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Donna Murray - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS

253 Nassau Street
Princeton NJ 08540
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908-391-8396
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https://donnamurrayrealestate.com/

News

09/12/2023: Buyer Traffic Is Still Stronger than the Norm

Are you putting off selling your house because you're worried no one's buying because of where mortgage rates are? If so, know this: the latest data shows plenty of buyers are still out there, and they're purchasing homes today. Here's the data to prove it.

09/20/2022: Best Beginner Houseplants for Aspiring Plant Parents

Houseplants...either they thrive, or they die... If you are one of those people that seems to kill every plant you bring home, then this blog post is for you! Before you give up on that green (or not so green) thumb, check out some of the easy-to-care-for houseplants below. Pothos Vine: Pothos are considered one of the easiest houseplants to grow and maintain. A factor that makes them easy houseplants is that while they enjoy bright, indirect sunlight, they can also thrive in low light conditions - so don't fret if your home doesn't have a ton of areas with bright natural light! If you are wondering how you will know to water this plant, all you have to do is feel the soil.

Snake Plant: Also known as Sansevieria, Snake Plants are drought tolerant and only need to be watered occasionally. If the fact that you own a Snake Plant happens to slip your mind, the plant will probably survive, thrive and forgive you for the lapse in care.

Spider Plant: Also known for its air-cleaning qualities, the Spider Plant is another popular houseplant that is easy to care for and maintain, regardless of the color of your thumb.

Succulents & Cacti: Succulents and Cacti are similar in nature, as well as pretty simple to care for, but definitely need a lot of sunshine, these plants LOVE the warm and dry atmosphere provided by the sun.

Lucky Bamboo: Thought to bring good energy and fortune to those who own it, the Lucky Bamboo will tolerate low levels of light, but really prefer bright sun. These plants are unique in the sense that rather than soil (which you can still use), you will often see them placed in pebbles or vases of water.

Donna M. Murray Real Estate Salesperson M: 908.391.8396 O: 609.710.2021 donna.murray@compass.com

08/30/2022: 5 Steps for Designing Your Dream Home

If you have just bought a plot of land and are interested in building a new dream home, the entire process can feel overwhelming to get started. Between figuring out the number of rooms to have and the style of the home's exterior, you may not know where to begin. Take the time to consider these steps to simplify the process.

Visualize Your Home

This is the first step in designing your dream home. You need to imagine what you want your home to look like, feel like and represent. For some people, their homes are a reflection of themselves, so make sure that you choose a design that suits your personality and lifestyle

Hire a Designer

Once you have the very basic groundwork down for your new home design, it is a good idea to consult with a designer. Taking the time to work with a professional will allow you to enjoy a greater degree of control over your property. Look for designers who have experience in designing the type of home that you want. They will be able to help you bring your vision to life and make sure that all of the details are perfect.

Planning

After you have decided on the look of your home, it is time to start planning out how you want each room to function. Make a list of all the things that you would like each room to have and then start sketches or take pictures from magazines to get an idea of what you want. Consult with designers on your lifestyle and what you need to have in the home to suit your needs.

Lighting

Lighting is another important aspect of designing your home. You want to choose lighting that will brighten up each room and make it feel warm and inviting. Natural light is always the best option, and figuring out how each room is situated in accordance with the area's position to the sun will allow you to optimize its construction.

Plan for the Outside

In addition to the interior, it is vital to plan for the exterior as well. Think about what walkways and elements you want to have outside to optimize the curb appeal and functionality of the rest of your property. Don't forget to choose the main color for your home, as well as trim.

Keep in touch with your planner every step of the way. They can provide you with invaluable advice during the construction process, as well as offer insight into municipal laws regarding your rooms and spaces.

08/23/2022: How to Check for Mold Before Purchasing a Home

Buying a new house means that you're likely to check out a number of features, including the home's structural integrity, heating and cooling systems, and square footage. You also have to look for mold. Mold is more than just an unsightly substance with aesthetic disadvantages. Having mold in the home can threaten the health and wellness of everyone living in the space. Check the house for mold before putting in an offer. If mold is found, you need to decide if and how you want to proceed.

Do Your Research

Learning some information about the home's history before even going on a tour can help you to establish the likelihood of mold. For example, if the house is located in an area that experienced serious damage from a hurricane in the recent past, the property might have issues with mold. You should also ask your real estate agent questions about mold in the house. When you go on a tour of the property, closely look at areas that are prone to molds, such as the basement and bathroom ceilings.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

Mold could be hiding in places that you can't see during the tour of the house. The best way to find out if the property has mold is to schedule a professional inspection. Decon Environmental can test for the presence of mold in the house and paint a picture for you of how serious the problem is. You can also speak with the experts about the likelihood that mold will grow in the home and any faults with the house that might lead to this issue.

Make a Decision

In the event that the house does have mold or signs of mold damage, you have to decide if you want to proceed with putting in an offer. A house that once had problems with mold may be likely to see regrowth in the near future. While you don't necessarily need to give up your dream house because the property once had mold growth, you should be prepared to tackle this issue. Remember that mold can cause health issues, even deadly ones.

Work to Prevent Mold

If you decide to move forward with the purchase of the house, speak with the mold remediation experts about strategies for preventing the appearance of this substance. A house with old plumbing might be more prone to leaks and mold, so you could consider replacing some of the piping. In the event that the home is located near a body of water, consider flood insurance to help pay for the costs of mold removal in case an issue does appear. Buying a home that has significant troubles with mold can lead to continued problems in the future. Therefore, checking for signs of this substance is imperative prior to making an offer.

