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Home renovations that add value — and a heftier tax bill

11/30/2015

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​Additions and increasing living space
Adding a new wing to a home will most likely increase your property taxes. But so will finishing space that you already have, such as an attic, garage or basement.

“Anything that increases the square footage of the living space is likely to increase the value of the home, and therefore the assessed value,” said Tom Shaer, deputy assessor for communications with the Cook County Assessor’s Office. Your value would likely increase if, say, you finished the attic with walls and flooring, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), to create a couple of bedrooms and a bathroom, or if you finished the garage, creating a family room. It probably would also increase with a finished basement, though at a different rate than above grade areas of the home (unless a separate-entry apartment is created), Shaer said.

Large renovations
Adding a bathroom is a common improvement that will trigger reassessment of a home, mainly because an “additional bathroom allows more people to live in the house,” therefore increasing its value, said Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayers Union, a pro-taxpayer lobbying group.

But other substantial home alterations may also trigger reassessment in some places. In Los Angeles County, for example, adding a bedroom or fireplace could also make for a bump in property taxes, said Michael Kapp, public information officer for the Los Angeles County assessor’s office.

Kitchen renovations are more of a gray area, Kapp said. “If they’re replacing countertops and not extending them, it would probably not [trigger a reassessment],” Kapp said. “If they add additional cabinets or move a wall, for example, that would trigger reassessment,” even if the square footage remains the same.

Of course, it probably goes without saying, but if you’re gutting and renovating a rundown abandoned home, you can pretty much bet that your place will be reassessed, said Kelly Balensiefer, the assessor in Benton County, Ind. On the other hand, if an improvement serves to merely update the home, the value won’t likely change — and the assessed value will stay put. “We try to err on the side of the taxpayer,” only reassessing in the case of substantial improvements, Balensiefer said.

Not-so-obvious improvements
In some cases, adding a garden shed will trigger a reassessment, Sepp said. An in-ground pool or, perhaps, a very large deck could also equal a bump in your property tax bill, since they may be seen as adding value to the property, Balensiefer said. In Chicago, a screened-in porch won’t add value to the home; make it a four-seasons room with HVAC, and the assessed value will go up, Shaer said.

Perhaps even less obvious are improvements made to the property, which have little to do with the house at all. For example, re-grading the lot to improve its drainage, if it was susceptible to flooding or sewer backup, might increase the assessed value, Sepp said.
From: marketwatch.com
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Top 10 Tips for Staging a Home for Photos

11/30/2015

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1. Design for the camera, not for the end user
When putting together a space, we always think of the camera first. Will this angle look right, will it show off the best feature of the house? Will the light hit these items correctly? 

2. No more wrinkles
In real life, wrinkly sheets don’t make a lick of difference. You will still sleep the same and wake up refreshed, whether you iron the sheets or not. The camera, however, hates wrinkles and makes them look 100 times worse than they really are. Our best advice on this one is to use a professional steamer. 
3. Light it up.
Light can be your best friend or your worst enemy. If you don’t know how to control it, you are destined to fail.
4. Fluff the carpet.
Sorry, fellas, this is not a euphemism for dining out. So often we see houses photographed with harsh vacuum lines or matted carpet that looks old and tired
5. Look beyond the window.
It’s true enough you are photographing the interiors of your space but the outside of your windows will be seen in the photos. 
6. Limit the color scheme.
There are neutrals and there are colors. The neutrals are black, white, grey, brown, beige, cream, silver, and sometimes gold. You can put as many different neutrals in a room as you want.
7. Rely on symmetry, repetition, rhythm.Symmetry, repetition, and rhythm can be found throughout nature and humans find them to be aesthetically pleasing. Symmetry can be found in most animals and insects. ​


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8. Look at the problem from a different angle, then design for the best one.
So often when I am first training a designer, they worry about every angle that a room will be seen from. I find them paralyzed by viable arguments, both good and bad, derived from seeing a space from two vantage points.
9. Hire a professional.
It always makes me so sad when clients pay me lots of money to make their house beautiful then they run through with an iPhone and snap 16 horrible pictures of our beautiful space.
10. Put down the toilet seat.
From: styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org
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12 Home Maintenance Tasks to Prep for Winter

11/27/2015

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Before the first signs of winter arrive, take the time to insulate your home against the coming cold season. Winterizing now, before the arrival of frigid weather, means that when it’s truly frightful outside, you can curl up by the fire and sip cocoa without disruption.

