Is it time to upgrade and update your home? Every once in a while, we need to refresh our living space. With spring coming soon, you might be tempted to make some home renovations.  

The question is: Will you save some cash and do a DIY home remodel, or are you going to hire a professional?

There are some jobs that you can do on your own, but others are really better left to people who know what they're doing. Do you know how to tell the difference? 

We want to help you decide, so you don't run into any expensive mistakes down the line. Keep reading to learn all about when to hire a professional, as well as a few of our favorite DIY home remodeling tips for the easier jobs. 

What Jobs Can (or Should) We Do At Home?

There are several quick remodeling projects that any handy homeowner can do on their own. These won't be complete game-changers as far as the look of your house goes, but they can still give you the refreshing new appearance that you're looking for. 

Outdoor Jobs

The first of these, and often the most fun, is to reimagine your home’s exterior. Whether you plan to sell your home soon, or you just want to impress guests and neighbors, it's critical to maintain your curb appeal. One of the best ways to do that is by refreshing your front yard.

Even some exterior jobs are better left to the pros — like repaving your driveway, for example — but others are easy enough for you to do yourself. You can put down a new pathway that leads to your door or backyard, paint your shutters, add a neat water fixture, even start a new garden (or bring that old, dead one back to life). 

Do you want to host awesome parties this summer? No problem. Refresh your outdoor space by introducing new furniture, replacing all of your weeds with fresh grass and flowers, and decorating with soothing pieces like hanging gardens, bird feeders or windchimes. 

If you’re very handy, you could try and make yourself a new deck — but in that case this article isn’t really for you. Definitely leave that fancy new pool you want to the professionals too, but you can still get involved by carefully selecting all the decor and landscaping that will go around your new exterior space. 

Indoor Jobs

So what can you do inside? As a gung-ho DIYer, your options may be a bit limited. You can't tear down walls or install new cabinets as a nice weekend project, but you can still do some small modifications that make a big change.

The first is by changing your appliances. Some people might want a professional to help, but with enough willpower and time, you can make it work on your own. The great thing is that most big box stores offer delivery and installation of your new appliance, and they’ll even get rid of your old one too. (Usually this involves extra fees.) So you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting to feel like you’re making a difference.

Maybe your kitchen could benefit from a new stainless steel fridge and matching stove. While these may seem like minor changes, considering you aren’t tearing down any walls, they still make a huge difference in the look and feel of your kitchen.

Not ready to install new countertops on your own? You can use contact paper to create a convincing fancy countertop in the meantime. Sure, it’s not marble or quartz, but it’s much better than old, ragged laminate while you save up for the real thing.

Similar to the countertops, there are also stick-on tiles available for a stylish new backsplash or bathroom. Again, these aren't long-term solutions, but they make a big change to your home's appearance.

You can use them on your bathroom floor and walls to create the appearance of fresh and expensive tiles. They're also perfect for a kitchen backsplash, keeping your walls intact and easy to clean. 

Of course, the biggest and easiest way to change your home’s interior is… paint! Just about everyone understands how to paint. It’s relatively cheap to buy the materials, and you can do it all with one person or a whole family. You can do it in a day, or in a week, or just a few hours adding a tasteful accent wall to make your living space “pop” with color. When you feel the remodeling bug, painting should be the first thing you consider!

When Is It Time to Hire a Professional? 

Beyond small fixes and cosmetic updates, it's best to hire someone who knows what they're doing. Unless you're already a professional, it's likely that you don't have the required experience to do everything safely and in the most efficient manner. Sometimes the hassle, safety hazards, and engineering required to make the biggest changes to your home requires tools and training that any regular person just does not possess.

So, there are a few things that you should consider before starting the job on your own. Here are some of the top ones. 

Cost and Materials

Many people are under the impression that getting a professional to do a renovation project is too expensive. They're better off saving money and doing it themselves, right?

For most people, this is incorrect. Sometimes, in fact, it’s no cheaper to DIY than it is to hire a pro.

Consider everything that you'll need for the remodel that you have in mind. How much will you spend equipment and building supplies? Do you have any of these on hand, or will they all be new purchases?

Furthermore, consider the cost of mistakes. When you do something wrong, you need to buy materials all over again, or live with your subpar handiwork.

While a good remodeler is expensive, the cost evens out when you consider how much goes into the idea that you want to bring to life.

Time

A professional remodeling contractor knows how to work efficiently. While they may spend several days or weeks remodeling your home (depending on the project), they're working faster than you would be able to. 

