Family and Home

Those living in Western Michigan know a thing or two about snow accumulation in the wintertime. Winter weather is a normal part of life, and so is shoveling snow. Although residents in the area have lots of experience, many people forget to take the right steps when it comes to snow removal. Putting off snow removal or doing it incorrectly can actually make it more difficult and can even be detrimental to your property.

To help you manage the next snowstorm, our real estate agents pulled together a list of some of the biggest mistakes people make when removing snow:

1. Waiting Too Long
   No one wants to run outside and start shoveling in the middle of a snowstorm, but waiting too long can be risky. The longer snow falls and accumulates, the more difficult it is to remove. Shoveling snow results in up about 11,500 injuries every year, and many of these injuries are caused by attempting to remove heavy snow.
   
   Instead of waiting for the snow to stop falling, try to break up your shoveling efforts into a few sessions if possible, and try not to shovel more than 2 to 3 inches at a time. Many of the owners of these Grand Haven homes for sale hire a snow removal company to keep their driveways and sidewalks clean and clear. Snow removal companies can cost anywhere from $50 to $125 per visit.
   
   
2. Forgetting About Ice Dams
   When there is a temperature difference between your eaves and roof, you may start to notice ice dams which are ridges of ice that form at the edge of the roof. When left untreated, ice dams can expand and lead to roof damage. Once the ice starts to melt, it can also result in mold and mildew growth. If you notice ice dams developing, it's a good idea to call a professional and have it treated right away.
   
   
3. Neglecting Your Snowblower
   Snowblowers can make life a lot easier in the winter but maintaining them is key. After each use, clean out the auger and impeller. Leaving snow inside any mechanical parts of the tool can lead to ice and damage. You want to ensure your machine is ready to go for the next snowfall.
   
   
4. Leaving Heavy Snow On The Roof
   A few inches of snow on your roof is no problem, but significant accumulation can result in damage. Most residential roofs aren't designed to withstand significant weight over an extended period of time. As a guideline, if your roof has more than 6 inches of compacted snow or 12 inches of fluffy snow, you should remove it with a rake or call a professional.
   
   
5. Using Toxic Ice Melts
   Many of us are quick to grab a bag of ice melt or rock salt to treat sidewalks. While these products are effective, they can also be harmful to pets and landscaping. Make sure to choose a product that is non-toxic to keep your plants and animals safe.

Proper snow removal is the key to keeping yourself and your property safe, so we recommend creating a good routine. Contact us today for more landscaping maintenance tips.

While a nice, clean carpet is often a key component of a comfortable living space, it doesn't take long for it to get nasty. Carpet is a harbor for germs, dust, debris, dirt, and so regular cleaning is important for keeping your family healthy and your home's interior looking good.

A good carpet cleaning routine involves more than just regular vacuuming; however, the process doesn't have to be difficult. Establishing a regular cleaning cadence is key. Our real estate agents pulled together this quick guide to carpet cleaning options so you can help preserve the floors and air quality in your home:

• Always Vacuum First
  Before doing any type of heavy-duty carpet cleaning, vacuuming first is always the right first step. Vacuuming will help remove any surface-level dust and debris as well as prevent grime from embedding itself deep into the carpet loops. You should also make it a habit to vacuum at least once a week, and always vacuum before shampooing your carpet.
  
  
• Scrub By Hand
  If your carpet is in pretty good condition, you can likely supplement your vacuuming with a good hand scrub. Use your vacuum cleaner's brush extension and a good carpet spray or shampoo and go after the dirtiest spots on your carpet. This method is also effective for getting out stains that are limited to a specific area. However, it can be a lot of work!
  
  
• Rent Or Purchase A Carpet Cleaning Machine
  If you need to do a heavy-duty cleaning job, then you'll need to bust out a carpet cleaning machine. You can purchase one for a few hundred dollars or rent a high-quality machine from a local store. Carpet cleaning machines expel a mixture of hot water and carpet cleaning solution, and they also have rotating brushes that will work the mixture into the fibers of the carpet as you move the machine across the surface. Remember, the quality of your cleaning product matters here, so be sure to get a reputable brand name product made specifically for carpet. Afterward, use a wet-dry vac to suction up any leftover water, as leaving the carpet too wet can lead to mold. If possible, you should aim to machine clean your carpet every couple of months.
  