The following tips will help you keep the cold air out, the warm air in, and your home safe from storm damage.

1. Check out the chimney

Before hanging your stockings by the chimney with care, have it cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote and soot buildup, as well as other blockages, can lead to fires, so be sure the chimney cap is intact, and your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber, and damper are all in good working condition before you light the first log.

2. Warm your water heater

If you’d like to save up to nine percent in water-heating costs, wrap your water heater with an appropriately sized insulation blanket. Most hot water tanks are installed in unheated areas of the home, such as the basement or garage. The less a tank’s heat escapes into its cold surroundings, the less energy it uses — and the more money you can keep in your pocket.

3. Seal cracks and crevices

Before the chill sets in, make sure all the cracks and crevices in your foundation have been filled to prevent your house from leaking heat and sucking up extra energy. Expandable foams work well to seal gaps in areas that are hard to reach or oddly shaped, or both.

4. Stop ice dams in their tracks

Before the first snow, take one last trip up to your roof to install an ice shield (and maybe even your holiday lights, if you’re feeling ambitious). Ice shields, available at your local home improvement center, protect against ice dams — ridges of frozen water that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow from draining — ultimately saving your roof from a whole host of seasonal problems.

5. Perform an energy audit

Schedule an energy audit with your local service provider to receive an analysis of inefficiencies that you may have overlooked in your own visual inspection. Some companies offer this service for free, but even if yours doesn’t, it’s one walk-through that’s worth the investment. This professional assessment can lead to upgrades that can lower future energy bills by anywhere from five to 30 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

6. Protect plants and shrubs

Ensure that your yard will still be intact after the season passes by securing your plantings properly. Insulate and shelter the foliage closest to your home from falling ice and snow by erecting a reusable A-frame structure made from 2x4s and exterior plywood. Tall and narrow greenery anywhere on your property could benefit from a simple twine wrap around the middle to keep individual branches from breaking under the weight of heavy snow accumulation. But snow isn’t the only winter force to reckon with: Don’t forget to protect small shrubs from strong gusts of wind by wrapping them with burlap and stapling the material to stakes.
7. Trick out your thermostat

Are you ready to bring your home into the 21st century? Try a smart thermostat. More than just smart technology, it’s an intelligent investment. Many of the options on today’s market can detect when family members return home, and modify the temperature accordingly — increasing the warmth and comfort when you’re around, and lowering the temperature when you leave. The intuitive settings alone trim energy costs, and the availability of user-friendly, control-from-anywhere features can simplify home life.

8. Install weatherstripping

Eliminate potential drafts before they become a problem, and keep your indoor space extra cozy by sealing gaps around door and window frames with weatherstripping. Install door sweeps, which can prevent chills (and pests) from entering through the slim space underneath the door.

9. Prevent frozen pipes

Frozen pipes — and the waterworks, mess, and property damage that follow — top the list of the most formidable problems associated with subzero temperatures. Avert this winter nightmare by employing foam-rubber insulation to prevent the exposed metal from getting too cold.

10. Start your ceiling fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just for use in the summertime — they’re also effective in winter. In the warmer months, your fans should be set to rotate counterclockwise for a cooling downdraft. Winter requires a switch-up: Reverse the rotation so your blades spin clockwise to distribute warm air back down. And while you’re up there flipping the switch, it’s not a bad idea to dust a little, too.

