If you have taken the time to invest in organizing your closet, congratulations. Most of us think about it, but we don’t get around to doing it. Once you have sorted through everything and decided on the types of organizing materials to add to your closet, you are about half way done with the project. Installing the custom closet organizer system is the next part of the project for you to tackle. You have the option of having someone install it for you or to do it yourself.

If you hire someone to install the custom closet organizer system for you, make sure they are skilled in this area. You can hire a professional, a friend, or a family member to complete it for you. Make sure you have discussed everything thoroughly before they begin including how you want the closet area to look, the deadline for completing the project, if you will provide the tools or they need to bring their own, and the amount you will pay for the finished project. You can choose to pay by the hour or a flat rate for the entire project.

You will save money if you are willing to install your custom closet yourself. It is a good idea to ask someone to lend you a hand. This makes installing and leveling much easier with an extra pair of hands in there. It is important to only use the right tools. Most custom closet products can be installed using basic tools including a flat head screwdriver, a phillips-head screwdriver, a level, a hammer, and a drill. It works best if you have a cordless drill. I power screwdriver helps too as it will ensure all the screws are in place securely.

Before you begin putting the custom closet products together, take a few minutes to make sure all of the required parts to do so are there as well as the instruction manual. All of the necessary parts for the materials will be listed in the instruction manual. If you are missing any parts you have two options, contact the customer service for the manufacturer or go to the hardware store and purchase the missing parts yourself if it something like screws that they will have in stock.

Next read through your instruction manual. Do this before you start putting anything together. If you don’t understand any part of it, ask the person assisting you to read over it. You can also look the information up on the internet or contact the customer service support team for the manufacturer. If you are using a closet organizer kit, then make sure you follow the instructions for the proper order of installing the pieces.

This is because some of them fit together in a particular way. If you purchased separate pieces of closet organizers, install them from the bottom up. It is also a good idea to have each area for the particular item outlined so that you are positive not to put it in the area designated for another closet organizing product. If this happens you will find yourself having to take some of the products out and reinstalling them.

It is important that you adjust things as necessary. If you don’t have any studs to attach the closet organization products to, it is a good idea to add wall anchors and braces to give the products added support. For the best results, purchase quality items from your home improvement store.

For the best results, take your time installing the custom closet accessories and products. Make sure each item is level before you secure it in place. Following these installation tips will help you transform your closet into a well organized area. Once you clean up the work area, the fun will begin. You are going to be very excited as you start putting your items back into the closet because of how great everything looks!

Copied with permission from: http://plrplr.com/73506/installing-a-custom-closet-organizer/

Is your bathroom small? It’s the worst, isn’t it? Well, unfortunately, small bathrooms are very common, and are usually the smallest rooms in the house. I can almost bet that it almost always feels cramped and tight in there. Although the square footage doesn’t change, a change of organization and storage space can make a drastic change to [...]

Ready to sell your house? Here is a few staging tips to get your home prepared for the market. When listing a home that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, you want to make sure it's presented in the best light. You wouldn't buy a $50,000 dollar car if it was filled from top to bottom in someone's personal content and [...]

Ready to paint your home? Be sure to use the right finishes in each room and feature to make the best impact in your home. Using the wrong finishes can backfire for home owners if the wrong ones are used in the wrong spaces. Below, you'll find the most common finishes and recommendations on where they are best applied [...]

If you have been considering purchasing a home, you may be curious to know if this is the right time in the market to make your move. The market is fast changing, with new laws coming into play, interest rates are constantly rising, and a whole slew of things buyers have to face when it comes time to picking the right house. What does that mean for you? Well, that there isn't a better time to buy than now. Let's break down the benefits of purchasing a home now, instead of waiting. 

1. INTEREST RATES ARE SOARING If you haven't been keeping up with the real estate market, you might be missing out on the data around interest rates. They are going up, and they are going up fast. 5% may not seem like a lot, but can be the difference between hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on what you are paying out towards your loan on a monthly basis. Would you want to pay an extra $200 towards interest for your loan each month, or would you prefer to pocket that $200? Well we know the answer to that. Buying a home now while interest rates are at a low is going to be an advantage, both now, and long term. Take advantage of today's rates and purchase a home that doesn't cost you extra just because of interests.

2. HOME PRICES ARE INCREASING Have you been hearing about folks complaining in your market about the price of homes going up? Well those prices are going to continue climbing. A home that is $200,000 now, could go up to $400,000 in 10 years because of market conditions. Purchasing a home in today's market can get you a bigger and better deal on a house than if you were to wait a few years. Especially in hot markets, where prices are virtually guaranteed to sky rocket, making a move now can save you hundreds of thousands.

3. COMPETITION IS GETTING BIGGER Population growth is a real thing, and with more people, comes more competition for homes. Homes are selling faster, which means a high demand increases home prices. The ball is in your court in today's market. There isn't ever a better time to purchase then now. Avoid the competition and the increase in fees and prices, and take advantage of the current market.

What's the Difference between a Boutique Real Estate Agency and a Big Box Franchise Agency?

Like most things, the answer is not clear-cut. There are benefits to both. Franchises have big names with brand recognition and lots and lots of agents. But the beauty of a smaller agency is that the agents are not just anyone with a license but selectively chosen to represent the agency.  Small agencies also tend to have a "niche."

What's a Niche?

A niche is an area of the market specializing in a specific interest and ability. Our Agency based in Lisbon Maine is focused on its community.  Haggerty Realty sponsor's local baseball and soccer teams and of course we sponsor the Moxie Festival. Haggerty also donates to local food pantries and is on the board of Positive Change Lisbon.

So what's the benefit?

The benefit is a focused effort to build strong relationships in the community we live in, to provide professional and personalized service, and to handle every client and transaction uniquely. Our agents will work on your real estate transaction expertly from beginning to end and you'll build a strong relationship with your agent due to the continuous one-on-one interactions. You'll also be supporting a locally owned small business. And it's highly likely you'll be working with the broker/owner; Cheryl Haggerty. Do you know the owner of insert franchise name here? Haggerty boasts over 50 years of experience - that's a lot of knowledge!

 

It's often believed that a large franchise can offer more services, access larger data bases and have more connections. The internet is a great equalizer.  We have the same access to the MLS, we are on major home-search  websites, we belong to real estate boards and use social media. And we promptly respond to all inquiries.

Bottom Line

There are good agents in both styles of agencies but if you're looking for a personalized unique experience, an agent that understands the local area with contacts in the local area, than a boutique agency is worth a look. We value your business and hope to maintain the relationship after the sale.

Housing is Back!

As 2015 gets underway, all signs point to a very strong year in housing.  Phrases such as “housing is back” and “mortgage rates are low” will be commonplace and our agents at Haggerty Realty will be happily meeting the needs of our buyers and sellers.

The Golden Ticket

With that being said, there is one important tool that [...]

Town attraction: Dr. Mike's Madness Cafe! Nice meal right in Lisbon Falls on Main Street!

Check out this great place for walking, running, dog walking and biking! The trail is currently being expanded to continue along the Androscoggin River.