Why Fix Up Your Home?

One of the primary reasons why individuals use our car transport services is in the case of residential moves. What if you cannot sell your house for the price you want? What if your home will not sell at all? The answer is home improvement.

Before selling a home, you, as the owner, will want to spot any problems that would prevent it from selling. Doing repairs will help you get your home back to its former glory, but it is important to be a smart seller. You must budget the cost of fixing everything against the home’s market value.

Here is why you should do home improvements:

To get the home of your dreams. It may be time to do home repairs if you cannot afford to sell your current home as is and move to a more expensive home.
To make a profit. Home improvement is a great DIY project. Doing a few minor renovations can increase your return investment on your property.

What renovations add the most value? You will get a better return investment out of certain renovations. Therefore, it is important to know which improvements are well worth the money and which ones can wait.

Here are a few renovations that add value to your home:

Kitchen Updates – Update the floors, appliances, and countertops in your home.
Bathroom Remodels – Remodel your bathroom make it more modern.
Landscape and Exterior – When a potential buyer first pulls up to the property, it will leave an impression. How does this first impression impact its selling potential?
Maintenance – This would include the roof, windows, and more. Not maintaining these features will greatly decrease the value of your home.

What Needs Fixing?

Your home may need minor or major repairs. Depending on the budget, you may decide to focus on different areas of the property. However, it is important to keep in mind that even partial renovations can increase the value of your home and give it the face-lift it needs.

Here are some general areas to focus on:

Walls and Ceilings – Patch up any existing holes and cracks. This will vary in expense depending on severity
Entryway – Redecorate the area with a new front door, house number, etc.
Improve Landscape – Improving the exterior is for the sake of curb appeal. Plant trees, bushes, and flowers.
Clean – You want the space to be clean for potential buyers when they look at the property.
Paint – It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do. It can make the space look large and newer, but color choice is a big deal. You should stick to neutral colors, such as gray, beige, and cream. It is easy to paint over these colors. If the buyer wants a pop of color, leave that up to them.
Appliances – Fix any broken or faulty appliances, including kitchen appliances and HVAC system.
Plumbing – Check the plumbing to ensure that there are no water leaks and that all pipes are fully functional. Water pressure should be correct, as well.
Flooring – Replace flooring if it is stained, old, or out-of-date.
Windows and Doors – Replace any broken windows. Ensure that all doors can lock. External doors should be properly sealed to prevent water from entering the home. It is also important to check that all windows have screens.
Roof Repairs – A potential buyer will not care how the rest of the house looks if the roof leaks.
Lighting – Ensure that there are no electrical issues. This means checking all light fixtures, ceiling fans, and outlets to see that they are functioning as they should.

What should you do to fix code violations?

Some older homes do not meet standards. Violations can be fixed. You may need to check with your home builder or private inspector. Research the local building codes. These will be specific to your area. Then, have an inspection completed.

Remodeling Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchen and bathroom remodel projects add significant value to your home. It is crucial to add these rooms to your home renovation plan to maximize on your return investment. What should you do to add value?

Below, you will find a few considerations to improve upon your existing property:

Kitchen:

Cabinets, Racks, Shelves – You can never have enough storage. Consider installing cabinets that reach the ceiling or shelves on an open wall. All this storage means more places to put your dishes, utensils, and more. To spruce up your existing cabinets, brush on a new coat of paint.
Commercial Appliances – When choosing appliances, the focus should be on the overall design and functionality. You want to select long-lasting appliances from trusted brands. Do your research by reading reviews.
Lighting – Lighting can make a big difference. It has the potential to make a room look larger and brighter. Consider adding dimmer switches to control the amount of light. You can even add under-cabinet lighting.
Wood or Stone Floors – Natural wood, as well as stone flooring, is long-lasting. It holds up well against general wear and tear.
Stone or Granite Countertops – Granite and stone countertops are a big selling point. It is available in a wide array of colors. Therefore, it can easily match with any kitchen design. Most importantly, granite and stone is long-lasting and does not require much maintenance.
Backsplash – Adding a backsplash is not as complicated as you may think. Not only does it add value to the space, but it adds style.

Bathroom:

Walk-In Shower – If you do not have room for both a bathtub and a walk-in shower, consider replacing the tub with a walk-in shower.
Additional Bathroom – If your home is a one-bath house, consider adding another bathroom. This will significantly increase the value of your home.
Vanity – One easy way to improve your home’s bathroom is by transforming the vanity to make it more modern. Update the vanity with new paint, hardware, and light fixtures.

