Moving into a new house is exciting, but let’s be honest— it takes time for a house to truly feel like home. If you’re staring at blank walls and wondering how to put your personal stamp on your new space without breaking the budget, these summer DIY house projects are perfect for you. Not only are they budget-friendly and beginner-friendly, but they’ll help transform your new house into a space that truly reflects your personality and style.

Why Summer is Perfect for DIY House Projects

Summer offers the ideal conditions for both indoor and outdoor projects. The longer daylight hours give you more time to work, warm weather makes outdoor projects comfortable, and if you’re a new homeowner who moved during the popular summer season, these projects will help you settle in and connect with your new neighborhood.

4 DIY Projects to Transform Your New House This Summer

01. Create Instant Curb Appeal with Front-of-House Updates

What you’ll do: Combine multiple small projects for maximum impact

• Fresh mailbox: Replace that builder-grade mailbox with something that reflects your style
• Neighborhood pride: Add a subtle neighborhood flag, welcome sign, or house number upgrade
• Power washing magic: Clean your driveway, walkways, and front porch – you’ll be amazed at the difference
• Front porch furniture: Add a small bistro set, planters, a door wreath, or a welcoming bench

Why it matters: Your front entrance is the first thing you and your neighbors see every day. These updates immediately make your house feel like yours while helping you connect with your new community.

Budget: $100-300 | Time: One weekend

02. Paint Your Way to Personality (Interior & Exterior Touch-ups)

What you’ll do: Strategic painting for maximum impact

• Accent wall: Choose one wall in your main living space to make a bold statement
• Fresh paint touch-ups: Address any scuffs or nail holes from moving
• Front door refresh: A bold front door color instantly adds personality
• Cabinet hardware upgrade: Swap out builder-grade cabinet knobs and pulls for something more stylish

Why it matters: Paint is the most cost-effective way to transform a space. An accent wall adds personality without overwhelming the room, while fresh paint throughout makes everything feel clean and intentional.

Budget: $75-200 | Time: One to two weekends

03. Build Your Garden Oasis

What you’ll do: Create outdoor growing space that fits your lifestyle

• Raised garden bed: Perfect for herbs, vegetables, or flowers
• Container garden: Great for renters or those with limited yard space
• Porch planters: Add greenery to your front entrance
• Herb garden: Start with easy herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary

Why it matters: Nothing says “home” like growing something yourself. Fresh herbs from your own garden make cooking feel more special. Plus, gardening is a great way to meet neighbors and enjoy your outdoor space. In Atlanta, it’s not unheard of to have neighbors welcome the new neighbor with homemade pickles or a basket of freshly-picked squash from their garden. 

Budget: $50-250 | Time: One weekend to set up, ongoing maintenance

04. Design Your Perfect Outdoor Living Space

What you’ll do: Create an inviting backyard retreat

• DIY fire pit: Build a simple stone or brick fire pit for evening gatherings
• Outdoor seating area: Arrange comfortable furniture for your deck or patio
• String lights or lanterns: Add ambient lighting for evening enjoyment
• Weather-resistant storage: Create storage for outdoor cushions and supplies

Why it matters: Your backyard should feel like an extension of your indoor living space. A fire pit becomes a natural gathering spot for making new friends and creating memories in your new home.

Budget: $150-400 | Time: Two weekends

Tips for Success with Summer DIY House Projects

Start Small: Choose one project that excites you most and complete it before moving to the next.

Shop Smart: Check local Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and estate sales for affordable materials and furniture.

Get Social: Share your project plans on neighborhood apps – you might find neighbors willing to lend tools or offer advice.

Document the Process: Take before and after photos to track your progress and share your transformation journey with friends and family.

Know When to Call Pros: These projects are designed to be beginner-friendly, but don’t hesitate to consult professionals for electrical work or anything involving structural changes. When in doubt, call a pro, especially if you’ve gone down a DIY rabbit hole that could potentially require a permit.

