan: A lump-sum loan that allows you to borrow a portion of your home equity at a fixed interest rate.
    • We offer a close-ended loan, meaning you get the full sum of the loan up front to use!
  • Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): A revolving line of credit that allows you to borrow and repay funds as needed.
    • Your limit is established up front, and you can draw on the line of credit when you need it!

Home equity is a valuable asset that can help you achieve your financial goals. By understanding how it works and how to tap into it, you can unlock the power of your home’s value. Whether you’re looking to renovate your home, consolidate debt, or fund a major expense, home equity can be a valuable resource. At PBTC, we’re here to help you navigate the world of home equity and make the most of your home’s value.

Not sure where to begin? Reach out with your questions, our experienced lending team is help you along you and your home’s journey!

Contact Us

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.
Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender
NMLS #407724

Couple looking at paint swatches together

Winter Home Maintenance Tips for a Cozy, Worry-Free, and Energy-Efficient Season

As temperatures drop and the first official day of winter approaches, it’s essential to prepare and maintain your home to ensure a safe and energy-efficient season. At Peoples Bank & Trust, we understand the importance of protecting your home and saving on energy costs. Here are some winter home maintenance tips to help you do just that.

Prepare Your Home’s Exterior

Before the harsh winter weather sets in, make sure to:

  1. Clean and inspect your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water flow. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, causing water damage to your home.
  2. Trim tree branches and shrubs to prevent damage from snow and ice.
  3. Seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior, including windows and doors.
  4. Install storm windows or replace old windows with energy-efficient ones.
  5. Test your sump pump to ensure it works correctly. A functioning sump pump can prevent basement flooding during winter thaws.

Insulate and Seal Your Home’s Interior

To keep the warm air in and the cold air out, make sure to:

  1. Insulate your attic, walls, and floors to prevent heat loss.
  2. Seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and electrical outlets.
  3. Install weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent air leaks.
  4. Use area rugs and curtains to add an extra layer of insulation.
  5. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as basements and garages to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
  6. Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature when you’re not home.

Maintain Your Heating System

To ensure your heating system is running efficiently and safely, make sure to:

  1. Have your heating system serviced by a professional before the winter season, especially if you are a new homeowner.
  2. Change your furnace filter regularly to improve air quality and efficiency.
  3. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace or heat pump.

Conserve Energy and Lower Your Bills

To keep your energy bills low, make sure to:

  1. Adjust your thermostat to use less energy when you’re not home or sleeping.
  2. Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
  3. Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use to avoid standby power consumption.
  4. Consider installing solar panels or a programmable thermostat.
  5. Keep curtains and blinds open during the day to let in natural sunlight.

Consider a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

If you’re looking to make energy-efficient upgrades to your home, consider using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) from Peoples Bank & Trust. A HELOC allows you to tap into the equity in your home and use the funds to make improvements that can increase your property value and save you money on energy costs. Check out more details here! By following these winter home maintenance tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a cozy and worry-free winter while also protecting your home and saving on energy costs. And, if you’re looking to make energy-efficient upgrades, consider using a HELOC from Peoples Bank & Trust.

Home improvement plans

What Raises Property Value the Most?

Want to level up your property’s worth? You’re not alone – homeowners are always looking for ways to make their homes more desirable. Your home’s value gets a serious lift when you make savvy upgrades – and it doesn’t matter if you’re selling next month or five years from now. Let’s take a look at what raises property value the most.

Top Home Improvements to Boost Property Value

Kitchen Remodels

One glance at a dated kitchen and potential buyers often walk; conversely, a sleek, high-tech cooking space magnetizes them. Revamping your kitchen with sleek new appliances, crisp countertops, and stylish cabinets can net a whopping 102% return on investment when you sell your home, the National Association of Realtors reveals.

Bathroom Renovations

What if we told you that updating your bathroom could essentially pay for itself? It’s true: a stylish, modern makeover can add serious value to your home, recouping the full cost and then some. Kickstart your makeover with a trifecta of trickle-down decor: updating fixtures, swapping out tile, and slapping on a fresh coat of paint.

Outdoors Appeals

Outdoor spaces have a secret power: they can add serious value to your home. Invest in a deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen and you could see an 80% return on your investment. Anyone who values unwinding after a long day will find this particular aspect incredibly appealing.

