Network Wilmington Real Estate News

You have unpacked all the boxes and put everything in its respective spot, and the rest is easy! Right? Not so fast. You still want to keep that new house nice and tidy. With the holidays rolling around, clutter tends to build up and cause additional stress. Unwrapped gifts are scattered around the guest room, while the kitchen is constantly covered in crumbs from those delicious holiday desserts.

With all of the rooms you have to take of, the idea of maintaining a spotless house can feel like a foreign concept. It’s not! We are here to help you create that weekly cleaning list to attack the clutter before it comes.Don’t let the mess pile up with these helpful home care strategies.

Pick up as you go.

We are all guilty of it. Dropping a blanket on the floor, promising that we will pick it up later. Or maybe leaving a plate in the kitchen sink with every intention of cleaning it when you come back for your next snack. Instead of making inner pacts in your head to come back to that little clutter, pick it up as you go! Practice this simple method: As you walk through the rooms of your house, pick up the little things as you go. If you see a piece of crumpled paper on your home office floor, just pick it up and throw it in the trash (Michael Jordan style) as you walk through that room. You will find that when you pick up the little messes, the big messes won’t feel as daunting.

Practice purging.

As natural consumers, it’s possible for us to have much more than what we actually need in our homes. You might even find that you have double of some things. Now is the time to purge! Start collecting a box (or two) of household items that you no longer have use for. We guarantee someone else might have a use for it, so consider donating those items to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army.

Keep the Kitchen Tidy.

You might not want to admit it, but the majority of time you spend in your home is in the kitchen (outside of sleeping). Therefore, it’s so important to keep your kitchen the tidiest of all the rooms. When this particular room is clean, it will feel like the rest of your house is also clean (even if it’s not).

Here are some quick cleaning pointers for the kitchen:

• Take a Clorox wipe and wipe down surfaces daily.
• Do not let dishes pile up. Take the extra couple of minutes to clean them right after your meal.
• Take a Swiffer to the floor to get those daily crumbs gone.
• Throw away old food in the refrigerator each week.
• Spray Febreze! Fresh smells create fresh environments.

De-Clutter Common Areas.

Your common areas should also be at the top of your list for cleaning, including the living room, guest bathrooms, and eating areas. These are the rooms that your guests tend to gather in most. Fluff up the pillow on your couch, put out coasters for your guests to use, and take a duster to the furniture each week. By making this a habit, your guests and your family will enjoy a nice and sanitary experience in your home.

In just a few minutes’ time, you are able to keep your house clean on a daily basis. I think we can all agree that we do not need any extra stress or chaos in our lives. So let’s practice daily habits to keep our homes healthy and comfortable!

Right now you might be wondering why you volunteered to host the annual Thanksgiving feast with family and friends at YOUR house. What if the ham isn’t cooked long enough? What if my centerpiece is not festive enough? How do I fold my napkins into cute little turkeys? There’s so much to be done and so little time!

Before you wave that white flag, we are ready to swoop in and help you save the day. There is no need to stress over this festive holiday. You can actually ENJOY it. Who knew, right? We are going to provide you with some helpful tips to eliminate the stress and give you even more to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Plan Ahead

There is no need to save everything for the day of the big event. Thanksgiving is an easy holiday where you can prepare pieces of the party ahead of time. For instance, set your table the night before. Lay out the plates, silverware, adorable autumn-themed napkins, and gorgeous centerpiece prior to Thanksgiving morning. This will allow you more time on the day of to spend time in the kitchen perfecting that apple pie recipe or adding extra touches to the dining room.

Ask for Help

You are not in this alone. And you definitely don’t need to take on the task of preparing the entire Thanksgiving meal all by yourself. Make a list of what dishes you feel like you can tackle and divvy out the rest to your guests. People love to feel included and like they have contributed something, so if you don’t like making green bean casserole – someone else might consider it their specialty! Put those delegation skills to the test, and divide and conquer this Thanksgiving!

