Real Estate Information

Thinking of making your home a little 'greener'? Updating your home to make it more environmentally friendly will also help make it more energy efficient, saving you money in the long run. However, up-front costs for most of those 'green' updates can be very daunting. This list, though, includes some energy efficient updates that you can do quickly and inexpensively that will begin to pay off right away!

1) Light bulbs: Simply changing your bulbs from 'regular' incandescent bulbs to the newer, money saving compact florescent light bulbs can easily save you over $40 per light, over the course of each bulb's lifetime. These bulbs last more than ten times longer than regular bulbs and use less energy, meaning your electric bills are lower, and you buy bulbs less often.

2) Faucet aerators: A faucet aerator can reduce your water usage by as much as 50%; saving you money on your monthly bill and saving the planet! The aerator fits on the head of your faucet and it works by restricting the water flow. However, you won't notice a weaker flow, instead, the flow actually seems stronger.

Aerators are for sinks, but you can also purchase shower heads designed save water. When you save water, you will also reduce your heating costs, because there is less water to heat, meaning less energy is used. Aerators typically cost anywhere from $3 to $10 and will pay for themselves quickly.

3) Ceiling fans: Turn a ceiling fan on when you walk into the room and allow it to circulate the air from the central air (both the cool air and the heat, as they have a switch to reverse direction). Ceiling fans draw the cool air down and distribute it around the room. These can really help lower your energy bills in both the winter and summer months.

4) New dishwasher: While it may seem like a big expense, replacing an old model with an Energy Star dishwasher could save you 10 gallons per wash. For most households, this means you will save nearly 3,700 gallons of water per year--great for your energy bill, your water bill and the environment!

5) New toilets: New toilets use only about a gallon of water per flush, where older models use almost four. This can save you over 7,000 gallons of water per person per year.

Your home is most likely one of your largest and most valuable investments, not to mention that it is where you and your family live. With this much importance, it is crucial that you obtain home owner’s insurance protection. This will protect both your home and your family in the event of an unfortunate event. However, it is equally important that you understand some insurance basics when looking for a policy.

1. Know What Is Covered

Most home owner’s insurance policies will cover the home structure and the contents within the home. In addition, it offers liability protection and will cover living expenses if you are displaced from your home. It is advised to cover your home’s structure 100%, while most policies will cap the value of your personal belongings at 50% the total home value.

2. What Is Not Typically Covered

In many cases, floods and earthquakes are not covered under a standard insurance policy. If you live in an area where these natural disasters are common, you will need to ask for a separate insurance rider to obtain the full protection. You may also need to obtain a separate rider for high-valued items, such as jewelry.

3. What Is the Deductible

Most insurance policies include a deductible, which is the amount you will need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance will cover the rest. You must look at your personal finances when determining how much of a deductible will best meet your needs. However, keep in mind that the lower the deductible, the higher the premium.

4. Are You Getting the Best Rates

Always shop around for the right policy and the best rates. You should also ask the insurance company directly what you can do to lower your insurance premiums. For example, many companies will give a discount if you have multiple policies with them or if you include various safety features on your home, like an alarm system.

The most important thing is that you take the time to understand your policy. You should always know what is and is not included and keep a detailed list of all your personal belongings. This will protect you if you ever need to file a claim. You should also annually evaluate your policy to determine if it is still meeting your needs, and to ensure you are still getting the best rates. 

Though you think DIY is more economical, it mostly takes double the time and three times the money, as there are a number of mistakes that homeowners make while doing it themselves. We shall familiarize you with some of the top DIY mistakes so you can stay clear of them.

DIY Mistakes made by Homeowners

• Not obtaining permits: By not getting the required permits, you hinder progress. Your work will be on hold till you obtain the permits. Therefore, knowing what permits are required before beginning the job is imperative.

• Having improper tools and supplies: When taking up a DIY project, know what tools are needed. You may think you have all the right tools, but then realize otherwise. So buy quality tools and ensure that they are all at hand. Everyone loves to save on materials, but don’t be cheap. Do the job once, but do it right. By using quality material, you will prevent future damage. 

