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Your home should be a place where you can relax and have fun however you want to. With some thoughtful updates, that can include enjoying your favorite sport or fitness activity.

A golf simulator bay can be a great way to get some practice at home before you hit the links, while a climbing wall may help you stay in shape for your next rock climbing adventure. You might also want a basketball court, swimming pool, pickleball court, horse stable or even a batting cage.

Are you considering adding athletic features to your property? Keep these tips in mind.

Think about the weather. Make sure you’re accounting for environmental influences. If you’re in an area with a lot of rain, opting for weatherproof materials may be the best way to ensure your sports feature is always usable. You might also consider moving your amenity indoors or adding a pergola or some other covering.

Add plenty of seating. You’ll want adequate seating for your household and any spectators you plan to invite. Loungers are smart options for a pool area; for basketball, pickleball and tennis courts, you can explore benches and bleachers. If you have an indoor golf simulator, you might think about comfortable recliners or sofas for participants to lounge in.

Install proper lighting. If you’re building an outdoor feature, be sure to add proper lighting. That could mean stadium lights for a large field or court, or recessed lighting built into a pool, for example.

Stock up on supplies. Creating your sporting area is only the first step. You’ll also need balls, clubs, nets and other supplies specific to your chosen sport, as well as a place to store everything. Consider adding built-in cabinetry to keep all the supplies neatly on-site.

If you’d rather purchase a property that already has the amenities you want, get in touch for expert guidance.

Condominiums can be smart investments, allowing you to buy property in markets where real estate (and land for development) is hard to come by.

They can make for great primary residences if you’re looking for a more urban lifestyle — or, in many cases, they can serve as a vacation home or rental property that adds income to your portfolio.

Just take note: Buying a condo is slightly different from buying a single-family home. Want to make sure you’re prepared for a condo purchase? Here’s what you’ll want to think about.

• Customizability: When you own a condo, you can only make changes to your individual unit. Even then, there may be some limitations as to what you can do. The exterior and shared areas will fall under your condo board’s purview, so keep this in mind as you envision your new property.
  
  
• Maintenance: Likewise, maintenance duties are split, with the condo association taking care of exterior areas like stairwells, parking lots, pools, gyms and other amenities. This means you’re getting a convenient and low-maintenance property.
  
  
• Rules and Governing Board: Condos are a part of a larger community and are governed by rules set by the condo association. Always make sure you read the governing documents of a community before deciding to buy. They may not allow short-term rentals or certain renovations. You should also look into the association as a whole: Understand how members are elected and make decisions, as well as what fees are used toward and how much is in the reserve fund.
  
  
• Sales Potential: Condos tend to appreciate at a slower rate than single-family homes, and they may take longer to sell. The location and current market will likely have an impact, but it’s good to consider as you make plans for your next property.

Want to talk more about your property options? Reach out today to get started.

Buyer’s remorse can happen to anyone — even when buying a second home or vacation property.

It’s true: When you’re shopping for a home that’s not your primary residence, it’s easy to get carried away by a home’s view, location or another standout feature, only to realize a few months down the line that the property isn’t actually a great fit.

Here’s how you could avoid this type of costly regret on your next real estate purchase.

• Know how (and when) you’ll use the property. 
  What will be the purpose of your second home? Will it serve as a summer home for annual trips? A retreat you’ll stay at during spring break but rent out the rest of the year? Having a designated purpose for the property from the start can ensure you make the most of your investment.
  
  
• Be smart about pricing.
  It can be tempting to pay a premium for your vacation getaway, but be sure the price matches what you’ll get from the home — or what you can make from it if you choose to rent it out. We can also discuss the overall housing market in the area you’re buying.
  
  
• Make sure it meets current and future needs.
  Buying a mountainside ski chalet might not be the best investment if you don’t think you’ll be going skiing more than once or twice in the next decade. Be sure the home you’re buying meets your expected needs for years to come — and that it’s in a place you’ll continue to want to visit for the long haul.
  
  

Are you on the hunt for a second home? Get in touch for help finding just the right property.

A large, well-appointed closet can transform your property in ways that might surprise you.

Not only can it simplify your dressing routine and set you up for success, but it can also help keep your home neater and more organized, reducing stress in the process.

Unfortunately, closets that work for your needs aren’t a given. Is your closet lacking the style and substance you’re looking for?

It may be time for a renovation. Consider these tips when you do.

Be choosy about lighting. If you’ll be using the space to dress and model your outfit options, a customizable light can be a great option.This lets you choose from several types of lighting, so you can see how your wardrobe looks under any conditions you might encounter during the day.

Consider a built-in steamer. You don’t want your clothes to be wrinkled for work or social outings. Good news: There are now steamer booths you can add to your closet that will sanitize, steam and deodorize garments while they hang.

Think beyond the clothes. Closets aren’t just for hanging your clothing. You might also want built-in storage solutions for watches, jewelry, bags, shoes and other accessories, depending on your preferences. You should also have at least one full-length mirror in the space.

Focus on the big picture. For an elegant, pulled-together look, decide on a few high-end finishes and materials and stick to them throughout the space. Rich, dark wood can be great for built-ins, while brushed or polished metal can make for a clean look on drawer pulls, handles and other hardware. Don’t forget a great floor — hardwood or tile could be chic options.

Get in touch if you’re looking for a property that has all the amenities you want or to get connected with local experts who can help you take your property to the next level.