Exterior Enhancements

A new roof can recoup up to 105% of the cost at resale, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners. A sturdy, leak-free roof is essential for any buyer. New energy-efficient windows and insulation can also be worthwhile because of the 60-80% ROI.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Installing energy-efficient windows, insulation, and appliances can save homeowners money on utility bills and increase their home’s value by up to 10%. As well as 60-80% ROI if or when you decide to sell.

How a HELOC Can Help

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a flexible financing option that allows you to leverage your home’s equity to fund home improvements. Here’s why a HELOC might be the perfect solution for your renovation needs:

Flexibility

A HELOC provides a revolving line of credit that you can use as needed, making it ideal for funding multiple projects or covering unexpected expenses. You can borrow and repay funds based on your needs, giving you financial flexibility.

Competitive Interest Rates

HELOCs often come with lower interest rates compared to credit cards or personal loans, helping you save money on interest payments over time.

Potential Tax Benefits

In many cases, the interest paid on a HELOC may be tax-deductible. Be sure to consult with a tax professional to understand how this benefit might apply to your situation.

Get Started With Us

Investing in home improvements is a strategic way to enhance your living space and increase your property’s value. By focusing on high-ROI projects like kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and energy-efficient upgrades, you can make the most of your investment.

And with a HELOC from Peoples Bank & Trust, financing these improvements is more accessible and affordable than ever. Start planning your home upgrades today and watch your property value soar! 

Stop By Any of Our Branches Today

We look forward to meeting with you and discussing our loan options that best fit your needs to make your home improvement dreams come true.

Home Equity Loan vs. Home Equity Line of Credit

Home Equity Loan vs. Home Equity Line of Credit 

A Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit are both loans that use your home as collateral. Though they are very similar, they are different loans. Keep reading to learn what a Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit are, their differences, and their benefits!

What Are They?

A Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit, commonly known as a HELOC, are both loans which use your home as collateral. Both are fantastic options for borrowing money if you’ve paid down a significant portion of your mortgage. 

Home Equity Line of Credit: A HELOC is a line of credit in which the lender will agree to lend a maximum amount within an agreed-upon period and variable interest rate. Essentially, a HELOC uses a percentage of your home’s equity to provide a revolving line of credit, much like a credit card. Your monthly payments with a home equity line of credit will change over time. With a HELOC, disbursement of funds is made on an as-needed basis and repayment is interest-only during the draw period; you repay all the principal and any remaining interest afterward. 

Home Equity Loan: A home equity loan is very similar; however, a home equity loan is a lump sum that is disbursed upfront and paid back in fixed installments. Your monthly payments will be the same each month. With a home equity loan, disbursement of funds is an upfront lump sum and repayment starts as soon as the loan is disbursed. 

The Main Difference

HELOC: A home equity line of credit’s interest rate may vary and therefore your monthly payments on a home equity line of credit may change over time. With a HELOC, disbursement of funds is made as you need them, and repayment is interest-only during the draw period; you repay the principal and any remaining interest afterward.

Home Equity Loan: With a home equity loan your interest rate is fixed and therefore your monthly payments will be the same each month. With a home equity loan, disbursement of funds is an upfront lump sum and repayment starts as soon as the loan is disbursed. 

Pros and Cons

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) 

Pros:

  • You only borrow as much money as you need
  • Flexible repayment
  • Tax deduction
  • May come with little to no fees

Cons:

  • Variable interest rates (changes based on market fluctuation)
  • Not a set repayment plan (can be a pro for some)
  • Maybe more debt to repay as it is a long-term credit option
  • Could lose your home if you default on the HELOC

Home Equity Loan

Pros:

  • Fixed interest rate
  • You borrow a lump sum to use for nearly anything
  • Little to no fees
  • Tax deductible
  • Set repayment plan (could be a con for some)

Cons:

  • Best terms go to those with a good credit score
  • Need a lot of home equity 
  • If property values decline, you owe more than your home is worth
  • Could lose your home if you default on the loan

As you can see, a home equity loan and home equity line of credit are fantastic options for homeowners. Now that you know the benefits and main differences, which is best for you? These loans are a great source of value to access cash for renovations, large purchases, home remodel projects, college tuition, a new vehicle, or nearly any other need. Visit our website to learn more or stop in to talk with a lender!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS# 407724

Prep Your Home for the Cooler Months

Prep Your Home for the Cooler Months 

Fall is the perfect time to get your home clean, organized, and cozied up before the busyness the holiday season brings. Get these season tasks and household chores that may have been neglected during the summer marked off your cleaning list NOW! 

