What If You Have Deferred Maintenance But You Have To Sell Your Home?

If your home has serious deferred maintenance issues but you must sell you have a serious dilemma on your hands. Don’t kid yourself for a minute, the maintenance issues will cost you with buyers. Funds to create the changes needed might not be there or be hard to come by. This post will give you some ideas to help you get the most money for your home when you have to sell.

Common Maintenance issues:

Wood rot on eaves beams and decks - sand, stain or paint use wood repair filler if feasible.
Maintenance on the HVAC system – sometimes a good cleaning – filter change and service (usually under $100) will go a long way toward having the heat and cooling system pass inspection.
Water damaged cabinets (baths and kitchens) - replace floor of cabinets and/or re-stain or paint. This is not expensive and makes a very bad looking problem go away. Stains may be from household products and not water but replace them anyway. Water stains on front of cabinets from drips may possibly be polished away.
Remove items that cannot be repaired. Out of sight items cannot become an issue. If the pool heater is broken and you are not going to replace it, remove it. If the decorative fencing is rotten, get rid of it. Are most of your screens trashed? Get rid of all of them.

Worse Case Scenarios:

Don’t cover up or attempt to hide anything. This could get you sued after the sale.
If you can’t fix something obtain bids so that the repair cost number can be real – buyers will have the tendency to over inflate repair estimates. Having bids keeps the conversation on a level playing field.
Insurance – this is not a first choice for anyone but if your house has serious damage check with your insurance carrier to see about placing a claim for repairs.

Free Resources:

>Check with local vocational schools or community jobs organizations that may donate or offer low cost labor. They may do the work for a lower cost or no cost if they can use the property as a teaching project.
>Check with the city or town you live in there may be small grants or programs to help you beautify your property – any discounted or free products or supplies will really help you keep costs in check.
>Look for neighborhood organizations, they may have a yard cleanup day or even neighbors willing to donate labor/talent on a once year one time basis. For example Spring Clean ups.
>Many cities have a bi yearly or quarterly program to pick up large items, extra yard waste electronic waste etc. Use these to clean your property out to the best of your ability. Just being clean and neat can help your home look better cared for.

Home Warranty plan for Sellers: Check with your listing agent. In some areas of the country home warranty products are common place and buyers expect to receive this coverage when they purchase the home. What you may not know is that the plans have seller coverage as well. Usually on a per-diem basis while your home is on the market and in escrow. The rates for these plans are typically very reasonable ($50 a month) and can cover unexpected systems failures and problems while the home is being sold. Best of all they typically are paid out of closing funds and do not require up-front payment.

Don't lose thousands to save a little effort and a few hundred dollars. There are ways you can make any property look better and stand out to prospective buyers.

Top 10 Ways To Prepare your Home To Be Listed For Sale

How would you like to lose $10,000 or $15,000 on the sales price of your home before the first person ever sees it?  Yeah, probably not the way you wanted to start the sales process at all.

It happens every day in cities across the country. Someone puts their house on the market in a woefully inadequate state.  Oh sure they cleared off a counter top, or finally threw away the mountain of clothes in the laundry room that no one wears or claims to be theirs anymore but that was it. Well, okay you did vacuum the living room.  Not enough! Not even close!

Don’t think for one minute that NOT preparing does not matter and “buyers will look past it” or “You’ll get to it next weekend”.  Nope, the reality is that you just threw away 10K perhaps more.  In fact I would suggest that the most expensive cleaning service in town is a bargain compared to losing that much money just because you don’t want to clean.

Your local agent should be able to walk through the house with you and tell you frankly what needs to be done.  We offer all our sellers a 26 point Maximum Value Audit free of charge.  A written report that will detail exactly what needs to be done to maximize the value in your home. Sometimes it is not cleaning it is small repair and replacement items.

Examples of the items I have helped sellers with over the years include: tarnished, dull and worn out

looking door knobs – a small item but one of the first things buyers saw on an impressive set of double doors.  A secondary bedroom with a bad carpet stain, that we were able to find a remnant for at $139 this gave the room a new and fresh appearance. Another time we simply stained the boring gray concrete around a pool to match the existing wall on the property-  it really popped and we sold it to the first buyer. Don’t get carried away with unnecessary new weekend projects just stay focused on existing issues with the home as is.