There’s always an opportunity cost to how we spend our time, and in some cases the savings and fuzzy feelings from DIY are simply not worth it. Sometimes hiring a pro gets you a better final product, for about the same overall expense, and faster than you could ever hope to do it.

You can't commit to your project unless you have a wide-open schedule (ie. no job or responsibilities). Even those who work from home have time commitments. The remodeling contractor does this as their job, so they have all of the time in their workday to commit to your project. 

Especially if you’re investing in pricey home improvements, you may not be able to afford taking big chunks of time off work. And if you try to do projects piecemeal on weekends alone, that means that the project will take even longer.

Difficulty

What's the difficulty level of the project you want to do? Now’s the time to be honest with yourself. 

Again, with simple paint jobs and appliance replacements, you don't need to worry. These are easy and quick. 

On the other hand, if you're tearing down walls, making complicated measurements and precise cuts, or using tools that you're unfamiliar with, that's a whole different story. This is likely beyond your skill level, and it’s time to call a pro.

Let a professional handle the difficult tasks. You'll thank yourself later!

DIY or Hire a Professional? It Depends

Next time you want to refresh your space, make sure that you take all the variables of DIY and hired help into consideration. Can you afford to do it on your own? Are you experienced enough to face the challenge? Do you have the right tools? Do you have the time to devote to the project?

The answer will vary depending on what you want to do. You'll know when it's time to hire a professional and when it's okay to take things into your own hands. 

Of course, the biggest change you can ever make is moving into a new home altogether! Whether you’re looking to upgrade, downsize, “right-size,” or more, we are here to help. Connect with us to tell us more about your situation, and we can start discussing your options with a no-pressure consultation.

In any real estate market, Oahu included, selling a home quickly and effectively comes down to two things. First, the home must be priced to sell. Second, the home must motivate buyers to submit an offer.

Pricing your home largely comes down to a comparison of other recently sold listings in the area. Sites like Zillow even provide an estimation of value with just a simple search. Of course, the best Oahu listing agents will consider many additional layers of strategy on top of that ballpark market analysis. They might even net you an extra 5 or 10 or 15% (a great achievement), but in most cases the estimated range is still within the same ballpark.

The second factor, motivating buyers, is less clear-cut. How do you maximize your home’s appeal? How do you cater to the type of buyers who are actively looking in your neighborhood? Who are they, anyways, and what do they like? Add to this the unfortunate fact that not everyone has a designer's touch.

Well, that's where we come in. At Hawaii Realty International, we have decades of experience in preparing and staging homes to squeeze out every possible penny from your transaction. We work with expert design professionals to handle all the logistics and minimize your stress throughout the process.

Today, we’re diving into some concepts that we consider when preparing an Oahu home for sale. In particular, these 10 basic staging tips reflect the Feng Shui principles that so many homebuyers enjoy. Read on for 10 Feng Shui home staging tips!

1. Declutter or Move Out Entirely

One of the most important things you can do before staging your home is significantly decluttering and minimizing your possessions. If possible, we highly recommend moving out of the house. The less your presence is felt in the house, the easier it will be for prospective buyers to picture themselves living there. Not to mention it makes showings easier, with less involvement required from you, the seller.

If you can't move out yet, we recommend renting a storage unit to store your things until you are able to move it into your new residence. One of the most essential Feng Shui tips to sell a house is to "depersonalize it." Remove things like personal photos, certifications, awards, niche decor like religious or sports-related items, eccentric colors, and so on.

Neutralize your home for maximum appeal. That’s Feng Shui, and it’s good practice for real estate.

2. Take Care of Any Aesthetic Repairs and Updates

Next, you should plan to invest a little money in perfecting your home's aesthetics. Don't worry, we're not talking about complete renovations, just small things that make a big difference. 

For example, replace old cabinet hardware like drawer pulls and handles for a more modern look. You can also update light fixtures, doorknobs, and anything else that makes the home feel out-of-date. 

Finally, make sure you take care of any superficial repairs, such as damaged trim, drywall, doors, weatherstripping, etc. The future buyer will know they're in a home that's cared-for and move-in ready. 

3. Thoroughly Clean the House

The Feng Shui-minded buyer will be completely turned off if they walk into a dirty home. Wouldn’t you be too? So, after the decluttering process and updates are complete, make sure to spend adequate time and elbow grease and give your house a thorough, deep cleaning. 

If you don't have the time or abilities it takes to really dig in and do the job right, it's very worthwhile to invest in a professional cleaning service. An ultra-clean home conveys a message of care, which buyers may presume extends to the rest of your tenure as homeowner. People want a home that has been well maintained, and bad smells or sights are a telltale sign of poor maintenance. Don’t let a simple lack of cleanliness scuttle your home sale!

