The Two Most Influential Rooms in Your Home

Which rooms in your home make the biggest difference to potential buyers? The KW Blog has the answers! According to buyers, the kitchen and the master bath are the most important rooms in your home. When deciding to undertake a remodeling project, the article advises to invest your money where it matters: by updating appliances and fixtures in these two rooms. For a kitchen, this may mean installing updated lighting, wooden cabinets, and stone or granite counter tops. To turn your master bath in to a spa, the article advises turning to decorative mirrors and updated faucets. For more information on how you can catch buyers' eyes with an updated kitchen and master bath, read the full article on the blog here.

Did You Know? Spring Cleaning Can Increase Property Value

Did You Know? Spring cleaning is more than just a seasonal ritual – it can also help you sell your home! The KW Blog advises that homeowners looking to sell should take on projects that will have a lasting effect on their home's value, such as fresh coats of paint on the interior and exterior of the home. Homeowners should also consider cleaning out gutters and power washing decks and driveways. These simple fixes can have a real impact on property values and help make a good impression on buyers. For the full list of spring cleaning tips, click here.

Central Ohio on $750,000

Photo via The Columbus Dispatch

Each month The Columbus Dispatch showcases a variety of homes within the Central Ohio area that fall within the same price range. For February, the Dispatch featured homes with prices close to $750,000. From a condo in Bexley to 20 acres in Mount Vernon, $750,000 can go a long way in Central Ohio. See the full list here.

Gas Versus Electric: Which is Better to Heat Your Home?

Record low gas prices – and spiking electricity costs – have many Central Ohioans rethinking the switch from gas to electric heat. Several years ago, many homeowners switched their heating system to electric in an effort to cut down on utility costs. These same homeowners are now finding that gas heating may have been the cheaper choice all along. Read the full article from The Columbus Dispatch here and let us know your thoughts. Do you have gas or electric heat? Which system is better for you and your family?

Realtor.com's Open House Do's & Don'ts

Hosting an open house? Ensure it's successful by avoiding these common mistakes.

1. DON'T attend your open house. This is your realtor's opportunity to showcase the best parts of your home and allow potential buyers to ask questions. Your presence at an open house can put pressure on interested individuals and drive away potential buyers.
2. DON'T leave your pets behind. Letting pets run free in your home during an open house can be annoying to potential buyers, especially those who aren't pet owners themselves. Realtor.com recommends sellers take their pets with them during the open house, for the safety of the animals and the sanity of potential buyers.
3. DON'T forget the kitchen. An untidy kitchen will turn off potential buyers. Make sure your kitchen is just as spotless as the rest of your home by clearing dishes from the sink AND the dishwasher--because buyers may take a peek inside! Similarly, remove any odor-causing foods from the refrigerator.
4. DO swap out your bath towels. To ensure each room of your home is “open house ready,” remove used bath towels from all bathrooms. Not only does this look more tidy, it prevents strangers from wiping their hands on your dirty bath towels during their bathroom breaks.
5. DO hire a professional, if necessary. Sometimes you just need to call a pro. Professional house cleaners will save you time and stress as you prepare your home in other ways. They'll likely hit places you wouldn't think to clean like baseboards and switch plates, and can eliminate odors you may not even notice.
6. DO get a second opinion. After you've cleaned and staged your home to your standards, ask an honest friend or neighbor for their opinion, as well. Realtor.com advises that a neutral third party can alert you to smells or eye sores you may be blind to.
7. DO clean up your yard. This includes coiling garden hoses, hiding trash bins, and raking leaves. Objects cluttering your yard can also be a safety hazard for potential buyers crossing your yard for a closer look.
8. DON'T forget to hide personal items. Realtor.com advises hiding all prescription medication, family photos, and any walkers or canes. Not only is it a good idea to depersonalize your home, but these items can also tip potential buyers off to personal information that may be used against you in the negotiation process.

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Rental Demand in Columbus Remains High

Despite the city adding 3,300 apartments last year, rental demand in Columbus remains high. According to an article by Columbus Business First, the amount of vacant apartments in Columbus (which is already below average for the country) will drop in 2016 to the lowest number since 2000. The vacancy rate, at 4.9% last year, is expected to drop to 4.5% by the end of the year. In terms of supply and demand, developers are projected to complete 1,080 more units, while renters are expected to occupy 1,650 more units in 2016. The article cites low interest rates and “favorable apartment fundamentals” as the cause for the rise in demand. For more information, read the full article here.

How to Cozy Up Your Home Without Cranking Up the Heat

via Pinterest

Already feeling a chill in your home, but not ready to crank up the heat? Never fear. Houselogic has great tips on how to make your home feel warm and cozy, without increasing your gas bill.

1. Dust your light fixtures. Clean bulbs make your home seem brighter and warmer, but won't hurt your electric bill.

2. Check for leaks. Air can leak out through cracks around windows, doors, wall outlets, and electrical boxes.

3. Warm up with the fireplace of the future: Gel fireplace inserts can burn for up to three hours and are completely smoke and allergen-free, according to Houselogic.

4. Indoor plants can help brighten up your home, while decreasing dust. Try either the golden pothos or some gerbera daisies.

5. Let in the light by cleaning your window panes! More natural light can help cure the blues brought on by shorter days and colder temperatures.

6. After you've cleaned your window panes, take out the screens. Dirty screens make your home feel darker and screenless windows have great curb appeal!