Posts made by author ' Old Colony, REALTORS®'

Remodeling your house is a great way to add value to your home. When deciding which projects to complete here are some tips on pitfalls to avoid that can turn a renovation into a nightmare.

First, know exactly what you want. If you aren't specific with a contractor, they will most likely give their own interpretation to a project which can be costly and frustrating. Do your research. There are many websites that detail specific elements and can even give information on cost. Make sure you are clear about what you want.

Don't necessarily hire the first contractor you speak with. It's important to talk with a few, get estimates and compare. Do your homework. Ask for references and examples of their work. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. If not, that could be a red flag.  Think about the amount of money you are investing in your remodeling project and the important role the contractor plays.

Just because the bid is the lowest, doesn't necessar...

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There are several initiatives that West Virginia residents can take advantage of as a home owner for going green at home.  What exactly is going green, anyway? There are varying definitions and ideas to going green, including recycling and reduction of energy dependence.  For some, this can simply be participation in programs while for some it is a complete lifestyle. Regardless, the bottom line is that going green simply means taking steps to help save the environment.

In West Virginia, there are three power companies who offer rebates to customers based on energy efficient weatherization and HVAC equipment.  Appalachian Power, Wheeling Power Company, and AEP offer these measures.  Once work it completed, and paperwork has been submitted, a rebate check will be sent in under 45 days.  For more information, please visit AEP online at http://aeprebates.com/customers/residential-programs.

There is...

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Kanawha County is home to Charleston, the state capital of West Virginia.  Founded in 1789, the county was named after the Kanawha River, which runs through the middle of the county and many cities in the county sit along its banks, including Charleston, South Charleston, Dunbar, Nitro and St. Albans, comprising the greater Kanawha Valley. The Kanawha River derived its name from Indian tribes who settled in the area. When first founded, Kanawha County was actually a part of Virginia, and became part of West Virginia on June 20, 1863. There is strong history of history of salt development, which stimulated early economic development. Once the state capital was established in Charleston, this led to further economic development in the government and banking industries.

There are several noteworthy features to the Kanawha Valley and the greater Charleston area. It is home to the 293 foot state Capitol dome that actually stands 5 feet higher than the U.S. Capitol in Washington...

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Dilemma: You want to make some changes to your home but don't have the time or cash to commit to major renovations. Don't fret, there are smaller, less costly projects that can be completed that will add value to your home and a smile to your face.

Have a home office? There are more people these days that work out of their homes. By updating the home office, you can add some value by changing an unused space into a work area. Projects such as painting, refurbishing an older desk, adding shelving or even new windows can breathe new life into an older space or one that hasn't been used previously.

Owner's suites can add a degree of luxury at a low price. Take the main bedroom of your home and pick a color and theme. There are thousands of ideas out there – utilize the Internet or make visits to local home improvements stores for inspiration. Pinterest, which is an online idea warehouse, contains thousands of ideas and leads for channeling creativity.

Landscap...

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It's finally here! Closing day! Before you get swept away in the excitement of a new house, make sure you remember some important points with the home closing process. Here are some thoughts to consider.

1. Know exactly what you are buying. Buying a home is a major investment. Do your homework and make sure the property has been inspected and you know exactly what you are getting.
   
   
2. Know how you are paying. It's important to educate yourself on the type of loan you about to inherit, when payments are due, what the interest rate is and any penalties associated with the loan. When signing the paperwork, ask questions and make sure you understand the terms of the loan.
   
   
3. Know what out of pocket expenses are associated with the closing. Although you have a loan, there is a possibility that some money will need to be paid out so the closing can proceed smoothly and the closing happens on time.
   
   
4. Know if you're "turne...

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