Winterize the Exterior of Your Home

Wash Down the Windows  

As winter days creep in, you’ll thank yourself for tackling this task in the early fall. Be sure to get one last wash on your interior and exterior windows and winterize them for energy efficiency. Freshen up your window treatments by cleaning any blinds or shades, wiping down windowsills, or dry-cleaning curtains. 

Fall-Proof the Backyard  

Get your exterior prepped for the cold by tackling these tips early on! As you are outdoors, be sure to give the exterior of your home a thorough inspection after the heat of summer. Look for loose or cracked shingles, any areas that need to be winterized, caulk windows, and get proper pest control.  

The Furniture 

With the unpredictable weather that fall can bring, it is in your best interest to attack the outdoor furniture before the cold weather hits. Give your outdoor furniture and cushions a thorough clean to remove built-up debris. If you are unsure how to best clean yours, here’s a guide. This is also a great time to give your landscape one final clean and power wash!  

The Grill 

As you are tackling your exterior cleaning, do not forget about your grill! Thanks to plenty of summer fun, I am sure your grill is sporting some grime. Give your grill and grilling utensils a much-needed deep clean as we exit grilling season. Here are some tips on how to best clean your grill. 

The Garage 

Do not forget to give your garage some love as you do your deep cleaning. Get rid of all the grass and debris that got in during the warm weather months. Now is also a good time to clean out a garage fridge or freezer, as well as yard tools so they are set for next year. Be sure to give your garage door any necessary maintenance to ensure its security during the colder months. 

Prep the Interior of Your Home

As fall approaches, do not forget to take proper steps to have your home looking and feeling its best as the days grow colder. Here are a few key tips to make sure you keep up on: 

  • Clean and reverse your ceiling fans 
  • Clean or replace HVAC filters 
  • Service your heating unit to ensure it runs efficiently 
  • Wipe down the baseboards  
  • Vacuum out closets 
  • Properly store away items that will not be used to avoid pests  

In the Kitchen: 

We use the kitchen daily, so it is important to give it a good clean, especially as we enter cold and flu season.  

  • Clear out your cabinets for a good wipe-down. This also gives you an opportunity to get rid of unused items and reorganize.  
  • The same goes for any drawers – take a drawer or two per day to empty, wipe down, and thoroughly organize.  
  • Wipe down and clean behind your appliances (refrigerator, stove, microwave).  
  • Plan a time to reorganize your pantry. 

In the Bathroom: 

  • Treat any mold or mildew in the shower.  
  • Clear out old or unused products from your bath and shower. Rid of any opened products that have gone unused in cabinets.  
  • Wash shower curtains and bathmats. 
  • Replace your toothbrushes.  

In the Bedroom: 

  • Vacuum under the bed and all furniture. 
  • Wash your heavier winter bedding before use. 
  • Vacuum and flip your mattresses. 
  • Clean your carpets, rugs, and closets. 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Don't Overspend this Holiday Season - Steps to a Better Budget

Don’t Overspend This Holiday Season- Steps a Better Budget  

Summer has flown by and that means the holidays will be here before we know it. Setting a budget is crucial for not overspending during a very expensive time of year. Start saving and setting your budget now so that when the holidays arrive you aren’t scrounging to stay within your budget. Here are the top steps for creating a budget for the holidays, as well as some savings tips. 

Step 1: List Out Your Known Holiday Expenses 

Your best strategy to avoid overspending is to set and stick to a holiday budget. It is very important to list out early your known holiday expenses and remember the spending doesn’t stop with gifts. Plan for hosting, food, entertainment, holiday activities, decorations, travel, donations, cards, wrappings, stocking stuffers, work Christmas parties, or anything you typically spend money on during your holiday season. 