DIY Everything

There is no need to hit the aisles and spend all of your holiday savings before Christmas even gets here! Don’t have an autumn wreath? Need to add a little fall flare to your mantel? Do it yourself! Special shout out to Pinterest for making these DIY projects so simpler and fun. There are a number of cute creations you can find online that are not time-consuming and will perfectly match the autumn decorations for your Thanksgiving party. Welcome your guests at the front door with a homemade wreath made out of pinecones, berries, and hydrangeas. Align your mantle with an array of baby pumpkins or fill a basket with piles of gourds, leaves, and corn for a lovely centerpiece. Get crafty this Thanksgiving and turn your home into a real life Pinterest party! Need some inspiration? Take a look at our favorite ideas from our Pinterest!

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

Once the house is delightfully decorated, the table settings are set, and the turkey is pulled out of the oven, it’s time to relax and have fun! Just because you are the host of this party doesn’t mean that you don’t get to enjoy it too. Remember the reason for this holiday season. Gather around the table, give thanks for those who are with you, and dig in! One of the best parts of having a home is hosting dinner parties and events for your friends and family. With some prepping and planning, make your house feel like home to your guests this holiday season!

For most of us, buying a home is the biggest purchase we’ll ever make. If it’s our first time going through the home-buying process, we often feel nervous, tense, and confused. There’s nothing wrong with this—after all, we’re about to spend a lot of money—but only if we worry about the right things.

Below are five common myths about homeownership, which we’ve taken the liberty to thoroughly debunk for your peace of mind. Remember, when it comes to most things in life, it’s better to focus on the facts and forget about the fiction.

5 Home Buying Myths You Need to Move Past

1. You can’t get a loan unless you have perfect credit. 

   While it’s true that your credit score will affect your mortgage loan approval and interest rate, very few people have a “perfect” score of 850. Most people’s scores actually fall between 600 and 700. The higher your score, the better your options will be. However, a credit score isn’t the only thing lenders factor into their loans. They’ll also look at the amount of debt you have, your job history, and your down payment. If, however, your credit score is below 500, it may be worth it to wait a year or two and focus on raising that number before you start house hunting.

2. Most homes these days end up in foreclosure. 

   The recent mortgage crisis scared many would-be home buyers and made them stick with rentals longer than they might have. Even now, people are wary about buying a home, worried that they won’t be able to make payments. The good news is that following the mortgage crisis new regulations were put into place to put a stop to the practices that led to the problem in the first place. Plus, the fact that so many people are worried about foreclosure is actually a good sign—it means they’re less likely to take on risky loans they can’t afford. If you practice due diligence and buy a home within your means, you should be fine.

3. It’s cheaper to rent a home than to own one. 

   Sure, renting may seem like a smarter financial decision in the short term. You don’t have to pay for repairs, you don’t have to worry about property taxes, and you can move pretty much any time you want without going to the trouble of selling your home. Real estate, however, is one of the easiest ways to build wealth, as long as you make smart financial choices. Generally, home prices increase over time. This means that when you’re ready to move, you can usually sell your home and make back most of what you spent in the first place—an option a renter will never have.

4. Hiring a real estate agent is a waste of money. 

   Many people don’t understand the role a real estate agent plays in the home buying process, and so they assume they won’t need one. Once you get further into the process, however, you begin to realize how much you don’t know—and how having an experienced professional on your side can help. Real estate agents play many roles during the home buying process, from helping you narrow down your choices, to negotiating on your behalf, connecting you with trusted lenders, to guiding you through the closing process. Buying a home is a big deal, and a real estate agent is an integral part of making sure you do it right so you can enjoy the results.

