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Archive for the ‘Sellers’ Category

Moving: How to Perpare for a move

Monday, April 13th, 2009

Moving: Preparing for Move to Wilmington or Leland, NC….

 

Moving should be an exciting time - you’re off to a new apartment, your first home, maybe moving up to a larger home. But for many people, moving turns into a stressful, aggravating experience. It doesn’t have to be that way. Some advance planning, a little research and the right attitude can combine to make your next move the best one ever.

Wilmington NC moving

Wilmington NC moving

Organization is key to a successful move, so lists are your friends. Keep track of all the details that need to be tended to, especially things that might fall through the cracks, like taking back your cable box. Include everything from renting a moving truck to forwarding your mail, and start doing anything on the list that can be tackled early. As you plan, keep in mind that many truck rental companies will give you a discounted rate if you move mid-week and mid-month instead of at peak times.

Speaking of getting a jump on things, start packing now. You can find all the supplies you need, such as boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape and more at truck rental outlets like Budget Truck Rental. The experts there can help you figure out how many and what types of boxes you’ll need to protect your possessions. Whether you’re moving in a few months or in a few weeks, you should be packing things you know you can live without for a while. This allows you to pack with care, and mark the boxes so you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for when you get to your new place. Leaving packing until the last minute is one of the biggest sources of stress for people who are moving.

About a month before your move date, reserve your moving truck. The company you choose makes a big difference. With 30,000 trucks nationwide, Budget Truck Rental has locations where you need them, and a great selection of trucks for every size move, whether it’s a 10-foot truck (for studio apartments with one or two rooms), a 16-footer (for three to four rooms) or a 24-foot truck that can haul up to 8 rooms of stuff. They’ll even give you expert tips on loading the truck. The trucks are easier to drive than you might think. All Budget trucks have automatic transmissions, air conditioning and are clean comfortable and well-maintained for safety and reliability.

If you’re moving long-distance and need to tow your car, Budget offers two options: the car carrier, which carries your entire car on a trailer that attaches to the rear of your truck (recommended for four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles); or the tow dolly, which is recommended for front-wheel drive vehicles. The tow dolly lifts the front wheels of the car off the pavement and pulls it behind your truck.

Take care of mail and utilities. Stop by your local post office and fill out the form to forward your mail. You’ll also want to change the address on any magazine subscriptions or other services you receive by mail, such as video rentals. You can take care of most of these changes online. You also need to contact all your utilities, both for the place you’re moving out of and your new place. This includes local and long distance phone, Internet service, gas, electric, water and cable/satellite. Don’t forget to update your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance as well.

Make sure you have a group of friends lined up to help you move. If you have followed your list and have everything packed and ready to go, loading up the truck should be a breeze. If you still have some boxes to pack, your friends can load while you finish up. Be sure to keep the moving crew happy by providing plenty of food and drink. Just save the beer for after the move is complete. Hehe!

If you take care of all these details before your move, all you’ll have to worry about once the boxes are unloaded is finding the perfect spot for your favorite chair. For more moving tips, visit BudgetTruck.com or contact me at www. Nileshjethwa.com .

 

 

 

Post by Nilesh Jethwa Wilmington/Leland Real Estate

 

Nilesh Jethwa is a local real estate agent for the Wilmington and Leland area. To contact Nilesh Jethwa please click here. Don’t forget to request a free relocation package.

 

 

 

 

Today’s Homes and Appliances are built Smart

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Today’s Homes and Appliances are Built Smart.

Here are some ways you can integrate new technology into your home so you can both relax and increase its value.

The Future:  Whole House Remote Control

With home automation, the ability to control every aspect of your home-from lighting and room temperature to entertainment center- can be held in your hand. A “smart home” uses a single centralized controller to integrate various systems, so that with the push of button, you can turn on lights, open or close blinds, adjust multiple rooms to your desired temperature or even activate or deactivate you security system. You can set a group of actions to happen when certain events occur.

Just about anything you plug in can be networked into your home automation system. This makes your life easier and provides a great point if you decide to put your home on the market.

 

 

Be Smart. Save Energy and Money with Efficient Appliances

Cut you monthly utilities bills while helping the environment by purchasing appliances- refrigerators, dishwashers, laundry machine, ECT. – That is energy efficient. The Plant (and your wallet) will thank you.

 

Look for the Energy Star Label

Energy Star products exceed the minimum energy efficient requirements set by the federal government. In addition, utilities and state government may offer rebates on Energy Star- related models. Pay attention to the Energy Guide label as well. This label allows you to compare the typical annual energy consumption and operating cost of different models of the type of appliances you’re thinking of buying.

 

Choose The Right Size

Why buy an oversized appliance when a smaller counterpart will get the job done? When you choose the appliance that fits your needs, you’ll save money and reduce your energy bill.

 

Choose Natural Gas

Look for dyers and water heaters that run on natural gas, rather than electricity.

