Articles Tagged "Home maintenance"

If you're planning a garden, choosing the ideal location is key to its success. The right combination of elements, such as proper soil conditions, sunlight, drainage, and more, will increase your chances of an excellent harvest.
  
Our real estate agents suggest the following tips for picking a spot for your garden:

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When you want a fast, affordable way to upgrade your home, our real estate agents know that painting is an excellent option to give your home a quick makeover. Fortunately, your walls aren't the only thing you can paint in your home to help it look its best. Here are a few other simple ways to use paint to enhance your home. 

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Interior design trends are a double-edged sword: what looks great today may look hopelessly dated tomorrow. That's why so many people are now interested in timeless home decor. Here are a few of the techniques we've picked up over the years while staging our Augusta homes for sale. 

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When looking at Augusta homes for sale, you're not just thinking about yourself and your family but also your pets. It's important to find a place that's comfortable for them and has the space they need. Decorate your new home in a way that is cohesive for your whole family, pets included. Here are a few tips for pet-friendly decor.

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With a new year comes a new set of interior design trends. Eager to get your home looking editorial-ready? Here are a few of the biggest trends that our real estate agents expect to see homeowners favoring during 2023.

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While the chilly temperatures mean you'll have to forgo outdoor gardening for a few months, our real estate agents know that winter is an excellent time to start an indoor garden. An indoor garden can provide access to fresh produce and enhance your home's air quality. Here are a few plants to try growing indoors this winter. 

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The laundry room is an often-overlooked space inside your home. You deserve to have a laundry room that is functional, organized, and enjoyable to spend time in. If the laundry room in your home is more like a messy closet than a clean oasis, then consider these laundry room makeover tips from our real estate agents.

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With the fall season here, it's a terrific time to give your home a seasonal makeover. Our real estate agents suggest following these tips to update your home for the autumn months. 

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One of the top ways to quickly transform your home and increase its sales value is to upgrade the flooring. Nothing detracts from a home as quickly as old carpet or dated flooring. Here are a few recommendations from our real estate agents for updating your flooring.

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Summer is yard sale season! Having a yard sale gives you an opportunity to declutter while bringing in a little extra money. If you're planning on having a yard sale this year, here are a few tips from our real estate agents for making sure it runs smoothly.

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When faced with an empty room, arranging furniture can feel like a daunting hit-or-miss task. Over the years, our real estate agents have picked up some practical tips and easy-to-apply principles from interior designers that take the guesswork out of arranging any room in the house.

Whether you're planning a move to Augusta homes for sale or just revitalizing a dull room, taking a practical approach to furniture arranging is important. Here are some tips from the design pros that will ensure a comfortable, inviting room with maximum design appeal.

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Moving is more than just a logistical challenge: it can also set the stage for an unforgettable social event. Many of the people who have recently purchased a property from our Augusta homes for sale have gone on to host housewarming parties for their friends, family, and new neighbors.

These occasions are great for breaking the ice and helping you get settled into your new community. If you're interested in hosting one yourself, our list of tips will help you prepare. 

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For most homeowners, the term "farmhouse decor" conjures up images of an interior with rustic features that reflect a casual, rural lifestyle on a farm. However, in today's homes, our real estate agents are seeing a much more modern version of the farmhouse style that combines rustic appeal with sleek, modern design elements.

In many Augusta homes for sale, the appeal of cozy farmhouse living is combined with contemporary architectural features that bring old and new together. Take a look at some great farmhouse touches that can quickly give your home an updated, eclectic style.

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A single shade tree in your yard provides extra comfort during the summer heat while also reducing your energy consumption and carbon footprint.

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When it comes to living spaces, our needs change throughout different stages of life. Large homes can become a lot to manage, especially when entering retirement. However, the decision to downsize can be a difficult one. Many people struggle with the idea of giving-up space or parting with a family home. 

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Color scheme trends are always changing. If you plan on buying a new home or redecorating this year, then it is important to keep current color trends in mind. The good news is that color trends for 2022 are about as exciting as they come. This year, it will be all about bright, energetic shades. As you look at Augusta homes for sale, here are some more specific color trends to keep in mind.

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If it feels like your chore list is neverending or that there are some cleaning tasks that you never get to, it's time to rethink how you clean your home. 

Our real estate agents suggest creating a cleaning schedule for your home. A cleaning schedule basically states when you'll complete certain tasks (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). 

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Freezing temperatures, frost, snow, and ice can impact the structure of your driveway. So, when the first snowfall arrives, there are several things you can do to preserve the integrity of your driveway. Keep your driveway in good shape especially in the winter, by following these tips. 