The process of creating your holiday budget is similar to your household budget – list all expenses and add them up. Seeing this total, you can evaluate if it is within reach or if you need to tighten up your budget. As you shop this is a list to refer to and decipher how much to spend on each item as you check off your list. 

Step 2: Set Your Spending Limit

The most important step is to identify how much you can afford to spend and set your spending limit. This amount should come out of cash or savings to avoid relying on debt. Look at your list of holiday expenses and remove items if at all possible, compare what you’ve totaled up to the money you have set aside for holiday spending. If your total is within reach, this is a time to be creative with how to save a little extra over the next few months to continuously set aside money for your holiday budget. Here are some ways to save extra:

  • Buy gifts early and on-sale
  • Shop Black Friday
  • Sell some things
  • Pick up a side hustle
  • Cut back on buying wants 
  • Reduce social spending
  • Tighten your budget up and send additional savings to your holiday fund
  • Take a holiday job

Step 3: Number Your Priorities

The holidays can be overwhelming if you don’t plan in advance, set your spending limits, and save, save, SAVE! To relieve some holiday anxiety, set your priorities and do not feel bad doing so. If your expense list seems to be long, it’s ok if you can’t afford every single item that’s where your priorities come in. Go through your list and assign each item a number based on its importance. Rework your list, putting your high-priority items at the top. Your high-priority items should be the first you save for and purchase. 

For example, suppose you decide that purchasing gifts is your top priority, while new holiday clothes for yourself are a low priority. As you work out your budget, you would allot more items to your gift fund than your clothing fund, possibly even waiting to purchase clothing until gifts are all purchased, and you have room in your budget. 

Step 4: Re-Work Your Budget; Allocate Funds

Allocating your funds is figuring out how much money to put towards each item on your list. Examine your list to roughly estimate how much each item costs and how much you plan to spend. Keeping this list realistic and projecting costs to be higher will keep you within your spending limit. If you have 20 gifts to buy, budget for each of these gifts at a doable cost. 

Step 5: Check in On Your Holiday Savings and Budget

When you have added up the amounts you’ve allotted for your items be sure this equals the total you set as your spending limit. If it doesn’t match up, this is the time to rework your savings plan or lower a budget for one of your priorities. Consider scaling back on activities or even how elaborate your holiday party may cost. This is where you can reference your numbered priorities list and see what can be rearranged to keep you within your budget. 

As you begin to shop and plans change, KEEP TRACK. Keep notes of expenses and receipts to know where you stand on purchases and stay within your desired spending limit. Don’t risk blowing through your budget by simply being unorganized or overspending. If it makes it easier, open an account specific to holiday spending to help you keep track of how much you’ve spent and to reference the cost of items as you shop. You also could create cash envelopes to keep priorities separate. 

There are several ways you can get ahead on holiday spending this year! The best thing you can do is start planning and saving now – you’ll thank yourself for a great financial start in the new year!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS# 407724

How to Save Energy in the Fall

How to Save Energy in the Fall

The warm days are slowly fading away. After a hot summer, it’s exciting to welcome Fall and Winter weather. As the weather begins to transition, here are some tips to incorporate in your home to save energy and some money! If you aren’t careful higher energy consumption can creep into the cooler months as well. 

Use Natural Light to Your Advantage 

Use the sun’s energy and warmth to your advantage! During the day you can finally open those blinds up for natural lighting and to heat your home. South-facing windows will help warm your home without using any energy at all. This is a great hack as you phase out the air conditioner and are not quite ready to turn on the heat. 

Seal Up the Cracks, Leaks, and Drafts

This is a big tip year-round to save energy, but after a hot summer, be sure to check for any new cracks, leaks, or drafts. Early fall is a great time to check for these things as well as doors and windows for any gaps letting heat out or cold air in. Catch the drafts early before you’re in the thick of winter – it will save you significantly. Another commonly missed area to check would be cut-throughs for pipe access, recess lighting, and entries to unfinished spaces for gaps affecting the insulation. 

Don’t Forget to Reprogram Your Thermostat

Strategically programming your thermostat can reduce energy use and save you quite a bit on the energy bill. Before the weather gets too cold. Make sure your heating system is working properly for the size of your home. This is a great time to change your air filter if you have not done so – this should be done monthly. 