 

Think Long Term

Energy efficient appliances last for years and will lower your monthly utility bills over the lifetime of the appliances higher initial purchase price.

 

 

Join me next week as I go over HOW TO HIGH TECH YOU HOME?

 

Posted by Nilesh Jethwa Wilmington, NC

 

Nilesh Jethwa is a local REALTOR in Wilmington, NC.  To contact Nilesh please click here!

 

 

Small Space Landscaping Ideas, Wilmington NC

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Small Space Landscaping Ideas That Add Big Impact

 

You can enjoy all the rewards that come with gardening even if you are challenged with limited space. Basic design principles still apply-choose a focal point, understand how the plants you choose will thrive in the area that you have selected and create an environment that is beautiful yet fits within the personal time you have to invest in up-keep. Any plant and garden concept can worked into a small garden space; you just have to consider scale. Adding landscaping to any area, regardless of size, brings a valuable addition to your home. Incorporating your personal touch will make it even more fun and satisfying.

Here Are Some Helpful Tips For Getting Started:

·         Assess your space and decide what you hope to achieve in your yard.

·         Be informed on various plants that thrive in tight spaces.

·         Create focal points and make sure they are scaled to your space.

·         Use potted plants, either alone or nestled within your design, to provide visual appeal.

·         Remember every space is important so research your plants, considering future growth and which plants grow most successfully together.

·         Create interest with textures such as decorative rocks, ground covers, borders and stepping stones.

·         Consider incorporating unique elements, such as a bird feeder or wind chimes, into your space to create an even more appealing environment.

 

Maintain a Healthy Lawn to Maximize Curb Appeal:

·         Aerate the soil to allow water and nutrients to penetrate to the roots.

·         De-thatch often to remove dead grass blades, which build up a barrier that prevents water and oxygen from reaching the root zone.

·         Use compost to improve the nutrients levels in the soil.

·         Water less frequently but for longer periods of time. This allows more water to reach the roots.

·         Fertilize in spring or fall.

·         If grass dies in shady spots, plant flowers that thrive out of the sun in those spots instead.

 

Posted by Nilesh Jethwa Wilmington NC Real Estate

 

Nilesh Jethwa is a local real estate agent in Wilmington and Leland, NC. To contact Nilesh Jethwa please click here!

 

Landscaping: Curb Appeal

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

Landscaping Enhances Your Curb Appeal-and Home Value.

Landscaping, can add 7-15% to your home value. Colorful landscaping, a fresh coat of paint and attention to detail not only bring you enjoyment every day, but they also increase the value of your home. Landscaping can return 100-200% of your investment when it comes time to sell, while Money Magazine reports that a swimming pool returns only 20-50% of your money. Mature landscaping can lower energy costs, dampen noise, and help reduce air pollution. Here are a number of ways to enhance your home’s value through some simple, fun, and relatively inexpensive landscaping ideas.

 

Landscaping 101

Select Indigenous Plants

Choosing native rather than exotic plants for your landscaping will reduce maintenance and increase curb appeal. Indigenous grasses, trees, and shrubs grow well together and to predictable sizes. They do not need watering (except during establishment), nor do they require chemical fertilizers because they are already adapted to local conditions and insects. Native plants not only accent your home, they also attract colorful birds and butterflies.

 

Bring Life to Small Spaces

 

Small garden areas should not feature too many different kinds of plants and materials. This will make your landscaping look cluttered. Paint outdoor walls and fences light shades to open up the space. Take

Advantage of vertical space with shelves, trellises, and hanging pots. Container gardening can work miracles in small spaces, with the added benefit of  being easy to move according to the plants’ needs. If you live in a condo or apartment, revitalize your entryway, patio or balcony with attractive hanging baskets, planters and unique personal accessories.

 

Cold  Weather Gardening

 

Keep your landscape from looking cold and bare in the fall and winter months by choosing hardy plants that look great year round. Instead of foliage and flowers, it is important to think in terms of bark, berries and shape. Japanese maple trees have unusually colored bark, while others such as the Japanese pagoda trees have interesting fruits or seeds that form during the fall and winter. Wisteria can form strange, twisting branches, and evergreens plants provide visual appeal against a winter landscape.

 

Create an Outdoor Space

 

Create an outside living area by adding a deck or patio for entertaining and relaxing year round. This addition is also a great investment in your home. A 2008 Cost vs. Value Report produced by the Realtor Magazine stated that installing a deck provides up to 81.8% return on investment. There are a variety of different surfaces to fit any particular investment. There are a variety of different surfaces to fit any particular style or budget, including concrete pavers, natural clay, wood, stones, and bricks. Pebbles, gravels, bricks, and tiles can also be incorporated easily and inexpensively.

 

Posted by Nilesh Jethwa Wilmington, NC

 

Nilesh Jethwa is a local real estate agent in Wilmington, NC. To contact Nilesh Jethwa please click here!