4. Consider Hiring a Professional Home Stager

The numbers don’t lie. Staged homes sell as much as 87% faster than non-staged homes. Yes, it costs some extra cash, but it pays to present a beautiful, manicured space to prospective buyers.

To properly stage a home, it takes a designer’s eye and quality decor. If you have old, beat-up furniture, for example, staging your home won't have the desired effect. You may love your old chair with well-worn indentations that perfectly conform to your shape, but that’s not doing anything for prospective buyers. Rule #1 of preparing a home for sale is putting yourself in the buyer’s shoes.

If you do have newer furniture and an keen eye for interior design, you may be able to save some dough and DIY the project. But for most folks, it’s often best to move out your things and let a professional home stager have their run of the place. Experience is key, and a full-time professional stager knows just how to appeal to the broadest range of buyers.

5. Perfect Your Curb Appeal

Whether it’s love at first sight or something less nice, first impressions matter. When a potential buyer pulls up to your home, their first impression is influenced by your home’s curb appeal, or what your home looks like from the street. Remember, the principles of good design and Feng Shui are just as important for your home’s exterior as the interior!

When they pull up to your home, buyers get the experience of coming home from work or activities, greeted by the view of your home’s facade and exterior space. What they see on the outside will inevitably color the way they see the rest, even in subtle and subconscious ways.

So, if your home’s exterior paint is fading or peeling, it's time to add a new coat. If your yard is overgrown, it's time for some yard care. Do everything you can to make the exterior of your home as inviting as possible. These simple cosmetic improvements are well worth the investment.

6. A Fresh Coat of Paint Goes a Long Way

Painting is one of the easiest steps in the home selling preparation process that will definitely boost your Feng Shui. First, a fresh coat of paint makes everything feel nicer, newer, crisp and clean. Take advantage of this relatively easy and inexpensive project to increase your home's aesthetics.

With a steady hand, you can do it yourself. However, a professional painter will likely get more uniform results, and big spaces can take a good bit of time and effort. Consider whether you’d prefer to save time or money when making your decision.

When choosing your paint, it’s critical to keep the color tones neutral to appeal to a wider audience of buyers. Replace any vibrant or loud colors that don't hold mass appeal (even if you love them, it’s about your target buyers!). Make sure you touch up painted trim pieces as well to make them pop.

7. Keep Things Open

One of the most important Feng Shui tips to stage your home is to make it feel open and spacious. Prospective buyers want to feel the flow of the house from one room to the next. Don't set up furniture in a cluttered fashion, such that it blocks pathways or cuts off this essential flow through the space. 

Additionally, don't back furniture all the way up against the walls. Though it may seem like it adds more space, having the furniture at least one foot off the wall will make the room feel more open and inviting. There’s no need to maximize an unnatural dead space in the middle of the room.

8. Incorporate Houseplants

One of the best things you can do when staging your home is fill it with lively green plantlife. The presence of indoor plants has been shown to make people feel better. Not only do plants aesthetically liven up a room, but they've also been linked to better focus, productivity, and moods.

9. Maximize Natural Light

Next, remember that lighting is ever-important. A dim or dark room feels closed-off, cold, and somewhat depressing. Therefore, to stage your home for maximum buyer interest, ensure that every area of your home has adequate lighting. 

We recommend letting in as much natural light as possible from your windows and any glass doors. In rooms with limited natural light, try bright, warm light bulbs to liven up the vibe. If a room's overhead lighting is poor, you can always use lamps to make up the difference. 

10. Create an Amazing Buyer Experience

Finally, learning how to stage your home means assuming a buyer’s perspective for all their senses. As a buyer walks through your home, they aren’t just looking at it — they’re also smelling, touching and hearing.

Hopefully by now, you’ve cleaned up any odor-producing waste or spills as described in step three. This means making sure there are no pet smells or any other unpleasant odors lingering around. Many home sellers light a candle or bake cookies to enhance the homey feeling, but not everyone likes the same scents, so don’t go overboard.

To further stimulate the senses, soft music can be played in the background: jazz, classical, or other unintrusive styles are best.

Want More Advice on How to Sell and Stage Your Home?

Are you looking to sell your Oahu home?  If so, it’s helpful to know what to expect and how to maximize your investment. Even moreso, it also helps if you have the best real estate listing agent in Oahu. At Hawaii Realty International, we are expert marketers with a proven track record of preparing Oahu real estate to net the best return.