11. Trim back trees

Large branches that loom over rooftops and power lines could cause problems if they collect enough snow and ice during the winter storm season. Overburdened, they may snap under the heavy weight, fall, and seriously damage whatever lies beneath. Save yourself some hassle and trim your branches back at the end of autumn to avoid these threats.

12. Replace furnace filters

The proper functioning of your heating system and furnace becomes paramount during cold winter months, when it’s vital that you stay warm and comfortable in your home. The starting point for regular maintenance is easy: Change your furnace filters often. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand. Change fiberglass or paper furnace filters every one to two months; an electrostatic or HEPA filter can be cleaned or changed closer to every two to four months. If you stock up on filters ahead of time, you’ll always have a supply on hand to keep your energy system in tip-top condition.

Related:

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Must-Haves for the Master Bedroom Of Your Dreams

11/24/2015

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Posted by Staff Reporter ([email protected])
It is not just a place to snooze; your bedroom is also your very own sanctuary where you can relax and calm your body from the stresses of the world. That being said, it is important to make your bedroom a place you are always happy to come home to.

Here are the must-haves for the master bedroom of your dreams according to Apartment Therapy:

A spot to escape to
Make your bedroom a place of retreat. Aside from a comfortable bed, bring in a loveseat and place it at the foot of the bed, a cozy and comfortable chair, or you can also create a small workspace for your favorite creative hobby to make the room feel like an escape.

Read More
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12 Home Maintenance Tasks to Prep for Winter

11/24/2015

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1. Check out the chimney

Before hanging your stockings by the chimney with care, have it cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote and soot buildup, as well as other blockages, can lead to fires, so be sure the chimney cap is intact, and your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber, and damper are all in good working condition before you light the first log.

2. Warm your water heater

If you’d like to save up to nine percent in water-heating costs, wrap your water heater with an appropriately sized insulation blanket. Most hot water tanks are installed in unheated areas of the home, such as the basement or garage. The less a tank’s heat escapes into its cold surroundings, the less energy it uses — and the more money you can keep in your pocket.

3. Seal cracks and crevices


Before the chill sets in, make sure all the cracks and crevices in your foundation have been filled to prevent your house from leaking heat and sucking up extra energy. Expandable foams work well to seal gaps in areas that are hard to reach or oddly shaped, or both.

4. Stop ice dams in their tracks

Before the first snow, take one last trip up to your roof to install an ice shield (and maybe even your holiday lights, if you’re feeling ambitious). Ice shields, available at your local home improvement center, protect against ice dams — ridges of frozen water that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow from draining — ultimately saving your roof from a whole host of seasonal problems.

5. Perform an energy audit


Schedule an energy audit with your local service provider to receive an analysis of inefficiencies that you may have overlooked in your own visual inspection. Some companies offer this service for free, but even if yours doesn’t, it’s one walk-through that’s worth the investment. This professional assessment can lead to upgrades that can lower future energy bills by anywhere from five to 30 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

6. Protect plants and shrubs

Ensure that your yard will still be intact after the season passes by securing your plantings properly. Insulate and shelter the foliage closest to your home from falling ice and snow by erecting a reusable A-frame structure made from 2x4s and exterior plywood. Tall and narrow greenery anywhere on your property could benefit from a simple twine wrap around the middle to keep individual branches from breaking under the weight of heavy snow accumulation. But snow isn’t the only winter force to reckon with: Don’t forget to protect small shrubs from strong gusts of wind by wrapping them with burlap and stapling the material to stakes.

7. Trick out 

Are you ready to bring your home into the 21st century? Try a smart thermostat. More than just smart technology, it’s an intelligent investment. Many of the options on today’s market can detect when family members return home, and modify the temperature accordingly — increasing the warmth and comfort when you’re around, and lowering the temperature when you leave. The intuitive settings alone trim energy costs, and the availability of user-friendly, control-from-anywhere features can simplify home life.

8. Install weatherstripping

Eliminate potential drafts before they become a problem, and keep your indoor space extra cozy by sealing gaps around door and window frames with weatherstripping. Install door sweeps, which can prevent chills (and pests) from entering through the slim space underneath the door.

