Sunrise Homes & Renovations, Inc.

How to Create a One-Year Plan After Moving In for Repairs and Upgrades

by

Moving into a new home is exciting, especially when you cannot wait to make improvements that reflect your style and lifestyle. The challenge is knowing where to start. Many new homeowners feel overwhelmed by repairs, upgrades, and projects competing for attention.

Creating a one-year plan helps you stay organized, avoid overspending, and prioritize the changes that matter most. As real estate professionals, we guide buyers through this transition so they can protect their investment and enjoy their home from day one.

Start With a Full Walkthrough of the Home
Before making any upgrades, take time to walk through the home with a fresh perspective. Look for small issues that may not have seemed urgent during your purchase, such as loose fixtures, minor leaks, cracked tiles, or outdated outlets. Make note of everything, from major repairs to cosmetic projects. This creates a clear list of what needs attention and helps you understand the overall condition of the home now that you live in it daily.

Identify Immediate Safety and Maintenance Needs
Some repairs should always come first. Electrical hazards, plumbing leaks, roof issues, and anything related to safety should be at the top of your one-year plan. These types of repairs protect your home and prevent more expensive problems down the road. Addressing maintenance early also helps you avoid emergency repairs, which tend to be costly and stressful.

Prioritize Projects That Improve Comfort
Once safety and maintenance items are handled, focus on upgrades that make your home more comfortable. This can include improving lighting, updating flooring, enhancing storage, or adjusting your HVAC system for better efficiency. These changes make your home more enjoyable and offer everyday benefits. It is easy to get distracted by big-picture projects, but comfort-focused upgrades often bring the most immediate satisfaction.

Build a Budget for Each Phase
A one-year plan works best when you break the year into phases. Start by assigning estimated costs to each repair or upgrade. Then create a realistic timeline that fits your budget. Some projects may need savings over several months, while others can be completed quickly and affordably. A clear plan helps you avoid taking on too many expenses at once and keeps your finances balanced throughout the year.

Save Cosmetic Enhancements for Later
Paint, décor, landscaping, and design details are the fun part of homeownership, and they can transform your space visually. However, they can often wait until core repairs and upgrades are finished. By saving cosmetic projects for later in your plan, you avoid redoing work, spending more than expected, or skipping essential repairs in favor of aesthetics.

Creating a one-year plan after moving in gives you direction, control, and confidence. Instead of rushing into projects, you move at a pace that supports your lifestyle and protects your investment. With a thoughtful approach and a clear timeline, your home becomes everything you envisioned and more.

Pet-Friendly Design Ideas That Also Impress Buyers

by

For many homeowners, pets are family, so it is natural to want a home that works for both humans and furry friends. The good news is that pet-friendly design does not have to compromise style or hurt resale value. In fact, many upgrades that make life easier for pets also appeal to future buyers.

As real estate professionals, we often see homes with thoughtful pet features stand out in the market because they look purposeful, clean, and well maintained.

Choose Durable, Attractive Flooring
Flooring is one of the biggest concerns for pet owners. Scratches, stains, and wear can add up fast. Durable options like luxury vinyl plank, tile, and hardwood alternatives look beautiful and hold up incredibly well.

These flooring choices offer a modern appearance, easy cleaning, and long-term durability that buyers appreciate. When flooring looks good and can handle daily life, everyone wins.

Create Smart Storage for Pet Supplies
Pet items can easily clutter a home, but simple storage solutions keep everything organized and visually appealing. Built-in cubbies, stylish baskets, or a dedicated drawer for leashes, toys, and treats make the home feel tidy and intentional. Buyers notice when a home is organized, and thoughtful storage can make your space feel larger and more functional.

Add a Pet-Washing Station or Mudroom Area
A small pet-washing station, even a simple handheld sprayer in a tiled corner of the laundry room, adds convenience for pet owners and practicality for buyers. Mudroom areas with hooks, washable mats, and storage help manage messes before they spread throughout the home. These spaces appeal to families, outdoor enthusiasts, and pet owners alike, making them a smart addition for resale.