1)      A deep clean. Corners, windows, tops of ceiling fan blades, grout and all ledges.     

2)      You are moving  so throw away things you aren’t going to move – do it now

3)      Box up items that you won’t use for the next three months (seasonal for example)

4)      Clean the screens on the windows or take them off if appropriate

5)      Straighten the garage – but it is okay to stack boxes in there you are moving

6)      Replace worn out comforters, doormats, decorative towels, shower curtains etc.

7)      De-clutter all surfaces especially baths and kitchens (less is more)

8)      Replace all light bulbs –remove most if not all family photos

9)      Touch up paint as needed – corners doors – heavy traffic areas

10)   Remove any dead landscape replace with simple plants or ground cover and mow lawn

While these items may seem obvious or small they are not. They will help protect the equity you have built up in your home. Buyers will discount for a poorly maintained home. Homes that do not show well do not sell quickly. This is all in your financial best interest.

If your home has significant deferred maintenance look for our upcoming article about how to deal with those issues when you don't have the funds to do so.

For more helpful home ownership, buying and selling tips please use the search feature on this blog in the right hand column or contact us on our website at www.PSagent.com

Starbucks In Your Kitchen

At first glance this seem to complicated to accomplish but if you look closely it is not too hard. Most items could be picked up at kitchen stores or Crate and Barrel  type stores. They could also be added slowly over time as you experiment and find new methods.

Imagine having the ingredients to make your own at home without the line at the counter at your local Java joint.

Serious coffee drinkers could not only save some money but probably save time . Creating that enjoyment in your home is an added plus.

A well designed and organized coffee station in your kitchen might even be a selling point if you are thinking of selling.

Not a coffee drinker? Most of these ideas could easily be converted to Tea. Think about the visual in the kitchen!

Use the link below to see
how you could lay it out and what it will take.

Simple Pleasures: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

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Remodeling, decorating, and more ∨From designer lounge chairs and writing desks to the perfect message board and credenza, create your dream home office.
As you get ready to host an event, be sure you have enough side chairs and dishes for dinner guests, as well as enough bakeware and chopping boards for food preparation.

Modern Bathroom Fixtures Very Cool

10 Bathroom Standouts From Italy's Big Expo

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Kitchen designs, bathroom designs, and more ∨

Before starting a bathroom remodel, search for bathroom ideas and interesting products, including a one-of-a-kind tub, vanity and bathroom sink.
Find shelving, customizable closet systems and stylish home furniture to whip your closet into shape.

Very sleek Bathroom fixtures that would dress up any home. The new faucets shapes are really cool.

Find your Palm Springs home to remodel right here

Gas Line Safety In Your Home

Since we are still in January New Years Resolutions are still fresh in most peoples minds. There are all the usual ones about stopping smoking, starting exercise, spending less and losing weight. How about making 2013 the year you finally make sure you know how to handle an emergency situation and your gas service to your home.

It is something we put off and don't really worry about until it is an emergency. First things first though - do you know that it is your responsibility to maintain the gas line from the meter into your house? The Gas Company is only responsible for the line from the street to the meter. Have you even looked at your Gas meter recently? Rusted or damaged pipes on either side of the meter should be checked. If it is on your side of the meter you can call a plumber. Otherwise call the gas company.

Next: Do you know how to turn off the gas meter if necessary? Well to do that you will need a 12 inch or larger adjustable wrench. If you do turn the gas off you will need to call the Gas Company to turn it back on. Additionally you can add safety features to your house by having a turn off valve installed for the gas line to each individual appliance. Gas appliance should be inspected every year for safe operation. A Carbon Monoxide detector (now required by Federal Law) should be installed in your home. The Gas company will inspect your gas appliances for you for free. Just contact them at 800-427-2200 or visit socalgas.com

Dial 811: If you are going to dig in your yard - or have hired someone to do it - such as a landscaper - be sure to call 811 two days before so that they can mark the gas line locations. This will avoid potential problems as you complete whatever project you are doing.

Finally, don't forget that if your New Years resolutions include upgrading and remodeling your home energy rebates are often available. Check out the website www.EnergyupgradeCA.org for more information or check your utility company websites.

