The Wyss Report: 7 Ways to Keep Your Property Safe After Moving Out

If you're moving out while your home is still on the market, there are things you should do to keep your property safe.

An unoccupied property is at risk for a break-in, and removing all your belongings doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Graffiti, damaged appliances, stolen copper wiring and broken windows can all add up to thousands of dollars in repairs.

Your agent will want to take extra precautions once your property is vacant, and to keep your investment as safe as possible, you’ll have to convince passerby the property is still occupied.

Here’s how to pull it off.

1. Ask for Backup

When you’re moving out, tell your immediate neighbors, the head of your neighborhood watch and your local police department that your property will be vacant.

With more eyes on the house, you’ll have a better chance of getting quick assistance if someone does break in.

2. Maintain the Lawn

An unkempt yard is a surefire sign a home is vacant. In the warmer months, make sure the lawn is mowed regularly, the flowerbeds are free of weeds, and there is no loose trash around the curb or driveway.

In the cooler months, clean the rain gutters, rake leaves off the lawn and clear the driveway and walkway if it snows.

3. Don’t Let Paper Pile Up

As soon as you’re finished moving out, forward your mail and newspaper subscriptions to your new address.

Ask a family member, friend or neighbor to stop by your home regularly to check for phone books, flyers and any mail that might have been accidentally delivered.

4. Make Repairs

A few times a month, check the outside of your property for any needed repairs. If you find any obvious problems, make repairs as soon as possible.

A cracked window, broken porch railing or loose shutter are small problems—but problems a live-in owner would fix.

5. Use Your Driveway

If you have a driveway attached to your home, ask a neighbor to park a car there. Many families with more than one car will be happy for the extra space, and a car parked in the driveway is a great deterrent.

6. Leave the Curtains Behind

If at all possible, leave the curtains or blinds on the windows in the home when you’re moving out.

Keep the curtains drawn and the blinds closed, even at the back of the house, in case a potential vandal hops your fence to see what’s inside.

7. Keep the Lights On

Purchase lighting timers, connect to inexpensive lamps and place the devices strategically throughout the house. Set the timers to go on and off in different rooms at the appropriate times of day or night.

Some would-be thieves or vandals will watch a property for days before breaking in. If they see lights in different rooms, they’ll assume the property still is occupied.

If you have a need for a real estate professional, please contact me. I would also appreciate your vote of confidence by passing my name to anyone you may know who would benefit from my services.

                    408.687.2026 |  Julie@JulieWyss.com | www.JulieWyss.com

The Wyss Report: 10 Home Improvement Projects You Can Do in a Day

Many home improvement projects are simple enough for the uninitiated DIYer and can be done in a day or less without breaking your budget.

1. Switch the hardware

Sometimes it’s easiest to begin with the front of the house rather than what’s inside, Kelly says, especially if you’re on a tight budget. To that end, changing the front doorknob and lock is a quick update that only takes a few minutes and can complement the style of the house. Add a kick plate for a touch of glam or go gold for a traditional feel.

2. Brighten the lights

Another quick, simple way to brighten your home is by changing the lights in the front yard. Feel free to purchase new ones, or better yet, clean the ones you already have. Your home will look far less spooky at night, and you’ll actually see where you’re walking.

3. Paint the door

If scrubbing bug-infested front yard lights isn’t your thing, put a new coat of paint on your front door to freshen it up. Go for something that complements the house’s exterior or be bold and opt for a pop of color, Kelly says, which will set the right tone.

4. Upgrade your house numbers

House numbers and address plaques are another quick update that can make a big difference. With the proper placement, they can make your house easier to find—not a bad thing when trying to sell—and the right style of numbers can help play up its architecture.

5. Plant a vertical garden

Beautify a blank wall by planting a vertical garden. “It can add architecture to the side or back of a home and be more structural” if you opt for, say, hanging planters, stacked crates, or a lattice, Kelly says. And the plants can be anything, from herbs used for cooking to bright gerbera daisies and vines.

6. Update kitchen or bath fixtures

Nothing modernizes a bathroom or kitchen quite like changing the fixtures. If you’re starting from scratch, you may want to coordinate with the rest of the room, although Kelly says she’s been seeing a lot of mixed metal and mixed wood. “People are more forgiving [of a lack of cohesion], and it seems more livable in our eyes,” she says.

7. Paint a piece of furniture

A fresh coat of paint can make old furniture feel new, Kelly says. Anything from bookcases to shelves to nightstands is an easy project, and if you mess up, so what? Just paint it again. “It’s not such a commitment, which is nice,” she says.

8. Install a fan

Installing a fan doesn’t take more than a few hours and is an inexpensive way to add interest to a room. Just remember to keep it “sleek and simple,” Kelly says, as low-profile fans are the best. “Don’t get too cute with it since it can quickly become dated.”

9. Change the cabinet hardware

“Changing the actual cabinet hardware can make a huge difference,” says Kelly, who recommends going with nickel for a more modern look. “It can dress up the cabinet.” Clear knobs are another option for a timeless and elegant feel, plus, they match nearly everything.

10. Add light dimmers

These days, homeowners are adding light-control dimmers and switches for the energy efficiency, not just the drama, Kelly says. “[Dimmers] are very affordable and create mood and ambiance,” plus you can use them with the lights that you already have. For a dramatic look, they work great in the dining room and bedroom.

If you have a need for a real estate professional, please contact me. I would also appreciate your vote of confidence by passing my name to anyone you may know who would benefit from my services.

 

408.687.2026 |  Julie@JulieWyss.com | www.JulieWyss.com

The Wyss Report: What Buyers Want

The National Association of Home Builders conducted a nationwide survey on what home buyers are looking for when purchasing a new house. Both people who had recently bought a home as well as prospective purchasers were asked what they felt were the most important features.

• Buyers want a home with a median of 2,226 square feet
• Lot size was important to 75% of purchasers
• Close to half want 3 bedrooms while about 30% want 4 bedrooms
• 65% want either 2 or 2.5 baths
• 57% of buyers prefer a single story home
• Over half want a 2 car garage
• For 65% of buyers, the most critical characteristic is 'living space and the number of rooms that meet their needs'
• Buyers focus on quality and appearance for most home features
• 85% or more buyers are interested in energy efficiency and organization/storage
• 84% want a walk-in pantry, table space for eating and a double sink in the kitchen
• Over 80% of buyers ant both a tub and shower in the Master bath
• 65% of buyers would sacrifice space in the Master bath for a larger Master bedroom
• 90% of buyers consider outdoor lighting essential
• 50% would like to have a wireless security system in their new home
• 62% would choose a small home with high quality products and amenities VS a larger home without
• 67% of buyers want an environmentally friendly home but aren't willing to pay more for it

If you have a need for a real estate professional, please contact me. I would also appreciate your vote of confidence by passing my name to anyone you may know who would benefit from my services.

 

408.687.2026 |  Julie@JulieWyss.com | www.JulieWyss.com