(RE/MAX Blog)- Nothing lasts forever – including the "vintage" stove that came with your adorable fixer-upper or the washing machine your parents gave you when they decided to downgrade. When it's time to replace the appliances in your home, here are four considerations to keep in mind.

1. Repairing vs. replacing
Sometimes an appliance is so far gone (smoke is often a sign) that repairing it is not an option. And if the estimate for a repair is more than half the price of a new (or great, used) machine, Consumer Reports says you're better off buying.

2. Classified ads
There are several reasons someone may be selling a perfectly good appliance. They may be moving to a smaller home. They may need a bigger, more powerful version. They may no longer be able to resist the lure of a fridge with a smart panel that tells their phone when they're out of eggs. Appliance repair pros tell Angie's List that newer appliances tend to have about half the life span of past models, so just because a machine is a few years old, it doesn't mean it's time for it to go.

3. New, but not perfect
Ads may insist Labor Day weekend (and then Veteran's Day, and then the next holiday, etc.) is the very best time to find deals on appliances, but if you don't mind a cosmetic blemish or two, you can find deals year-round. Many big box and furniture stores and outlets have "scratch-and-dent" sections where you can find significant discounts.

4. Refurbished shops
Some stores specialize in repaired appliances. They often come with delivery and service offers. If you can, bring a pro (or at least a handy person) with you when you shop to take a look. If the store doesn't know a machine's age, you can look it up by serial number here: http://www.appliance411.com/.

Is it time to upgrade your home as well as appliances? Let us help you with your search for your next dream home.

 

 

(RE/MAX Blog)-When searching for your next home, it is extremely important to distinguish between wants and needs. It is very easy to get caught up in the excitement and carried away with your list of “dream features.” This is when truly defining what you “want” in a home versus what you “must-have” in a home for your lifestyle comes to play.

A “need” should always take precedence over a “want” when it comes to making a big life decision, like purchasing a new home. Below is a list to help you find the right approach during your search for your next home.

1. Make a list. Write out your wants versus your needs. Needs should include things like location, school districts, neighborhoods, budget, number of bedrooms, features, amenities, plumbing and electrical that are updated, lot size, number of garage spaces and HOAs. Wants may include non-essentials, such as the style of the home, remodeled kitchen or baths, decks, pools, hot tubs, flooring material and landscapes.

2. Consult family members. If you’re purchasing a home for more people than yourself, ask your family members about their wants and needs for the home. Your spouse and children may have wants and needs that you are unaware of.

3. Consider how long you plan on staying in your next home. This can help you further determine your wants and needs. If you plan on staying short term, location, value and neighborhood will be important. If you are planning to live in your next home for the long term, think about upcoming life changes. You may want that extra bedroom if you plan on expanding your family.

4. Compromise. Be realistic and ask yourself what makes you happy? If cooking for your family in a large kitchen brings you joy, then make it a need. However, be okay to let go of a big backyard if you want to live in the city. Define what you want and what you absolutely need to be happy in your new home.

Keeping perspective in mind will help you find a home you love!