For all its perks—stability, tax breaks, building equity—being a homeowner comes with the responsibility of maintaining your home and the occasional repair. Some jobs require a professional, but if you are willing to take on minor repairs or DIY projects, you’ll need the right tools. Whether you’re starting a toolbox from scratch or looking to round out your tool collection, here are the basics every homeowner should have on hand.

Helpful hint: A toolbox filled with all or a few of these items makes a great housewarming, wedding, or graduation present.

Screwdrivers

You don’t need to own a home to know that a screwdriver is a life staple. From replacing batteries in toys to installing shelves on walls, owning a pair of quality screwdrivers—one flathead and one Phillips—is a must. Not many home projects call for extra small screwdrivers but having a set can be handy for fixing eye- and sunglasses.

Hammer

When you think of the word “tool,” a hammer likely comes to mind. Whether that’s because a pounding tool was likely humankind’s first invention or because you need one for nearly any type of handiwork, you’ll be glad you have a traditional claw hammer on hand.

Mallet

Like a hammer but with a rubber or wood surface, a mallet comes in handy when you need to drive wooden dowels or for more delicate projects that require a softer touch. The non-slip surface is also better for holding parts in place or applying pressure than the slippery metal edge of a traditional hammer.

Tape measure

You know the saying, “Measure twice, cut once”? It’s really good advice when it comes to DIY home projects, and a good tape measure makes the measuring part easier. Get one that is at least 25 feet long, with bold, easy-to-read numbers on both sides and that has a locking mechanism.

Utility knife

If all you do with a utility knife is open boxes, you’ll still use it quite frequently (given how often we all get deliveries of home goods these days). But there are tons of other uses for a very sharp item to cut with, including scoring wood or hanging wallpaper.

Wrench

There are a few ways to attach things to each other. Nails and screws have their place, which is why you need a hammer and screwdrivers. But nuts and bolts hold a lot of things together too, and for those you’ll need a wrench. Buying an adjustable one is not only more cost effective but it’ll save space in your toolbox.

Pliers

When you need leverage to tighten or loosen plumbing pipes or bolts, pliers can’t be beat. They can also help you hold things in place as well as bend or shape wire.

Level

When hanging pictures, mounting shelves, or needing to drill multiple holes in a line, you’ll need a level to keep you straight. And, yes, many of us have a level app on our mobile devices, but phones can be clunky and might not be reliable if you have a hard-shell case on your phone. A sturdy level isn’t expensive and can last a lifetime.

Wire cutters

How many of us have dulled a perfectly fine pair of kitchen shears cutting through cables or wires one too many times? (Just us?) Using high-quality wire cutters will not only save your scissors, but it will also ensure a cleaner cut through your wire or cable.

Cordless drill

Though screwdrivers are good for small jobs, a drill is better for screwing into harder surfaces or when the job calls for a lot of holes. Going cordless frees you from the need for extension cords, but spring for the extra battery pack so you always have one fully charged when you need it.

Safety gear

Before you start any home project, make sure you have the right protection for your eyes, ears, hands, and lungs. Safety goggles, ear plugs, heavy-duty gloves, and respirator masks will keep you safe while you’re DIYing.

Nice to haves

Though these items might not be considered essential, you never know when you might need a headlamp or flashlight, hand saw, stud finder, duct tape, or wood glue. You won’t regret keeping them on hand.

After years of collecting furniture, plants, and memories, the thought of preparing your home to sell and moving to a new one can be daunting and stir up a lot of emotions. But selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful; here are a few tips to help make it easier.

Involve your agent early

The earlier you involve your Windermere Real Estate agent, the better they can set you up for success. When you reach out to them, they’ll be able to evaluate your home with their expert opinion based on their experience, and determine what needs to be done.

You and your agent will come up with a plan and timeline that works for you. After they do a comparative market analysis, they’ll have a good idea of what it will take to get the best price for your home. They may suggest you move out so the home can be professionally staged and easily accessed by potential buyers, or if that’s not an option, they will provide insights on what you can do yourself so you can live there while it’s on the market.

They may also see opportunities that are easy to implement, like improving the landscaping for curb appeal or minor projects that can increase your home value.

Working with a real estate agent will help move you through the process of selling your home more efficiently. If you don’t already have an agent and would like to be connected to one, click the button below.

Get an inspection & make necessary repairs

Some sellers may be concerned that their property isn’t in the best condition and that this will impact their home’s value. While some repairs may need to be done before putting your home on the market, you might be surprised that you don’t have to fix everything.

By getting a pre-inspection you’ll know what all needs to be done right away and what can wait. Your Windermere agent will be able to help you understand the inspection report and make decisions based on the condition of your home and the current market. Some repairs will be more important than others, things like a new roof or water heater can help new buyers feel more comfortable in their purchase while a trending remodel may interfere with the buyers own plans for the space.

Split up the selling process into approachable pieces

Once you have a vision for everything that you need to do to get your home prepared to sell, it’s a good idea to split the full project into smaller pieces that you can tackle one by one. You’ll want to determine what needs to be done first, like an inspection or small remodel, and what items can be done at the same time, like moving out and staging. If you take this approach, the final preparations will feel less overwhelming.

When you prepare well ahead of time, the actual process of selling will be less overwhelming, and you’ll have the confidence that you’ve done everything you can to make the most of the investment you put into your home.

Equestrian properties are unique. If you’re thinking about buying equestrian property, you have to weigh different aspects of a listing than you would for a typical single-family home purchase. As you look at properties, you will face the dilemma of whether to prioritize the property’s land or the house itself. In the end, the right equestrian property depends on your specific needs. The following information will help you along that decision-making process to find the right home for you.

Buying an Equestrian Property

It’s vital that you work with an experienced equestrian real estate agent as you go about the process of searching for a home. Your agent will be able to pinpoint listings that match your criteria and reach out to the listing agent representing the seller. Learning more about how an equestrian property creates value for its owners will inform your discussions with your agent.

Equestrian Property: The House

A well-designed house will enhance your daily life and provide comfort for your household. Features like a spacious kitchen, an open living room area, outdoor living areas, and modern amenities can maximize your enjoyment of your time at home. Flexible interior spaces with the ability to be converted into a home gym or home office may be more valuable to you, depending on your lifestyle. If these characteristics are a top priority, communicate to your agent that these features are must-haves.

Equestrian Property: The Land

The equine lifestyle requires a property to have more than just ample backyard space. Whatever your goals as an equestrian homeowner, your horses’ experience will be dictated by the land. Consider the facilities you plan on setting up. The quality of the land and its suitability for the kinds of training you have in mind are very important, especially if your livelihood and your equestrian activities are intertwined. Different equestrian disciplines require different footing; consider each property’s ability to accommodate your specific discipline.

Equestrian operations often expand over time, so it pays to think about each property’s potential in terms of how it could grow in the future. The same can be said for customization: purchasing land with the potential to build custom equestrian facilities allows you to tailor the property to your goals and the needs of your horses.

House vs. Land

Finding the balance between the right house and the right land is a balancing act, but with the right communication between you and your agent, you’ll find it. Prioritize your needs and consider your budget throughout the process to continue to narrow down the list of fitting listings. As with any real estate purchase, location plays a significant role, but as an equestrian homeowner, you’ll be thinking about the future of your horses, your business, and your equine pursuits. If a property isn’t able to meet these standards, it may not be the right one for you.

For more information on finding the right property and for answers to all your home buying questions, connect your local Equestrian Advisor:

Windermere Equestrian Living