Top 3 Home Improvements - This Month In Real Estate

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We often hear how important it is to get all the facts and check everything out when BUYING real estate but what about selling? A commonly overlooked component of SELLING your home is updating, staging and tweaking your home to appeal directly to buyers. Most of these items are simply and only require a little effort - but can pay off in a big way, your bottom line.

For more information on selling your home visit our Sellers Page at PSagent.com

Cool Your Summer off with Hot rebates From SCE

Did you know you could get a $300 rebate just for installing an evaporative cooling system? Just in time for the hot weather Southern California Edison offers this great deal.

For the Evaporative cooler there are some rules and they are:

1. Be permanently installed.


2. Have UL recognized electrical components.


3. Come with a water quality management system that provides positive removal of sump water on a regular interval (a bleed system is not allowed).


4. Have a single duct or multi ducted distribution system.


5. Have either:
   
   
   
   1. A multi-function manual control switch which offers high and low fan speed, pump on or off and the unit control of on or off. When a multifunction manual control switch is used, pressure relief dampers are not required.
   
   
   2. A thermostat specifically designed for evaporative coolers which automatically controls the unit operation based on the indoor temperature, fan speed, and pump operation. The automatic thermostat must be mounted remotely from the cooler. If new pressure relief dampers are installed, they must be indicated on your proof of purchase.

Get more Details on  the SCE site

While you are on the SCE site be sure to check out their rebates on everything else like window unit air conditioners.

Thinking about solar energy? Find out more about SCE solar energy programs.

Save money up front and  in the long term.  Ask me how I can save you even more no matter what state you live in!

Stay Cool - Save Money and Have Fun this summer! 

Tax Savings With Home Improvements

TAX SAVINGS WITH HOME IMPROVEMENTS? Looking to do some year end home projects? If you are you may qualify for tax credits.  Also, contractors might not be so busy during the holiday season making them easier to reach. Windows, doors, roofs, even appliances and HVAC systems are included in the list.  Projects only qualify on your principal residence and must be completed by December 31, 2010.

Check out this useful link to see what tax credits are available for your home improvement projects. A note of caution here: over the years many different variations of a scheme to encumber your house with a lien for improvements have been offered. Sometimes these are city or county programs sometimes they are offered through other organizations. Be careful about this. If you are planning to sell these programs can complicate the sale of your home or in some cases kill your chances for selling.

Don't forget to check with your city, county and even energy suppliers to see what programs, credits or rebates they may have for you.  For example many water companies will help you design a water saving landscape plan and gas companies will offer a free check up for gas appliance efficiency. Another option is to check out what appliances you could replace for newer more efficient models that come with a rebate. Sometimes these rebates are offered at the store or through your electric company.

For a more information on the projects most likely to increase the value of your home feel free to contact Michael.

Year End Home Improvements Net Tax Savings

Looking to do some year end home projects? If you are you may qualify for tax credits.  Also, contractors might not be so busy during the holiday season making them easier to reach. Windows, doors, roofs, even appliances and HVAC systems are included in the list.  Projects only qualify on your principal residence and must be completed by December 31, 2010.

Check out this useful link to see what tax credits are available for your home improvement projects.

Don't forget to check with your city, county and even energy suppliers to see what programs, credits or rebates they may have for you.  For example many water companies will help you design a water saving landscape plan and gas companies will offer a free check up for gas appliance efficiency.

For a more information on the projects most likely to increase the value of your home feel free to contact Michael.

July 2010 This Month In Real Estate

Home Warranty Can Save You Thousands

Common place in the Palm Springs market area is the home warranty. Usually paid for by the sellers it covers the buyers on the systems in the property for the first year of home ownership.

I usually recommend that you ask for and get one of these warranties. Whenever you are buying a new home it is an unknown quantity. You have no idea about the complexities of the systems. While a good home inspection can help you avoid making a costly decision up front, what about afterward? Machines are not infallible. Perfectly good equipment from a good manufacturer can fail suddenly. If it is no longer under warranty what do you do then?

The basic way the Home warranty plans work is that they cover repairs on your systems for a minimal service fee of around $50. That is regardless of the extent of the work performed. The advantage here is clear as most service calls these days start around $75.