View our marketing plan for selling your home and start the no-pressure conversation to tell us more about your situation. We can help expertly price your home and work with you throughout the entire home selling process. Questions about Oahu real estate? Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

It’s finally done, you've made the big move, you're done getting settled into your new home! Every box is unpacked, everything’s in its place (took long enough, right?) — it’s all smooth sailing from here. Congrats! Now you might even have time now to branch out, take a walk, and explore the neighborhood (further than the take-out you bought while you still couldn't find your forks). So go for it, get some fresh air! And while you’re at it, get acquainted with your new surroundings.

Whether you bought a home in the same place you grew up, or you moved to a totally new and unfamiliar location, there’s a lot to get to know: Your neighbors, your neighborhood, local shops and restaurants, schools, parks, even that secret route for your fastest commute. It will all come in time, but some parts require extra effort for best results.

We’re here to help you with simple tips to help you get to know and get involved with your new community, to speed up the process and keep you comfy. Starting with...

Throw a Housewarming Party

A housewarming party serves two important purposes: you get to celebrate your new home with your friends and family, AND you can invite your new neighbors to break the ice! After all the work you put in to finding and buying your new home, moving, and settling in, you definitely deserve some fun.

Throwing a housewarming party gives you a low-pressure opportunity to mingle with your new neighbors. If you have kids at home, it’s also a chance for them to meet other kids in the neighborhood. It’s always nice to have a friend on the block!

Given the public health restrictions on in-person gatherings these days, you may need to plan ahead to ensure that your event is held safely (and legally). If it’s currently allowed to host a shindig in your area, it may still be best to keep party-goers outside for a BBQ or play-day in the yard. If you don’t have the exterior space, or if you just plain can’t hold a party, the next best thing is a virtual Zoom party. Not the best, we know... but you can do a virtual tour of your newly decorated home, and plan some fun games to keep the virtual party rolling.

Find Ways to Volunteer

Getting involved by giving back is a great way to meet locals, and you’ll feel so much more invested in the community. To get started, check for opportunities to volunteer on your municipal website, community Facebook pages and other social media. If your neighborhood is old-school, which is pretty cool, you might even find a physical bulletin board somewhere like the town square. Take a look for community gatherings and volunteering events and drives.

Volunteering might be a particularly nice way to meet folks in your community, for those who aren’t so fond of walking up to strangers and starting a conversation. When you volunteer, you’ll naturally meet others who are giving their time. You already have one thing in common, and you have something to do rather than stare blankly at one another from across the sidewalk.

You may be collecting food for the homeless, planting a community garden, or selling homemade treats at the local bake sale. Whatever form your efforts take, there’s no better way to get involved and invested in your new community. Many volunteering opportunities are great for kids too, and will instill an appreciation for giving back at an early age.

Of course, before you run out to volunteer, be sure to check the latest COVID guidelines in your area. You may be required to bring certain items like extra masks or gloves. If you’re at risk, you might want to leave volunteering to others for the time being.

Connect With an App

There’s an app for everything these days, including quite a few for getting in touch with your neighborhood! The most popular community app is NextDoor, which you can visit on a phone app or anything with a web browser. We also mentioned Facebook community pages earlier, which can be an even better source for community info and connections.

There are apps that connect you with other parents or pet owners or enthusiasts in your area, apps to find a restaurant, to find a date, to find Pokemon on the sidewalk, to find hidden treasure… well, maybe not treasure, but would you be surprised?

Importantly, with any type of social media, we always recommend to be careful when sharing any kind of personal information.

Strike Up a Conversation

Not everyone is super outgoing, and that’s okay, but if you find the right chance to greet your neighbors, we highly recommend it! Just say hi, introduce yourself and let them know you’re the new homeowners. You’ll find that most people are quite friendly and happy to chat. If that doesn’t describe your new neighbors, that’s a good thing to know anyways. We highly suggest breaking that ice — you never know when you might need a cup of sugar!

If you do decide to strike up a chat with your neighbors, keep in mind the current COVID guidelines. Don’t get inches away, and definitely don’t just run up and hug them. That’s probably not allowed, and your neighbors might think you’re a little weird.

Have An Adventure

Neighbors aren’t the only new part of your new community, there’s also the great wide yonder of new streets, parks, and places to go! If you don’t mind the hustle, try packing some food and water and going for a hike. It can be an urban hike through streets and shops, or your standard nature hike through the local flora. If things are spread out, or you’d rather not hoof it, then driving to new places can be very rewarding too.