Making Your House Feel Like Home Takes Time

Remember, transforming a house into a home doesn’t happen overnight. These summer DIY house projects are just the beginning of your journey. Each small change you make helps create a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle.

The best part? Many of these projects will help you meet neighbors and become part of your new community. Don’t be surprised if your garden becomes a conversation starter or your fire pit becomes the neighborhood gathering spot.

Ready to get started on your summer DIY house projects? Pick one project that speaks to you and dive in. Your future self (and your house) will thank you.

Just moved to the Atlanta area? I’d love to help you find the perfect house to transform into your dream home. Contact me to start your home buying journey.

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Getting Started with Selling Your Home

01. Schedule a home preview – Before diving into the home-selling process, you’ll need to connect with a knowledgeable realtor. A realtor brings expertise to the table, guiding you through the intricate steps of selling your home. Start by scheduling a preview, where the realtor will assess your property and provide valuable insights.

During the preview, the realtor will evaluate your home’s condition, layout, and features. This assessment helps you understand your home’s market value and allows the realtor to suggest effective strategies for showcasing your property’s strengths. A preview is the initial step towards a successful home-selling journey.

02. Declutter and Deep Clean – A clutter-free and sparkling-clean home is essential to make a lasting impression on potential buyers. Before listing your home, dedicate time to decluttering and deep cleaning each room. Begin by removing personal items, excess furniture, and unnecessary clutter. This step not only makes rooms appear more spacious but also allows buyers to envision their belongings in the space.

Next, tackle a deep cleaning session. Scrub floors, wipe down surfaces, and pay special attention to high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. A clean and fresh-smelling home not only enhances visual appeal but also gives the impression of a well-maintained property. Buyers are more likely to be drawn to a home that exudes cleanliness and care.

03. Hire a Professional Photographer – Capturing your home’s beauty through high-quality photographs is crucial for attracting potential buyers online. In today’s digital age, most buyers begin their home search online, making visually appealing photos a powerful marketing tool. To showcase your home in its best light, consider hiring a professional photographer.

A skilled photographer knows how to capture the essence of each room, highlighting its unique features and creating inviting visuals. Exterior shots are equally important; they provide a glimpse of the home’s curb appeal and overall ambiance. High-resolution, well-lit images are more likely to grab buyers’ attention and encourage them to schedule a viewing.

Taking these three essential steps – scheduling a preview with a realtor, decluttering and deep cleaning your home, and hiring a professional photographer – sets the stage for a successful home-selling experience. Each step contributes to creating an irresistible first impression that captures potential buyers’ attention and imagination. By investing time and effort into these initial stages, you’re well on your way to selling your home swiftly and at the price it deserves. Start your journey with confidence, knowing you’re presenting your home in the best possible light.

Ready to start your home selling process? Visit us here to connect with a S&C agent!

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3 Reasons You Aren’t Getting an Over-Ask Offer Like Your Neighbor

01. The Price is Not Right – One of the most critical aspects of selling a home is determining the right asking price. Pricing your property too high can deter potential buyers and lead to prolonged listing periods. On the other hand, pricing it too low might attract numerous offers, but you risk losing out on potential profits. The key is finding the sweet spot – a price that aligns with the current market conditions, comparable sales in your area, and the unique features of your home.

To avoid pricing pitfalls, consider enlisting the help of a reputable real estate agent. A professional agent can conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to assess recent sales data and provide you with an accurate estimate of your home’s value. By setting the right price from the start, you increase your chances of attracting motivated buyers and potentially receiving offers above your asking price.

02. You don’t look your best online – In today’s digital age, a significant portion of the home buying process occurs online. Homebuyers typically browse through listings on real estate websites and apps before deciding which properties to visit in person. If your online presence isn’t compelling, you may struggle to get potential buyers through your front door.

To enhance your online appeal, invest time and effort into preparing quality listing photos and virtual tours. Clean and declutter your home to make it appear more spacious and inviting. Consider hiring a professional photographer who specializes in real estate photography to capture your home’s best angles and natural light. Also, ensure that the listing description highlights the unique features and selling points of your property. The more appealing your online presentation, the more likely you are to attract serious buyers willing to make competitive offers.