Outdoor Improvements

Updating the exterior of your home does not have to be overly expensive or time-consuming. It is about choosing the most important factors that will add curb appeal and ultimately increase value to interest buyers. Since many buyers view homes online first, curb appeal is a big deal.

Here are a few ways you can add value to your home’s exterior:

Landscaping – This means planting flowers, trees, and bushes. In addition, you may want to put mulch around these areas for added visual appeal. Make sure the lawn is cut. Lighting around the walkways leading up to the property is also a selling point.
Front Door – Replacing your front door can be beneficial to a sell. Get a door that is secure and energy-efficient.
Windows – Much like a door, the same goes for windows. You want to update your windows. Look for energy-efficient windows that will give you the most money back on your investment.
Fence – A wooden privacy fence provides a great return on your investment. It will attract buyers with pets and children. In addition, it is a plus for anyone who enjoys their privacy.
Paint – A fresh coat of paint can do wonders. Choose a neutral color.

Bonus Improvements

This is for people who want to go the extra mile and who have it in their budget to do so. Like how the newest car on the market has all the latest and greatest features, you may want this for your home. This is to attract more buyers.

Here are a few extra improvements you can make:

Smart Home Features – This is added technology that you can add to your house that can be controlled remotely from a phone or computer. It makes your life easier.
- Doorbell – Speak with people at the door from the comfort of your couch.
- Alarm system – Keep your home safe.
- Lighting controls – Control the lighting of a room.
- Thermostat – Control heating and air conditioning remotely.
- Keyless entry – Do not worry about carrying keys. You won’t need them.
- Shade control – Raise and lower window treatments at the push of a button.
- Irrigation – Water the lawn to keep it looking good.
Barn Doors – This rustic decor piece is very popular with buyers. It is easy to make and install one. You can use a barn door for the entry to a home office, closet, and much more.
Fireplace – Many home buyers prefer a wood-burning fireplace. If your home already has a fireplace, you can update the look of it. It may just need a deep-cleaning or fresh coat of paint. To add a decorative element, attach a shelf or mantel if your fireplace does not have one.
Solar Vents – If your upstairs’ space gets extremely hot in the summer, consider adding solar vents in the attic. These vents help to push the hot air out, so that your HVAC system does not have to work so hard to cool off your home. They can be helpful in lowering the cost of utilities.

More General Home Improvement Tips

When you are thinking about doing a home renovation, there are some things to keep in mind. Before doing improvements, we recommend:

Know the Area – How much do homes in your neighborhood typically sell for? Be realistic with your home improvement plan. Do not go over the top. If there is room in the budget to add more space, it makes for a nice return and investment. This includes attics, bedrooms, family rooms, and sunrooms. However, you should not add so much space to price your home outside what the rest of the homes in the area are valued at.
Do Maintenance – General maintenance, such as roofing, siding, plumbing, and electrical should come first. After conducting maintenance on your property, then you review the budget and decide what is next.
Spend Money Wisely – Where do people spend the most time? When considering where you want to invest your money, think about this. The best returns are on bathrooms, landscaping and exterior, kitchens, bedrooms, deck additions, basement remodels, and family room additions.

Moving Out Of Your Home

Now that you have done renovations on your house, your home will sell much more easily and you will get a better return investment. The next step is moving. When it comes time to move out of your home, consider our auto transport services.

Why use a car shipping company?

Easy – Moving can be stressful, but it should not be. With the help of National Dispatch, moving your vehicle to your new home is easy from start to finish. It all starts with a free, instant car shipping quote on our website. Our online quote calculator is easy-to-use and requires no personal information. You will receive a quote in seconds.
Convenient – Our door-to-door car shipping service is convenient, because we come directly to your door. Our driver will come pick up the car from your home and deliver it to its destination.
Safe – Using a professional auto transport company means that your vehicle will be delivered in a safe and timely manner. We offer both open and enclosed auto transport services to fit your unique needs and budget. You can be rest assured that your car is in the best hands.

National Dispatch is a nationwide car shipping company with a company-owned fleet. We transport vehicles all over the country for individuals undergoing a residential move, corporate relocation, dealer-to-dealer trade, military relocation, snowbird move, and more.

We ship cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles. In addition, we transport classic, sports, exotic, and luxury cars. National Dispatch also has the means to transport your non-running vehicle. We understand that you are an individual with unique needs. Therefore, we tailor our car shipping services to meet those specific needs.

Use our online quote calculator to receive a free, instant car shipping quote. Only four simple fields of information are required. No need to input personal information to receive a quote in seconds. If you prefer to speak with a representative by phone, contact us at 800-321-2051.

Learn more about our car shipping services.

