This week we are looking at mudroom updates and things to check when you are buying a home - whether it is your first home or fifth home. Before we get into our weekly blog we wanted to share that Visit Park City is a great site to see what is happening in and around Park City. Summit County and Park City continue to be in a low-risk phase and our town asks that all residents and visitors follow social distancing protocols including the mandating the use of face coverings/masks in a variety of public locations. Park City restaurants, bars, hotels, and recreational areas are still open and following safe business practices to protect the health and welfare of our guests and staff.

Having a place like a mudroom to sanitize before heading inside is also high on buyers’ wish lists thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.) Here are 6 Mudroom Mistakes That Might Be Costing You a Sale, According to Experts by Wendy Helfenbaum.

Things that don’t belong there have piled up - don't make your mudroom a catch-all.

Fast fix: Mudrooms are transitions between outside and inside the home, so think about what you need to accomplish here, and then clear out the room. Common functions include storage for shoes, jackets, school backpacks, hats, purses, towels (if you have a pool) and bags.

The room is serving multiple purposes, but nothing’s clearly defined - Few homeowners can devote an entire room to jackets and boots, it’s important to establish functional zones.

Fast fix: Install cabinets for pantry items and a tall tower or wall hooks for brooms to help keep organized and add a deep work sink. Remember that you’re showing buyers how they can use the space to add organization to their day-to-day living.

You have too much open storage - Sure, hooks are awesome, but must we see every. single. thing.

Fast fix: Hide as much clutter as possible, get lockers or cubbies for each family member with doors that close or get built-ins made. If they get untidy inside, no one can see it.

There’s nowhere to sit down - getting out is simpler when you’re not balancing on one foot.

Fast fix: Benches are a beautiful thing that also add hidden storage.

You’ve forgotten about furry family members - ideally their belongings should be stored in the mudroom so buyers who aren’t pet lovers won’t be turned off by messy dog or cat dishes on your kitchen floor.

Fast fix: Keep their food, water, treats and even their bed in the mudroom, if space allows add a low bath or shower for dogs, too.

It doesn’t match the rest of your house - Your mudroom shouldn’t be an afterthought.

Fast fix: Give the mudroom a fresh coat of paint that coordinates with the rest of your home. And don’t forget good lighting.

Looking to buy your first home or know someone who is - here are 7 Things I Regret Not Checking on Before I Bought My First House by Jennifer Billock. Here are a few things to watch for when making a first home purchase.

From the windows… Make sure all the windows open and close properly and are in good condition. This is especially important in the wintertime in colder climates. When people tend to keep windows closed all the time, it’s easier to forget to check if they’re functional.

To the walls - Beware of wallpapered homes. If you don’t want wallpaper, you’ll have to spend a ton of time removing it. Also, be mindful of how high the ceilings are. You may love cathedral-height walls, but it’s going to cost a lot to air condition and heat the space.

And also to the floors - Especially if the home you’re buying is old, check the floors. You want them to be stable without any softness or bounce to them that could indicate a larger problem. The floor might be damaged underneath rugs and furniture as well, so don’t feel bad about asking someone to check or lifting up the edge of a rug yourself.

Water issues - Water damage is sneaky and can show up places you don’t expect - look up at the corners and edges where the wall and ceilings meet, and do that in closets as well. Also look for water damage under sinks, around radiators, among the plumbing, on wood beams, around gutters, or anywhere else water might cause damage. And then check the water pressure in the sinks, tubs, showers, and hoses to ensure it’s all in working order.

Electrical work - It’s always important to check the electrical panel to make sure the electric has been recently updated.

Structural problems - this includes the roof, the walls, supporting beams, and the basement. Check for cracks, sagging spots, missing shingles, and water leakage around the foundation of the home.

The neighborhood - It’s not in the house, but make sure to check out the surrounding neighborhood, potential loud neighbors, rush hour traffice and how far it is to a grocery store.