5. It’s all about location, location, location. 

   There was a time when home buyers were encouraged to choose a home based on where it was located—IE, in well-established communities with low crime rates and good schools. Now, however, there are many neighborhoods that are on the rise. This means that, with a little foresight, you can buy a less expensive home in a place that will get better and better over the next few years, thus raising the value of your investment. While location will always be important, it’s good to keep an open mind and consider just where a house is now, but what that neighborhood will look like one, five, or ten years from now.

We hope that learning the truth behind these myths makes you more comfortable with the idea of buying a home. If you think you’re ready to take the plunge, contact Network Real Estate. Our agents will make sure you have all the facts you need to make the best choice for you and your family.

One-story or two-story? Wood floors or carpet? Cul-de-sac or private lot? Fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan? Amidst all the fun and excitement of buying your first house, the endless decisions can make even the most poised person go a little insane! After over 30 years buying and selling homes in southeastern North Carolina, the agents at Network Real Estate have seen it all!

With so many choices and deadlines in your head, the chaos can lead to mistakes that are otherwise avoidable. Just like any big life decision, it is important to go into your first home-buying experience with a plan. Do your research, stick to the plan, seek professional advice, and we guarantee you’ll avoid all of these following first-time buyer mistakes.

Mistake #1: Breaking the Budget

Don’t get too carried away on Zillow or Trulia dubbing a house your “dream home” before creating a realistic budget that aligns with your finances. Before you even look at a single property, it’s very important to be aware of how much you can afford. One of the best steps into setting your budget is meeting with a lender to get pre-approved for that amount. Sometimes we let our fantasies cloud us from reality. Once you have been pre-approved, be sure to stay below that number. Financial responsibility will keep you from getting in over your head, and remember—it’s still possible to find your “dream home” within the boundaries of your well-thought-out budget!

Mistake #2: Not Working with a Professional

Yes, it is possible to buy or sell a home without the help of a professional real estate agent, but there is a bigger chance that you will experience more headaches along the way. The internet and online real-estate sites can only tell you so much, but without the experience of a licensed professional there is a higher chance that your home-buying process will not be enjoyable. A specialist has access to all of the homes in your market and it is their job to compare homes in order to find the perfect one that meets your wants and needs. He or she will also act as an advocate on your behalf when it comes down to negotiating an offer and writing a contract. Real estate agents, such as those at Network Real Estate, want to advocate for you and help you find the perfect place to call home.

Mistake #3: Forgetting Extra Costs

When creating your budget, be sure to include those sneaky hidden costs. Many buyers factor in the purchase price, but forget to account for taxes, utilities, insurance, and fees. During the contract-to-close process, there are a number of fees that will jump out at you, such as appraisal feels, homeowner’s insurance fees, repairs, moving, and closing costs. If you add these costs to your budget at the very beginning of your journey, then you will not be surprised by them when you actually have to write the check!

Mistake #4: Skipping the Inspections

Curb-appeal can be deceiving! Love at first sight might feel more real than it ever has as you walk through the house for the first time. But anyone can put lipstick on a pig and make it look prettier! The truth is the foundation of the home could have some hidden issues that can’t be seen by the naked eye. This is why it is crucial have the home inspected prior to closing. Your agent will assist you in setting up a home inspection, in which the inspector will go below the surface and provide you with a list of repairs. Most will probably be minor fixes, but it is worth it to know if there are any major problems that you might be unwilling to deal with. Ensuring an inspection prior to closing means you’ll know every detail about the house you are moving into.

Mistake #5: Not Considering the Future

Typically, when purchasing a home, the last thing you are thinking about is selling that home. You might even buy the house with the intent of that being the place in which you grow old. Yet life is always full of surprises, and the day will eventually come when you have to consider reselling your house. In the event of a job transfer, a growing family, or a family member on the other side of the country needing help, moving could very well be something that you have to consider down the road. With that thought in mind, it’s always a good idea to think like a typical home buyer when choosing a house. Will this house be easy to sell? You might be head over heels for that neon green tile in the bathroom, but the average buyer might not fancy the same. Maybe that means you keep the tile for the time being, but start saving up for a new look now. Think like a buyer and you won’t be a seller for long.