For your adventure, there’s a couple ways to do it. You can let the roads and paths just whisk you away, discovering new places as you travel. Or you can do a little research beforehand, browsing the web to find hotspots and great views recommended by locals who have been around the block a while. In most cases, we recommend the latter option, just so you don’t get too tired or waste too much gas while aimlessly wandering. But if your surroundings are nice (and safe), you’re not likely to go wrong by just following your nose. Just don’t forget your GPS.

Adventuring and day-trips help you really get to know your new area. They’ll help you learn the best travel routes, the closest shops and tasty restaurants, and maybe even some local history too. GPS or not, it’s nice to know where you are and where you’re going. Have an adventure to make it so!

Getting Settled in a New Home 101

When getting settled in a new home, there are tons of ways that you can get involved and find out about your new surroundings, while at the same time making sure you and your family are safe and comfortable.

It can be strange to live in a totally new place, so we hope the tips we shared above will help you to leap over that initial phase and quickly feel at home. Definitely consider some volunteering opportunities in your area, and don’t miss out on your housewarming party if you’re able to have one! They don’t come around too often.

If you are still looking for your forever home yet, or just your next step and next adventure, we’re here to help you. Contact Mike Styring and Hawaii Realty International and let us know your goals!

Moving is a double-edged sword. While you probably can't wait to get settled in your dream place and start a new chapter in your life, you also likely have a lot of stress and anxiety heading into the process.

With some tips for a stress-free move, you don't have to worry about losing your head. The tips in this article will show you how you can guarantee a stress-free move.

1. Hire Some Professional Help

Hiring a professional can help get rid of the stress of a move. By leaving it to some pros, it is a lot easier to relax, since you won't have to worry about putting together all of the pieces yourself.

Since this is what they do for a living, you also get more of a guarantee that the job will be done properly. This means not having to worry about items breaking or being mishandled during the move.

While it will cost you a bit of money, you can't put a price tag on the peace and stress-relief that you get by hiring movers.

2. Get Your Move Started Early

Procrastination kills the dream!

Of course, it's difficult to get excited about your move if you stress yourself out by waiting too long to get started. You will bring back the stresses of school all-nighters — and unnecessarily so.

You have plenty of time to plan out every part of your move. So start early and make it fun instead of anxiety-inducing.

3. Find the Right Supplies for the Move

If you're going to plan a move, you also need to be sure you have the right supplies.

Start by finding boxes and other containers that will store all of the items you are moving. Choose boxes that are sturdy and not likely to crumble or allow your belongings to break. You can purchase quality moving boxes from your local hardware store.

You can also look into specialty containers, such as hard plastic containers. Buy boxes and containers that fit together like a puzzle, so it's easy to arrange them in your truck.

4. Pack With Rhyme and Reason

Handling your move becomes easy and stress-free when you learn how to pack.

If you have a uniform way of packing things, it's easier for you to get them on and off the truck. You will remember where things are, and this will make it easier for you to get set up at your new place.

Go room by room and get organized about the way you pack things up. By having a strategy, the move will be as stress-free as possible.

5. Organize and Schedule Your Move

It's best to have a schedule for every part of your move. Set the dates on your calendar and give yourself plenty of time leading up to the move to pack things up, turn your utilities on in your new place, talk to some movers, and other parts of the move.

Scope out your new home as well to see if there are any traffic patterns you should know about. Get to know the neighborhood so you can figure out the best place to park so you can unload.

6. Make Use of Storage if You Need It

Having some rental storage space is also an excellent way to make your move easier. When you have storage, it gives you some time so that you don't feel rushed with the move.

You can rent a storage unit while you are packing up your current home so that you can move into your new home little by little. Find a storage rental company that has affordable monthly rates, along with the best storage space for your needs.

7. Manage the Costs of Your Move

You need to handle the financial part of your move as well. A price tag that you have trouble affording is one of the biggest areas of stress when you're moving.

The easiest way to manage your costs is to first figure out what you can do on your own, and what you need professional help with. If you are hiring any kind of professional help, you should get some price estimates from three different movers.

You should also shop for the most affordable moving equipment and supplies so the price doesn't become too inflated.

8. Take off the Time That You Need

Don't make the mistake of trying to do too much. Working a full work week right before or after a move can also make the move more stressful than it has to be.

Take some time off from work so you can plan out your move, go room by room, and check and double-check every part of it. You will thank yourself that you took time off when you can get a good night's sleep before the move and have clear thoughts and low anxiety.

9. Get Help From Friends and Family

Don't hesitate to lean on the help that friends and family members can provide. It would surprise you to see how much work you can get done when you have people by your side.