Programing your thermostat for the warmer and cooler months is a top tip that if not done at all or done correctly can easily bust your budget and energy efficiency. As fall and winter weather moves in, it is recommended to set your heat at 68 degrees. This is to help the heat run systematically and not be overworked if it falls below 68 degrees. Programming your thermostat to a temperature you can leave for days is the best place for it to be to avoid using too much power. If you are going to be gone during the cooler months, you can turn the heat a little lower – 65 or lower – to save on energy while you are gone and increase incrementally a few degrees as you return. 

Prepare the Inside of Your Home

Not only does sealing any cracks, leaks or drafts improve your energy efficiency. A few other things you can do to reduce energy consumption and get your home cozy for winter are reversing ceiling vans, sealing your fireplace correctly, and replacing your indoor air filter. 

Ceiling fans can be a tool to keep you warm if properly set clockwise during the cooler months. Doing this pushes warm air down and cold air to redistribute the air coming out of vents to all areas of your home. As for the fireplace, be sure you are not letting warm air escape. Properly seal the damper as tightly as possible you may also consider adding an energy-efficient grate. Lastly, don’t forget to replace your indoor AND outdoor air filters – this is so important for energy efficiency and your health.

Incorporate these tips to reduce energy consumption this fall and winter! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS# 407724

On-Trend Home Renovations

On-Trend Home Renovations for 2022

Most homeowners would agree that home renovations and projects seem to be never-ending. For those who love to have a nicely decorated, modern, and aesthetically pleasing home, this blog is for you. Check out these renovation tips on trend this year! Whether you are looking to spruce up your forever home or get your home ready to sell, these tips are worth a read.  

Spice Up Your Walls 

An extremely easy and affordable way to change up the look of your space is to switch up your  

walls. Whether you re-paint a new color, create an accent wall with paint or wallpaper, or swap out your artwork, this is a super easy and fun tip. Spicing up your walls can be a great way to change up your home’s color palette with a bold color or a unique textured wallpaper.  

Kitchen Facelift  

Your kitchen is a space you use on a daily basis, so give it a facelift it deserves to be a fun, functional, and beautiful space you can enjoy. If your kitchen is feeling dull, here are some tips to bring it back to life without a spendy remodel.  

  • Paint your cabinets a bold color (dark green, blues, purple tones)  
  • Add a backsplash 
  • Switch out your accents with new knobs and handles (matte black and gold are super on-trend)  
  • Add in some new barstools or dining chairs 
  • Switch out your lighting for a bold chandelier (match to your fixtures) 
  • Clean off the countertops of appliances – add in pottery and functional storage  

Luxe Up Your Bathroom 

A bathroom refresh is always a good idea. To give your bathroom a luxe feel add in some matching bath towels and rugs to add a clean pop to the space. Replacing the mirror(s), faucet, shower head, light fixtures, and towel bars are a great way to modernize the space. Coordinate your bathroom accessories to add storage and act as gorgeous counter décor. Greenery or florals give a refreshed feeling to a bathroom almost as if you were at a spa.  

Beautify the Backyard 

Spring and summer are great times for those backyard projects. Renovating your backyard space to be a functional place to enjoy can be an ongoing project you do more and more to each year. Consider adding on a patio or a deck. Outdoor kitchens have become wildly popular. Whether you add the full kitchen or a small firepit and hosting area, if you enjoy spending time outdoors this will be well worth the cost and labor.  

The backyard is also a great space to enjoy your hobbies. Raised flower beds and gardens are always on-trend, they add so much color and liveliness to your yard. Your backyard is a great place for yard games or sports you enjoy such as a putting green or a multi-purpose court.  

Accentuate Your Fixtures 

As we have pointed out some key areas to renovate this year, you’ve probably noticed a common theme of swapping out the fixtures. This is an incredibly easy thing to do that makes the biggest difference. You can do this in just about every area of your home, from outlet covers to curtain rods, accentuate your space with your staple preference of fixtures. Keeping your preference of fixtures to match and work in unison will pull your rooms together and give you a base for your overall aesthetic.  

As you begin to choose your next home improvement project, consider these trendy tips to apply to your renovation. Tips and trends change over the years, but these top renovation tips for 2022 will keep your style and design modern and functional for years to come.  

