Category: Real Estate
Posted by - February 6, 2012 - Mortgages, Real Estate
Buying a home is usually the largest investment that the average citizen will make in his or her life. The home contains a great deal, if not all, of the real net worth of an individual in the United States, and provides many personal benefits as well as economic benefits.
It is hardly surprising that many experts suggest that you think through the process of buying a home thoroughly, with all of the tips below being only the tip of the iceberg, but absolutely essential to know before you start talking to real estate agents and house sellers:
- How Much You Can Put Down
The standard amount of money that you should have in order to purchase a home is 20%. However, in this volatile economy, there are not many people who have that kind of money. This would normally dictate that you simply wait to buy a home, but with interest rates being as low as they have ever been in history across the nation, sometimes it is good to find another way.
The new standard is 10%, but this is only if you have a guaranteed income stream or substantial savings that will allow you at least 12 months of cushion if, for any reason, you can not make the payments on time.
- What Type of Payment Plan to Get
There are two main types of ways to pay for a home – a fixed rate mortgage and an adjustable rate mortgage. A fixed rate mortgage gives you a guaranteed rate of interest to pay, no matter what the action of the market may be. During times of extremely low interest rates, this may be the best route.
However, if you want to take your chances on the market going even lower, then you can get an adjustable rate mortgage that will allow you to change your rate to the current market rate if you think it would be more advantageous for you. However, let the buyer beware, because there are some adjustable-rate mortgage packages that allow the lender to change the interest rate as well. Stay away from these mortgage packages no matter what.
- How Long Will You Stay in the Home?
The prevailing notion is that you should always buy a home instead of rent. However, if you are looking to stay in the home less than five years, it may actually not be a good idea for you to buy. This is because most of the money that you will pay will be drawing down the interest on the home, and leaving the principal untouched. This means that you will gain no equity in the home, and if you sell it, you will actually make no money.
Posted by - December 25, 2011 - Real Estate, Tips For Sellers
One of my often used sayings with those selling their home at a listing presentation is; “Marketing a home is not the same as living in one”. The rebuttal from property owners is usually a groan and then after the staging and streamling is completed, the question is what do we need to do before each time our home is shown? I developed a handy checklist that is a good reference guide for day-to-day pre-showing “must do’s”. Pass this list on to house and pet sitters, nannies or anyone else who will be responsible for preparing your home for a buyer showing.
Following these simple tips will make your home shine in the best possible light. Plus you’ll be anxious to know how the showing went. I’ve included some standard “showing feedback” and what it means to home sellers.
-During daylight open all draperies, shades, and blinds. Natural light is at the top of most buyers’ wish lists.
-At night turn on all the lights. Dark homes are not inviting. Don’t forget outside light by front door. Can your house numbers be read at night?
-Have photos of your garden available. Remember to display before and after pictures of major remodeling projects.
-Use feature cards around your home to reinforce home benefits such as air-conditioning or nearby parks in winter months.
-Clean sinks, bathrooms before each showing.
Vacuum rugs and carpets before each showing.
-Wash dirty dishes and put away.
-Empty waste baskets and trash.
-Put away clothes and personal items.
-Organize mail, magazines, and newspapers.
-Fold towels and make beds.
-Eliminate offensive odors from pets or cooking. No smoking in the house when your “on market”.
-Keep landscaping neat and mowed. Sweep driveways and sidewalks. Shovel snow.
-Pick up litter on property.
-Clean litter boxes and pet food and water bowls.
-Pick up animal droppings in yard.
-Minimize religious effects.
-Put sexually explicit materials away.
After the showing you’ll be able to get feedback from the buyers agent. Here is some common feedback and what it means.
-First day out.=Just started home search, could come back.
-They’re thinking about taking another look.=Second showings usually show elevated interest, but if it isn’t how they remembered it, it’s over.
-Loved it!=Looks like they could be writing an offer.
-It’s on their short list of homes to buy.=Find out what your competition is.
-They have some questions.=Good sign, serious interest. Don’t be vague or untimely with answers.
-They want to bring their parents back.=Family members or friends can build confidence in or kill a home sale.
-Nice first floor (in a 2-story home).=The second floor layout or number of bedrooms on the second floor didn’t work.
-Too many projects.=Buyers are not prepared to do major updating or remodeling.