• Inadequate preparation on the jobsite: At the site, you need to make sure you know where to place the materials while at the same time, have ease of access to all that you need. When you are not prepared, the jobsite can become a disaster zone. Thinking nothing can go wrong, is a mistake. Safety goggles, hard hats are a must when using power tools. Avoid loose clothes as they can get caught in the machinery. Use gloves when handling wood, metal and other sharp objects. 

• Improper preparation for painting: Improper preparation will leave you with spills, drips, runs and more. Clean your walls, fill up the holes and use painter’s tape for objects you don’t want to get paint on. It’s also important to know what paints to use. A flat paint would not work in a kid’s room. Eggshell or satin finishes are good for interior walls. A linseed oil-based stain works well for decks. 

• Inaccuracy: A book or television show is not accurate enough to guide you through the DIY project. Without prior knowledge, you’ll make inaccurate decisions that will cost you. Tag along with someone who is good at this stuff or take workshops before beginning.
• Working beyond your limits: Some feel they can build a house all by themselves in a week. This is working beyond your scope. Thinking you have what all it takes will not help. It will just get you injured. When things seem to fall apart every time you try, take a hint. This doesn’t mean you have failed; it just means you have more to learn before starting.

By avoiding these mistakes, your DIY project can be successful. So be mindful and take care when embarking on a DIY project at home.

Buying your own home has never been more difficult, and that’s only because you have so many options to choose from. Whether you are a first-time buyer or just looking for a new investment, knowing what you want in a home is essential to making the right decision. Look for these amenities before you commit to one particular home can prevent you from making a mistake.

1 - Pay close attention to the condition of kitchen appliances.

Ensures that the appliances have been cared for and are in good shape by opening the refrigerator and oven, ensuring that each appliance works.

2 - Inspect the home’s outdoor areas.

Unfortunately, many of those outdoor areas go unnoticed. Check out the gutters, downspouts and roof before you make the final decision, especially if the home is older.

3 - Get a feel for the neighborhood.

The house itself must be comfortable and welcoming, but the safety and location of the neighborhood is essential too. It is always smart to research local schools, travel time to work and the location of nearby shops.

4 - Know the quality of the floors.

Floors differ from home to home, and there is no doubt that carpet is not the same across the board. Vinyl floors and cheap carpet may require replacement faster than tile or wood.

5 - Check for structural damage.

The ceiling is one of the best places to begin your search for potential structural damage to the home. Water spots are the window for learning about leaks and cracks, as are drywall cracks.

Obviously, there are quite a few things you want to look for in a new home. For the time being, these factors should always be in the forefront of your mind.

Being prepared for natural disasters is of importance, particularly floods if you live in place where they are common. Although you may not want to think about the possibility of a flood occurring, taking a proactive stance and preparing will benefit you. Not only will you have greater peace of mind, you will be able to recover from a flood more quickly when one occurs.

Safety Preparedness

Make sure that you have a minimum three days of food and water per person. Plan for a gallon of water per day/person and non-perishable foods. Store a can opener with the food. You need at least one flashlight, along with batteries as well. A well stocked first aid kit and sanitation items such as toilet paper and feminine care items are essential to preparedness.

If you have pets of small children, make sure that you have their needs adequately covered. Diapers and formula are vital for the health of babies and toddlers. Pets require food, carriers and other essentials such as medications and identification. Do not forget to include water for them.

Keep your preparedness kit in an accessible place and discuss a safety plan with the entire family. Have a set meeting place and a backup in case of separation. Include blankets for everyone, and additional clothing, including socks and waterproof shoes.

Protecting Your Home

While land in a floodplain may be more affordable, it is not good to build on one unless you take proper precautions, such as elevating your home. No matter your location, install check valves in your drainage system. This will keep flood water from using your drains to access your home.

Additionally, make certain your electrical panel, water heater and other essential electrical systems are adequately elevated to reduce the risk of damage. Reinforce your basement with waterproofing and proper sealants to minimize flood damage.

Obtain Flood Insurance

These policies provide compensation for damage to your home and personal goods. Talk to your insurance agent about the level of protection your family will require to ensure you can get back on your feet quickly after a flood.

