Saving Floors

One of the things we try to do in a new home is save the original hardwood flooring if we can. Original hardwood floors give the house it's character and charm and when they are properly restored they can really make a home shine.

First you need to prep the floors to be sanded. This means removing or nailing in any loose nails, fixing any loose or broken boards, and make sure sure the surface is nice is clean.

Next comes the sanding! Getting the floors sanded down takes away almost all the scruffs and scratches in the wood. If there are top coat stains, sanding can also help!

Picking the right color stain is important and we try to find a color that's similar to the original hardwood to keep it natural to the homes original character. It's important to make sure you even out the stain properly. When too much stain is in a certain spot it makes it sticky and almost impossible for the stain to dry.

Last is sealing. All that hard work needs to be sealed to prevent further scratches and scuffs. This will also make cleaning the floors much easier to maintain. Hardwood floors are something that we think is a mandatory staple in a home. If we come across one that doesn't we always put them in!

photos via 1. 2. 3. 4.

Bringing Your Personality In

Having an updated home really takes the ease of all the hard work and money into a home but you still get to have fun with the styling! Here are some great ideas for creating a little personality into your brand new updated kitchen:

Bring in some bar stools that fit your style! There are so many different styles and options to choose from that really give you a different feel once you bring them into your space!

Throw in some color! Whether it's wall art, centerpieces, or just a plant you love, bring in a color that's going to bring the kitchen to life and make you smile when you walk in the room.

Find some storage pieces to keep your kitchen organized but also give it a little personality at the same time! A gorgeous new updated kitchen deserves the chance to stay organized and clean.

Before you know it you are going to have a gorgeous new kitchen that also feels like it could only be yours!

This is just one more reason we love to provide updated kitchens in the homes we renovate. We bring the necessities and you get to have fun with all the decorating!

photos via 1. 2. 3. 4.

Adding To The Community

One of our goals in the process of renovating a home is to add to the community. We love taking a home that could use a little help and restoring it to it's former glory with a little bonus of some upgraded materials! Not only does the inside get a makeover but we also like to upgrade the curb appeal which can enhance the community in many ways!

Whenever there is work being done on the house, it seems like the rest of the neighborhood steps out to see what's going on! This is a great opportunity to get to know the neighbors stir up some sense of community to bring everyone together.

Curb appeal can make a difference to the neighborhood as well! It might just spark some of the other neighbors to do a little upgrading themselves and the next thing you know, the rest of the neighborhood is eye catching!

Although we love to do low maintenance when it comes to the outdoors, keeping up with the curb appeal which gets you outside and as well as your neighbors if they are following suit, that's just one more way to bring everyone together!

We like to think all it takes is a little love to bring the community together and if a little updating and curb appeal can do that, we are doing the best we can to create a better place.

pictures via: 1. 2. 3. 4. 

Letting Go of an Estate

When that awful time comes and you lose a loved one, there is nothing worse than not having the time to grieve before you are thrown into all the responsibilities of their assets. Whether it's their funeral, their home, or the bills they've left behind it can seem so overwhelming within minutes.

There isn't any easy way to figure out what's best to do in these situations but sometimes it's the easiest way that can take some of the pain away. The process of estates are just one of the huge tasks that can be simplified to make it easier on you.

Something we do as a company is try to make this process as easy and smooth as possible. We pay with cash so you have the money up front, which can help with any financial burdens that may have been passed down as well.

Since we are buying it right of your hands you won't have to worry about listing it with a Realtor and worrying about how it will do in the market, open houses, getting the property ready to sell with any changes or out of pocket upgrades. We take properties as is!

As an added bonus we have a list of other services specifically designed to help this process go as smoothly as possible! If you have any questions about what we do - don't hesitate to contact us for more information!

images via google

Find The Perfect Home

Trulia posted their top ten tips for finding the perfect home and I couldn't agree more! Here's a brief summary of what they had to say:

1. Go for the long haul

Imagine being able to live there for five to ten years. Do you think this home will still work for you if you are planning on growing your family or having any other major changes in your life? The longer you stay in a home the higher your equity grows and with the current market growing, the better chances of you making more on your home when you turn around to sell it.