-Too much wallpaper.=If this becomes reoccurring feedback, take it down.
-Poor room flow.=Hard to change.
-Tired or needs tender loving care (TLC).=Buyers can’t see past the clutter, dirt, or damaged walls, floors, or fixtures.
-Overpriced.=Be thankful they’re honest. The rule of thumb is after 20 showings or 30 days and no offers, you need to adjust the price, and not up!
-Just didn’t work.=The buyers might not have clear home parameters, or their agent stretched them.
-Nice house, wrong location.=The house worked but buyers have different location needs than your home offers.
Posted by - October 31, 2011 - Interior Design, Real Estate
Stagnant decor can benefit from a quick glamour update that doesn’t have to break your bank. Here are some quick ways for you to add glamour to your home.
-Add a large vase or urn on desk, table or vanity. Fill with fresh flowers on special occasions and european silk flowers for everyday. Use tone-on-tone colors such as white-on-white. Big blossoms say luxury.
-Lighting can set a glam mood. Picture lights, up-lights behind sofas and potted green plants and candles on pillar style holders in big scale say drama. Don’t forget to put table lamps, sconces and recessed cans on dimmers.
Shimmer and shine. Chrome, crystal and shiny fabrics like velvet can zip up a tired look. Large mirrors with silvered frames add punch and reflect the glamour from around the room.
-Furniture paint finishes add luxe. Glossy paint and lacquer looks say quality. Opt for black when in doubt. Antique white works best in bedrooms.
-Paint walls deep rich colors. Ming red, dark brown and turquoise are great backdrops for glamorous furnishings.
-Fabrics can balance dramatic statements. Raw silk and linen in solid colors complement glamour touches.
Posted by - October 12, 2011 - Real Estate
Here’s a step by step guide to buying a home.
The home buying process can be complex. These key steps are the critical steps to follow:
1. Choose & Meet Your Realtor
Building a solid relationship with a Real Estate Agent is important. He or she will be working closely with you in finding the perfect home to meet your unique needs. Professional agents have extensive market knowledge and will provide guidance in your buying process.
2. Finding the Perfect Home
Your Real Estate Agent will show you homes based on the criteria that you have given him. The more precise and direct you are with your agent, the more successful your search will be.
3. Determine the Seller’s Motivation
Once you have found your perfect property, your agent will research the homeowner’s motivation for selling, helping leverage your negotiating power in an offer to purchase.
4. Offer to Purchase
Your agent will draft a purchase agreement, advising you on customary practices, local regulations, and protective contingencies. You will need to provide an “earnest money” deposit at this time, usually ranging from 1%to 3% of the purchase price (deposit amount is not cashed until your offer is accepted by the seller). Your Realtor will present your offer to the seller’s agent. The seller will then either accept your offer, counter your offer or reject your offer.
5. Seller’s Response
You and your agent will review the seller’s response. Your agent’s knowledge of the process and strong negotiating skills will help you reach an agreement you feel good about.
6. Open Escrow
Your agent will open escrow for you once the purchase agreement is accepted and signed by all parties. Your “earnest money” will be deposited at this time. All funds associated with your transaction, either held, received, or distributed, will be handled by your escrow or title company
Posted by - May 5, 2011 - Real Estate, Tips For Sellers
We know you love your pet and it loves you too. But many home buyers won’t and it could get in the way of selling your home. Buyers can afraid of dogs big and small, allergic to cats and turned off by lingering pet odors. Here’s some do’s and don’t for home sellers when marketing their home.
Do
-Have carpets and area rugs cleaned before showing your home to potential buyers. Those allergic to animal dander and hair, even if they can’t see your pet will know when their eyes and nose start to alert them to an allergic reaction. Many will not purchase a home that poses strong allergy problems.
-Clean litter boxes daily and replace litter before it’s time. Urine smells permeating from litter boxes are a turn=off to home buyers.
Vaccum pet hair off carpets, rugs and furniture before every showing. No one likes to leave a home tour covered with pet hair.
-Brush your pets daily to keep ahead of shedding hair.
-Verify that old pet urine mishaps in carpets and under rugs on hardwood floors are gone for good. Hot humid weather can bring these old scents back to life.
-Train pets not to jump up on strangers, furniture and countertops. It is distracting for buyers to see cats running in food preparation areas and dogs mauling quality clothing.