03. You Haven’t Prepared for a Showing that Sell – First impressions matter, especially when it comes to selling a home. If you haven’t adequately prepared your property for showings, you might be missing out on opportunities to secure over-ask offers. Homebuyers want to envision themselves living in the space, and a well-prepared showing can help them connect emotionally with your home.

Start by addressing any necessary repairs and giving your home a fresh coat of paint if needed. Depersonalize the space by removing family photos and personal items, allowing buyers to imagine their own belongings in the house. Stage your home to showcase its full potential, using furniture and decor to highlight the best features of each room.

Furthermore, pay attention to the exterior of your home, as curb appeal is the first impression buyers have before entering. Keep the lawn manicured, clean the driveway and pathways, and add some potted plants or flowers for an inviting touch.

In conclusion, if you’re not receiving over-ask offers like your neighbor, consider these three reasons – pricing, online presentation, and home preparation. By addressing these factors strategically, you can increase the attractiveness of your property to potential buyers and enhance your chances of receiving competitive offers that exceed your asking price. Selling a home is a process that demands attention to detail, but with the right approach and an experienced agent, you can achieve a successful sale and move on to your next exciting chapter.

Ready to start your home selling journey? Visit us here!

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Why Sage & Cedar may not be the listing team for you

01. Negotiating with other agents and their buyers – Who needs a skilled negotiator to navigate the treacherous waters of real estate deals? Certainly not you! Forget about those pesky negotiations and just let the buyers have their way. After all, it’s not like money is at stake or anything. Let’s leave your hard-earned dollars up to chance!

02. Communicating with lenders, other agents, closing attorneys, inspectors, appraisers, contractors, and so many others – Ah, the joy of juggling multiple phone calls, emails, and appointments. Who needs a real estate agent to handle all those pesky details? You’re a master multitasker, right? So what if you’re in a meeting and the deal is falling apart, you’ll get back to them tomorrow, if they haven’t terminated the contract by then…

03. Covering the cost of professional photography and marketing – Why bother spending money on professional photography and marketing when you can just snap a few iPhone pictures and post them on your favorite social media platform? Who cares about making a great first impression or attracting serious buyers? The blurry, poorly lit photos of your house will surely do the trick!

Why Sage & Cedar may not be the listing team for you

04. Attending appointments, making phone calls, answering emails, hosting open houses, etc – What fun spending hours on end attending appointments, making endless phone calls, answering countless emails, and hosting open houses. Why would you want to delegate these soul-crushing tasks to a real estate agent when you can do it all yourself? After all, who needs a social life or any semblance of sanity anyway? You were looking for a challenge, right?

05. Knowing the market in the neighborhood you are selling in. Knowing how to read and use current market data – Who needs market knowledge when you can rely on your gut feeling? Forget about understanding the trends, analyzing market data, and pricing your home competitively. It’s all just a wild guessing game, and you, my friend, are a natural-born guesser!

So there you have it, folks—a foolproof guide to sabotaging your home sale. Hiring a real estate agent is for amateurs! Why would you want someone with experience, expertise, and a proven track record to help you navigate the complicated world of real estate when you can stumble around in the dark like a blindfolded toddler?

JUST KIDDING – We are full of jokes here at Sage & Cedar. Listing your home for sale is a full time job, and an agent with experience is necessary for success. Want to learn more about working with a Sage & Cedar agent? Visit us here!

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Contract to Closing

01. Inspection Period – Before putting your home on the market, it’s essential to address any necessary repairs. A little bit of prep work can go a long way in making sure your home inspection goes smoothly and helps you sell your home with ease. 

02. Appraisal – If a buyer is getting financing, it’s inevitable that the home will be appraised. Don’t let your home appraisal take a hit! Your listing agent should prepare you with a CMA and, if it’s an option, make sure you request an appraisal gap stipulation from the buyer.