2. Leave room to grow

Life changes and sometimes not how we expected too! Twins instead of one baby, college graduate moving back in after graduation, parents moving in. There are so many scenarios that may happen and knowing you have the extra space to accommodate is key! Make sure the home is flexible to adapt to what you need it to be.

3. Be flexible

Rooms that have multiple functions are beneficial, especially if you are going to be there for a long time. When you are walking through a house, if you notice that you are saying this could be the playroom, or office, or spare bedroom - it's a good sign!

4. Go for your type

Not every house is built for everyone. A single family home might not be what you are looking for if you are a single person who loves the city and would rather take public transit than have a car! A condo or townhouse might be the better option!

5. Check the surroundings

When moving into a home, you are also moving into the neighborhood. Take moment to tour the neighborhood and see if it's the kind of area where you feel like you'd be comfortable. Is it too busy of a street, are the homes to close, is it walking distance to shops? Everyone has their own desires in a neighborhood and they are just as important as the home!

6. Buy what you can afford

Try to stay on budget! Sometimes even if your heart wants the home that's a little too pricey, you may find out later that it wasn't worth the extra funds. This will help if any mishaps happen along the road as well. Losing your job might not be in your future plans but knowing you can come up with what you need to keep living in your home is important, even in the worst cast scenario.

7. Think "home" first

Buying a home isn't just an investment. Don't just think about the dollar signs when you resale, you are going to live here for a good amount of time and you want to love it as well! By the time you go to resell it might be a completely different market so you can't always buy with the thought of resale in mind.

8. Look at both old and new (and renovated!)

Moving into a brand new home may seem like a great idea but older homes have their perks as well. Most tend to be cheaper than buying a brand new home and you can still add in all the features yourself to customize it how you want. It may come down to square footage. You get more for your money if you are willing to look at all the options. Get the best of both worlds with a renovated home - older home with more square footage for your money, but with upgraded materials and appliances!

9. Location, location

Everyone says this but not everyone follows through with it in the end. If you aren't in your desired location, you might may be making a mistake that you'll regret for the duration of your time in that home. Make sure it's where you want to be!

10. When it comes time to sell

Even though you want to think of you first in the home buying process, it is good to think about the resale value at the end. Is this home something that would be easy to sell when the time comes? Is it in a good location? Is the neighborhood safe? These shouldn't be in your first though of purchasing a home but it's good to keep in mind.     Thank you trulia for your amazing tips! Pictures via pinterest.

The Little Touches

Great renovating comes down to the most minimal details that mean the world. Cabinet knobs, sink faucets, lighting above the bathroom mirror. Everyone considers these as standard features but finding the ones that will add a little something extra to the space can make a huge difference.

Drawer pulls and handles may seem like an easy pick but matching it with the rest of materials in the kitchen can make it look like they were meant to be.

When picking a kitchen sink faucet, it needs to be easy, functional, but still pleasing to eye. Finding the perfect set to go with the type of sink your using is important as well.

Kitchen lighting can get quite personal fast! Since there are so many different style of lighting, sticking with the same family of drawer pulls and sink hardware is a great idea.

Bathrooms can be quite different from kitchen styles since you want them to be a bit more delicate and simple looking. Small spaces require a little more attention to the small details as well as size friendly to not feel overwhelming in the space.

The little details that make up the kitchen and bathroom are something we enjoy updating in our renovation because it's those fine details that add up to make a room stand out.

pictures from 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Things You May Not Have Considered

Renovating a home is not always as easy as it seems! Purchasing a renovated home on the other hand is a breath of fresh air. Not sure why? Here's a few things you might not have known about the process of renovating a home: In order to change and upgrade a home to the standards we like, we have to really get to know the home. That means inside and out! We check out every aspect of the home to make sure, what we are doing is going to be a good improvement.