Purchasing your first home is an exciting experience! Here at Network Real Estate, we want every step of your home-buying journey to be seamless and fun. Call one of our agents today, and find yourself one step closer to living in your dream home!

Owning your own swimming pool is a luxury. Here in Southeastern North Carolina, it can also be seen as a necessity. Sure, we live a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean, but even a short drive to the beach can be more trouble than it’s worth. Between loading up the kids, packing extra towels, snacks and sunblock, searching fruitlessly for a parking spot, and then battling the crowds for a spot on the sand, a relaxing day at the beach can be anything but.

When you have your own swimming pool, on the other hand, sunbathing, swimming and soaking up a quiet afternoon are suddenly a whole lot easier. If you’re thinking about buying a swimming pool for your own personal enjoyment but are still on the fence, there’s another perk to consider. A swimming pool can add value to your home, and make it more appealing to buyers down the road. Yes, that’s right – not only is a swimming pool something you and your family can enjoy right now, it’s also an investment in your future.

If you’re thinking about buying a swimming pool, you’re in luck. Fall and winter are great seasons to “take the plunge.” Here are three reasons why buying a swimming pool in the off-season can be the best choice you make this year.

You’ll Save Money

Like most products and services, the off-season is when you’ll find the best deals and discounts. For example, having a wedding in the winter will net you more savings than celebrating in June, and skis tend to go on sale as soon as the snow begins to melt. Swimming pools are no different. If you can wait, then building yours in the fall or winter months is a better idea than summer, which is prime swimming season.

While these savings are great, there are other costs to consider when building a pool. Because swimming pools can be a safety hazard, especially if you have young children in your house or neighborhood, putting a fence around your pool is important. If you don’t plan to fill your pool with water until the summer months, then you’ll have all winter and early spring to shop around and find the best deals on fencing material. Let’s face it – when we have time to weigh our options and browse the offerings, we almost always find better deals.

Your Landscaping Will Thank You

Contrary to popular belief, the best time to plant trees and shrubs is in the fall and winter months. This allows the plants to focus on putting down strong roots, rather than putting their energy into making leaves or flowers. Since building a swimming pool will likely alter your backyard in some way, the fall and winter months are a better time to move existing trees and bushes and plant some new ones.

As far as increasing the value of your home goes, you’ll also want to make sure your swimming pool fits in with the aesthetic of your house and your neighborhood, and landscaping will help with this. Your swimming pool should blend into your backyard, not stick out like a sore thumb. By building it during the colder months, you’ll have more freedom to make sure it complements the landscape and adds to the beauty of your home.

You Can Spend All Winter Planning Your First Pool Party

The winter months can be dark, cold and downright depressing, especially once the holidays have passed. Building a swimming pool during these months will give you something to look forward to, and provide an excellent distraction from plunging temperatures, ice storms and stir-crazy kids. Daydream about playing endless games of Marco Polo, keeping an eye on the kids from the back deck, and going for a morning swim in the peace and quiet of your own backyard. Then, when summer finally arrives, you’ll be ready and raring to go, and so will your swimming pool.

We hope this article has helped you see the value of building a swimming pool now, rather than later. For more ideas on how to increase the value of your home and enjoy life wherever you live, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And if you’re currently looking for your dream home, contact Network Real Estate. We’re always ready to dive in.

We might still be frolicking through colorful leaves, picking out the perfect pumpkin, and throwing on those light cardigans, but get ready because winter is coming! With the crisp air, fall is the ideal time to take care of those little chores that will make a huge difference in preserving your beautiful home when the winter settles in. If you put in the work now, you will be ready for winter’s worst and cut down on unnecessary expenses. So throw on that cardigan, roll up the sleeves, and check these fall home maintenances tasks off your to-do list!