If you have kids, getting family members to watch them at certain parts of the move can also decrease stress because you're only focusing on the task at hand — not the temperament of your little ones.

10. Breathe and Relax

Breathe! It's easier to relax when you have your mind made up that you aren't going to let stress get the best of you.

Control what you can control, and give yourself permission to just live in the moment and let the move play out how it's supposed to.

Put Together a Stress-Free Move

You can enjoy a stress-free move when you follow these tips. Since moves can be one of the more stressful things that you do, you will be glad that you had these tips at your disposal.

Hawaii Realty International is happy to hear from you. Take time to connect with us when you need some real estate help.

Good news! Our team at Hawaii Realty International is growing. Meet our newest agent, Steven Harman.

About Steven

Steven Harman has a unique familiarity with the beautiful island of Oahu: from the air, as a former tour helicopter pilot based out of Honolulu; and from the earth, where he takes great pride in expertly guiding his clients home.

After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Literature, Steven came to a crossroads of becoming a school teacher or joining the Army. He chose the latter and joined the Army shortly after 9/11, where he spent 10 years flying helicopters for Medevac units stationed around the world. Back in civilian life, he flew medical evacuations for hospitals near the international border in Arizona. During all that flying, he saw a lot of properties.

Steven is no stranger to helping and serving people who are in need. He brings a high level of vigor, integrity and work ethic to his work in real estate, educating his clients on their options in a sometimes complex housing landscape. With his personable demeanor and abundant creativity, Steven is the ideal representative to help homebuyers reach their goals. He is always excited to take on new challenges, and he doesn’t shy away from negotiating the best possible deal for his clients. Steven is relentless in ensuring that your happiness is neatly wrapped up in a bow.

As a veteran, Steven knows how stressful PCS moves can be, and he is well prepared to help fellow servicemembers to smoothly transition in or out of their duty location. Steven deeply understands the impact an agent can have on his client’s life, family and future, so he works tirelessly to make the real estate process as rewarding and stress-free as possible.

In his free time, you can find Steven surfing, working out or hiking, like most folks on the island. To Steven, it’s impossible to stay indoors for long, when you’re surrounded by this breathtaking backdrop. That’s what led him to fall in love with Oahu real estate, and it still inspires his work today.

Contact Steven

You can reach Steven Harman at SteveH@hawaiirealtyllc.com.

For real estate inquiries, feel free to reach out via our CONTACT FORM to let us know your goals and timeline. We'll get in touch ASAP for a no-pressure consultation!

Though the weather outside is frightful, selling your home in the winter actually isn’t so bad! The real estate market in winter months — particularly in December and January — is typically a scaled-down version of the rest of the year. Buyers and sellers with time to spare tend to put their real estate plans on hold for the holidays. With fewer properties on the market and fewer buyers house-hunting during these times, your listing is more likely to stand out and become a prime target for the buyers who are actively looking.

So, while there is plenty of opportunity to buy or sell in the spring, summer and fall, you’re not out of luck in the winter! The real question is: how do you keep your home looking great during gloomy or rainy weather?

The trick is to increase your curb appeal, and it’s easier than you think! Keep on reading for our must-know tips to improve your winter curb appeal. 

Remove Clutter

The easiest and most cost-efficient way to improve your winter curb appeal is to tidy up and declutter your yard. Even the neatest of homes on the inside can quickly accumulate leaves, debris, junk and other items outside that might turn off potential buyers. As a home seller, you want buyers to have a great impression of your home as soon as they arrive, so curb appeal is critical!

Any items that are looking weathered, such as children's play items, outdoor seating, or exterior features like an old, busted fountain should be thrown out or put in storage. If the items can’t be removed, or if you don't have the necessary storage space, then you should still spruce them up as best you can.

Any wooden areas, such as decking, may require new treatments. Replace broken panels, sand the area, and treat it with wood stain. For best results, take a look at your exterior before winter weather kicks in. Repairs are easier when it’s nicer outside, and you definitely don’t want to trap moisture in your wood. 

Finally, clear your yard of natural debris and detritus. Rake those pesky autumn leaves into a large pile, cut off any dead branches hanging from trees on your property, and remove unsightly plants that have overstayed their welcome. Tidying up your yard goes a long way to boost that ever-important curb appeal. 

Give Them a Warm Welcome

Now that your yard is neat and tidy, have a look at your front entryway. Does it beckon potential buyers to come inside and explore your home?

One way to make your home more inviting is to spruce up your front door. If your current door is looking weathered or displays a drab color of paint, consider restoring it with a vibrant color like a rich red or green. It will look fresh and welcoming, and add to the appeal of your home’s facade.

