Preparing Your Home for Sale

Remember when your parents used to tell you that a little goes a long way? Well, once again, they were correct. Putting in a little TLC when you are preparing to sell your home can make the difference between months of sitting on the market and accepting a lower price, and a quick, easy, clean sale. Remember these tips from Heartland Builders and you’ll be on your way into a new home in no time!

Curb appeal gets buyers in the door. Stand outside of your house and take a look at it with fresh eyes. Does the door need to be painted? Have weeds taken over your garden? Are cobwebs hiding behind the lamppost? A fresh coat of pain, a colorful planter with flowers and some time in the yard can make a great first impression.

If it’s broke, fix it! All it takes is one lose banister rail or a light switch that doesn’t work properly and buyers start to look a little closer and question a little more. If they haven’t fixed a crack light socket, what else haven’t they fixed? Take some time as you prepare to sell to walk through your home and prepare a list of items that need to be addressed. If carpet is stained and cannot be cleaned, consider replacing it. A small investment upfront can mean more dollars in the end.

Less is more! The fewer things on countertops, floors, closet shelves and any other visible space, the better. When buyers see items out on shelves and crammed into closets they get the impression that storage space is limited—a major red flag. Also, rooms look larger with less furniture; so, don’t give away your favorite leather recliner that takes up half the living room, but perhaps move it to a storage unit temporarily. Rooms should be easy to navigate with no obstacles in the way.  

Remove yourself. You want this to be THEIR home, not yours, so take down personal items and any sports, political or religious memorabilia. You wouldn’t want the fact that a potential buyer roots for your team’s arch rival dissuade them from buying your home.

Make it shine. Sure you keep a clean and organized home, but when was the last time the baseboards got the attention they deserved, or the tile grout was scrubbed until it sparkled? Whether you tackle it yourself or hire professionals to help, a deep cleaning inside and out is important before listing your home. Consider having the windows washed, power-washing sidewalks, decks and driveways, and getting down and dirty in the kitchens and bathrooms. 

Step outside and listen to sounds that fill the ear. There are children playing, birds chirping, squirrels screeching and wind blowing. But listen more intently to echoes beyond these common noises. You’ll hear hammers banging, drills drilling and houses being built. The housing market is back! Positive and exciting news for our economy, homebuilders and our buyers interested in a new home in the Grand Rapids Area.

Despite recent years, buyers are more confident in the housing market with an increase in homebuilding. The number of homes beginning construction rose 7% in May. June continued this momentous rise in the housing market when the National Association of Home Builders' index hit 52. This is the first time since 2006 it’s been above 50. A good sign because anything over 50 means home sales are more positive than negative. 

All of these factors have also contributed to low inflation and an increase in building stocks.

Additionally, construction of single-family homes has risen 16% from last year. Heartland Builders offers an array of single-family home plans.  Building your dream home should be fun and exciting. From the start to finish of construction on your new home in the Grand Rapids area, our building process will be an informative and enjoyable experience. 

At Heartland Brothers, construction is both our passion and profession. We believe our clients should live within their means. Use our mortgage calculator to calculate your mortgage. This way we’re working within your budget instead of building a home you can’t afford. Call us today 1-888-445-650 so we can discuss building your new Grand Rapids home. 

Exterior Lighting that Shines

Looking to light up your outdoor space? Heartland Builders has some bright ideas on timeless exterior lighting options for your new home in Grand Rapids.

·         Consider building a fire pit or fireplace. Not only will it provide an additional light source, it will also offer warmth in the cooler months, prolong your ability to use your outdoor space, and give you a fun gathering place for guests. S’mores anyone?

·         More and more new homebuilders in Grand Rapids are seeking both indoor and outdoor living spaces. From funky to traditional, chandeliers can give a deck or patio a warm feel and allow the space to truly feel like an extension of the home.

·         Candles are a flexible and inexpensive lighting alternative that also offers ambiance. Consider utilizing lanterns or hurricane vases as a stylish—and safe—way to house your candles. Opt for citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay.

·         Get two benefits in one by installing a ceiling fan. Hot summer nights are made more bearable with a nice breeze. Combined with an overhead light source, all-weather fans are a popular option for covered patios and pergolas.

·         With a wide variety of sizes, shapes and designs, string lights provide a spunky and inexpensive alternative to traditional light fixtures. Illuminate seating areas, walkways or gardens in your new home in Grand Rapids with these fun and flexible balls of light.

·         Save green by going green with solar lighting. From lanterns and spotlights to decorative fixtures and posts, solar lighting comes in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet all of your exterior lighting needs.  

Spruce Up Your Deck For Spring

It’s here! It’s here! It’s finally here! Sunny days, warm weather and endless hours spent outdoors. There is nothing better after a long week than lounging on your deck, dining with family and friends and taking in the fresh air. Make your outdoor space relaxing and inviting by investing some time sprucing it up this spring. Grand Rapids home builder, Heartland Builders, suggests these five steps to make your deck warm weather worthy:

If it’s broke, fix it. Take the time to examine your deck and make any needed repairs. Though rare in new homes in Grand Rapids, loose boards, unruly nails and split wood can be unsightly and dangerous. Don’t for get to check for any loose rails.

Banish dirt and grime. Decks should be power washed once a year to clean off the dirt, pollen and debris that can accumulate over time. Patio furniture should also get a good scrubbing. Not only will it extend its life, it will make your space more inviting.

Channel your inner VanGogh. Whether you chose to stain the deck of your new home in Grand Rapids or paint it, it is important to protect the wood each year by applying a fresh coat. Sun and harsh weather can quickly degrade its integrity if it is not maintained.