Protect that Patio

As the temperatures begin to drop, it might become a little too chilly to kick back on your patio or porch. Unfortunately, your outdoor furniture might receive the brunt of the colder months if you don’t keep it protected. In order to prevent rust and damage from the outside elements, we recommend finding a place indoors to store your furniture or covering your furniture with adequate protection. Prior to storing your furniture away, it is a good idea to first give them a good scrub down and make sure they are squeaky clean for when you pull them out next spring. And if you decide to bring out that fire pit for some s’mores and hot chocolate during the colder months, pull that patio furniture back out and enjoy s’more patio time!

Dust that Deck

While you’re cleaning and storing away your outdoor furniture, give your deck or porch a good cleaning! Brush off the fallen leaves and various debris. This can trap moisture against your wooden boards and create a slippery surface. Plus, sparkling clean surfaces will increase your curb appeal, which your neighbors will appreciate!

Review that Roof

Take a look up and scan your roof for a quick visual inspection. Ensure that your shingles look securely attached and up-to-par without any missing from the bunch. If you see any warning signs, it is important to call a professional roof inspector to evaluate your roof’s safety. Checking your roof in the fall is crucial before possible ice and winter winds bring along further damage. While you’re at it, give your gutters a close look and remove any leaves, twigs, or various fall debris. Clogged gutters might lead to flaws in the exterior of your home. Get those gutters decluttered and back to flowing freely.

Love that Lawn

One of the staples of autumn is fallen leaves. I guess they call it “Fall” for a reason! After a few weeks of fall, the leaves tend to cover your lawn like a blanket. As beautiful as the added color is, these fallen leaves can accumulate moisture, which can lead to the growth of mold and unwanted pests. So grab that rake and bag up that gorgeous fall foliage before the winter wetness gets to it!

Freshen that Filter

New seasons call for new furnace filters! Fall is prime time for checking your filters and changing out any dirty ones. When your filters are cleaned, your HVAC will run more effortlessly. This will allow for heat to better circulate, cutting down those dreaded energy bills in the winter. Save money and stay cozy!

Your home is valuable and something that should be properly cared for. With frequent check-ups, you will have less headaches in your future and can truly enjoy the upcoming winter season. If you’d like any additional tips for caring your home, do not hesitate to contact us at Network Real Estate.

You found a house, fell in love, made an offer, and it was accepted. Congratulations! Before you pop the champagne and pick out paint colors, there are still a few steps you need to take to ensure the transition from your old house to your new home goes as seamlessly as possible.

Below are seven tasks—some small, some big—that everyone should do on or before closing day. By taking care of everything on this list, you’ll be able to unpack your champagne flutes in peace.

1. Change the locks.

It doesn’t matter how trustworthy the sellers seem, it’s always a good idea to change the locks as soon as your new home is officially yours. After all, you don’t know who had a spare, how many keys are floating around, or how someone might take your move-in date as an opportunity to break in. Play it safe and call a locksmith so you can sleep soundly in your brand new bedroom.

2. Switch over the utilities.

Gas, electric, cable, Internet—basically, everything that makes a house a home! The last thing you want to do is take a cold shower after moving boxes all day, or turn on Netflix to relax, only to remember you’re not connected. Call your providers at least two weeks ahead of time to make sure you get appointments when you need them.

3. Update or sign up for homeowners’ insurance.  

Almost all lenders require homeowners’ insurance, so unless you’re paying in cash, you will need to make sure your policy is in place the day you move in. This is because lenders need to protect their investment—that is, your home—in case of storms, tornados, or other disasters. Even if you’re not taking out a mortgage, it’s still a good idea to get homeowners’ insurance. Anything can happen and it’s best to be prepared!

4. Meet your neighbors. 

Your new home is part of a community, and you’ll enjoy living there more if you feel like a part of the neighborhood. Introduce yourself to the neighbors on either side of your house and across the street, and get their contact information (and offer yours!) in case of an emergency. You can also check to see if your neighborhood has anyone virtual apps like Facebook or Nextdoor. This is a great way to introduce yourself to people and to stay aware of events and issues, from yard sales to suspicious activity.