05/24/2022: 5 Tips for Designing a Tiny Home

Tiny homes seem to be all the rage online. But could you actually live in one? If so, Donna Murray, of COMPASS Real Estate, who is currently in training to be an ADU specialist, offers tips on how to take the next steps to living your dreams.

1. Layout your design.

You may have dreams of living in a tiny home, but could you do it? Donna recommends finding a design you like online or one you make yourself and getting an idea of how big it actually is with tape or with lawn spray paint to see it “in real life.”

There are a number of software programs out there that can give you a feel for how to design your house. You just have to get started!

2. Know your land.

You need to find out if your house will be permitted on whatever piece of property you plan on building on. Are there certain spots you aren’t permitted to build due to legal or environmental restrictions? Are there floods? What way does the sun rise and set? These are important questions to ask yourself in the planning process.

3. Downsize

If you are going to live in a tiny-house full time you need to begin editing your belongings. This won’t happen overnight. This may be emotional, tough and tedious, but unless you want to spend lots of money on a storage unit, all the contents of your home will not likely be able to come with you.

4. Be inspired

Read books, go online, check out guides, watch TV shows and be inspired by all of the ideas before you start planning your own home. Don’t just romance the idea. Keep a list of things you like or don’t like. Good planning will help you design a house that will be beneficial for you.

5. Experience living tiny

Spend the weekend in a luxury camper or an Airbnb tiny house and see if you can actually picture living this way full-time. Look at the house and see what you like. How does It flow? What works and what doesn’t? Take pictures and soak it in. Come back and journal about your experience, which may help you determine if the tiny house life truly might be for you.

More about Tiny Homes

And tiny homes are not just for you to live in. You can add a tiny house on your own property to serve a number of uses. Not only does it increase property value, it can be used to host family and guests from out of town, be a low-cost housing option for senior family members or caretakers, have adult children or college graduates a place to live or offer the ultimate home office or work out space.

Donna notes this could be extra income for the owner to rent. A multigenerational family could use a tiny house to create greater housing flexibility and security.

When it comes time to sell your home, Donna has expertise about what shows well and catches a potential buyer’s eye. Reach out to her at donna.murray@compass.com or call 908-391-8396.

Donna Murray is a Real Estate Salesperson with Compass Real Estate and specializes as a Listing Agent and a Buyer’s Agent, specializing in Relocation and Consulting. She can be reached at donna.murray@compass.com or 908-391-8396 with any questions.

Donna ranked in the top % of real estate agents in Mercer County. Working together with her team helps Donna meet your needs promptly and to achieve their real estate goals. To Donna real estate is not only a career but a passion.

Donna partnered with Compass RE as a founding agent of their Princeton office. With the solutions-driven mindset of a startup and the sophistication of a luxury brand, Compass supports the aspirational goals Donna has set for her business.

02/02/2022: Selling Season Is Upon Us! Tips from Donna Murray, Real Estate Agent

Spring still seems a bit away, but it will be here before we know it! We can’t wait to hear birds singing and flowers blooming. Did you know that spring not only brings beautiful blooms but is the start of the residential sale season? Demand is at its highest during the spring, as there are more serious buyers looking to purchase homes.

Donna Murray, of COMPASS Real Estate, offers tips to do now to get your home ready for a Spring Sale.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is not only a term thrown around on HGTV television shows. Curb appeal hints at “the general attractiveness of a house or other piece of property from the sidewalk to a prospective buyer.” Try standing on the street or sidewalk in front of your home to see what they’ll look at as they pull up to your home. Simple fixes go a long way. Power wash all outdoor surfaces, making sure patios, decks, and walkways are swept. Be sure to clean all of your windows, both inside and out. Look at your landscaping and be sure it looks neat. You can paint your front door to look fresh and replace your mailbox with a new one. Make sure that your house numbers are on display boldly. Buy a new doormat and some fresh plants to put in pots.

First Impressions

Make sure that you make a great first impression inside, too. You want potential buyers to see your home and want to move in! Give your home a deep clean. Make sure your vents and baseboards are clean. Declutter your home and organize the countertops, cabinets, and closets. Touch up any scuffs on the wall with a fresh coat of paint. Ditch bold colors on the walls like orange or lime green. Consider painting any bold walls something neutral, like white tones, grey tones, or beige. Make sure your floors are swept and mopped and vacuum and carpets. Open blinds and curtains to let natural light in.

Fix-It Up

There is a balance between making your home pristine and making it look lived-in. Comb your home looking for personal items, like family photographs, to put away. You may need to also look at magazines, awards, bulletin boards, and calendars that show too much of your personal life. Make note of anything that is broken that might need fixing. Also, check for light bulbs that are out and replace them as needed. Have a few elements that make your home look lived in, like vases of fresh-cut flowers or fresh produce in a bowl on the counter. Style your dining room table so that it looks inviting with a small arrangement or centerpiece.

Look around your home and try to make sure every room has a clear purpose that a potential buyer can see, such as a family room, a bedroom, a study. While those extra bedrooms could be a catchall of odds and ends, a buyer doesn’t want to see this. Make it a guest room or something specific that they could visualize using. If you have pets, be sure there isn’t an abundance of their items or smells around the house. Put away bones and be extra vigilant about washing carpets.