  
• Call In The Professionals
  If you want your carpet to look as good as the carpet in these Holland homes for sale, then you may consider hiring a professional. Carpet cleaning professionals can utilize a wide range of tools, including steam cleaning, shampooing, and chemical cleaning, to help your carpets look brand new. Costs are usually affordable, but they do vary based on the size of your home, the number of rooms, and the cleaning method. However, if you want to feel confident that your carpet is as clean as it can be, hiring a pro is your best choice. It's a good idea to have your carpet professionally cleaned every couple of years.

A clean carpet can make a huge difference when it comes to the comfort and air quality of your home. Regular cleanings can also extend the life of your carpet by several years. Contact us today for more home improvement tips.

While a home appraisal is a normal part of the closing process, it's common for sellers to be a bit nervous about the outcome. The purpose of an appraisal is to gain an independent third-party valuation of your property. Naturally, sellers want the appraised value to come back as high as possible. If the appraisal comes in lower than the offer price, then you may need to return to the negotiating table to determine who is going to cover the difference, which could ultimately eat into your return.

While a good portion of your appraisal will be based on recent sales of nearby homes, some of the assessment is subjective. Therefore, doing everything you can to make a good impression can impact the outcome. Our real estate agents suggest these tips for preparing for your home appraisal.

• Put Yourself In A Buyer's Shoes
  It's easy to overlook defects and blemishes when you spend every day in your home, but many small issues will stick out to outside parties. Go through your home with a critical eye and look at it from the appraiser's or buyer's perspective. You'll want to make sure to take care of the small stuff: replace light bulbs, repair broken doorknobs, and fix any leaks. Large issues deduct an average of $500 from your appraised value.
  
  
• Clean From Top To Bottom
  You want your home to appear and smell clean during your appraisal, so clean like you've never cleaned before. Scrub every nook and cranny, shampoo the carpets, and dust every surface. Don't forget to clean and powerwash the exterior too! You may even want to consider hiring a professional cleaning company to make your home really shine.
  
  
• Work On Your Landscaping
  Remember, your appraisal is an assessment of your entire property, so you'll want your yard in top shape too. Mow your grass, trim your shrubs, and eliminate any debris. Focus on improving your curb appeal by painting your front door and porch, adding new sidewalk lighting, and planting some flowers. If you need some inspiration on how to make the most of your facade, check out these Holland homes for sale.
  
  
• Talk To Your Neighbors
  If you have any neighbors who recently moved in, speak to them about their experience with the appraisal process. Ask about any major issues that led to deductions in home value. You might be able to learn from their experience and resolve issues before they impact the appraisal.
  
  
• Notify The Appraiser About New Appliances Or Upgrades
  Make sure to let the appraiser know about any recent investments you've made in the property. Things like kitchen appliances may be visible and apparent, but if you recently replaced your sewer line or had the roof or chimney repaired, it might be worth calling it out.

Determining a home's value is an important part of a real estate transaction. We always recommend sellers take steps to improve your appraised value, as it could ultimately help you earn as much as possible on your home sale. If you're thinking about putting your home on the market, contact us today. 

Sometimes your home reaches the point where your regular cleaning routine just won't cut it. When it seems like dirt and grime are accumulating everywhere, it's time to open up the windows, put on the cleaning gloves, and focus on the nitty-gritty aspects of cleaning.

While deep cleaning can be a lot of work, you'll feel so much better once you have a nice, clean, and shiny house. Our real estate agents often do a thorough deep clean twice a year: once in the fall and once in the spring. We recommend adding these tips into your fall deep cleaning routine this year:

• Always Declutter And Organize First
  Junk and clutter will inhibit your deep cleaning efforts. Before cleaning, make sure you have everything put away. If you're running out of space, make an effort to eliminate junk by donating it or throwing it away. Once all of your surfaces are clear, you'll be in a much better position to deep clean.
  
