We outline the things that you should notice that other people may overlook when buying, selling, or renting properties. These tips will make you more knowledgeable about a specific situation, and will allow you to make a more informed decision.

1. Do you have any concerns with this property?

A real estate agent will have better knowledge of the property, including what has been reported on the Property Condition Disclosure Statement (PCDS) and the prior history of the home. Things like how many times the home has been put up for sale in the past years, how long it’s been on the market and how many price reductions it’s had over the years.

2. How should I handle unforeseen problems with home inspections?

If something comes up in the inspections of a home, talk to your real estate agent on what can be worked out between a buyer and seller. The seller can end up paying for repairs or concessions, however every situation is different, so speak with your agent about the appropriate course of action for you.

3. Can I have a CMA for the home?

A real estate agent can do a comparative market analysis to estimate a home’s value in the current market. This is helpful to you because they will compare the property to other homes that have sold recently in that area. Then you will have a better idea of what the home is worth, if it is reasonably priced, and what would be a good offer to make on the property. 

4. Is there any sales history that could affect my offer?

Again, your agent will be able to see the history of a property on the MLS. This can inform you if the property was difficult to sell in the past, and also how many different hands it's been through in recent years.

5. Can you recommend any real estate attorney’s, inspectors, appraisers, mortgage broker’s?

Your real estate agent should know the best quality of local professionals that you need to get in touch with throughout the process of purchasing a home. If your agent is competent and trustworthy, you can trust the people they recommend too!

Sometimes it can be hard to find a starting point when decorating your first apartment (or second or third, so on). To help you out, we have compiled a list of the few things that will get you on your way to a stylish new apartment. 

Set up an entryway

Get some coat hooks, a slim basket for umbrellas, a chic accent chair for putting on shoes and a mirror that dresses up the wall (which will be useful for last minute touch-ups). Also having a place to put away all the your shoes will be good to keep things organized.

Install Window Treatments

The right curtains or shades will help give your space a polished look, just make sure they are the right length and look for your space.

Personalize the bathroom

To make a rental feel more like home, add your own style in the bathroom, have custom shower curtains, towels, decor and art on the walls. 

Add storage to your bathroom

A few extra shelves wouldn't hurt to help keep your bathroom organized and tidy.

Spruce up the hallways

Even if the hallway is also the living room and the kitchen, you can still decorate the little nooks and corners of the space. Think something like a little table with some decor on it, a wine rack, etc.

Hide furnaces and AC units creatively

It's tough having decorated a whole space and something like an AC unit is a huge eyesore in a room. Here’s a few ideas we found on Pinterest, 31 creative ways to hide eyesores around your home.  The possibilities are endless!

Keep clothing organized

Nothing ruins the look of a room like clothing scattered all over the floor. Optimize your closet with a hamper, drawers, shelves and hangers that make it easy to stay organized. 

Swap out light fixtures

Most apartments come with ceiling mount light fixtures that can be easily replaced without rewiring anything at all: simply pick out your new fixture, unscrew the old one, and replace it with your new, better fixture.

Removable wallpaper is your friend

This can be the perfect temporary solution to ugly tiles in a bathroom or kitchen, doors, and of course, walls. If you pick the right design, peel and sticks aren’t a bad option for renters!

Get some art on the walls

More so than furniture, the items you choose for your walls, as well as their placement and arrangement, are unique to you and help you personalize your rental. When in doubt, stick to a theme and don’t over clutter an area. 

Use color wisely

Start with a neutral base, then begin adding in a bit of color here and there. You could also choose a single statement item that brings a bit of fun color, this could be a rug, a chair, an art piece, whatever!

Happy decorating!