How To Save Money On Your Next Move

Whether you are moving down the street or across the country, moving can be stressful. This is especially true if you must adhere to a tight budget. How do you accomplish everything on your To-Do List, on time and without breaking the bank?

The key to a successful, inexpensive move is preparation and organization. A move involves transporting all your belongings from your current home to your new one. You must also consider how one very important possession will get to your new home. This would be your car.

Auto transport services are very beneficial for those that own multiple vehicles or who have limited availability. This makes driving to the destination difficult or nearly impossible. National Dispatch is here to help with 10 ways to save on moving costs, including the shipment of your vehicle.

1. Hire A Professional.

Leaving the work to the professionals is not a decision you will regret when it comes to moving to a new house. Many people hire a reliable moving company to assist them in safely transporting their belongings. What some individuals forget about is the transport of their vehicle, especially in the case of a long-distance move. Hiring a professional auto transport company can be the perfect solution when moving across the country. It frees up time, so that you can focus on other more important moving day tasks. Furthermore, it saves you money in the long run. In comparison to a Do-It-Yourself move, auto transport is a safer method of transport.

If you know that hiring a car shipping company is the way to go, now you must figure out how it fits into the budget. The cost to ship a vehicle varies depending on the type of car, condition of the vehicle, distance, and more. Look at the various shipping options. You can save money by transporting via an open-air carrier. Unless you own a high-value vehicle, then open auto transport should suffice. Learn more about open auto shipping and enclosed auto shipping.

2. Do Not Procrastinate.

We are all guilty of putting things off until the last minute, from time to time. In many cases, we do this because it is a mundane task that we do not want to complete. However, eventually, it will need to be done. There are many tasks that must be completed when moving to a new home. This includes packing, requesting quotes from moving companies, scheduling travel arrangements, completing a change of address, and cutting off utility services. It is necessary to stay organized and have time management strategies. Otherwise, you might miss out moving with the best company, available.

There are several ways to avoid procrastination. Here are just a few:

Start early. This gives you time to research and look for a car shipping company.
Complete the task in small sections. Do not feel obligated to pack up your entire house at one time. Instead, space it out. This will help you from becoming overwhelmed with the daunting task ahead of you.
Establish a timeline. Give each task a deadline, in which you would like to complete them by leading up to your move. Have everything completed by moving day, so that all you have to do is supervise.

3. Avoid Peak Times.

One key to saving money during a move is the ability to be flexible with dates. You must understand when the car moving industry is the busiest. Summer is peak season, as most children are out of school. Everyone is in a rush to get everything done before school starts back again. Fall and winter tend to be slower seasons, but there are still holidays to keep in mind. Plus, you run into the risk of delays from transporting during a bad winter storm. There is also the snowbird rush to consider, which would include those individuals living in the north temporarily moving south for the winter.

Most people do not have the option to wait to move on their own time schedule. Whenever and wherever in the United States you need to move, National Dispatch can assist you. We recommend you start the process early to ensure that your car arrives on time. We also offer shipping options for those needing their car on short notice. At National Dispatch, we provide car shipping services to meet the needs of not only individuals but corporations, also.

4. Ask Questions.

The car shipping process can be confusing, especially for first-timers. Plus, not all car shipping companies operate in the same way. Get all your questions answered by an auto transport professional before booking services. This way you know exactly what to expect for the shipment of your vehicle. In addition, you can avoid any hidden moving costs. What questions should you ask? You should ask questions regarding costs, insurance, and pick-up/delivery times. It is important to understand what your quote covers before signing any paperwork. It is also crucial to understand the company’s insurance policy.

At National Dispatch, we want you to have the best auto shipping experience, possible. For added convenience, we offer door-to-door services. This means that the driver will come directly to you to pick up the vehicle. After you have conducted a vehicle inspection report with the driver, the car will be loaded onto the carrier for transport. Shortly thereafter, it will arrive safely at its destination. You will be notified every step of the way. You never should worry where your car is at on the road or when it will arrive. Get more of your questions answered by reading 14 Car Shipping Questions Answered.

5. Toss Items You Do Not Use.

Sort through all your belongings before a big move. Many people realize while unpacking that they do not actually need or use everything they own. Therefore, think carefully about what you bring to your new home. It could save you time, energy, and money. More stuff means more items to pack, move, and unpack. Ask yourself if you use it, would miss it if it was gone, and if it is still in good condition. Set aside different piles for what you want to toss, donate, and sell.