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Living a sustainable life starts in your home. November 15 is National Recycling Day – a day to celebrate the importance of preserving our precious resources and putting the planet first. Make a commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle more this year. Then, take the right steps to build a green, energy-efficient home. Here are simple ways to make your home more sustainable.

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Your home is a place that should make you feel comfortable and happy, so we always recommend adding a touch of your personality to your decor. Personalizing a space is truly the best way to create an atmosphere that brings you joy. If you're in the market for one of these Augusta homes for sale, it's not too early to start thinking about how you can add a personal touch to the interior of your new home. 

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If you're planning to sell your home, hosting an open house may attract interested buyers, but it may also be a stressful event for you. Our real estate agents can help with tips on getting organized and prepared for the big day, so you can reap maximum rewards for your efforts.

Buyers looking for Augusta homes for sale will come to your open house with high expectations. These days, homebuyers expect to see homes with clean, organized spaces, stylish furnishings, interior upgrades, and inviting outdoor areas. Here's how to set yourself up for success.

Clean and Declutter

Once you decide to hold an open house, the first step is cleaning and decluttering. The entire house will need to be deep cleaned from top to bottom:

• Sweep, vacuum, mop, and polish floors and carpets
• Wash dishes and put them away in cabinets
• Clean up spills on floors and countertops
• Dust furniture, blinds, and curtains
• Remove stains on carpets and upholstery
• Wash mirrors and windows

After you finish cleaning, it's time to declutter. Although household items may be essentials for you, potential homebuyers may see them as clutter. Gather some boxes and fill them with unused clothes, extra household items, and cleaning supplies, then store the boxes in the garage or a rental storage unit until the open house is over.

Remove Personal Items and Heirlooms

Displaying personal items such as family photos, personal knickknacks, and monogrammed items can distract buyers. It's common for homebuyers to look at personal items in a home to identify who lives there, but some people form strong opinions or judgments that may impact the sale. Before your open house, remove personalized items that can be distracting, as well as valuable family heirlooms that can be stolen.

Freshen Up Paint

If you've lived in your home for a while, your home's interior and exterior may need new paint. Check interior walls, doors, and cabinets for fingerprints, scuff marks, dents, and holes. Invest in a can or two of spackling paste and touch-up paint and fix the damages. To add curb appeal, clean out your gutters, paint exterior trim, give your front door an eye-popping new color, buy a new welcome mat, and replace old, faded house numbers.

Evaluate Your Furnishings

Although it's impossible to anticipate a buyer's style, you can evaluate your own to make sure it's not outdated or too over-the-top. Over-sized furniture, outdated window treatments, ornate accessories, and worn upholstery will not appeal to most homebuyers. Items that look like they don't belong in the house will disconnect buyers because they can't see themselves living in the home.

Don't Forget the Yard

In today's market, buyers pay close attention to outdoor spaces. They're looking for well-maintained yards with inviting areas to spend time outdoors. Before your open house, plan to mow the grass, trim the hedges, get rid of weeds and debris, and plant seasonal flowers for lovely pops of color.

Optimize Your Date

Avoid planning an open house during holidays and major sports events when people are preoccupied. Your real estate agent will likely take charge of marketing your open house with flyers, neighbor signs, and local multiple listing services that attract buyers.

If you're thinking about selling your home in the Augusta area, contact us for more information on planning a successful open house that will attract homebuyers.

Soon summer will be over and it'll be time to think about getting your Augusta property ready for the fall months. Among the tasks you'll be facing is bringing your container plants indoors. There are some easy things you can do to make the transition successful. Not only will this help ensure the well-being of your plants, but you'll be able to show off your thriving plants when you list your home among Augusta homes for sale.

Fall's Coming: Time to Move Your Plants Inside

Maybe you've always just lugged your container plants inside and stuck them in the sunniest location you have with drip saucers and hoped for the best throughout the long winter months. The fact is, you can do a lot more to ensure the plants survive -- and maybe even thrive -- in less than optimum conditions indoors. Here are the steps to take.

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If you're ready to sell your home, it's important to ensure that your house is in the best possible condition. Our real estate agents know that a property that appears well-maintained typically commands a higher asking price.

When you have a whole list of home improvement projects, it's hard to know where to start. Here are some guidelines to help you prioritize your home improvement projects.

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Natural light in your home is beneficial to your health, mood, and energy level. While dark, gloomy spaces can make you feel depressed and lethargic, spaces filled with sunshine will quickly brighten your day. Augusta buyers who work with our real estate agents want homes with lots of natural light and impressive outdoor views.