  
• Use Microfiber Cloths
  While paper towels are meant to absorb liquids, they're not all that effective at collecting dust, dirt, and grime. Microfiber cloths are a far better alternative. Because they have very thin fibers, they're able to do a far better job at cleaning than paper towels. If you want your home to shine like these Holland homes for sale, make sure to use microfiber cloths!
  
  
• Wipe Your Light Bulbs
  You'd be surprised how many people forget to clean their light bulbs, but they can be some of the dustiest, dirtiest items in the house. Cleaning your bulbs will help eliminate additional dirt and grime, and it'll also help your rooms appear brighter. Cleaner bulbs can project up to 20% more light than dirty bulbs.
  
  
• Give The Sink Extra Attention
  Even if your sink appears clean, there is a good chance it's home to a significant amount of bacteria. Your sink accumulates dirt, grime, and germs from dirty dishes and food particles. Make sure to disinfect the sink (and the sponge) as part of your deep cleaning routine.
  
  
• Clean The Dishwasher
  Before cleaning the dishwasher, make sure to get rid of any leftover food particles. Then, fill a small dish with one cup of vinegar, place it inside, and run the dishwasher on a regular cycle. Afterward, add a tiny bit of baking soda to help eliminate any foul odors, and run it once again on a hot water cycle.
  
  
• Scrub The Floors & Shampoo The Carpets.
  Sweeping and vacuuming might be part of your regular cleaning routine, but scrubbing, shampooing, and/or mopping are a must for deep cleaning. You don't need a special cleaning formula — a soap and water mixture will work just fine. Remember to remove all furniture from the room so you can be sure to get all the spots.
  
  
• Wash Your Curtains
  Curtains are major dust collectors, so you'll want to wash them at least once or twice every year. Take them down and follow the manufacturer's washing instructions. While you're at it, wipe down your blinds too!

With these tips, your house is sure to shine like never before! Contact us today for more tips on improving your home's interior.

Shopping for a new home can be an emotional rollercoaster, and the process often takes several weeks or months. Once you discover that perfect home, it's normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, which often leads buyers to act with a sense of urgency. However, before you have your agent draw up an offer, it's important to take some time to thoroughly evaluate the property and consider your terms.

Our real estate agents always encourage clients to take these steps before submitting an offer:

• Make a Pros and Cons List
  Finding a home that checks every box is challenging, and first-time buyers usually need to make some concessions. However, you do want to make sure the home is a good fit before making an offer. Sit down and make a list of all the pros and cons of the home. Consider the asking price, location, age, size, yard, garage, and any other components that are important to you. A pros and cons list will force you to consider every element of the home and can help you determine how aggressive to be when making an offer.
  
  
• Have Your Agent Ask If There Are Other Offers
  Listing agents aren't able to disclose the details of other offers, but simply knowing whether the property has received multiple offers is good info to have. If there are already multiple offers on the property, you'll want to work with your agent to come up with the most competitive offer you feel comfortable putting forward.
  
  If there are no offers, you may want to start at or around the asking price. If more offers come in, agents usually will come back and ask for the "highest and best" at a later date, which will give you the chance to adjust your bid.
  
  
• Estimate Your Mortgage Payment
  Before deciding what to offer, you'll want to make sure you're able to afford the down payment, mortgage payment, and closing costs. Your down payment will likely be somewhere between 3% and 20%, depending on what your lender pre-approved. Your mortgage payment is likely to fluctuate based on current interest rates, but you can use an online mortgage calculator for a close estimate. Your lender should also be able to provide you with a closing cost estimate based on the zip code and offer price. Bottom line -- you want to make sure you can afford what you're offering to pay.
  
  
• Evaluate The Market
  The real estate market is constantly fluctuating these days due to the lingering effects of the pandemic as well as rising interest rates. As a result, it's important for buyers to keep their finger on the pulse of the market. Check out the asking prices on some other Holland homes for sale, and use those data points to inform your decision. Home prices generally appreciate over time, but as buyer demand wanes, prices could start to drop.
  
  
• Check The Home's History
  The property's historical transactions could tell you a lot about the home. For example, if the current owners have only lived there for a short time, it could suggest a problem, and it's worth asking the listing agent for more information. Historical transactions can also tell you how much the current owners paid for the property and how the home has appreciated over time.