Incorporate Stylish but Functional Built-Ins
Built-in feeding stations, hidden litter box areas, or slide-out dog bowl drawers help maintain a clean, polished look while offering convenience. Buyers appreciate well-designed built-ins because they maximize space and reduce clutter. These upgrades look intentional rather than temporary, which adds value and enhances the homeís overall appearance.

Focus on Outdoor Spaces That Benefit Everyone
A fenced yard is one of the top requirements for pet owners, but it also appeals to families and buyers who enjoy gardening or outdoor entertaining. Adding shade, easy-to-clean patio surfaces, and safe, pet-friendly landscaping creates a backyard that works for everyone. Outdoor features that look great and require low maintenance are always attractive to buyers.

Pet-friendly upgrades do not have to look messy or overly customized. When done thoughtfully, they enhance daily living while adding charm, organization, and long-term appeal. The key is choosing features that are practical, stylish, and universally appealing to both pet owners and future buyers.

10 Tips to Secure Your Home While You’re on Vacation

by

A vacation is a time to relax and unwind, but it’s essential to ensure that your home remains safe while you’re away. Nobody wants to return from a fantastic trip to find their home has been broken into. With a few precautionary measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your home becoming an easy target for theft.

Here are ten tips to help secure your home while you’re on vacation:

  1. Notify Trusted Neighbors or Friends: Let a few close neighbors or friends know about your travel plans. They can keep an eye on your property, pick up mail, and maintain a presence around your home, making it less appealing to potential burglars.
  2. Secure All Entry Points: Lock all doors and windows securely before leaving. Consider reinforcing them with deadbolts, window locks, and security bars if necessary.
  3. Install Motion-Activated Lights: Exterior lighting with motion sensors can startle intruders and alert neighbors. Install them near entrances and in areas that provide cover for potential thieves.
  4. Timers for Lights and Electronics: Use timers to turn lights, radios, or TVs on and off at different times to create the illusion that someone is home. Smart home systems can also help you control your home’s lighting remotely.
  5. Pause Mail and Newspaper Delivery: A pile of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox is a clear sign that nobody is home. Temporarily suspend mail and newspaper delivery or ask a neighbor to collect them for you.
  6. Don’t Advertise Your Trip: Avoid posting about your vacation plans on social media until after your return. Broadcasting your absence can attract the wrong kind of attention.
  7. Secure Your Valuables: Store valuable items, such as jewelry, important documents, and electronics, in a hidden or locked safe. This adds an extra layer of protection in case of a break-in.
  8. Home Security System: Invest in a home security system, if possible. Many modern systems offer remote monitoring, so you can keep tabs on your home from your smartphone. Display signs or stickers to make potential burglars think twice.
  9. Emergency Contact List: Provide a trusted neighbor or friend with your contact information in case of an emergency. Make sure they know how to reach you or someone close to you and leave them with a spare key.
  10. Consider a Home-Sitter: If you have a friend or family member willing to stay at your house, this can be an effective way to deter potential burglars. A lived-in appearance is a strong security measure.

By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of your home becoming an easy target for theft while you’re on vacation. Remember that preparation is key, and a little extra effort in securing your home will allow you to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your home and belongings.

Three Excellent Reasons to Buy a Home So You Can Get out of the “Renting Rut”

by

Three Excellent Reasons to Buy a Home So You Can Get out of the Renting a home is a good option for some, but buying a home just might be the best thing for you. When you rent a home, you send money to someone else every month in exchange for knowing that you can call on your landlord when the roof leaks, an appliance stops working or your bathroom faucet breaks.

There are some big advantages to buying a house that will help you get out of your renting rut and focus more on your future.

Build Equity

Did you know that when you rent a home, you help someone else build equity? Any changes that you make with your landlord’s approval puts money back in his or her pocket. Keeping the yard clean and taking care of routine maintenance builds equity in that property. When you buy a home of your own, you have the chance to build equity of your own, which you can use to obtain a loan later.

Save On Your Taxes

When you rent a house, you cannot deduct the money you spend on your taxes. Though some states will let you make a small deduction based on the total amount you spend in rent each month, you cannot make any deductions on your federal taxes. When you buy a home, you can save with a few different types of deductions.