Selling made Easy

03. Buyers Mortgage Loan Approval – Typically a buyer has 35-45 days for loan approval, but this does depend on the terms accepted on an offer from the buyer. A good tip is to make sure the lender has already taken the buyer through underwriting before accepting the offer.  

04. Closing – Embrace the bittersweet nature of closing day. Celebrate the accomplishment, reflect on your memories, and look forward to what’s next. Selling your home can be an easy process if you’re prepared and willing to put in the time and effort. With the right preparation and approach, you’ll be able to find a buyer quickly and move on to your next adventure.

Looking to start the selling process? Visit us here for a free home valuation and to find out your next steps!

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A few reasons you should hire Sage & Cedar Real Estate!

01. We have specialized knowledge of the real estate market and can help you find the best deal on a property – The agents with Sage & Cedar are well-connected in the industry and can access resources that you may not have access to, such as market insights, off-market listings, and more. 

02. We can also help you navigate the legal and financial aspects of a real estate transaction – Real Estate contracts are wordy! Sage & Cedar is all about education when it comes to working with our clients. Making sure you understand these legally binding contracts is so important. 

03. We have experience negotiating the best price for buyers and sellers and can help you determine a fair market value for a property – There are so many things that go into pricing a home for the market AND pricing a home when making an offer. Making sure we price your home right the first time and we help you make the most informed offer we can isn’t luck. It’s skill and know how!

More reasons you should hire Sage & Cedar Real Estate

04. We can provide valuable advice on everything from staging your home for sale to making sure the paperwork is in order – We cover everything from a to z. Listing your home and managing the sale is a full time job. A few examples include listing your home on the mls, managing showings, negotiating contracts, keeping up with timelines, etc.

Whether you are a buyer or seller, Sage & Cedar is the right call for you. Interested in starting your home buying journey? Click here. Getting ready to list your home? Chat with us here!

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3 Reasons to Sell your Home Now!

01. The Buyer Pool is Expanding – Interest rates have gone back down, which means the buyer pool has opened back up! Buyers are entering the market again after a slow fall and winter market. Spring is usually a great time to list, even more so in 2023.

02. More Buyer Competition means a Quicker Sale – More buyers in the market usually means more competition between buyers. More competition between buyers creates better terms for sellers! These terms include higher prices, shorter contingencies, and quicker home sales. 

Experts say the Atlanta home market is one of the strongest in the county

03.  Taking advantage of your equity – Experts say the Atlanta home market is one of the strongest in the county! Home owners are slated to collect on 5-10% more equity in 2023! With the small amount of inventory pushing home prices north over the next year, your home could fly off the market over list price if you’re working with the right agent!

If you’re considering a sale, make sure to consult with a real estate agent and other professionals to ensure you get the best possible outcome. Our Sage & Cedar agents will take you through the process, give you price suggestions, and connect you with the appropriate vendors! Click here to start your home selling journey! 

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Why do I need a listing agent to list my home?

Your listing agent is someone who can navigate you through this process of prelisting, listing, choosing offers, appraisal issues, legal issues etc. Working to maintain the listing and all that comes with it is a full time job! Let’s look a little more into the job of your listing agent:

01. Setting a listing price – Your agent will visit your home, inquire about updates, repairs, defects, etc. They will also check the market for comparable listings in your neighborhood. After becoming well informed, your agent will suggest a list price for your home.

02. Suggest repairs and upgrades – Experienced listing agents know what it takes to sell. Any repairs or upgrades suggested by your agent will help the home stand out from other properties in a potential buyers price point.

03. Staging – Having a home staged and decluttered will show your home in the best light possible. Your agent can suggest local stagers to help you declutter, design, and even bring in new furniture during the listing period to help potential buyers see themselves in your home!

04. Photograph – Your agent will hire professional photographers to take listing photos for the MLS. Photos are the public’s first impression, so professional photos are important. Good lighting and photo quality will make your home stand out from the crowd!