Some home movers use weight as a factor in estimating costs. Therefore, consider how much stuff you own. There is no better time to go through everything you own than before moving to a new house. This is especially necessary for those looking to downsize to a smaller property. You will not feel cluttered, and there is no need to pay for a storage unit. Before buying any new furniture, take measurements of your new home to ensure it will fit nicely. You do not want to buy a new sectional, only to find out it will not fit in your living room, comfortably.

6. Ask Around For Packing Supplies.

There are some necessary supplies you must have to move. This would include boxes, tape, and packing paper (or other protective material). You can save money by reusing supplies from others or by using items that you might already have on hand. It also helps the environment by recycling materials. It may take a little time to find boxes in good condition. The boxes need to be sturdy enough to safely transport all your belongings during the move.

You can find free boxes and packing supplies, just about anywhere. Before going out and dropping a bunch of money on packing supplies, ask friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Ask anyone you know who has recently gone through a move. They would probably still have a few boxes or other supplies on hand. Check with your local liquor store, grocery store, or large retail stores. You can also check online through Facebook groups and community pages, as well as on Craigslist’s free section.In the place of packing paper, you can use clothes and towels to protect your valuables.

7. Label Boxes Properly.

To stay organized and prevent chaos during a move, you must create a labeling system for all your boxes. There is no one appropriate way to label. However, you should use the correct markers, ones which are permanent and waterproof. You never know how the weather will be. In addition, the label should always be visible from at least one side when the boxes are stacked. This way you do not have to search to find which room the box belongs in or what items it contains.

Labeling boxes speeds up the moving process. It also helps ensure that items get to their intended place. It is crucial that you mark valuables with “FRAGILE”. This way whoever is carrying the box knows to treat it with extra care. You can even utilize a color-coding system, giving each room a different color. However, you must ensure that you or your movers know what each color means. You can place a color paper on the door of the room to make the process simpler. It does not matter which system you use for you move. Proper labeling saves time and money. If done correctly, each item will arrive safely in its designated place.

8. Have A Yard Sale.

We previously discussed sorting through your old belongings. With a little planning, you can get rid of those unwanted items and make some extra cash in the process. Designate a few boxes specifically for a yard sale. If you do not have enough items to sell, consider going in with a friend or neighbor. Organization and preparation are keys to a successful yard sale. After deciding on a date, advertise through social media and word of mouth. Tell all your friends and family. Then, they can tell everyone they know.

The objective is to get rid of everything. A benefit is that you can make a little extra money. Be realistic when pricing items. Do not mark the item as what you paid for it. Try to keep the area organized. In addition, it might be a good idea to have change before the start of your yard sale. Your first customer may not have exact cash. For the items that do not sell, consider donating them to charity. It may qualify for a tax deduction. After donating, you will need to get a receipt from the donation center.

9. Prepare For The Unexpected.

Establishing a budget is an important part of planning a move. Moving with an auto transport company can save you money. You do not have to calculate in the cost of gas, mileage, equipment rental, lodging, and meals like you would if you were driving. With auto shipping, you must pay for the cost to ship your car to its destination, as well as the cost of a flight. Not preparing financially for a move could cost you more in the long run.

You may even consider setting aside money for an emergency fund. It would help you out if an unforeseen circumstance were to arise. Let’s say after a few days in your new home, there is a plumbing problem. This would be the money to use in this situation. An emergency fund would also come in handy in numerous other situations. It would be helpful in the case of a car problem, unexpected medical expense, natural disaster, and more. You never know what might happen. It is better to be prepared for the unexpected.

10. See About Deducting Expenses From Taxes.

No one likes moving. Unfortunately, most everyone will move at some point in their lifetime. Wouldn’t it be nice to deduct those moving expenses from your taxes? You may qualify for a tax deductible moving expense. The IRS has specific criteria and requirements outlining a move of this kind. First, your new home must be located at least 50 miles further than your previous work location was from your old home. If this sounds confusing, there is a worksheet available (IRS form 3903) to help you figure it out. You must have also worked for a certain amount of time before the move.

A variety of expenses can be deducted. This would include travel costs: toll fares, hotel stays, and gas purchases. The cost of food does not count. Packing materials and supplies can be deducted, as well as some utility fees. You should keep track of all expenses, and hold on to all receipts for your records. For more information on tax deductible moving expenses, go to the IRS website. If you are relocating with a company, consider asking your company’s HR department about their relocation policy and compensation for moving costs.

National Dispatch is a nationwide car shipping company. For a free, instant car moving quote, use our online quote calculator. No personal information is required. To speak with a representative by phone, call us at 800-321-2051.

Posts Tagged ‘Car Transport Company’

Home Improvement Tips: Boost Value, Sell Sooner