9. Prevent frozen pipes

Frozen pipes — and the waterworks, mess, and property damage that follow — top the list of the most formidable problems associated with subzero temperatures. Avert this winter nightmare by employing foam-rubber insulation to prevent the exposed metal from getting too cold.

10. Start your ceiling fans

Ceiling fans aren’t just for use in the summertime — they’re also effective in winter. In the warmer months, your fans should be set to rotate counterclockwise for a cooling downdraft. Winter requires a switch-up: Reverse the rotation so your blades spin clockwise to distribute warm air back down. And while you’re up there flipping the switch, it’s not a bad idea to dust a little, too.

11. Trim back trees


Large branches that loom over rooftops and power lines could cause problems if they collect enough snow and ice during the winter storm season. Overburdened, they may snap under the heavy weight, fall, and seriously damage whatever lies beneath. Save yourself some hassle and trim your branches back at the end of autumn to avoid these threats.

12. Replace furnace filters

The proper functioning of your heating system and furnace becomes paramount during cold winter months, when it’s vital that you stay warm and comfortable in your home. The starting point for regular maintenance is easy: Change your furnace filters often. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand. Change fiberglass or paper furnace filters every one to two months; an electrostatic or HEPA filter can be cleaned or changed closer to every two to four months. If you stock up on filters ahead of time, you’ll always have a supply on hand to keep your energy system in tip-top condition.

From Zillow
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Must-Haves for the Master Bedroom Of Your Dreams

11/24/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
It is not just a place to snooze; your bedroom is also your very own sanctuary where you can relax and calm your body from the stresses of the world. That being said, it is important to make your bedroom a place you are always happy to come home to
​Here are the must-haves for the master bedroom of your dreams according to Apartment Therapy:
A spot to escape to
Make your bedroom a place of retreat. Aside from a comfortable bed, bring in a loveseat and place it at the foot of the bed, a cozy and comfortable chair, or you can also create a small workspace for your favorite creative hobby to make the room feel like an escape.
Art that expresses who you are
It's your room and it should scream you. It is the perfect place to put the spotlight on personal mementos that might not be fitting in other areas of the house, or a special piece of art that means a lot to you and your significant other.




Quality linens
Do you know that an average person spends a third of their life in bed? This makes it extremely important to invest on quality linens that will make your sleeping experience a lot more enjoyable and comforting. Just like quality towels and a pair of black red-soled stilettos, it's one of those things that are worth splurging on.
An uncluttered atmosphere
When having guests over, are you guilty of dumping clutter from the main spaces of the house to your bedroom where nobody will find out about them but you? Don't worry, we all are, and this a common culprit to a messy and cluttered bedroom. Don't make your bedroom a storage room; have spare drawers or baskets that will serve as catch-all for things that currently don't have a home. This stops you from being tempted to pile them all up in your bed or bedroom floor.
A few little luxuries
It's important to treat your bedroom with little luxuries every now and then. It can be a candle of your favorite scent, a warm and fluffy throw blanket, or a vase of fresh flowers - a bit of luxury will go a long way in your bedroom. 
From:Realtytoday.com by staff reporter
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12 Home Maintenance Tasks to Prep for Winter