Hiring a real estate agent to list your home is one of the most important things you can do.

05. List – Licensed agents have access to the MLS (multiple listing service). This is where they list your home to share with partner websites, other agents, and qualified buyers. Agents will make sure they have all the correct information from public records, builders, and surveyors before they list.

06. Market – Open houses, virtual tours, and email blasts are just a few ways your agent will market your home to agents and their buyers. During the marketing period, your agent will be fielding phone calls, emails, and text messages about your home. They will also make sure the agents and interested buyers has all the correct information they need to make an offer. 

07. Negotiate – Knowing the process, how long certain contingencies take, and what buyers are qualified are just a few of the ways your agent will help you negotiate any potential contracts. Having the knowledge to keep you protected is a huge part of your agents job. 

08. Keeping up with timelines – Once you have a contract your agent will keep you updated on any upcoming timelines and coordinate with the lender, attorney, appraiser, inspector, and buyers agent. Missing a timeline could end up costing you money. 

Interested in listing your home with Sage & Cedar? Click here for a free listing guide or to connect with a Sage & Cedar agent!

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How much does it really cost to list your home for sale?

01. Home Repairs- Before you list, your agent will walk your home with you and suggest repairs. Some sellers may even do a prelisting inspection to keep any inspection hurdles from slowing down the escrow process. If a buyer finds a repair needed through inspection, and you were not previously aware of it, it could be a cost you were not expecting.

02. Staging – Is your home vacant? If so, your agent may suggest staging it. It’s much easier for a potential buyer to imagine themselves in a home that is already staged. There are different types of staging from a “Home Edit”, where the stagers use the sellers furniture to create a welcoming space, all the way to a partial renovation. Including paint, flooring, and so much more.

03. Property taxes – If your tax bill has not come out for the year, the closing atty will estimate and prorate the taxes at closing. You will pay your portion of the taxes from Jan 1 until the closing date to the buyer. When the tax bill comes out for that year, the buyer will already have your portion escrowed along with what they owe!

Learning about the cost of listing your home ahead of time will keep you organized and prepared for what’s to come!

04. Commissions – Agents work on commission. Typically this commission is 6% of the home sale price with 3% going to listing broker and 3% going to selling broker. Once the broker gets paid, your agent will get a split of this amount which pays for the marketing they did, the signage, the photos, potential staging, an fmls fee and their time working for you. 

05. Capital gains – When you sell a home for more than you paid for it, that counts as a capital gain and may need to be reported on your tax return. Many homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 of profit ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly) if it was your primary residence for at least two out of the previous five years.

Other costs can include Seller paid closing costs, repairs needed to be made after the inspection and other various costs. Consult with your agent to get a better idea of what your specific home sale will cost! Interested in listing your home with Sage & Cedar? Click here for a free listing guide or to reach out to a Sage & Cedar agent. 

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NAR stats from 2020 reveal the average home sat on the market for about 24 days before being scooped up, and the average time from binding contract to closing is about 24 days. That puts us at about 48 days total before we hit the closing table. 

So list it and be at the closing table in 48 days! Easy right? Not necessarily. There are some things that can impact the timeline of your sale:

Things that can impact the timeline of your sale:

01. Buyers/Sellers market – What’s the condition? If there are a lot of listings to choose from, you will need to make your listing stand out to sell quickly

02. Condition of the home – does the home have visible signs of wear and tear? This equates to dollar signs in the eyes of buyers

03. Pricing – The goal with any agent is to price the home correctly. Statistics show that the longer the home sits on the market, the less the seller will get for their property. 

04. Buyer setbacks – Once you have your home under contract there are things outside of your control that could stall the sale of your home. Buyer setbacks include inspection, appraisal, and buyer financing.

Whenever you decide to sell your home, the first step is reaching out to an agent! Talking with a professional will help you decide if now is the right time to list!

Interested in listing your home with Sage & Cedar? Click here for a free home valuation!

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