Submitting an offer on a home is exciting. But before you get carried away, make sure you do your homework. Contact us today for more home buying tips. 

Did you know hard water can negatively impact your home over time? While it's safe to drink, hard water can lead to many interior problems, which is why our real estate agents recommend addressing it as soon as possible. Hard water is common across much of the US, especially in the Midwest. As a result, it's an issue most homeowners have to contend with. Below, we'll tell you all about hard water and share some simple solutions for treating it in your home

What Is Hard Water?
While most water contains minerals, hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Water accumulates high levels of these two minerals when it streams through deposits of limestone or chalk.  It's usually easy to tell if you have hard water as it often leaves a chalky film on your dishes, or it can even have a strong taste or odor. However, there are also inexpensive hard water test kits available that can tell you for sure.

How Can Hard Water Affect Your Home?
The effects of hard water range from short-term mild inconveniences to significant long-term damage. In any case, it's a good idea to address the issue right away. Here are some examples of the effects hard water can have in your home:

• Taste And Odor - Hard water often smells bad (like a rotten egg) and has a metallic taste.
• Residue - It can leave a white residue on your dishes that is difficult to remove, and it can also leave water stains on your sink, bathtub, and toilet.
• Dry Skin - It makes your skin feel extra dry after you wash your hands and take a shower.
• Laundry Issues - It can make your clothes feel stiff, and it can dull or fade colors.
• Plumbing Problems - It can lead to build-up or corrosion in your pipes, which can ultimately result in lower water pressure
• Poor Appliance Performance - It can affect the overall performance and energy efficiency of water-based appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers.

How Do I Treat Hard Water?
The easiest and most common way to treat hard water is with a water softener or filtration system. Some of these systems use negatively charged magnetic beads to collect calcium and magnesium particles while simultaneously allowing water to flow through. Other systems filter out calcium and magnesium from your water while pumping in sodium ions. The later types come with a separate salt tank, and the salt needs refilling periodically; however, the good news is water softener salt is usually inexpensive.

Once the process is complete, the water then flows out of the filtration system and into your home's plumbing. Water softeners range in price, but purchase and installation are usually around $1,500 on average. However, many of these gorgeous Holland homes for sale are already equipped with a water softener.

Eliminating hard water from your house can help you avoid unwanted water stains, unhealthy skin, and plumbing and appliance issues. It's definitely worth the investment. For more home maintenance tips, contact us today.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a new place to live, and the decision isn't always easy. But for those searching for a great climate, a strong economy, and quality education, Western Michigan checks every box. In fact, our real estate agents say people from all over the world move to Western Michigan thanks to its many amenities. Once you see what our great communities have to offer, we're sure you'll be eager to call this area home.

If you're on the hunt for a new place to live, here are a few reasons why you make sure Western Michigan is on the top of your list:

• You'll Never Run Out Of Things To Do
  In Western Michigan, you can fill your weekends with fun outdoor activities and take advantage of all the local amenities our communities have to offer. For example, you can relax on a Lake Michigan beach during the day, and then grab dinner and shop in Holland or Grand Haven. Or head downtown and enjoy some of the great restaurants and breweries Grand Rapids has to offer. Festivals and community events are also a big deal in Western Michigan, which can be fun for the whole family.
  
  
• Easy Access To Fantastic Healthcare
  Grand Rapids is home to "Medical Mile," a collection of some of the nation's best hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions. As a result, you don't have to travel far to get the care you need. There are actually more than 10 hospitals in the area. Easy access to healthcare is also one of the many reasons why people choose to raise a family or retire in Western Michigan.
  
  
• A Strong Job Market
  Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and Holland offer tons of job opportunities in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, health care, and food processing. Meijer, Spectrum Health, and Merrill are all large employers that call Western Michigan home. Commuting to a job in Grand Haven or Grand Rapids is an easy drive from these Holland homes for sale.
  
  
• High-Quality Education
  There are more than 15 colleges and universities in Western Michigan, including Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Davenport University, and many more, so quality higher education is easy to find. Western Michigan has tons of great public schools as well. According to Niche.com, Grand Haven received an "A" public school rating, and Holland received a "B+". There are also 22 public charter schools and 45 private schools across the area, and 5 Western Michigan schools actually rank top in the nation.
  