Peoples Bank & Trust Co. 

Member FDIC 

Equal Housing Lender 

home staging tips

Staging Tips for Selling Your Home

Staging your home can just be another hectic task on your plate to get your house sold. Here are a few tips on how you can stage your house to sell easily and on a budget.  

Curb Appeal to Make a First Impression   

A good curb appeal will stand out to your buyers immediately. Good landscaping and outside projects can take time. If you’re in a rush to get your exterior ready to go, the first thing to focus on would be removing dirt from the siding, roof and gutters. A good pressure washer can clean the dirt right off, and while you’re at it, you can clean off your porch and walkways. If you have outdoor furniture, sometimes a good pressure wash can make them look refreshed and new.   

Another curb appeal tip is to clean up your edging for a clean look. Doing this around any landscaping or flowerbeds will up their appearance. Once your edging is sharply complete, consider laying some additional mulch or rock to give a fuller look. Adding some florals and greenery can give color and fill in empty flower beds or pots.   

Cook Up a Good-Looking Kitchen   

The key to quickly staging your home on a budget and on short notice is not to take on too many projects, but to minimalize and declutter. A kitchen can look much more attractive if the small appliances are put away. The more you can start packing away for the new place and get off the counter, the better. A few small replacements you can make are replacing the rusty or dripping faucet. This can add so much to the look of your sink and make your kitchen overall look much cleaner. Changing the hardware on your cabinets can also add to a better look for your kitchen. The backsplash is huge in today’s kitchen design styles, and it can be added very easily. There are many DIY options available that you can simply peel and stick. When staging your kitchen, consider it a refreshed facelift, not a completely new look.   

Functional Furniture Placement   

Furniture placement is a huge factor in how buyers view the home and the overall space. You may have to remove some furniture to give a more open feel to move around. You do not always have to have furniture pushed against a wall – pull the furniture out to fill the space for a homier look. This will also make the room appear larger. Minimal accessories on your coffee table can give a clean and sleek look. A few blankets and throw pillows are always an easy addition to spruce up what you already have, just be sure they flow with the furniture and match. Adding a lamp in a darker corner to add brightness can help add to the space. If you have wall hangings up, make sure they are appropriately sized for that wall and that they are straight.   

Accessorize With Accents  

When it comes to accessorizing your home, the key takeaways are to depersonalize and declutter. Potential buyers want to envision themselves in your home, so depersonalizing your décor can best allow them to do that. This may entail removing family photos, certificates or awards, or personal items. There are several stores that offer cheap generic art that could fill the space and make it easy to pack away personal items. As for replacing personal items, add some neutral pots with greenery, books or even some inexpensive accents such as candles, bookends or decorative beads to fill those bare spaces. The more minimal your counters, shelves and tables can be, the more refreshed they will look to your buyer. The rule of thumb is you should decorate in threes rather than in a pair to look a little more relaxed and unsymmetrical.  

Sell With the Smell   

Everyone wants to walk into a good-smelling house. Oftentimes these aromas can affect the way your buyers feel and think as they walk through your home. It can be hard for us to notice what may come off as an odor in our house to someone else. Remove the dog bed or kitty litter well in advance to diminish the smell of a pet. Put your overflow of shoes away. The old plants you may have can be stored away temporarily. To overcome odors, add plugin air fresheners and diffusers to give off a gentle, yet clean scent. You can light candles to give off warmth and a homey aroma. Some scents to consider would be something smelling like a baked good or vanilla. Some sellers even go as far as making cookies before the showing for an aroma of freshly baked cookies. Through the rest of your house, you can absolutely utilize fresh flowers to fill a surface and add a nice floral scent through the space.   

Some Extras to Add  

1. Home Office  

Adding an office is always smart to show there is room for one, especially in the world we live in with a lot of people having the option to work remotely. If you have the furniture and could set up a room for an office, it would be a great way to show diversity amongst rooms. If you do not have a full room, renovate a nook to work as a functional office and fill that space up efficiently.   

2. Organizational Units for Closets  

Another extra to add would be some budget-friendly storage options to tidy up closets but accent the storage you have in a more luxurious way. We all desire storage, so the key is to show it off.   