We have done an extensive amount of homework on this renovation! When it comes to our contractors, materials, supplies, and team; you don't want anything but the best. Knowing what quality of work is being put into the home is half the battle.

There has been a lot of planning put into this home. Between scheduling, budgeting, and getting the right permits; we have list and are ready to check it off as we go. It is worth all the hard hours put into it to guarantee the home will be done correctly.

After putting so much into the home already, we are on site to make sure it comes out right. There are no exceptions when it comes to our renovated homes. This makes the ease of you purchasing it worth every minute.

We do all the grunt work so you can enjoy that move in ready home you always dreamed of! Imagine walking in and being able to say, "Welcome home!".

pictures via 1. countryliving 2. modernjane 3. tumblr 4. hometalk

A Little Curb Appeal

Since the weather is finally starting to warm up and spring cleaning is on it's way, we thought we'd share some great tips to improve your curb appeal! Making a change doesn't have to cost a fortune, sometimes it's more hard work than it is money!

Take a step back and see what it is you like and don't like about the front of your home. Are the bushes too high, is there a tree blocking your view, or maybe there just isn't any color to brighten up the home.

Sometimes overgrown shrubs can block some of the beauty of your home's curb appeal. If keeping up with it is the problem, consider replacing them with low maintenance shrubs that are easier to maintain but still compliment the home.

Make guests feel welcome by keeping the entryway open and clear of clutter. Sometimes simple is the best way to go!

Check your outdoor lighting to make sure it works for your area. A well lit area is great curb appeal at night, but too much light can take away from the home. Find the right balance that works for you!

Finally add some color or a personal touch. After all, this home's curb appeal matters to you the most! You are the one coming home to it each day.

picture references 1. bhg 2. countryliving 3. bhg 4. cottagedivine 5. pinterest

The Joys of a Upgraded Kitchen

One of the perks of our renovated homes is the upgraded kitchen. Since this is one of the most costly remodels in a home, buyers tend to shy away from kitchen that need a lot work. We love providing the homes we do with brand new kitchens to give them the sense of ease for moving day, but also because everything is brand new! What more could you ask for? Here are some kitchen inspirations we use when we are renovated our homes in hopes to make a new homeowner's life a little easier:

pictures via pinterest

5 Reasons to Love Fayetteville, NC

1. Small Town Feel - City Convenience:

Fayetteville has a great way of making you feel at home and giving you a small town feel where almost everyone is friendly and courteous. There are plenty of Mom & Pop shops and restaurants but you still get the luxury of city shopping and life. This is a great compromise for couples that might not agree on city/small town!

2. Golf 12 Months of the Year!

The climate in Fayetteville is sure to bring out those who love the outdoors. With Highs in the 50's and Lows in the 30's in December and January, you can still have a great golf day in the sun mid winter! Summers are pretty great too with the Highs in the upper 80's and Lows in 70's you are not going to melt or be stuck indoors!

3. Charming Affordable Homes

With the median income being just under $45,000 and average home cost being around $150,000 you are bound to find a property you can love inside and out! Another plus to the affordable homes is  the crime rate is very low in Fayetteville so you won't have to worry. Chances are great you can find a great deal of a house in a safe neighborhood!

  

4. There's Always Something To Do

Between shopping, restaurants, trails, fishing, hunting, golfing, museums and much much more! There are plenty of things happening in Fayetteville, you won't have any issues keeping busy. You might actually have trouble deciding what to do first!

5. Family Friendly and Fun

Fayetteville is a great place to raise children. The school systems are some of the highest rated in the area and family friendly neighborhoods give you the comfort of knowing your children are safe. There is also an amazing Fascinate-U Children's Museum you wouldn't want to miss.

Interested in moving to Fayetteville? Check out this home we renovated: 3429 Gables Drive

picture credits: 1.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.    