With proper preparation, you will feel more in control when a disaster strikes. These tips are essential to being prepared for a flood in your area.

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but people definitely judge a house by its curb appeal. When preparing to sell your home improving it's curb appeal can be fairly easy with just a few projects.

Landscaping

If you have brown spots on your lawn, your curb appeal score definitely takes a hit. Make sure you don't have pests or a weed that are causing brown spots. You may have to check with an expert to get to the source of the problem. Overgrown shrubs? Nothing looks worse than shrubs that are obscuring your windows or that look unkempt. You can usually take care of this yourself, but you may need a professional if they are hard to reach.

Exterior Paint

Make sure your home doesn't have areas that are chipped or peeling. These things are inevitable, but definitely affect your curb appeal and can lead to serious problems such as warping, mold and rotting. You can usually fix these issues yourself by sanding, scraping and spot painting, but if your entire house needs a new paint job, best call in the professionals.

Roof and Gutters

Broken or sagging gutters make a home look uncared for. Make sure you check your gutters as well as loose or missing roof shingles. Gutters that aren't cleaned out on a regular basis and repaired when needed can cause permanent problems to your home's foundation, and cause water to seep into your basement or crawl space. You can fix or replace loose or missing shingles, but if your roof has outlived its natural life, you may need to have it inspected and replaced if necessary.

Fences

If your fence is reasonably sound, but needs a facelift, rent a pressure washer and give it a good cleaning. You can replace any boards that are missing, paint or stain it to give it a fresh new look.

Curb appeal makes your home look like you care about it, and if you're trying to sell it, positive curb appeal will welcome prospective buyers to your door. If you’re thinking about selling your home and want to learn more about what steps you can take to help sell your home faster, contact the Heim-Berg Team today!

The most difficult question facing sellers is how to determine the correct asking price. No perfect formula exists to determine the exact point at which the seller can maximize his profits without pricing himself out of the market. The question is further complicated by the emotional attachment of the seller. Even so, with a little work, the Realtor and the seller can arrive together at a balance point between the greatest profit and marketability.

1) The process begins with a careful review of the data. Unfortunately, there can be so much information available that it can be confusing. Identical homes in two different locations, for example, can command very different prices. A good Realtor will help the seller navigate the maze of data and understand why the variations exist. An engaged seller will consider the reasoning behind the price decisions.

2) Continue with a walk-through. By walking through other homes on the market and comparing them to the home to be sold, it is easier to see details that contribute to the price. This is also a good opportunity for the Realtor to discuss neighborhood features, schools and other local factors that attract buyers.

3) Create an atmosphere conducive to a bidding war. This is a two-stage process consisting of appropriate staging and bringing key selling points to the forefront. Staging includes scrupulous landscaping and cleaning and may represent a financial investment. The highest price homes offer curb appeal, are completely devoid of clutter, both inside and out. It is important to pay attention to small cosmetic details like plumbing fixtures and ceiling fans. A beautiful home demands a higher price. The descriptions must include some of the details that made the seller love the home that might escape the notice of a casual observer.

4) Sever emotional ties. Nothing can distort the sellers idea of the value of the home more than the love for the changes they have made to it. It is difficult to accept that someone might want to pull up the prize-winning roses or replace the tiles in the kitchen. One way to overcome the attachment to the house is to focus on the adventures it will finance, whether for a new home or other investment.

Setting an appropriate price may be one of the most challenging aspects of the Realtor/seller relationship. Handing the process well will help build an effective partnership throughout the sale.

Are you planning to sell your home, but you don’t know which upgrades will bring top dollar? To help with this decision, do some research, have a heart-to-heart with your realtor and, most importantly, think like a buyer. In some cases, major home improvements do not generate sufficient return to cover the investment. And upgrading too many things might be a bad idea if your individual taste doesn’t match the buyer’s. But be sure to repair that leaky pipe, patch the walls, and remove the oil spill in the garage.