You can also enhance your entryway by adding some new fittings. Install a charming door knocker, or if “‘tis the season,” decorate the door with some holiday cheer. This will inspire buyers with the look of a warm, family home. Keep in mind that you want your home to appeal to any and every potential buyer, so overly religious or otherwise personal motifs should be avoided. But a nice, wintery wreath will be loved by all but the Grinch-iest visitors!

Switch Out the Mailbox and Signage

When it comes to curb appeal, the devil is in the details. Unlike inside of your home, where staging and fresh paint can express elegant style throughout your floor plan and walls, exterior fixtures and fittings are not so abundant. The easiest and cheapest exterior fixtures to improve are your mailbox and signage. 

When you replace your mailbox, select one that complements the architectural style of your home. If you have a grand colonial setting, then go for something that fits with it. If you have a sleek, modern home built from glass and concrete, pick something that supplements that style. These little details add to an overall tapestry that buyers experience when they visit your property.

Additionally, if you repainted your front door like we suggested above, try and match the mailbox to the color of your front door. Pick bright and cheerful shades to add color that might otherwise be lacking due to the season.

Signage on your home’s exterior is another opportunity to add some flavor. You can update your street numbers, whether they’re on your mailbox or on your home’s facade. An embossed plate can also add a cute message, like “Welcome Home.” Whatever you choose, pick something unique that complements the theme of your home. These will be the first features that buyers see from the street, and first impressions count!

Add Some Evening Lighting

Lighting a home’s exterior is easy, but really doing it well requires some talent and tact. Too much evening lighting can make your house look brash and cause the facade to have a spaceship-like glow. (And it probably won’t make the neighbors very happy!) On the other hand, tasteful evening lights can accentuate your home’s best features and make it look beautiful for more hours of the day. 

Exterior lighting can be placed on your exterior walls, amidst your landscaping, or on features like your mailbox. Lanterns and sconces add a warm touch, and they’re extra helpful if you have a long, dark driveway. If you go that route, metal lanterns will be more durable than other materials which may weather easily. With the right paint, you can even tailor your new lights to match your siding, front door, and mailbox. 

Go Evergreen With Your Curb Appeal

Not all plants wither and die in winter weather. In fact, there are a number of evergreen plants and foliage options that stay green all year round. Some plants even thrive in winter conditions. 

Placing these hearty plants in your garden will give it a lush, well-kept appearance. Find some plants that flower in winter and place them in pots, so you can leave them outside to greet buyers with a touch of color. If you have extra space in your yard, you can even plant some winter-friendly trees. 

Make Paths and Driveways Clear

In addition to clearing the yard, make sure that your driveway and walking paths look clean and pristine. These are the sections that will draw the eye up to the property — particularly if they are cracked or marred. If your hardscape is cluttered, messy, or damaged, it will leave a bad impression before buyers even step foot into your home.

To get your hardscape in shape, clear any dirt and foliage that has found its way onto your driveway and paths. If you need to trim back live foliage, have at it! The walkway must be clear for all to see, and it makes your home more accessible too. Buyers don’t want to feel like they’re trekking through the outback as they make their way to your front door. 

After a good cleaning, repair any damage to paths and drives. This may involve calling in a professional for repair or replacement. It can be hard and heavy work. Additionally, if any weeds or plants are making walkways unsightly, trim them back or take them out entirely. 

Get Help from the Real Estate Experts 

Once you have increased your curb appeal with these handy tips, you just need to get the buyers visiting your home! The best way to do this is with the help of an expert real estate agent who understands your neighborhood and local real estate market. 

If you are buying or selling real estate in the Oahu area, then Mike Styring & Hawaii Realty International are your trusted advisers. We specialize in residential and investment properties in the Oahu & Maui area, and we bring a wealth of experience to all of our work. Contact us today to start the no-pressure conversation, and let’s talk strategy!

With more and more children doing schoolwork from their computers, parents far and wide have found an increased need for a dedicated study room at home. Whether your kids are distance learning, or they just need a quiet space to do homework and projects after school, it's a great idea to create a purpose-built study space to keep them focused and on-track.

So, what are the best ways to create a home office space for your child? Distance learning is a novel concept for most parents, and it can be confusing to figure out what your child needs when you're busy with your own job and responsibilities.

We have a few ideas that can help. Regardless of your child's grade or interests, some things will make any study room helpful. 

Read on for our study room guide!

1. Provide Natural Light

It's helpful to make your child's study space well-lit, and not just through artificial lighting. 