-Take the high road and offer to pay medical bills if your pet bites a buyer or real estate agent. Agent communities are small and word gets around fast about home sellers that don’t take responsibility for unruly pets.
-Clean up and buy new dog bowls before placing your home of market. Fresh pet bowls filled with fresh food and water finish off a pristine home.
Don’t
-Leave pets unattended for property showings especially when you know they can be aggressive or territorial around strangers.
-Take for granted just because you have never seen you pet be aggressive that if around new people, scents and noises they might show a side you’ve never seen.
-Overlook picking up dog dropping in the yard. Buyers out to take a look at the roof don’t want any “take away”.
-Underestimate how a barking dog or overly friendly cats can kill a showing. Be pro-active and take your pets off site for showings. Hire a dog walker to occupy pets if you can’t be home.
-Forget to groom your animals more regularly when your home is for sale. Dog breath and wet dog hair aren’t becoming to buyers, even if they love dogs.
-Leave chewed window sills and door frames in that condition. It’s hard for buyers to get past this type of property damage. Especially if you have young children in the house.
Consult with your real estate agent if you have uncommon pets such as reptiles, spiders, and talking birds. Believe it or not these can cause more anguish to those not accustomed to being around them.
Posted by - April 30, 2011 - Real Estate, Tips For Sellers
Spring’s arrival kicks off the largest annual exchange of residential real estate in the United States. Open houses are as much a part of this ritual as cherry blossoms, your Saturday or Sunday best and freshly mowed grass. While great food won’t sell a tired mid-century ranch, having food and beverages can make some buyers linger longer and provide a quick pick-me-up for weary homebuyers do a lot of walking, climbing up stairs and in and out of transportation viewing potential properties. I’ve field-tested these with real estate agents at brokers open houses as well.
The bascis.
-Forget silverware. If a guest at your open house needs to use silverware to graze at your open house buffet, the food is too fussy.
-Stage a pretty food and beverage station. Cut some flowers from your yard or buy some seasonal fresh flowers as the focal point. You can use a tablecloth but make sure it’s not too formal. Quality disposable cups and plates are okay, buy some colorful ones that match the theme of the room. Place a waste container in a very visible place adjacent to the station.
-Utilize cocktail size napkins and plates. Smaller size plates and napkins send the signal that it’s not a meal. It also helps control portion sizes so guests don’t feel that it’s a meal.
-Place some scented votives candles around the table to make it feel extra special.
-Bottled water is a must-have. Guests on-the-go will appreciate the the portable pick-me-up.
-Coffee is natural with house hunters. If you don’t want consumed away from the station don’t provide covers and sleeves.
-Before your open house ask your agent or visit some other open houses in your community to see how many people attend. It’s hard to predict how many will show and what they’ll eat or drink. The weather and time of day will surly impact how little or much you need to prepare.
-No alcohol. Open houses are business events. If people drink they stay forever and forget why they came.
Menu ideas.
-Mark’s Lofty Cranberry-Lemonade. A great make-ahead that’s always a hit. The authors field-tested receipe.
12 ounces lemonade.
4 ounces cranberry cocktail
1 Cup sliced lemons
Cold mineral water to taste
Ice Cubes
In a blender combine lemonade and cranberry cocktail. Add chilled mineral water to taste. Repeat receipe until amount is reached. Garnish total amount with lemon slices. I usually make 4 batches of receipe or 64 ounces, eight-eight ounce servings.
-Mark’s High-Rise Hot Chocolate. A twist on the old stand-by. Rave reviews by young and old.
4 Cups whole or reduced-fat milk
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup mineral water
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon vanila extract.
1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
In a medium saucepan combine water, chocolate and sugar. Stir while cooking on a medium-low heat until choolate melts. Add vanila, cinnamon and nutmeg. Remove from heat, do not boil. Beat until frothy. Makes 6 isx ounce servings.
-Mark’s Turn-key Turkey Roll-ups. Portable and easy to eat with one hand. Healthy too.