Kitchen Upgrade

According to the DIY Network, “Kitchen is King”. Prospective buyers often want to see the kitchen before anything else. Workspace and appliances can be critical as the kitchen often serves as a gathering space, as well as a creating space. Upgrades to outdated kitchens usually return more than 100% of the cost. Just as likely, a tired kitchen can be the difference between a sale and no sale.

Bathrooms and Showers

Bathrooms are next in the hierarchy of improvements. Minor make-overs such as counters and fixtures, mirrors, toilets and perhaps a glass shower enclosure to replace a ratty old shower curtain can make the room more inviting. Experts say that a prudent bathroom remodel should also pay off. Frontdoor.com estimates a 102% return.

Front Yard and Entry

Curb appeal is critical. Landscaping the lawn and entry by adding shrubs and flowers for color and balance to the front of the home should also bring more at closing.

Siding Replacement

Depending on the degree of unsightliness of your current siding, replacement may be important. One less expense for a future owner could yield financial benefit at closing.

Front Door

Both Forbes and DIY Network include replacing or repainting the front door in their lists of ten important considerations. The front door conveys an important impression before entering and should be as pristine as possible.

Remove Dated Materials

Eliminate wood paneling and elements that might make the interior seem dated. Freshening up a room can move the home faster and will be worth the investment.

Finished Attic and Basement/Replacement Windows

Think twice before making major renovations simply to sell sooner. These may not pay off at closing. FIY estimates that some major remodels only bring about 80% to 90% of the cost. Often buyers expect to make those major changes themselves later depending on their needs and budget.

Buying a new home is exciting but can also be a stressful event. One of the most important things that you'll do in final phases is the Final Walk-through. Don't neglect this step! You should have this meeting arranged with your Real Estate Agent at least one week before closing. Here is a handy guide on things you should know and do as you prepare.

A walk-through is your last chance to make sure the home is how you expect it to be before you take formal ownership. This isn't a home inspection (that should have already been done). If you can, do this with the sellers (this isn't always allowed). They can be a great insight on the history of the home and its past issues. Take your contract with you and refer to the various clauses on conditions as you go through the home.

Here's a simple Checklist of things to look for:

• Check the condition of the exterior, including trim, doors, windows, gutters, etc.
• Do all the light-switches work?
• Do all the outlets have power?
• Check the appliances.
• Does the HVAC system turn on and off? Check the condition of the vents.
• Make sure the water faucets work and don't drip.
• Check for water leaks.
• Flush the toilets.
• Open and close all doors and windows.
• Visually check walls and ceilings for cracks or discoloration associated with water damage.
• Make sure no materials or equipment have been left behind by previous owners or contractors.

What if there's a problem?

If you find problems with the home or conditions you didn't expect, consider if the problem is worth the disruption it will cause to dispute. Something minor, like paint on the baseboard, is something you can fix easily yourself. Even slightly more costly repairs are ones you should consider taking on your own just to avoid drawn out problems with the closing.

However, some problems are more major. If you discover a leak, for example, and you have no idea the extent of the damage, your agent should contact the seller's agent to determine an agreeable solution. Your real estate agent can help you decide which issues are worth pursuing and which are best let go.

The final step of the negotiation phase of buying a home usually includes an inspection. A home inspection is a buyer’s only opportunity to make sure that the home they are interested in is free of defects and other issues that often go unnoticed. As a buyer, selecting a home inspector is a crucial task and one where the advice of the agent may be needed. It is important to remember what to consider when choosing a home inspector.

The most important item to consider is whether the inspector has the proper credentials. In a state that requires inspectors to be licensed, asking for proof of that license in important. Even if a state doesn't require licensure, the buyer can ask for proof of training and professional memberships.

The best thing that your agent can do during this time is to reach out to other real estate professionals to receive feedback about local inspectors. Their impressions of inspectors in the area can help you find one who is reliable and thorough.

The last item to consider is how the inspector answers key questions that you ask about the services that they offer. Whether they carry insurance, what their report looks like, and whether or not the buyer is welcomed during the inspection are all important questions to have answered.

Knowing what to consider when choosing a home inspector helps ensure that a buyer is truly investing in the home of their dreams instead of a home that will provide an endless headache.