3. Plush Bathrooms  

Consider adding a clean shower curtain and plush towels and rugs for your bathrooms to create a spa feeling. While you are touching up your bathrooms, be sure to address any hard water stains and dirty grout.   

4. Luxe Bedrooms   

Lastly, make your bedrooms feel luxurious with plush pillows and clean linens. Everyone wants a comfortable bedroom they can unwind in. Give this feeling to potential buyers by tidying up yours for a simple, yet luxe look so they can envision making it their own.   

What You NEED to Remove   

1. Remove Your Pet   

One of the big things to remove would be any pets. We like to think we all have a sweet spot for a furry friend, but when showing your home, buyers do not want to be greeted by your pet, especially if they are allergic, do not like pets or are turned off by their odor.   

2. Remove Pet Items  

As mentioned above, removing your pets would also include all their things such as a crate, food bowls and toys almost as if they do not reside with you. Eliminating the sense you’re a pet owner can give the impression of a clean and well-kept home. The last thing you want your potential buyers to notice is dog hair all over and a pet odor in their potential new home.  

3. Remove Clutter and Personal Items  

Staging your home can be the extra push you need to get your home sold. Cleaning up the clutter and the personal items can allow potential buyers to envision the space as their own. Sometimes, you can even work a deal with a buyer and get rid of some furniture, solely because it fits your space so perfectly. The great part about staging your home is that it forces you to start packing up and maybe even declutter your things before the big move.  

Now that you’ve read all about the tips to stage your home, start decluttering and depersonalizing today to sell with confidence!  

  

Peoples Bank & Trust Co. 

Member FDIC 

Equal Housing Lender 

new home; best kept secrets

Best Kept Secrets for Purchasing a Home

Buying a home is a big deal. Here are a few of the best-kept secrets you need to know before buying a house.  

Secret #1 

The first secret for purchasing a home is to scope out the neighborhood you are thinking of buying in and do it a lot. The reason you should do this is to see if it is an enjoyable place to be and that it is a neighborhood you could envision yourself and your family being a part of.  

Driving by at different parts of the day is important to notice any commonalities. Stalking the neighborhood in advance is very important, just think if you moved in and noticed after the fact something in the neighborhood really bugs you. If you have the opportunity, ask those who live in the neighborhood what their thoughts are. Maybe you’ll even get the 411 that another house is for sale soon. All the time you spend driving over to check out the neighborhood will give you a good idea of the drive time when you move to the frequent places you are going to such as work, church or the grocery store.  

Secret #2 

The second secret is to a deep dive into checking into the nitty-gritty of the home. To start, bring along a close friend or family member who is handy and can help give another opinion of what they see or notice that maybe you did not. Sometimes when buying a home, we are blind to small things because we want to love it, so a second or third point of view is always a great idea.  

Consider hiring a house inspector to give you an unbiased report of what is truly under the hood of your potential new home. If there is something that either you, the inspector or your friend notice, that is a good bargaining chip to negotiate on the price.  

Secret #3 

The third secret is to not try and predict the housing market. Waiting on buying with hopes for a better housing market could cost you the house of your dreams. You truly cannot wait if you are ready to purchase and it is one you can afford.  

Secret #4 

The fourth secret is to get approval for a home loan before you do anything. If you are planning on financing your home with a loan, consider getting pre-qualified well in advance. When you are actively ready to start looking and buy, be sure to get pre-approved for a home loan so you can be on the ball if the perfect home comes on the market.  

Secret #5  

The fifth secret is to be incredibly wise well in advance with your money. When preparing to become a homebuyer, it is important to refrain from any large purchases for up to 6 months before buying to show lenders your financial stability. You do not want a larger purchase to affect your credit score when you are close to purchasing a house. This also allows you to save up for when you are ready to buy – maybe you’ve saved up enough to up your bid a bit or purchase some additional furniture or upgrades once you do buy.  

Now that you’ve read about these best-kept secrets, you know you cannot be rushing around for a home loan. There is a ton of time and resources that go into getting approved. Are you looking to buy and need to get pre-qualified or pre-approved? Reach out to Peoples Bank & Trust now to set up an appointment with a mortgage lender.  

Peoples Bank & Trust Co. 

Member FDIC 

Equal Housing Lender 

NMLS# 407724