1-8 ounce package light cream cheese, softened.
cup light sour cream
1-Teaspoon prepared mustard
Teaspoons died basil leaves
8-10 inch flour tortillas, warmed
8-1 ounce slices turkey breast
1-10 ounce package broccoli slaw mix
8-1 ounce sliced provolone cheese
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
1/2 sliced black olives
Combine cream cheese, mustard in small bowl, mix at medium speed, scrape bowl, until smooth. Stir in basil. Place slice s of Provolone cheese on tortilla. Spread 1/4 cup mixture onto each tortilla almost to edge on top of Provolone cheese. Combine broccoli slaw, onions and olives in bowl. Place turkey on top of cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle broccoli slaw mixture on top of turkey. Roll up tightly; secure with toothpick. To serve, cut each roll-up into thirds. Place toothpick in each third to hold together. You make these up to four hours ahead. Makes 24 roll-ups.
-Mark’s Condo Chocalate chip raisin cookies. The bread and butter of open house food.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup white granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk
2 large eggs
2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 cup raisins
Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small mixing bowl. Neat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixing bowl. Add eggs, beat well after adding; gradually beat in flour mixture. Add milk and beat for one minute. Stir in morsels and raisins. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto un-greased baking sheets. Bake in 375-degree oven for nine to eleven minutes, cookies should be golden brown. Makes 24 cookies.
Extras
-Snack-size single serve bags of corn, potato or tortia chips. No dips please, spares you the drips.
-The new eight ounce soda cans chilled ready to go.
-Washed whole fresh fruit. Pick varieties that don’t need to be peeled or cut.
-Miniature wrapped candy bars. A home run at open houses.
-Take a good look at your artwork before you put it reinstall. Pack and store excessive amounts of family photos, religious art and anything offensive including nudity.
-Heavy drapes weigh rooms down. A quick decorating update for any room is new blinds or shades. Choose neutral colors so buyers perceive that they won’t have to spend the time or money to install new window fashions.
-Thinning closets, cabinets, basements, attics and garages will also help your storage spaces look larger. If you can’t part with items, rent a storage locker to hold items for decision making later.
-Fireplaces are a big plus. If you have one but don’t use it, hire a chimney sweep and have the firebox and ash pit cleaned.
-Don’t forget the basement, dark, dirty and musty basements are a turn-off to buyers. Add extra lighting, paint the floor and vacum out all the cobwebs. Organize storage areas and take the time to clean the washing machine and dryer. To spruce up the hot water heater and furnace, wipe down with a strong cleaner. Scrub the laundry tub and sweep left-over leaves out of exterior stairs and window wells. Run a dehumidifier to reduce basment moisture.
-Have your furnace and air-conditioning systems serviced.Test smoke detectors and install carbon monoixde detectors if you don’t already have. Home inspectors red-flag homes without pro-active warning systems.
-The garage might not be a top priority, but neat, well-maintained garage/workshops are in big demand. Verify if your automatic garage door opener operates properly and lubicate all overhead door tracks.
-Don’t overlook the landscaping. Over-grown trees and shrubs can be pruned back or cut down in the winter months.
Posted by - April 26, 2011 - Home Improvement, Real Estate
It’s hard to find good help and especially if your planning to market your home or you have just purchased one that needs some updating. Complaints about home improvement contractors rank high on consumer agency lists. Here we’ll offer some do’s and don’t for home buyers and sellers when planning to hire an outside contractor to repair or renovate their home.
Do’s
-Verify their insurance. Ask to see copies of liability insurance and amounts before signing a contract.
-Ask for references. Request a list of references from past and current clients. Call and discuss with them the pluses and minus’ of the contractor. Take the time to visit homes where work was done, check for timeliness and attention to detail on work sites.
-Request information on suppliers and subcontractors. Contractors are only as good as their support system. Vendors and subcontractors can share insight into the business practices of your potential contractor.
-Check with local Better Business Bureaus and with local building and planning officials. Most likely you’ll need building permits and certificates of occupancy from the local office that regulates renovation and building. These officials should be familiar with you contractor and their work.
-Get at least 3 estimates. We used a service last year called RoofCleaners.com for roof cleaning our house to get a few estimates. You will be surprised at how different the costs can be for the same work. Have plans and specifications in writing to deliver to contractors who bid on work. A flat fee for a project is more cost effective than time and materials. Detail materials, paint colors by brand, appliance make and model and warranties.
-Draft a complete contract. Make sure it lays out who is doing what, when it should be done by and what happens if it is not done to your satisfaction. Include payment schedules and how changes to plans will affect costs and the contract. Options should be listed separate from the main contract.