The federal government lets you make a deduction if your home is worth more than what you currently owe on your taxes. If you purchased your first home, you can make a deduction in regards to your property taxes. You can also deduct money that you spend on some renovations and energy saving appliances.

Put Your Personal Touch On Things

As long as you continue renting, you live in a home that belongs to someone else. Your landlord has final say over what you do and do not do. This often means that you cannot make repairs or significant changes without seeking approval first.

Renting a home lets you put your personal touch on things. You can paint the walls any colors you want, rip out the carpet to add hardwood flooring or even make significant changes outside to turn your new home into your dream home.

Now that you know more about the benefits of buying a home and how that purchase can get you out of the rental rut you’re in currently, turn to a mortgage professional for assistance.

How Your Home Equity Can Help You Reach Your Retirement Goals

by

How Your Home Equity Can Help You Reach Your Retirement GoalsIf you plan on retiring soon, you are probably looking at a few options that can get you over the hump. You are probably excited to start a new phase of life. With a record number of people closing in on their retirement age, many are starting to assess their resources to make sure they have enough money to last them for the rest of their lives. If you already own a home, you might be able to tap into your home equity to help you fuel your retirement.

Your Home Has Probably Gone Up In Value

Your house is an investment and now is your opportunity to capitalize on that investment. There is a great chance that the value of your home has significantly increased since you first bought it. Furthermore, if you have been in your house for a long time, your mortgage may have been completely paid off. This means that just about all of your home’s value could be yours to keep. Your house could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, which you can put towards your retirement.

How To Use Your Home Equity For Your Retirement

Of course, you still need a place to live, but there are ways for you to tap into your home equity for your retirement. If you have children who have already moved out, you might be ready to downsize. As a result, you could sell your house and use the cash from the sale of your house to purchase a smaller home. Then, you can use the money left over to fund your retirement. It might not be enough to cover your retirement completely, but it could be enough to get you over the hump if you are wondering when you can retire.

Consider The Implications Of Selling Your Home

When you sell your home, there is a chance that you may have to pay taxes on the capital gains stemming from the value of your home. On the other hand, you might be able to shield some of those gains if you use the money to buy another house quickly. You should reach out to a professional who can help you understand the tax implications of selling your home.

 

4 Common Remodeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

by

Investing in your home by remodeling or renovating is an excellent way to increase its value. However, a significant renovation project can quickly turn into a disaster, especially for those who are inexperienced. Let’s take a look at four of the more common home renovation mistakes that homeowners make and how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Skipping The Permit Process

The first mistake you will want to avoid is undertaking any home renovation without the required permits. While some remodeling projects will not require a permit, others will. Regardless, it is more than worth taking the time to do your research to ensure you do not run afoul of the law. A visit to the city’s website or a quick phone call is all you will need to find out if a permit is required and how much it will cost.

Mistake #2: Being Afraid

A great way to ruin your renovation is to be too afraid to transform the space into whatever best suits your family. Try to avoid being trendy and going with renos that you saw recently on television. Instead, consider how you currently use your kitchen, bathroom, or whatever other space you’re changing and improve it for the better.

Mistake #3: Using Cheap Materials Or Labor

When it comes to contractors, going cheap is rarely a good idea. You want someone who is going to do the best quality of work at a fair, affordable price. Moreover, since you’re investing in that contractor, it is best to also invest in using high-quality materials for the job.

Also, don’t be the type that skimps on costs just because something isn’t visible. A good example is if your contractor recommends that you install something like a bathroom membrane system. Yes, it’s an extra cost that is mostly a preventive measure against mold getting under your tiles. However, it is a small consideration in protecting the more substantial investment you’re making in upgrading your home.

Mistake #4: Changing Your Mind

As the old saying goes: “measure twice, cut once.” Changing your mind in the middle of your renovation is almost certainly going to cost you. Once you commit, try to stick to the plan unless circumstances force you to make a change. These are just four of the many mistakes that can be made by an inexperienced home renovator.