I have had several clients who had new AC systems installed and water heater tanks. Repairs that would have meant thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses all covered by the Home Warranty plan.

In the climate we enjoy in Palm Springs pool equipment and air conditioning equipment is essential to our way of life. Having those major systems covered, is worth it, to me to keep a home warranty plan in force.

A couple of important points to understand:

Home Warranty service is not done on an emergency basis. You have to schedule appointments during regular business hours

Home warranty will not replace your regular homeowners insurance but it may complement it so always check with them for coverage questions.

After the first year of service you will have the option to renew the plan or you may go with another company.

Often times home warranty companies have agreements with major appliance retailers and you can get a discount on new appliances/ home improvement projects if you are considering those.

Listed below are two companies who have provided good service to my clients in the past. Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions or need more information.

What Does The Home Of The Future Look Like?

What type of home do you want in the future?

This decade will see a full 25% of the US population over the age of 55. Current estimates have it that percentage households where the primary resident is over 55 will increase from the current average of 38% to 45% in the next decade. Homeownership by this demographic is the highest of any and is pegged at over 80%. Needless to say it is an important segment of the market.

While current economic realities have made downsizing a general trend – the list of wants and needs of the senior population is actually growing. Builders who want to appeal to this segment of the market need to tap into these needs as they prepare to build the next generation of homes.

With all the emphasis in recent years on high tech homes it is interesting to note that the majority of wish list items for senior buyers are for much more practical things. Home that feature single level living, large baths, wide doors and hallways and easy to use/read thermostats are on the list. Predictions are that as the baby boomers see their parents through this stage of their lives they will be making notes of the things that make life easier and looking for that in their future retirement homes.

It is not just the seniors looking for a change in what they want from their home. New trends are developing where flexible space and more casual living space is in demand by all age groups. Think about it, when was the last time you really had a use for a formal living room or dining room? Open, free flowing spaces are what it is all about. Another big change is the home office or study space. With the computer now a common household appliance a flexible space that can be used for this is highly desirable. The days of having to sacrifice a whole bedroom for a home office may soon be fading.

Outside more people are looking for outdoor living spaces and the traditional golf course communities may be threatened. Studies are starting to show more people looking for green space – bike paths, walking trails than golf course off limits to all but golfers.

Green homes or energy efficient homes are not yet highly in demand. Most consumers understand and will go for energy efficient appliances and windows and doors but there is not a large movement yet toward a demand for the more expensive “green” building technologies. I predict that these things will only catch on as the price comes down and the builders can incorporate it for the same or little extra as standard materials. Much like the first electric cars were strange oddities that we looked at at car shows. Now every automaker is falling into line with a mass market hybrid version to market.

Think about what you would change about your house you have now if you could. What new technologies would you want to see? What rooms would add/change or delete all together? What would make up your list of “must haves” and what would be a “could do without”? Interesting for sure!

Thinking Remodel? Some Sources for you

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A remodel can do wonders for your home. It makes it more comfortable for you and can add value if you do the right things. Be sure to check with your real estate agent to see if the things you are thinking of doing are money makers in your area. Listed below are some resources you might want to check out to get some basic ideas of your options.

CABINETRY:

www.millmasterdesign.com

LANDSCAPE:

www.easyturf.com



COUNTER TOPS:

www.granitetransformations.com

CLOSET ORGANIZERS:

www.closetfactory.com

GLASS CURTAINS:

www.coverglassusa.com

STONE ACCENTS:

www.caststoneelements.com

WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS:

www.Lifesourcewater.com

ROLLING SHUTTERS:

www.southwestrollingshutter.com

Re-piping Alternative:

www.restoremypipes.com

PATIO COVERS:

www.Atlas-Awning.com

SKY LIGHT:

www.puresunlight.com

POOL RESURFACING:

www.GardnerPoolPlastering.com

POPCORN CEILING REMOVAL:

New Life Ceilings 800-799-7540

CONCRETE RESTORING:

www.stonecoatings.net

MISTING SYSTEMS:

www.microcool.com

POOL TILE CLEANING:

www.pooltilecleaning.com

GARAGE STORAGE SOLUTIONS:

www.overheadsolutions.com