-Address refusal to complete work. It’s not likely that your contractor will refuse to complete work or abandon the project, but it pays to include a course of action if these situations arise in any contract.
-On occasion provide food treats and beverages. On hot and humid summer days or below freezing winter ones, make the effort to provide chilled bottled water, steaming coffee and a quick pick-me-up to contractors.
-Be appreciative verbally. After a rough or long day at your home, I have found it always pays to let contractors know that you appreciate their extra efforts. Staying late to complete the plumbing to get a toilet running or leaving the job site broom clean without asking is worth a hearty thank-you.
Dont’s
-Ignore making scheduled payments on time. A sure bet to get slow follow-through from contractors. If the contractor is performing as stated in the contract, so should you.
-Forget patience. Delays by cabinet or door manufactures can be out of the contractors control. Don’t be afraid to double-check though if they have been ordered to meet job lead times.
-Make the contractor guess what you want. Start a clip file before you have a contractor over to review job. Pick up some home magazines and tear out colors, finishes, appliances and overall looks for a room that you like. Develop a list of dislikes, anything helps to eliminate and communicate your thoughts.
-Be cheap. Good work costs sometimes comes at a higher price. And buyers know chintzy materials and craftsmanship. Don’t nickel and dime your contractor, and pay for all change orders you request.
-Be unavailable for contractor questions. There are always a couple of items that sneak past the drawings and specifications or surprises that you run into in an older home. Make al your contact information to your contractor so if they need to reach you to make a decision that if you don’t could hold the job up.
-Forget that we don’t live in a perfect world. It’s difficult to have strangers in our homes and even more so when the inconvenience of a remodeling job interrupts our personal refuge. Contractors like to complete work in a timely manner, but they don’t control all the remodeling moons to align them perfectly on every project.
Posted by - April 25, 2011 - Home Improvement, Real Estate
Sellers get today’s market with pricing and longer market times, but understanding that the priced-right home needs to have an up-to-date appeal to home buyers can be a daunting next level. After years of hearing from successful sellers that they didn’t have to do a thing, sellers need some rehabilitation to understand how they can stand out from their competition with rising inventories. Many sellers are open to a overhaul if the tips come from someone other than their agents mouth. Here is a handy list to help convince sellers that some features in their home might need some attention.
-Test all door and cabinet knobs. Replace mis-matched or inexpensive hardware for a quick update. Buyers rarely can get beyond a knob that comes off in their hand as they attempt to use a door.
-Take the time to paint walls, trim and ceilings. Keep adjoining rooms in the same color palette which will make your home appear larger and flow better. Clean up spills from messy painters. Hire professionals to paint mullions on windows and staircase spindles.
–Slipcover mismatched furniture in a room that requires visual unification.
-Discover ways to organize day-to-day room needs. Substantial wicker baskets or square stainless steel or brass can organize magazines, remote controls and toys. Books provide a good look, but vary them by laying some down and standing some up.
-Wallpaper is considered fill-in-the-blank decorating. No two people have the same taste in this instant decorator wannabe. If it’s more than three years old, take it down and paint in a neutral color. And wallpaper boarders are out.
-Simple furniture rearrangement can bring new life to a tired space. Float sofas and coffee tables away from walls for a designer look. Use area rugs to anchor furniture groupings on bare tile and wood floors. Place groupings of candles and clear glass bowls filled with natural potpourri, fresh fruit or glass crystals on side and coffee tables.
-Make sure there is balanced lighting in every room for dusk and evening showings. Dimmers help set the right tone.
-Polish and wax hardwood floors to brighten and blend an old finish.
-Clean every surface until it shimmers and shines. Clean can seal a deal. Don’t forget the windows.
-Purchase the best quality carpet pad which can make any new carpeting “cushy”, and home buyers love cushy. Stay away from shag styles, buyers know it won’t be around long in style cycles.
-Streamline window fashions. Heavy drapes are in the minority. Think “let the light shine in” when placing placing blinds and shades. Light and bright can overcome other issues with home.