5. Review your paperwork thoroughly.  

If you can review all your documents a few days before the closing, take the opportunity and do just that! Any typos, from a misspelled name to an incorrect address, can hold up your closing for hours or even days. Your real estate agent is a great resource when it comes to paperwork. They spend all day reviewing contracts and documents and know exactly what to look for, so take advantage of their expertise!

6. Measure all the rooms while they’re still empty. 

It’s a great idea to take measurements before you move anything in, since an empty house makes it easier to take accurate measurements. Why do you need this information? If you’re buying anything for your home, such as furniture, curtains, or décor, it will be easier to get the right sizes if you have this info on hand. It’s also good to know all the measurements of your home when it comes to things like tax write offs and insurance policies.

7. Be absolutely certain your home is move-in ready.

Take a final walk-through of the home right before you sign the final papers. If you notice anything is amiss—that is, if the home hasn’t been cleaned out, if something is broken, or if an agreed-upon repair has yet to be completed—bring it up immediately. Once you close the home is legally yours, and you won’t be able to make any more negotiations. Even though you’re excited, it’s best to slow down, take a deep breath, and make sure all is well before you sign your name on the dotted lines.

We hope these tips help you have a smooth closing day! No matter what stage of the home buying process you’re in, the agents at Network Real Estate can help you make the right choices every time. Contact us today to learn more about buying, selling, and making your dream home a reality.

As always, we’re pleased to announce the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Contributors for August, each of whom is a Network Realtor who has pledged to support the Taylor Campbell Pledge Fund with a portion of their August closings. This organization raises funds and supports care and research of the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and each month a group of our realtors donates to this important cause.

The story of the Taylor Campbell Pledge Fund’s conception struck a chord with the Network Real Estate agents. Michael E. Campbell, member of the Jaycee Burn Center advisory board, became familiar with the Center when a home accident caused severe burns and placed his daughter, Taylor, in their care. Since then, he’s arranged fundraisers and speaking events to bring more awareness to the research necessary to better the lives of burn victims. Network is honored to support the efforts to bring a burn center to Wilmington, North Carolina.

A huge, heartfelt thank-you to our generous Realtors who have made donations from each of their closings in August:

• Harriet McNeill
• Jim Bitto
• Laurie Smith
• Mary Martin
• Sandra Britt
• Kevin McKoy
• Tammy Harris

Thank you, as always, to our generous and caring agents. We’re proud to be a part of the Network family, and we encourage all our readers to learn more about the various programs and support the mission of the Jaycee Burn Center.

There’s a lot of debate about which season is the best time to sell a home. Some people claim spring, while others say summer. Fall is often listed as a great choice, and most people will agree that winter is for hunkering down and staying put. At Network Real Estate, we believe the very best time to sell a home is when you’re ready, and this will be different for each homeowner depending on his or her unique situation. If that time has arrived for you, you’re in luck. Autumn is actually one of the best times to put your home on the market, especially if you follow these tips and tricks for selling a home in the fall.

1. Curb Appeal Still Counts. The weather is cooling and the leaves are falling, so potential homebuyers will probably want to rush through the front door instead of lingering on the lawn, right? Wrong! Sure, you probably don’t need to mow the grass every weekend, but you must keep the exterior of your house neat and tidy to put your best foot forward. Rake your leaves, hire a tree service to trim unsightly branches, and place a few festive dashes of fall on your front porch, such as pumpkins and mums.

2. Get Cozy and Comfortable. The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler, which means your house should be extra warm and welcoming. Keep things cozy by turning up the heat, burning a cinnamon-scented candle, baking a loaf of pumpkin bread, and flipping on the lights to help combat the darkness outside. If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s roaring before anyone arrives. After five minutes in a home this cozy and comfortable, your guest will have a hard time leaving, which is great news for you.