  
• Fantastic Weather
  The best part about Western Michigan weather is you truly get to experience all four seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, while winters are snowy and beautiful. You can enjoy the beauty of fall foliage and blooming tulips in the spring. With plenty of lakes and mountains, there are ample opportunities for seasonal outdoor activities like boating, biking, and skiing.

Western Michigan has so much to offer, so it's easy to see why so many people love calling it home. Contact us to explore local listings in our area.

With so many of us spending summer weekends doing yard work, our real estate agents thought it'd be a great time to share some landscaping tips.

Great landscaping is both an art and a science. We know creating the perfect yard takes time and practice, and it's well worth it. Remember, beautiful landscaping can make or break your curb appeal. Therefore, learning best practices and avoiding mistakes can really help boost your property value and attract attention when it comes time to sell your home.

If you're busy working on your yard this summer, here are some common landscaping mistakes you should try to avoid:

1. Don't Over Mulch
   The purpose of mulch is to maintain soil temperature and lock in moisture. When you apply a mountain of mulch around a tree or shrub, it actually causes the roots to rot and creates a paradise for destructive insects. It may be tempting to apply generous amounts of mulch; however,  you should limit it to only a thin layer around your plants so you can be sure your roots have room to breathe.
   
   
2. Choosing The Wrong Plants
   When shopping for plants, it's easy to gravitate towards the most beautiful options; however, don't forget to consider whether the plant is a good fit for your yard. Where will you place it? If it's a plant that thrives in the shade, you don't want to put it in an area with lots of direct sun exposure. Also, consider if it matches your facade and the rest of your landscaping. If you need some inspiration on choosing the right plants, check out some of the landscaping at these Holland homes for sale.
   
   
3. Planting Too Deep
   We know soil is necessary for plant growth, but you should avoid trying to bury your plant's roots too far below the surface for the same reason you shouldn't over-mulch. You run the risk of ultimately suffocating and damaging the plant roots by restricting airflow. When determining how deep to plant, use the plant's original container as a guideline.
   
   
4. Forgetting The Importance of Sun Exposure
   Homeowners are often so concerned about where plants look the best that they actually forget to place them in an area with adequate sun exposure. In order to ensure your plants grow big, bright, and healthy, they'll need to receive adequate sunlight during most daylight hours. Don't plant them in a shady area under a tree or on a side of the house with limited sun.
   
   
5. Cutting Your Grass Too Short
   Cutting grass in the summer is a weekly occurrence, and many homeowners falsely believe that cutting it as short as possible can buy some extra time. However, when your lawn is exposed to the summer sun all day long, your grass can dry out and die quickly. As a result, you actually want to leave a bit of extra length on your grass blades to provide some extra shade and hold moisture.

Landscaping can be a fun summer hobby, but it's also essential for maintaining your curb appeal and home value. Contact us today for more landscaping ideas.

Planning to sell your property or refinance your mortgage this year? Our real estate agents usually recommend an appraisal as a good first step. Knowing your home's true value can ultimately help you land more money when you sell (though keep in mind, that the buyer's lender will likely require their own appraisal). An appraisal is also required if you're planning to refinance.

While the home appraisal process is actually fairly simple, it is in every homeowner's best interest to do everything possible to maximize the appraised value. Spending time on home improvement projects can help you realize a higher return. Here are some simple ways you can prepare for your appraisal.

• Do Your Own Inspection
  Starting with your own home inspection is the best way to uncover problems and fix them before the appraisal. Do a thorough walkthrough and examine everything. Look for any leaks, signs of roof damage, cracked flooring, missing siding, or anything that might make an appraiser pause. As a general rule, minor damage or dated elements usually take a $500 hit on the appraisal, so fix what you can.
  
  
• Make Your Home Shine
  Prior to listing a home (and the appraisal), make sure to clean like you have never cleaned before! This includes both the interior and the exterior. Go through each room and declutter, shampoo your carpets, and clean your windows and baseboards. You may even want to consider hiring professional cleaners. On your exterior, power wash your siding and remove any debris from your yard. If you need some cleaning inspiration, check out these spotless Holland homes for sale.
  