-Freshen-up closets with closet organizers to maximize storage space and paint a neutral washable color. Make sure buyers can see the back of all closets and cupboards. Lighting is often overlooked feature in closets, but buyers will always turn on lights when viewing a closet, big or small. Thinning closets, cabinets, basements, attics and garages will also help your storage spaces look larger. If you can’t part with items, rent a storage locker to hold items for decision making later.
-Don’t forget the basement, dark, dirty and musty basements are a turn-off to buyers. Add extra lighting, paint the floor and vacuum out all the cobwebs. Organize storage areas and take the time to clean the washing machine and dryer. To spruce up the hot water heater and furnace, wipe down with a strong cleaner. Scrub the laundry tub and sweep left-over leaves out of exterior stairs and window wells. Run a dehumidifier to reduce basement moisture.
-Take a good look from the street or road at the front of your home. Look for shrubs that are over grown or dead and remove and replace with shrubs that are to scale to your home. Small inexpensive bushes send the wrong message.
-Limit yard ornaments to a favored few. Excess ornaments can make yards look busy and buyers might want them included in a purchase contract.
-Paint and refresh yard lights, flagpoles, mailboxes, window boxes, fences and trellis. Don’t forget the swing set or play equipment.
-Replace broken bricks on terraces, cracked concrete patios and steps. Eliminate trips and falls on property showings.
-Restore screens on porches and lanai’s. Dirty, rusty and ripped screens limit functionality to homebuyers.
-Don’t leave pets unattended for property showings especially when you know they can be aggressive or territorial around strangers.
-Have carpets and area rugs cleaned before showing your home to potential buyers. Those allergic to animal dander and hair, even if they can’t see your pet will know when their eyes and nose start to alert them to an allergic reaction. Many will not purchase a home that poses strong allergy problems.
-Pick up dog droppings in the yard. Buyers out to take a look at the roof don’t want any “take away”.
-A barking dog or overly friendly cats can kill a showing. Be pro-active and take your pets off site for showings. Hire a dog walker to occupy pets if you can’t be home.
Posted by - April 25, 2011 - Interior Design, Real Estate
It’s easy, quick and cheap, but don’t make the mistake that it can cure every homes woes. To do it right when selling you should follow some basic rules of using paint as part of your home marketing to-do list. Here’s some great tips on how to get the most mileage out of repainting a room or an entire house.
-To make the living space of a home appear larger or flow more easily use the same color or hues of the same color in adjoining rooms. The key is to keep the eye moving. Recently a home seller had painted each room on the first floor a different bold trend color, it shrunk the home visually and made it much darker. A new tone-on-tone color scheme I suggested expanded and lightened the house, and it sold soon after the redo.
-Use eggshell paint on the walls and semi-gloss on woodwork and trim. White is a fail-safe trim color. Buyers get always imagine their wall color choice with white trim and they like that they won’t have to repaint the trim.
-To expand room height paint the ceiling a different but light color than the walls. A decorator tip that really works is to add some blue tint to your white ceiling color.
-Don’t paint laminate kitchen cabinets, the paint peels and wears easily and looks like a quick fix.
-For a quality paint job, preparation is important. Walls and trim should be sanded, spackled and thourghly cleaned, for paint to adhere properly.
-Light paint colors require two coats, darker colors three or four. Prime everything once to even existing surface colors out before using finish colors. Gloss finishes show wall imperfections more than flat finishes, use sparingly.
-Use quality paints. It might not make sense to buy better paint if you won’t enjoy it, but inexpensive paints can really cheapen a paint job and the home. The small cost difference isn’t worth the gamble.
-Bring paint samples home from home improvement stores to accurately match with carpets and fabrics. Paint manufactures now offer sample sizes, do a wall test of any color your thinking of using. Colors look different in different lighting and times of day.
-Don’t be tempted to use faux finishes, leafing or glazes. They’re trendy and very specific in taste. Buyers will think it will take extra time and expense to remove and change them.
-Do take the time to put down drop clothes, tape trim and window mullions, remove switch plates and curtain hardware. Paint drips and stains lack attention of detail to home buyers.
-Think twice before have a bath tub or ceramic tile repainted or finished. To get a good new finish on these surfaces is difficult and buyers run from bubbled bathtub make over’s.
-If you’re not the best painter or time-starved to do the job right, hire a professional to come in and paint. You can focus on other jobs to be done before the marketing of your home begins and it will eliminate additional stress.