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As you discuss with our real estate agents the best home improvements to undertake before adding your house to Augusta homes for sale, one likely topic will be curb appeal. After all, the house's exterior is the first thing everyone sees when driving by or even looking at a photograph online. The driveway is a significant part of this image. At the least, you'll want it to be clean and in good repair. Starting with that baseline, let's consider some additional options.

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Our real estate agents know that when a homebuyer arrives to see a home, the property has a limited amount of time to create a positive first impression. Don't let dirty, clogged gutters keep your home from making a stellar first impression.

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Along with historic museums and festive city events, Augusta is full of nature trails, beautiful gardens, and scenic landscapes. At Sprague & Curtis, our real estate agents work with many buyers who are drawn to Augusta for its natural beauty and charm.

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Houseplants offer so many benefits! Bringing a bit of nature into our home environments can help us feel calmer, more rested, and more at peace. Houseplants can also be used to accentuate or bring attention to the finer points of your decor. 

But which houseplants will work best? There are a good many to choose from, and some are more demanding when it comes to growing conditions.

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If you've been looking at Augusta homes for sale and planning on decorating them your way, you might be seeing the walls as that perfect canvas for the accent wall you've always wanted. But if you're getting ready to sell, our real estate agents will caution you to make sure you're staging your home correctly.

An accent wall makes a beautiful addition to any home. Here are a few tips to help guide you, whether you are buying or selling.

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If you've spent a lot of time exploring Augusta homes for sale and finally found your dream home, you're likely to find that you need to breathe new life into your garden and landscaping. Starting a compost pile is a great way to repurpose kitchen scraps and other organic materials into a product that contains a full spectrum of essential plant nutrients. 

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If the kitchen is the heart of the home, it needs to be clean and organized for the entire home to function well. 

Considering that all family members utilize the kitchen throughout the day, it's easy to understand how it can accumulate a lot of clutter. Taking the time to declutter will make it easy to maintain a clean, organized kitchen. Whether you're a talented home chef or mostly use your kitchen for heating up leftovers, follow these tips for an organized kitchen. 

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If you're like most book lovers, you might find it hard to part with your favorite reads. This is one reason why many of us book lovers eventually turn into book hoarders. Keeping a collection of your favorite books isn't necessarily a bad thing, but books do take up a lot of space in your home. If your books are collecting dust in the corner or filling up space in your closet, you might want to consider transforming your collection into a stylish display.

Our real estate agents are big readers, and they compiled a list of their favorite, most creative ways to show off their book collections.

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Our real estate agents prefer growing their own plants from seed. It gives gardeners more flexibility and control over the way the young plant is raised. Also, you have a much wider choice of varieties and can work within the planting dates that suit your area. Here's a step by step guide to help you grow your plants from seed with ease.

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If it's time to replace the flooring in your home, two of the top options are carpet and hardwood floors. While both options can look lovely in your home, the best selection will depend on your specific circumstances. Our real estate agents know that buyer preferences will vary. Here are some things to keep in mind as you make your decision. 

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Oh, the weather outside may be frightful, but sitting at home by the fire sure is delightful this time of the year. Our real estate agents love warming up by the fireplace with our loved ones and watching the snowfall outside. Though fireplaces are rightfully loved for their warmth in both function and appearance, homeowners must not forget that these appliances are inherently dangerous. We recommend that all homeowners with a working fireplace follow these maintenance and safety tips — even if you don't use the fireplace often.

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Whether you've just purchased your home or you're readying your property to list on the market, it's highly likely that there are a few home upgrades you'll want to tackle. There are plenty of amazing renovations you could complete, but many of them include amazingly high remodeling costs. Here are five home upgrades that our real estate agents believe you can easily complete, no matter your budget.

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As a homeowner, you'll find yourself working on numerous DIY projects over the years. These can range from taking care of simple repairs to making important improvements to your home and yard, and you'll need to have some basic tools to help you tackle these projects. 

Our real estate agents suggest investing in the following tools before you start on a DIY project:

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There's a lot to do when buying a home, and once the closing documents are signed and the keys are in your hand, you might think that the hard work is over. However, once you actually own your new home, there are still a few things you need to do to ensure the safety of your new space and to help your family get comfortable in your new digs. Here are a few things to do after you buy your home. 