The Benefits of Renovation

Turn key homes are becoming more and more popular these days! Not only are they on most buyers wish lists but they are also becoming more and more affordable.

via Houzz

There are some other advantages that a renovated home has that you might not have considered. Brand new appliances, and most come with warranties!

via search.har

Renovated properties when done by professionals know how to get the best quality for the best price. So you know you are getting a great deal on great materials like hardwood floors and tile.

via diynetwork

Most but not all, renovated homes are short sales, foreclosures, auction, or estate sales. Basically these investors found a great deal when purchasing the home and went through the grueling process that it would take you to get a deal on a home.

via gnibo

Since they got the home for a great price, and can find great deals on materials, they aren't having to price a home at maximum cost so it's saving you money in the long run! You also don't have to lift a finger since they did all the dirty work for you.

via inyourbackpocket

So grab your things and enjoy that turn key home you've been dying to have!

What A Great Year

What a great year 2013 has been! As we look back on all the accomplishments we've had we also look forward to another great year ahead. Here's some of the things we are celebrating:

May: Formed an LLC that capitalizes on the experience and interest of three key partners:

- Adam Baughman: Commercial Real Estate Construction, Engineering background, Project Management

- Ben Smith: Residential Real Estate purchase and renovation, buy and hold experience, Business Management background

- Britney Smith: Residential buy and hold experience, tenant / seller relations, Financial expertise, and Marketing

June - July: Heavily networked and formed relationships with key Realtors, Brokers, Investors,Rehabbers, Contractors, and Title Companies. Developed on-line presence; created web site and social media sites, and began direct marketing to sellers.

August - December: Perfected direct marketing, outsourced some basic business functions, and submitted 10-30 offers per month on houses in our preferred markets. Began purchasing homes and managing rehabs on a large scale. Established a Private Placement Memo for our investors looking for an easy way to participate in our business.

End Result:

- Purchased numerous Single Family Homes in our 3 markets (MD, NC, and FL) from $52k - $400k

- Managed Rehabs ranging from $1,200 to $130,000 on homes purchased

- Purchased properties primarily from our Direct Marketing efforts, but also from referrals and MLSlistings

- Received offers on 80% of our rehab'd houses within 15 days of completion

MPS stands poised to meet 2014 with even more focus, vigor, and passion. We will sustain our ability to manage multiple rehabs and continue to submit multiple offers to get the right houses at the right price. With an increase in marketing, we also plan to increase our "homes purchased" in 2014. We will continue to develop valuable relationships with top contractors and real estate professionals, and maximize ROI while minimizing risk for our investors!

Thank you all for a great 2013 and we look forward to sharing a prosperous 2014 with you!

"Improving America's Communities, One Home at a Time!"

Benjamin M. Smith  |  Adam M. Baughman  |  Britney O. Smith

Mortgage Market Trends!

Home values are rising and the lack of potential income growth is making the housing market seem to slow down a bit. Here are some positive trends we are seeing:

via Houzz

In September, the average price of a single-family home rose 0.7% from August and 13.3% from a year ago reported S&P/Case-Shiller. In August, the average price has risen 12.8% from a year earlier. The average price is now down 19.8% from its prior peak in July 2006. The increase in September was slightly higher than expected by market forecasters. It had fallen 33.4% to a trough in March 2001 and is now up 20.4% from that market bottom. So prices have recovered almost half the decline. All of the 20 cities in the index showed an increase in year-over-year prices, led by gains of 29.1% in Las Vegas and 25.7% in San Francisco. The smallest gain was in New York City, which showed a 4.3% advance.

via chicagotribune

The FHFA home price index rose 0.3% in September, after an upwardly revised 0.4% increase in August. This index only reflects prices of homes insured by Fannie and Freddie.

via Pinterest

The USDA forecasts that net farm income will rise 15.1% this year to $131 billion, the highest level since 1973 on an inflation-adjusted basis.

via northcarolinacharm

Residential property sales, including single-family homes, condominiums and townhomes, continue to rise, increasing to an estimated annualized pace of 5.649 million in October, a 2% hike from a month ago and an increase of 13% from October 2012, the latest RealtyTrac Residential and Foreclosure Sales Report revealed.

A big thank you to John Coester for providing us with the information!