Moving can be stressful for the whole family. Fortunately, our real estate agents know that following these guidelines can decrease the stress of a move for everyone, including your kids. Check out these tips to make the process of moving with kids as easy as possible. 

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Choosing a new home is an endeavor that seems to involve an infinite number of tasks. You must prepare to part with your current home while adapting your lifestyle to a house you might not have seen yet. Knowing what needs to be done makes the transition smoother, if not seamless. Before you start your hunt among the Cedar Rapids homes for sale, make sure you have the following covered or at least underway. 

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Buying a house is never just about the house. Before you buy, take a close look at the neighborhood. Whether you're single, a couple planning a family, or you already have a full nest, you will want to know how you're going to mesh with your surroundings. As you search for your dream home, decide what factors are musts for your home's setting. Easy access to work? Public transportation? 

Start your search for Cedar Rapids homes for sale by thinking about what would make the ideal neighborhood for your family. From there, jot down a list of things you want in your neighborhood. These will get you started.

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Buying a new home is an exciting and rewarding experience! Most new homeowners can't wait to move in. But before you start unpacking, make sure to complete a deep clean of your new home. This involves cleaning your new home from top to bottom.

Start by gathering the necessary cleaning supplies. Your essential cleaning supplies include cleaning products, rubber gloves, sink/tub cleaner, paper towel, floor cleaner, mop, bucket, duster, and if you have carpeting, invest in a good vacuum. Once you've gathered your supplies, work through cleaning these areas in your new home to ensure a fresh start! 

1. Bathroom
   Your home's bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house. Start with the bathroom first to get rid of germs or bacteria. When cleaning the toilet, remember to get behind the porcelain base. Clean the sink; if possible, pull out the vanity to clean behind the area. Wipe down the bathroom walls and any shelving units. Wash the bathroom mirrors if the bathroom has a built-in medicine cabinet, clean each shelf. Clean the tub and replace the shower curtain.
2. Kitchen
   Start with the appliances. The refrigerator should be first. Wash all drawers and sanitize the shelf before filling with food. If you do not want to use harsh chemicals, use vinegar mixed with warm water to clean the refrigerator. Pull out the fridge to clean behind the appliance. Next, wash the oven, including the stovetop and hood. Pull out and clean the drawer underneath the stove. Next, scrub the kitchen sink and any other remaining appliances. Wipe down and clean all the cabinets inside and out, wash any countertop space, and any other shelving units.
3. Remaining Rooms
   If the rest of the rooms are empty, you will have an easier time cleaning. Wipe down the walls, vacuum or sweep, and mop floors. Depending on your move-in date, you may want to get a professional carpet cleaning service to steam clean the carpets in each room.
4. Windows
   Clean all your windows on the inside and outside. Clean the window sills. Often dead bugs accumulate on the ledge. Using your vacuum attachments is a great way to clean your window sills. If you have blinds, carefully wash each blind to remove any germs or residue.
5. Doors
   Using a cleaner, wipe down the doors and the knobs. Wash the windows. If you have sliding glass doors, clean the window areas.
6. Air Vents
   Dust the air vents in your home. Check and replace your air filters. A dirty air filter can cause pollutants to enter your freshly cleaned areas.
7. Ceiling Fans
   Wipe down each blade on the ceiling fans. Dust quickly accumulates on the back of the blades.

Deep cleaning a new home ensures a fresh start for you and your family. Looking for a new home for you and your family to move into? Contact us to start your search for Cedar Rapids homes for sale.

The adage "bigger isn't better" applies to many things in life, including your home. Your home should meet your specific spatial needs and contribute to your preferred lifestyle. Here are a few signs that it's time to downsize your home and check out smaller Coralville homes for sale. 

1. You Can't Properly Maintain Your Home
   If you feel like you're always behind on home maintenance or that your home is frequently dirty, this is a sign that you have too much home. While every home requires some maintenance and cleaning, if you constantly feel overwhelmed or find that the work interferes with your quality of life, it's time to downsize. 
2. Your Home Costs Exceed 30 Percent of Your Takehome Income
   Your financial state can provide some insight as to whether it's time to downsize your home. If your monthly home costs (like your homeowner's insurance, mortgage, and property taxes) exceed more than 30 percent of your takehome income, you should give downsizing some consideration. Spending too much on your home will prevent you from achieving other financial goals, such as saving for retirement or paying down your debt. The 30 percent rule is just a guideline; if you can't afford things that are important to you, like travel and hobbies, downsizing is an effective way to lower your home-related expenses. Our real estate agents can help you find affordable homes that are right for your income and personal goals. 

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Have some beautiful Cedar Rapids homes for sale caught your eye? If you're one in the nearly half of U.S. households with a dog, you may have more to think about than the commuting distance and the number of bedrooms. Ensure your pup will love your new neighborhood when you know how to spot a dog-friendly neighborhood. Here's what you should keep an eye out for:

1. Plenty of Sidewalks
   Sidewalks can be dismissed as "nice to have" features, but this should be at the top of your must-have list. You'll walk Fido often, so you'll want wide, brightly lit, and well-paved sidewalks for enjoyable walks, especially in the late evening or predawn hours. Bonus point if the neighborhood has special dog stations with garbage cans and plastic bags on almost every block.
   
   

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Moving into a new home can be exciting and overwhelming. From figuring what to unpack first, arranging furniture, and generally getting used to your new space, there are plenty of things to do before you settle down comfortably. But during the moving chaos, even the most organized person can forget something. Our REALTORS® highlight five important things to remember after your move.

1. Change the Locks
   Even if you remember to carry all of your new house keys, you shouldn't plan on holding onto them for very long. Security should be your first concern after your move. Your previous owners might no longer have keys, but you can't know how many copies they gave to trusted neighbors, friends, family members, or contractors.
   

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Have some of the beautiful Cedar Rapids homes for sale caught your eye? If you're dealing with a less-than-perfect credit score, you may feel like you're stuck renting forever. While past credit indiscretions can certainly put a damper on your home buying goals, all hope isn't lost. 

If you start today, there's a good chance that you can bring your credit score up in far less time than you may think. Our real estate agents often work with people who thought they would never be able to get financing. With just a bit of effort, they're able to move into the home of their dreams! 

Here are a few simple steps to help you improve your credit score so you can finally buy your own home. 

1. Check for Errors
   One of the easiest things you can do is check your credit reports to make sure all of the information is accurate. Errors can pull down your score, so you'll want to report anything incorrect. Fixing an error can sometimes take several months or longer, so it's important to get the ball rolling on this as soon as possible. 

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