1. Change the Locks and Security Codes
   Even if the previous homeowners seem like kind people, you don't know how many people potentially have access to your new home. One of the first things you need to do is change or rekey the locks. If you want to update the look of your home's locks, you can swap the old locks for new ones. However, if you like the look of the old looks or if you're on a budget, you can have the locks rekeyed. When you have a lock rekeyed, the locksmith will adjust the pins and springs so that it fits a different key. Make sure to also change any security codes that potentially provide access to your home, like garage, security system, or gate codes. 

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Hanging wall art can seem daunting. Fortunately, you just need to ace the basics and you'll be hanging art like a gallery pro. 

Are you aiming to create a salon effect with your artwork, as you list your home among Augusta homes for sale? Or maybe you've just moved into a new home, and you're looking for a way to display paintings, family portraits, or found art in frames. Whatever your motivation, you'll be happier with the results if you follow these steps.

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Research indicates that clutter is detrimental for both your physical and mental health; not only does excess clutter allow for the build-up of dust and mold spores, but it can drain your emotional energy and contribute to feelings of depression. Clutter also impacts the appearance of your house, making it look less attractive than other Augusta homes for sale. Follow these simple tricks provided by our REALTORS® to help you tame the clutter in your home. 

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Thinking about starting a kitchen remodel project this summer? Summer is the best time of year to take care of any interior remodeling project, including the kitchen. If you are eager to host family gatherings and holiday celebrations this fall, our real estate agents recommend getting started now to get the work done before the weather starts to cool. 

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Spring may be the season most associated with gardening, but July is not too late to get started in the garden. You can plant seeds for fall harvests or install plants that love the long, warm days of summer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines the Augusta area as Hardiness Zone 5A, meaning any plans you have for tropical plants should involve at least some time indoors. But for gardeners who enjoy growing vegetables, this is your garden's chance to show what it's capable of. If you're new to growing food crops, consider what you'll need for late-season success.

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Summertime has arrived which means warm air and loads of sunshine. Unfortunately, the nice weather also brings out a host of bugs. As these creepy, crawly insects roam about, they'll likely find their way into your yard and home. While artificial cleaning solutions can do the trick, many homeowners prefer not to use harsh chemicals around their property, especially if there are pets and young children in the home. Our real estate agents understand the need to eliminate summer bugs through the safest means possible. Here are a few natural remedies that may rid your home of bugs throughout the summer.

10 Common Insects Found in the Home

Although you may not see them, hundreds of small insects may be in and around your property. Some of the most common insects homeowners spot are:

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In the coronavirus era, life as we know it has changed dramatically, affecting every aspect of our life. It has also shed light on our lifestyle at home, and home features that would make life a little easier. To help make your home stand out among other Augusta homes for sale, here are the features buyers are looking for this summer.

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You might think that because you use detergent with every load of laundry in your washing machine, it stays clean. That's not the case, though.

Soap residue, minerals, and laundry soils can build up, and your washer can develop a musty smell or even start to grow mold and mildew. That's why you should add cleaning your washing machine to your spring cleaning routine and make it a habit throughout the year. It doesn't take many supplies or much effort to get the results you need, so it's a great task to put at the top of your spring cleaning checklist.

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Those home improvement shows do seem to work miracles, but they come with an equally dramatic price tag. But don't worry, you can make your home look like the "after" shot of a home improvement show with just some time and elbow grease. Yours may not be the priciest of the Augusta homes for sale, but you can make it look more elegant with these tips. 

1. Make Sure to Declutter
   De-cluttering is one of the most affordable and fastest ways to a better-looking home. Some clutter needs to be disposed of, but other things just need proper storage. Installing shelving is an affordable DIY project, but if you're not as handy as you'd like to be, storage ottomans or steamer trunks look chic and can store extra pillows or books. Consider donating household items or clothing in good condition to a local thrift store. You'll remove clutter while helping someone find the piece that makes their house more of a home. 

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While waterfront properties offer gorgeous views and opportunities for aquatic recreation, they also have unique maintenance needs. It's imperative to keep up with these maintenance tasks so that your home remains in good condition for years to come. Make sure these items are on your checklist when working on your waterfront home. 

1. Keep Your Retainer Wall in Good Condition
   You want the water around your home to be clean and free of pollution. A retainer wall is a valuable component for keeping pollutants out of the water near your home. Retainer walls prevent the soil on your property from eroding and adding any contaminants in the soil to the water. Periodically inspect your retainer wall to identify any uneven areas or areas where the material is degrading. 

2. Winterize Your Home
   If you don't use your home during the winter months, you'll need to winterize your home to make sure it's ready for winter weather. You'll want to take steps to prevent water from freezing in your pipes, and many homeowners also board up their windows. Boarding up the windows prevents intruders from peeking into your home, and it provides protection for the windows against falling limbs or windblown debris. 

