Appalachian Anecdotes

Affordable Ways to Increase Your Home's Value
(While Interest Rates Rise)

With inflation soaring, many homeowners have put home improvement projects on the back
burner. And while the frenzied housing market may be showing signs of cooling off, it's still very
much a seller's market here in Morgantown. So if you're planning on planting a for-sale sign in
your front lawn anytime soon, or you just want to increase the value of your home, here are six
affordable things you can do without breaking the bank.

1. Ramp up curb appeal

First impressions matter. You can raise the asking price of your home just by cranking up the
curb appeal. As potential buyers approach your home, they should see a freshly mowed lawn
and immaculate landscaping. Add fresh mulch and seasonal flowers to flower beds. Pluck
weeds, trim any hanging tree limbs or overgrown bushes, and remove any hoses or other items
left out in the yard.

2. Pressure wash your home

Take aim at the dirt and grime that's built up since the last time you washed your house. Experts
say using a pressure washer is a satisfying clean because all you have to do is point the nozzle
at the dirt and watch it come off. But be careful not to spray painted surfaces too hard, or the
strong pressure of the water can damage the siding.

3. Apply a new coat of paint

Even better than power washing is applying a fresh coat of paint to revive worn spots. Perhaps
your front porch has peeling paint, or maybe you just want a new look for a room in your home.
Painting is one of the most cost-effective home improvements –– you can transform an entire
space without making massive renovations. It usually doesn't take too much time, so it's a great
weekend DIY project.

4. Clean gutters and check the roof

Now is the time to find out if there are any hidden concerns you may not know about, like roof
damage. If you're planning to sell soon, have your roof inspected. Experts say small roof cracks
can remain undetected for years causing water to damage ceilings and walls. Hidden leaks can
do thousands of dollars of damage to a home, and homeowners won't see it coming until it's too
late. Another important step for homeowners is to clean their gutters. Gutters piled with leaves and
pine needles are not attractive to buyers, and of course, you don't want buyers seeing water as
they approach your house.

5. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances

Keep an eye on appliance sales, especially around this time of year, so you can start upgrading
the outdated appliances in your home. A house filled with modern energy-efficient appliances is
enticing to potential homebuyers. An energy-efficient home will also reduce your utility costs for
as long as you own the home, allowing you to apply those savings to additional home
improvement updates.

6. Deep clean and declutter

A clean house is an attractive house. Deep clean and vacuum your carpets and floors especially
if you have pets since odors and stains are a real turnoff. Make sure your windows are squeaky
clean –– a bottle of window cleaner and an old cloth or newspaper will get the job done.
Replace any broken or dirty blinds and curtains and wipe down all appliances. Freshen up sinks
and garbage disposals and replace light fixtures inside and out. If you've been using the
basement or attic for storage, now is the time to declutter. Hire someone to come and haul away
the boxes and other junk.

You don't have to go overboard on home improvements. Following these simple inexpensive
tips can beautify your home while adding value at the same time. Contact us to discover more
about the real estate market in Morgantown.

******

Tammy Pitts has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social
media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her
family which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time she
loves to read, travel, and root for the Michigan State Spartans. Go Green!

Affordable Ways to Increase Your Home's Value
(While Interest Rates Rise)

With inflation soaring, many homeowners have put home improvement projects on the back burner. And while the frenzied housing market may be showing signs of cooling off, it's still very much a seller's market here in Morgantown. So if you're planning on planting a for-sale sign in your front lawn anytime soon, or you just want to increase the value of your home, here are six affordable things you can do without breaking the bank.

1. Ramp up curb appeal

First impressions matter. You can raise the asking price of your home just by cranking up the curb appeal. As potential buyers approach your home, they should see a freshly mowed lawn and immaculate landscaping. Add fresh mulch and seasonal flowers to flower beds. Pluck weeds, trim any hanging tree limbs or overgrown bushes, and remove any hoses or other items left out in the yard.

2. Pressure wash your home

Take aim at the dirt and grime that's built up since the last time you washed your house. Experts say using a pressure washer is a satisfying clean because all you have to do is point the nozzle at the dirt and watch it come off. But be careful not to spray painted surfaces too hard, or the strong pressure of the water can damage the siding.

3. Apply a new coat of paint

Even better than power washing is applying a fresh coat of paint to revive worn spots. Perhaps your front porch has peeling paint, or maybe you just want a new look for a room in your home. Painting is one of the most cost-effective home improvements –– you can transform an entire space without making massive renovations. It usually doesn't take too much time, so it's a great weekend DIY project.

4. Clean gutters and check the roof

Now is the time to find out if there are any hidden concerns you may not know about, like roof damage. If you're planning to sell soon, have your roof inspected. Experts say small roof cracks can remain undetected for years causing water to damage ceilings and walls. Hidden leaks can do thousands of dollars of damage to a home, and homeowners won't see it coming until it's too late. Another important step for homeowners is to clean their gutters. Gutters piled with leaves and pine needles are not attractive to buyers, and of course, you don't want buyers seeing water as they approach your house.

5. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances

Keep an eye on appliance sales, especially around this time of year, so you can start upgrading the outdated appliances in your home. A house filled with modern energy-efficient appliances is enticing to potential homebuyers. An energy-efficient home will also reduce your utility costs for as long as you own the home, allowing you to apply those savings to additional home improvement updates.

6. Deep clean and declutter

A clean house is an attractive house. Deep clean and vacuum your carpets and floors especially if you have pets since odors and stains are a real turnoff. Make sure your windows are squeaky clean –– a bottle of window cleaner and an old cloth or newspaper will get the job done. Replace any broken or dirty blinds and curtains and wipe down all appliances. Freshen up sinks and garbage disposals and replace light fixtures inside and out. If you've been using the basement or attic for storage, now is the time to declutter. Hire someone to come and haul away the boxes and other junk.

You don't have to go overboard on home improvements. Following these simple inexpensive tips can beautify your home while adding value at the same time. Contact us to discover more about the real estate market in Morgantown.

******

Tammy Pitts has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her family which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time she loves to read, travel, and root for the Michigan State Spartans. Go Green!

Summer is the perfect time to try out some of the wonderful food trucks that have been turning up around Morgantown. Whether they're grabbing a quick workday lunch or leisurely soaking up some rays, our real estate agents head to these food trucks for some tasty treats.

• Heather's Original Philly Cheesesteaks - 609 Astor Ave., Morgantown, WV 26501
  Enjoy one of the country's most iconic comfort foods at Heather's Original Philly Cheesesteaks. For three-quarters of the year, owner Heather Rau is a dedicated schoolteacher. Six years ago, she fulfilled her dream of bringing authentic Philly cheesesteaks to the area near Morgantown homes for sale. Follow her on Facebook for information about pop-up events at bars, breweries, and other locations near Morgantown homes for sale.

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Kids and adults alike love making the trip to the Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo, also known as the West Virginia Zoo, for a full day of family fun. There are dozens of animal species to see here, along with some special activities that can turn your trip into a truly memorable experience. You will also find a variety of great attractions and resorts nearby where you can continue your West Virginia adventure. Our real estate agents have all the details you need to plan your next trip to the West Virginia Zoo.

Location: 291 Wagner Lane, Kingwood, WV 26537

Hours: Open 7 Days – 10 AM-6 PM

• Experience 30 Years of Tradition at the West Virginia Zoo
The West Virginia Zoo has experienced tremendous growth since it was established 30 years ago. Initially, the West Virginia Zoo was a small, local attraction, featuring a select few species of animals like deer, cougars, and black bears. It was a popular place for families to visit from the start, and all of those visitors have helped the zoo grow into what it has become today. Now, there are more than 30 different species of animals to see from all over the world, while the zoo's commitment to community, conservation, and sustainability remain as strong as ever.

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Buying a home is a significant investment. However, before investing in a house, you must save up a down payment to qualify for a loan. Our real estate agents understand that this can be a daunting prospect, and yet it's not insurmountable. With careful planning, a little research, and strategic use of your money, you can reach your down-payment goal and step into the home of your dreams. 

• The 20% Myth
You've likely heard that you need to save 20% of the home's purchase price as a down payment. That's not accurate. You can purchase a home with as little as 0%-5% down for most loans. However, until you've paid down 20% of the loan, you must pay for mortgage insurance. For this reason, most homeowners strive to pay off at least 20% of the loan as quickly as possible.

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None of us look forward to moving because we're concerned with changes brought on by advancing years. For some, this will mean downsizing, thoughts which may inspire panic. But hold on, and see how our real estate agents advise our Morgantown homebuyers and homesellers to "rightsize" rather than downsize. 

If you're looking for the home where you want to spend your senior years, or if you're looking to sell your home so you can make your next move, you may find the home you want among Morgantown homes for sale. But as you shop, keep in mind some of these tips from our experienced real estate staff involving downsizing—and rightsizing.

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Late spring and early summer provide some of the best fishing of the year in the Morgantown, WV, area. Our local lakes, rivers and streams offer opportunities to catch a wide range of fish species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, catfish, and panfish. 

So grab your rod and get ready to catch your limit! Our real estate agents are excited to share some of their favorite fishing holes in and around Morgantown.

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When you're looking at Morgantown homes for sale, it's easy to find one you fall in love with!

Many places throughout the United States are in the midst of a "seller's market." Low housing supply combined with relatively low interest rates means more qualified buyers competing for fewer homes. When you bid, you may find yourself against two or more would-be buyers.

Our real estate agents want to ensure you're prepared!

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