What to do if you inherited a home

If your loved one passed away, and there is real estate left, the process of dissolving the estate could become
very complicated.

Family feuds and other problems can potentially result when inheritance portions aren't clearly defined,
or when an executor may be in over their head. Many newfound executors can face uncertainty and feel
stress.In the wake of a family tragedy or death, being the executor of an estate can be especially challenging.
And the biggest asset in an estate—and the most difficult to resolve—is usually a house.

Here's a list of important decisions an executor may face when a house is part of an inheritance:

Keep, rent or sell? Caught in the middle, the executor has to ask the heirs to keep their emotions under
control and put the rational facts on the table. Selling is often the best decision if medical bills, tax issues or

other reasons require cashing out, and it produces a specific amount that can be divided equally.

Can you manage a property investment? When considering keeping the property in the family,
the executor needs to be objective about the beneficiaries' dependability. Would you choose the other
beneficiaries to be your partners in any long-term investment? Could they get divorced, go bankrupt or
bring other entanglements? If you decide to rent the property, there are issues to consider, such as the local
market for rentals and your ability to maintain the property.

Establishing value of the property. If one heir or beneficiary wants to buy the house, the estate must
determine the market value and get a fair price for the heirs and beneficiaries. One way is to get two appraisals,
or ask an experienced Realtor for help. Alternatively, the executor can put the property on the market with
the expressed provision that one of the heirs has the right of first refusal to match the highest offer.

Repair and renovate? The executor must make sure the house is maintained in good condition, necessary
repairs are carried out, and that it's kept insured. An executor can be personally liable for failure to maintain
a property that results in losses for the heirs. How much work is worthwhile before putting a home on the
market? That's a big question that depends on the property and circumstances.

Furnished or unfurnished? It's not unusual for an inherited home to be filled with a 30-year accumulation
of stuff. In most cases, when the property goes on the market, thinning out the furnishings will help it show
better. Nine out of 10 buyers first see the home in online photos.

Being an executor is a high-responsibility, time-consuming, and often thankless job that people often take
on while grieving. It's up to the executor to assess not only the physical assets of an estate, but also the people
and emotions involved.

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Patio trends for 2018

Outdoor design trends for 2018 are all about incorporating affordable luxury into your own backyard by
turning your patio into a peaceful, lush oasis through low-maintenance water fixtures, a color refresh
and vintage materials.
The days of small, bistro-style dining tables on the deck and patio are over, and that large-scale
square and rectangular tables are hot. Trend-watchers are seeing patio furniture that mixes materials,
such as metal and wood, instead of a single material, such as wicker.

Homeowners these days are gravitating toward easy-maintenance exterior garden designs that enhance
physical and mental wellbeing with spa-inspired touches, like meditation benches, fountains, reflecting pools,
rock waterfalls and zen gardens. The low-maintenance water features can add visual interest and soothing
sounds to a yard—even in drought-prone climates—because they actually require little water (and recycle
the water they do use).

Linen, teak and rope are a few of the materials designers are incorporating into exterior furnishings and
accessories to give this year's easy-breezy trend pizazz. Pink is the accent color of choice in 2018,
especially if a hint of blush is introduced into your furniture vignettes.

As far as accessories are concerned, think bright and bold when it comes to fabrics for your patio furniture
cushions in 2018. Go with yellows, reds and pinks that will pop against all that natural greenery, and your guests
will be raving about your impeccable sense of style all summer long.

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Tips to Help You Find a Starter Home

A starter home isn't necessarily your forever home. Be prepared to make some compromises to get
your foot in the homeownership door. Be open-minded about the location, size and condition.  

Look for an older home in a well-established neighborhood. Resales typically cost less than brand-
new homes. Older homes typically need more maintenance and repairs, which offset some of the
savings; however, buyers who choose a used home might be able to do repairs and renovations
over time, pacing themselves to make the cost manageable.

Buyers who sacrifice location for affordability can find themselves in a neighborhood far from major
job centers with a long daily commute and expensive transportation costs. Sometimes that trade-off
makes sense, but not always

When you're up against stiff competition, working with an experienced real estate agent is key.
A good agent shines when it comes to negotiating the deal and writing a strong offer. Your agent
may suggest certain strategies to win in a competitive market, such as limiting contingencies or
writing a personal letter.

When a well-priced starter house comes on the market, the quest to buy it can be extremely
competitive. To entice sellers offer above asking price (if you can afford to), keep repair requests
to a minimum, or allow the sellers more time to move.

For help finding a home visit https://homesalesneworleans.gardnerrealtors.com/

Lawn Care and You!

You bought a home, and now you are deciding how to handle the lawn care. Should you do it yourself? Here are some positives about doing it yourself:

If you love spending time outdoors, doing your own lawn care can be a great way to get some Vitamin D. Spending time outdoors in a garden is a great way for those who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty to care for their home. 

 It also can be a great workout! If you enjoy working up a sweat, doing your own lawn care is a great option in that it provides an extra dose of exercise. Weekly or biweekly mowing burns some calories, and will bring you some pride in owning a home with a well-manicured lawn. 

It can become a source for creative freedom! You can have the ultimate say in every decision that is made when it comes to their outdoor space. You can pick up a plant that you like and add it to your garden without having to consult anyone else. This freedom is great for anyone who may have trouble communicating ideas with a lawn service or for those who take pride in being able to do it themselves.

 Equipment Upkeep can be seen as a negative. It can take a lot of tools and machinery to keep a lawn in tip-top condition. Allowing a lawn service to do the work keeps homeowners from having to purchase lawn mowers, trimmers and leaf blowers. These items can be tricky to maintain, which saves the homeowner from purchasing gas, oil or replacement trimming line.

You might think paying for a lawn service can be quite expensive, but it's a catch 22 of time and money. Choosing a lawn service is the ultimate way to save time and it adds convenience to a busy lifestyle by not having to worry about getting the lawn care done on a weekly basis.

To search for homes visit http://homesalesneworleans.gardnerrealtors.com/