Pick a seat. Are you looking to create a relaxing lounge space? Accommodate large groups for cookouts? Deciding how you want to use your deck will determine what kind of furniture you choose. Be sure to look for furnishing that are durable, weather proof and can withstand the summer sun.

Let your garden grow. The easiest way to beautify an outdoor space is with flowers. Select a variety of planters to add color and interest and start digging! Be sure to elevate your planters with plastic trays, movable carts or pot feet to prevent sun and water damage to your deck.  

Selecting the Right Floor Plan for You

Building a new home in Grand Rapids is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Do you want an open floor plan or one that’s more traditional? How much closet space is enough for a growing family? Heartland Builders has taken some of the burden off of its homebuilders by providing a Library of Homebuilding Plans. Within this library there are literally dozens options covering every shape size and style home you may want. So, how do you narrow down that list to your top two or three?

Step 1—Determine the basics.

The easiest way to select the floor plans that would best suit you is to determine how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want in your new home in Grand Rapids. You can always make an office into a playroom, but it’s hard to create a bedroom where one does not exist. Knowing that you have the basics covered will make the rest of the process a bit easier.

Step 2—Consider your current needs.

Is not having a space for a playroom a deal breaker? Do you or your significant other work from home and need a home office? Are you advancing in age and looking for a home that is all on one story? Figure out what features you need to have to be able to function in your everyday life and eliminate the plans that don’t meet them.

Step 3—Pick out the extras.

An open floor plan, a three-car garage, a spacious mudroom—there are endless features that you may not need, but you sure do want! So, get them! Heartland Builders offers flexible floor plans to suit the needs of even the pickiest of new homebuilders in Grand Rapids. Now is your chance to have that big master closet you’ve always wanted—some plans even offer one with a cathedral ceiling!  

Solving The Countertop Conundrum

As the heart of every home, the kitchen is a primary focus for many new homebuyers in Grand Rapids, MI. Counter top selection is an important element in kitchen design both from a visual and a functional standpoint. With the growing number of materials available for countertops, making the right choice can be overwhelming. Heartland Builders breaks down the countertop landscape:

Granite—One of the most durable surfaces, granite can withstand scratches and chipping and is heat resistant for those straight-from-the-oven dishes. Honed granite, which gives a more matte finish, is a popular option. Proper sealing is required regularly, making this option both costly and a bit more maintenance.

Concrete—With endless color staining options, concrete countertops are durable and can be made into any shape. As a material, concrete is relatively inexpensive, but installation and sealing cause the price to rise. Concrete requires resealing over the years and its appearance can change with aging.  Hairline cracks are not uncommon.

Travertine—This delicate yet durable limestone material comes in whites, beiges and golds and is covered in pitted holes that give the appearance of natural wear and tear and beautifully reflect light. Sealers provide some protection but substances—especially acids—can easily stain this surface. Direct or intense heat cannot be withstood so cooling racks or rivets are essential if you chose this for your new home in Grand Rapids.

Stainless Steel—This modern, goes-with-anything look is extremely easy to clean, making it one of the most hygienic options. On the con side, stainless steel nicks and scratches easily and no fingerprint goes unseen.

Laminate—The most cost-effective countertop option, laminates come in the widest range for textures and colors opening the door for endless options. The tradeoff is that it is less durable than other natural stones, which means cuts, scratches and burns show easily.

Wood—Fashion meets function with butcher-block countertops. Great for chopping and cutting as well as supporting high-heat dishes, wood countertops are not only cozy, but can come in a variety of colors and finishes.  On the downside, wood must be regularly oiled to avoid stains and is more susceptible to dents and gouges than hard stone surfaces.

Glass—A unique option that can be customized to any shape or color, glass gives you endless options for creating a custom kitchen in your new home in Grand Rapids. Because glass is non-porous, it is easy to clean and repels bacteria and mold. Unfortunately, glass is also easily scratched and stained and tends to not be the best option for high-traffic kitchens.

Recycled—A growing trend in today’s environmentally friendly world is recycled countertops. Sometimes less expensive, they can be made from everything from glass bottles and wood to ceramic sinks. While unique, recycled countertops can have an uneven surface, making them more prone to chipping or scratching. Regular sealing is also required.  

Deciding What Features Are Right For Your New Home

You’re looking to make your custom home in Grand Rapids the home of your dreams. So how do you combine function and style in a way that fits your family’s unique needs? Heartland Builders offers some tips for deciding what features are right for you.

Determine your must haves—Every new homebuyer has a list in mind of features they can’t live without. Whether it’s a fireplace that anchors the living room, a garden tub for soaking in the master or a closet that feels like your very own little department store, make a list and prioritize. Bring pictures where possible to show concrete examples of your vision. With social sharing sites like Pinterest, Image Spark and Project Décor dominating the Web, there are endless ways to tap into creative designs and ideas.

Think about your lifestyle—Do you have multiple pets? Multiple young children running around? Are you a gourmet chef or an avid exerciser? Sure we all have a dream house we envision, but what we really need is something that caters to our every day life. A large mudroom with storage may prove decidedly more useful than a custom wine cellar in the basement. Layout, flooring and storage are all important features to consider when creating your custom home in Grand Rapids.

Consider your current furnishings—While we don’t advise you to buy a house based simply on a single piece of furniture, it is important to consider what you already own and how it would fit into your new home. Take measurements and photos and carry along color and fabric swatches to see how you can make your custom home in Grand Rapids meet your vision.

Take a look around—Dedicate a Saturday to touring homes in your area. Get a feel for different features and layouts that you find appealing. You may not have thought about putting a mini fridge in the island, but someone else did. Use the ideas of others and bring them together to create a custom home in Grand Rapids that is just right for you.