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Who said home improvement projects had to take a long time? 

If you're thinking of putting your home on the market, you want it to stand out from other Augusta homes for sale. Making home improvements -- both large and small -- can help. 

Here are some home improvement projects that can be completed in one weekend. 

1. Spray Paint your Hardware 
   If you want to be up to date, spraypaint your doorknobs, hinges, drawer pulls, and any other hardware to darker shades, such as bronze, nickel, or even black. Remove hardware, clean it, and degrease it; prime the surface with an oil-based primer; then spray on the paint. Seal the hardware with lacquer or clear sealer.

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If a picture is worth a thousand words, what would it say about your home? When it comes to listing your home for sale, you have one chance to make a first impression, and in most cases that first impression will be your real estate photos. 

Stunning photos will make your listing jump out from other Augusta homes for sale. Use these valuable tips and stage your home to tell a story buyers can't resist.

1. Hire a Professional Photographer
   No matter how well you've mastered Instagram, it's worth the cost to hire a professional photographer. A Redfin study found that homes with professional photos in the listing sold from one to three weeks faster than those without.
   
   
2. Start on the Outside
   Make sure your curb appeal is highlighted in your real estate photos. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, remove toys and other extraneous items from the yard and get cars out of the driveway.
   

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Many of our clients looking at Augusta homes for sale are in the process of selling their own home. The sooner you start readying your home for sale, the better – and one of the biggest reasons why is because of the potential to raise your selling price.

Our real estate agents always stay savvy to the latest real estate trends, including the best way to renovate a home for sale. With a few targeted upgrades, you could more than make up your investment. 

Let's look at some of the best ways to enhance the value of your home for sale:

1. Minor Bathroom Remodel
   Trends come and go, but a small-scale bathroom remodel consistently provides the best possible returns of all home updates. To make it work, replace the tub and its surrounding tiles, the floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and the fixtures. If that's outside your budget, consider a new toilet, new fixtures, and a modern vanity as a compact alternative that still delivers a profit.
2. Landscaping
   Double down on your landscaping, and you'll enjoy a double whammy: You'll boost your sale price and your curb appeal at the same time. That can help you attract motivated buyers even faster. Emphasize a clean, fresh-cut lawn, but add symmetry and focal points, too: Some matching shrubs and a new walkway add charm without too much work for buyers.

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Whether you're buying or selling a home, you must understand how some aspects of the house may impact the sale of the property. For many prospective home buyers and homesellers, a strong focus is placed on aspects like curb appeal, remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, and new paint throughout the house. Each of these features can influence the price of a home. However, they aren't alone in impacting the success of a real estate transaction. The age of these five things could affect a home sale.

1. Roof
   The roof is one of the most important and expensive elements of a home, so it should be no surprise that its age may impact the sale. The average roof has a lifespan between 20 and 30 years. Depending on the age of the roof, the seller may consider replacing it to maximize their potential selling price. Although the buyer may negotiate the cost of the home based on the old age of the roof, they may have trouble securing homeowners insurance until it's replaced. There's a possibility that an insurer will deny a policy renewal on homes with roofs over 20 years old without first passing an inspection.

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Are you looking for cost-effective ways to boost the value of your Augusta home for sale? According to USA TODAY, painting a home's interior produces an average 109 percent return on investment (ROI), and landscaping service LawnStarter cites an average 90 percent ROI on exterior paint jobs.

While painting is a relatively easy upgrade, whether you hire a professional or go the DIY route, you still need a strategy to optimize results. Here are some expert painting tips to make a visual statement buyers won't be able to resist.

• Stick with the Basics
  You might think that chevron-filled accent wall is the height of style, but not every buyer is going to share your opinion. In addition, many people want to purchase a home that's move-in ready, not one that needs changes right off the bat. Light neutral shades such as ivory, tan and "greige," a hybrid of gray and beige, have timeless appeal.

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The arrival of spring brings the first robin, the first tulip and the first wave of viewers touring Augusta homes for sale. Stand in front of your home and take a good look. Does it look enticing enough to draw potential buyers inside?

Boost your home's value and curb appeal by completing this checklist of spring maintenance tasks.

1. Inspect the Roof
   As your home's first line of defense against weather, the roof takes quite a beating during winter months. If you'd rather not climb a ladder, use a pair of binoculars to scan the roof for damaged or missing shingles, as well as signs of leaks.
   
   

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