During the winter, when the sun hides away early in the evening, your child might spend most of their daylight hours cooped up in front of a computer. While letting them play outside with an at-home "recess" is a great idea, bringing some sunshine indoors can help them stay focused and energized throughout the day.

With all the additional challenges of distance learning, you don't need a gloomy interior making it that much harder for your child to stay engaged. 

Set their desk near a window or beneath a skylight to let your child enjoy natural light throughout their school day. They'll be happier and more productive.

2. Get the Right Desk

Picking a good desk is a chance to help your at-home learner to study efficiently. At most schools, desks are cramped and crowded. While distance learning is not ideal in many ways, you can at least make the experience better than in-person schooling when it comes to their desk by providing a more spacious surface where they can work.

If your student is very young, they may not need a huge workspace (or even fit sidled up to a full-size desk). However, you have the option of giving them a larger space so they have room for all of their things without resorting to putting books or assignments on their lap. 

A good desk should be tall enough that there's room for their legs underneath — but not so tall that they struggle to reach things they need. Some children may benefit from a desk that can transform into a standing desk. It may help you too, by using up some of their abundant kid energy! 

Select a desk with your child’s needs and height in mind. Even better: ask them what they like when you’re doing your desk shopping. Letting your child help will make them feel more invested in the desk you buy, and they’ll likely enjoy using it for their schoolwork.

3. Pick a Chair That Helps Them Focus

Did you know that good posture in childhood can help children establish good posture in adulthood? Buying your at-home learner a chair with their posture in mind may help them avoid back pain or other problems when they get older.

It’s no surprise that some office chairs are not ideal for posture. A chair that's too thick and soft might just lead your child to fall asleep, while a chair that's just plain uncomfortable might distract them or cause them to sit in strange positions. 

You want a chair that has enough back support that they sit up straight and tall while doing their work. If stores are open, try bringing your child along to test out some chairs before you buy.

4. Avoid Distractions

Let's face it: Kids aren't great at avoiding distractions. At school, these distractions are managed under the watchful eye of a teacher. At home, you may not have the bandwidth to keep an eye on your children every second of the school day.

To keep your kid on track for success, remove any unnecessary toys or games from the room that might be distracting (though we'll include some helpful toys later on in the article).

Let your child know that while this decision may frustrate them, they'll get their work done more quickly so they can play with all the fun stuff later on!

5. Include All Necessities

Make sure you know everything that your child is going to need for their classes. In school, they have tools provided for them, like pencils and pens, protractors, calculators, and computers. In your home, you need to get those things unless provided by the school for distance learning.

If you're not sure what your child needs for their schoolwork, ask the teacher yourself. You don't want your child to lose focus or fall behind because they don't have a necessary item. 

6. Keep Everything Within Arm's Reach

Once you have the necessities, make sure your child can actually reach them.

As adults, sometimes we forget that things can be hard to access for kids. Things on the top shelf might be easy for you to reach, but they may as well be miles away for a growing child.

Be sure to keep things in drawers or on shelves that your at-home student is able to reach. Once you have the right desk and chair, have your child sit there as if school is in session, and make sure that they can get to everything they’ll need.

Remember: If a child has to get up to go get something, it's another opportunity for distraction. 

7. Keep Some Fidget-Friendly Activities

If your child is a fidgeter (and so many are), they're more likely to get frustrated with the quiet and solitary space of a study room. While your kid’s favorite toys aren't ideal in the study room, it’s good to have a few things around that can keep their hands or feet busy.

We suggest something that can go under the desk, like a yoga ball or a foot cycle, to keep their lower body active. They can also play with clay, a fidget spinner, or other small sensory objects to keep their hands busy. Check in on them when you can, to see if a fidget activity has become a distraction. You can always switch items out until you find a good balance.

8. Provide Recreational Space

It's a good idea to provide some sort of recreational space for when your child needs a break. Rather than letting them run to their bedrooms and all their fun stuff, or off to the park, you can provide a sensory playtime that won't cause them to lose focus. 

Consider some kind of mind game or a sensory path that your child can use to release some extra energy before they get back to work. Sunlight and outdoors time is healthy and necessary, so let them play for a bit to blow off steam.

Provide the Best Study Room at Home for Your Child

In order to make the most of distance learning, your child needs a thoughtfully designed study room at home. Make sure you have everything they need for a productive school day. The goal is to recreate the classroom experience.

If you're looking for a new Oahu home that has extra space for your child to study, we’re happy to help! Whether you're looking for more home improvement advice or you want to sell or buy a home, connect with us today to discuss your options