Posted by - April 23, 2011 - Pregnancy and home buying., Real Estate
Many expectant mothers who were also home buyers said that being pregnant is a roll coaster, mentally and physically, but adding in the home buying process while pregnant was clearly something they wished they had some tips to help ease the stress. After working with dozens of expectant mothers over the years, hear are some field-tested ways to make your home search more positive when you’re expecting a new addition to your family.
Buying before or after instead of during pregnancy. The over whelming majority of pregnant home buyers added that if they were planning a pregnancy, they would either buy before pregnancy or wait until after delivery to begin their quest for a new home. The unpredictable factors of how they would feel on any given day in each trimester to view homes, to write and negotiate a purchase offer, or preparing their household for moving, created undue stress. They felt they couldn’t take a “time-out” when their body was asking for one.
Surprise pregnancies and first-time mothers. The typical pregnant first-time mother sometimes is also a first-time homebuyer. An impending first-born arrival is a wake-up call for space-starved parents-to-be, and a motivator unlike none other to put down roots in a new home. Visions of playpens, strollers and all the baby paraphernalia were enough for first-time parents to rush into home ownership. However, those surprise first-time parents and homebuyers that waited until after delivery, found that they over reacted to the spatial needs of a newborn. Most new mothers that waited added that they felt relaxed and enjoyed looking for a home, and felt no undue pressure to buy one after their new child was born. While those that purchased while pregnant, felt the ticking delivery clock, and every conversation about a potential home was back-tracked from their due date.
Pregnant and looking for a home. If you’re pregnant and have to look for a home, experienced expectant mothers/home buyers have a couple of suggestions for you. Start your home search early in your pregnancy. Morning sickness and other side effects might be daunting, but you can’t predict how you’ll feel in later stages. Look only at 3-4 houses at a time, spread viewing appointments out over a couple of hours and factor in personal needs. If you know typically when your morning sickness is over, then plan on starting home tours an hour after. If you start to get hungry, take a snack break. And, if you don’t feel up to any house hunting, cancel. You’ll never accomplish anything useful when you’re looking at potential homes if you feel not up to speed. Use the Internet to take virtual tours; you’ll be surprised how much touring you can do from the comfort of your current home. A good tip from one double first-timer was to hit the public open houses heavy, she said; if they started and she felt good, but felt different in an hour, they could good home and didn’t feel like they inconvenienced anyone.
Close on a new home purchase at least 6 weeks before due date. One over-loaded and over-whelmed mother-to-be and home buyer-to-be called me frantically when against my advice she and her husband decided to purchase a home and move 2 weeks before her delivery date. She said she was so uncomfortable physically, couldn’t help pack or move heavy items, and was most upset that the paint she had painstakingly picked out for the new nursery, sat unused because of the fumes. Plus, her husband was doing everything and she felt so bad because about it. The worst-case scenario is that you close on your new home six weeks before your most realistic due date.
Don’t over-spend on your new home. No one has a crystal ball that features your future. If you’re just starting out, as well as expecting your first child, plus don’t know how many or any more children you might have, then buy enough space for at least the next 3-5 years. And forget project homes, those that need major work like new kitchens or baths, or both! You won’t have the time, energy or flexibility for upheaval that major renovations require. Many first-time parents are sleep-deprived, mention household projects to them, and they roll their eyes and say “yeah, right!” Money matters can add unnecessary stress to new families, especially if the new mother or father might consider staying at home after maternity leave is depleted, instead of going back to work. Other options that could shave important income streams from new families is the decision, not uncommon, to only go back to work part-time, or pursue a new career. Factor in though, if you will be office from home and need a dedicated space to stele.
Top home features for new parents. One-level homes. Many new parents don’t want accidents on stairs or stair spindles for the new addition to the family. Nursery spaces close to the master. The nighttime feeding and changes are made easier with nearby spaces used as nurseries. Large living or great rooms. All the equipment required by a young child takes up floor space, plan for it. Time-savers; dishwashers and microwaves. Who has the inclination or the time to hand wash everything? And the hottest home feature; in-unit laundry, hopefully extra-large capacity, washer and dryer, don’t buy a home without the hook-ups and/or machines.
New parenting and home ownership are both exciting transitions in everyone’s life. But, making the times exciting and not stressful takes some foresight and planning.