3. Season Your Décor. A few well-placed and carefully chosen accents that speak to the season can help make your home seem like a place worth celebrating year-round. A vase of fall foliage, a bowl of seasonal fruit, or a small collection of decorative gourds on the mantle is a great way to bring the spirit of the season inside without overwhelming potential buyers. Remember: When it comes to décor, less is more!

4. Give Your Windows Some TLC. Natural light is liquid gold, but supply is limited in the fall. Take full advantage of all the sunshine you can by making sure your windows and screens are freshly cleaned and streak-free. The same goes for blinds and curtains. If you have heavy drapes, trade them out for a lighter fabric in warm, rustic colors like red or chocolate. This will help open up the room and is a great way to bring a little fall flair inside.

5. The Earlier Bird Buys the House. It doesn’t matter how clean your windows are or how appealing your curb is – if you’re showing your house when it’s pitch black outside, your hard work will go unnoticed. Avoid this trap by scheduling your showings earlier in the day. While this will be difficult for those who work a traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, you can get around that roadblock by holding your showings on the weekends, ideally between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Not only will this provide the best light, it won’t interfere with Sunday afternoon football – a move many buyers will appreciate.

With these tips and tricks, it’s possible to sell your home any time of the year. To make the process even easier, we recommend the help of a talented and experienced realtor, such as the agents that work at Network Real Estate. Our agents know exactly how to buy and sell a home in every season. Contact us today and take your first step toward success.

Are you ready for some football? How about some uninterrupted football? Fall is here, which means all you men out there are calling dibs on the remote and flipping channels to your favorite football games. But what happens when someone else grabs the remote first? We think it’s time you finally built that ideal man-cave, creating an oasis to escape those HGTV marathons and dive deep into those prime-time rivalries instead.

There are a few essentials to crafting the ideal man cave. We are happy to share some insights on how to channel your inner testosterone and find your very own home-away-from-home right in your house!

Television

First thing’s first! The most essential piece in your man cave puzzle is your television (preferably the flat screen of your choice, but beggars can’t be choosers). Have forever remote rights to your personal TV. Program your DVR recordings to your liking, without episodes of Fixer Upper hogging all the space. Delight in the clarity of an HD world as you watch your favorite player tackle the dreaded opponent. Or maybe slip in an episode of The Bachelor. We won’t tell!

Mini Fridge

What’s a man-cave without delicious snacks and beverages? Plug in your own refrigerator and stock up on all the calories that the rest of the house frowns upon. Forget the hummus and carrots. Fill up a pantry cabinet with potato chips and your fridge drawers with non-diet sodas. Go wild without feeling guilty. Your belly should get to enjoy your man cave too.

YOUR Chair

This is very important. You definitely want to be comfortable while you lounge in your own little piece of paradise. Buy that leather recliner that everyone else says doesn’t match the rest of the furniture. And take claim. This is YOUR chair. Any visitors to your man-cave will just have to claim another seat. Pull the lever, sit back, and enjoy that half-time show!

Cozy Furniture

Keep your company comfortable too with some extra chairs, a couch, and a coffee table. Have the guys over for a game night and yell at the television together. Your friends should get to enjoy your cave too.

Games

Keep everyone entertained, and play a game during those dreaded commercials. Perhaps set up a pool or poker table, or just stock up your shelves with your top-choice board games.

Sports Memorabilia

Embrace the super fan that you are! Cover your walls with posters of your favorite players, as you rep their jerseys during the game. Let your guests know who they should be cheering for when they enter the room. Make your wife happy and take that Cam Newton poster off your bedroom wall. Move it to your man cave where it belongs.

Now that you know what goes in it, it’s time to create your very own male haven. Don’t have enough room in your house for a man cave? Contact Network Real Estate. Our team of talented realtors would love to help you find the perfect home!