Keep it or leave it?

They say you can’t take it with you, but that doesn’t apply to moving. Some things can come along on the ride, and some things are in it for the long haul with your current home. So what stays and what goes?

CHIC (Pearl)

A good rule of thumb is anything custom or built into the home is going to stay when you move, no matter how attached you are to it. The exception is large appliances like a fridge or a custom electric fireplace. Just be clear with the buyer about your intentions. The same goes for landscaping like trees, bushes, lawns, and garden structures. But you can probably take that potted succulent you’ve managed to keep alive since college!

GEEK (Kevin)

My rule of thumb is take everything that isn’t nailed down or unique to the home, because you never know if you’re going to miss it. So yes, commandeer all the major appliances, furniture, hardware, cabinets, tables, and TV wall mounts. And if you can’t decide on a certain item, just keep it. You can always sell it at a garage sale if you can’t use it in your new home. Just listen to Pearl and set ground rules up front with the buyer.

Should it stay or should it go?

Remember when you remodeled your kitchen and installed that high-end stove and oven you use every day to cook fabulous meals for your family? If you sell the home, you probably think you can take it with you. Not so fast! The buyer may have other ideas.

CHIC (Pearl)

Generally speaking, anything that’s permanently installed or custom built — like light fixtures, built-in shelving, and major appliances — stays with the home. Decorative items like rugs, artwork, and non-custom curtains are typically fair game if they can be removed without causing damage to the property. But if you find it’s hard to say goodbye to that special something that really pulled your home together, it’s important to avoid misunderstandings and make your plans clear to buyers in advance.

GEEK (Kevin)

Pearl’s absolutely right here. You have to set expectations up front. If you don’t plan on leaving your appliances or other hardware in the house, it’s wise to replace them before you start showing the house or disclose that info before you enter into contract. Even something as simple as those custom cabinet handles you’re planning to take with you could be the one thing that makes a buyer commit. Don’t lead them on. If you’re ever confused about what stays and what goes, ask your agent!

Tax Day Delayed

CHIC (PEARL)

When I have a free weekend, I like attending open houses and broker tours to get inspired. I love finding color schemes, design choices, and overall vibes to help our clients not only find a great home but make it their own. And sometimes I use the inspiration to spruce up our own home.

GEEK (Kevin)

Right about now, you’re probably thinking: Kevin’s going to say he worked on a DIY project around the house and helped one of our clients replace their water heater. ANd you’d be half right. I’ll leave it up to you to guess which half. Look for a hint in one of the stories below.

Chic vs. Geek: Keeping Clutter Off Your Countertop

It seems like every time we need something in the kitchen, we can’t find it because of all the appliances, trays, bowls, and other stuff taking up our countertops. So how do we cope?

CHIC (PEARL)

Anyone who tells you kitchens are supposed to be messy never had to clean up after family dinner! Personally, I need some motivation to keep my surfaces clear. So I try to add some style to kitchen organizing, like fancy jars for non-perishable ingredients, dividers for frequently-used utensils, and elegant hanging racks for pots and pans.

GEEK (KEVIN)

There is no reason you can’t solve your kitchen clutter issues with some very simple storage strategy. Figure out where and when you need this pot or that spatula, and find a drawer or cabinet to store them when they’re not in use while keeping them readily accessible when you’re in the heat of your culinary artistry. It will save you time and stress!

Chic vs. Geek: Go Green to Save Green!

We know that decarbonizing our lifestyles is an important part of fighting climate change, but what about our homes?

CHIC (PEARL)

If you want to reduce your energy use and bring a brighter touch to your home, invest in a skylight or move some windows to capture light at different times of day. In addition to warming up the aesthetics, these “passive solar” steps reduce the need for costly artificial lighting during the day. You can also invest in awnings, shutters, and curtains to control the light and heat in your home.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Natural light helps you see, but how can you survive without natural gas? Think about going electric with a heat pump for heating, cooling, and water heating. Replacing your gas stove with an induction version is another smart investment, and it won’t blow you up! Energy upgrades like this can get expensive, but there are government incentives to help, and the savings pay back the costs in short order.