  
• Upgrade Your Appliances
  If you have dated appliances, upgrading to new stainless-steel models can make a great impression on appraisers and buyers, which can result in a higher home value. You'd be surprised how much of a difference a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven can make when it comes time to sell.
  
  
• Don't Neglect Your Landscaping
  Your appraiser will spend a good bit of time examining your exterior, so make sure your landscaping is in good shape. Mow the lawn, weed the garden, and trim trees and shrubs. Good landscaping is a great way to make a solid first impression.
  
  
• Highlight Your Upgrades
  During the process, make sure you let your appraiser know about any recent upgrades you've made. This could include roof replacements or repairs, a new furnace or hot water tank, updated siding, or any kitchen or bathroom renovations. You'll want to be sure your effort is reflected in the appraisal.
  
  
• Do Some Local Research
  Your own neighborhood can provide a wealth of information about local home values. Check out the recent sale prices on some similar-sized nearby homes. This can give you a frame of reference when it comes to your own appraisal. Additionally, if there are new local amenities, such as stores, restaurants, or schools, it might be worth telling your appraiser so he or she can factor that into their analysis.

When it comes to a home appraisal, a little extra work can go a long way towards boosting your property value. If you're planning to list your home on the market this year, contact us today.

Your house isn't just a place to live, it's also a major investment and vehicle for accumulating wealth. While homes generally appreciate over time if you keep them in good shape, there are also things you can do to help generate an extra return when it comes time to sell. At the end of the day, investing in a more livable home is the best way to boost your sale price.

Here are some top recommendations from our real estate agents to maximize your home value:

• Focus On Curb Appeal
  The view of your home from the street is so important when it comes to selling because it's usually front and center in your listing photo. Good curb appeal is critical for garnering online attention, but it's also the first thing buyers see when they pull up to the home. Simple things like painting the front door, installing a new mailbox, and keeping up with lawn care are all great ways to keep your curb appeal top-notch. Some of our favorite Grand Haven homes for sale have stunning curb appeal!
  
  
• Focus On Energy Efficiency
  Green living is an important characteristic for buyers today, so energy-efficient features are a must. You don't have to install solar panels to make your home energy efficient — there are many simple things you can do, including:
  • Install a smart thermostat to optimize heating and cooling costs.
  • Reapply caulking around your windows.
  • Replace incandescent bulbs.
  • Invest in double-pane windows for extra insulation
  • Install ceiling fans in bedrooms and living rooms to minimize cooling costs.
    
    
• Fix-up Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
  If you're planning a remodel or a major renovation, prioritize the kitchen and bathroom over other areas of the house. These are often the two most important rooms when it comes to attracting buyers. Installing new flooring, lighting, sinks, or counters in the kitchen and bathroom are often considered to be some of the best ways to improve home value. Need some inspiration? Check out some of the beautiful kitchens in these Hudsonville homes for sale.
  
  
• Finish The Basement
  An unfinished basement presents an excellent opportunity to unlock additional value in your property. Buyers seek finished basements to serve as game rooms, dens, extra living rooms, or even home offices. Make upgrading unfinished basement space a top priority.
  
  
• Upgrade The Major Appliances
  Buyers don't want to worry about making major replacements or upgrades shortly after moving in. Furnaces and hot water heaters typically last 10 to 15 years, so if yours is reaching the end of its lifespan, it might be worth upgrading prior to listing your home. Convincing buyers they won't need to worry about major fixes for years to come can really help increase the home's appeal.
  
  
• Take Care Of The Roof
  An aging roof comes with an expensive price tag, and this could quickly turn off buyers. You may want to consider a roof replacement prior to listing your home. However, depending on the cost — it can be difficult to recover your entire investment. At a minimum, make sure to take care of any cracked, missing, or warped shingles that may be leading to leaks in the attic.

When thinking of what repairs and upgrades can drive value, put yourself in the shoes of a buyer. Try to imagine what would make your home more comfortable, liveable, and convenient. Contact us today for more home improvement tips.