11/24/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
1. Check out the chimneyBefore hanging your stockings by the chimney with care, have it cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote and soot buildup, as well as other blockages, can lead to fires, so be sure the chimney cap is intact, and your chimney liner, firebox, smoke chamber, and damper are all in good working condition before you light the first log.
2. Warm your water heaterIf you’d like to save up to nine percent in water-heating costs, wrap your water heater with an appropriately sized insulation blanket. Most hot water tanks are installed in unheated areas of the home, such as the basement or garage. The less a tank’s heat escapes into its cold surroundings, the less energy it uses — and the more money you can keep in your pocket.
3. Seal cracks and crevicesBefore the chill sets in, make sure all the cracks and crevices in your foundation have been filled to prevent your house from leaking heat and sucking up extra energy. Expandable foams work well to seal gaps in areas that are hard to reach or oddly shaped, or both.
4. Stop ice dams in their tracksBefore the first snow, take one last trip up to your roof to install an ice shield (and maybe even your holiday lights, if you’re feeling ambitious). Ice shields, available at your local home improvement center, protect against ice dams — ridges of frozen water that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow from draining — ultimately saving your roof from a whole host of seasonal problems.
5. Perform an energy auditSchedule an energy audit with your local service provider to receive an analysis of inefficiencies that you may have overlooked in your own visual inspection. Some companies offer this service for free, but even if yours doesn’t, it’s one walk-through that’s worth the investment. This professional assessment can lead to upgrades that can lower future energy bills by anywhere from five to 30 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
6. Protect plants and shrubsEnsure that your yard will still be intact after the season passes by securing your plantings properly. Insulate and shelter the foliage closest to your home from falling ice and snow by erecting a reusable A-frame structure made from 2x4s and exterior plywood. Tall and narrow greenery anywhere on your property could benefit from a simple twine wrap around the middle to keep individual branches from breaking under the weight of heavy snow accumulation. But snow isn’t the only winter force to reckon with: Don’t forget to protect small shrubs from strong gusts of wind by wrapping them with burlap and stapling the material to stakes.
Picture
7. Trick out your thermostatAre you ready to bring your home into the 21st century? Try a smart thermostat. More than just smart technology, it’s an intelligent investment. Many of the options on today’s market can detect when family members return home, and modify the temperature accordingly — increasing the warmth and comfort when you’re around, and lowering the temperature when you leave. The intuitive settings alone trim energy costs, and the availability of user-friendly, control-from-anywhere features can simplify home life.
8. Install weatherstrippingEliminate potential drafts before they become a problem, and keep your indoor space extra cozy by sealing gaps around door and window frames with weatherstripping. Install door sweeps, which can prevent chills (and pests) from entering through the slim space underneath the door.


9. Prevent frozen pipesFrozen pipes — and the waterworks, mess, and property damage that follow — top the list of the most formidable problems associated with subzero temperatures. Avert this winter nightmare by employing foam-rubber insulation to prevent the exposed metal from getting too cold.
10. Start your ceiling fansCeiling fans aren’t just for use in the summertime — they’re also effective in winter. In the warmer months, your fans should be set to rotate counterclockwise for a cooling downdraft. Winter requires a switch-up: Reverse the rotation so your blades spin clockwise to distribute warm air back down. And while you’re up there flipping the switch, it’s not a bad idea to dust a little, too.
11. Trim back treesLarge branches that loom over rooftops and power lines could cause problems if they collect enough snow and ice during the winter storm season. Overburdened, they may snap under the heavy weight, fall, and seriously damage whatever lies beneath. Save yourself some hassle and trim your branches back at the end of autumn to avoid these threats.
12. Replace furnace filtersThe proper functioning of your heating system and furnace becomes paramount during cold winter months, when it’s vital that you stay warm and comfortable in your home. The starting point for regular maintenance is easy: Change your furnace filters often. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand. Change fiberglass or paper furnace filters every one to two months; an electrostatic or HEPA filter can be cleaned or changed closer to every two to four months. If you stock up on filters ahead of time, you’ll always have a supply on hand to keep your energy system in tip-top condition.


From: Zillow.com by Bob Villa

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Before You Buy a Fixer-Upper, Read This

11/24/2015

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​1. Know that some flaws can be fixed

Fixer-uppers generally fall into two categories: total wreck and ugly house.

“An ugly house is not architecturally appealing: Its paint is chipping away, the yard is unkempt, inside it may smell bad,” says Baumbusch. In short, everything about it needs freshening up.

But if these are the kinds of flaws you’re dealing with, take heart: They’re merely cosmetic, and they’re easy to fix. Painting is the easiest task that you can do yourself. Just don’t cut corners—buy all the right equipment (use the tape!) and paint correctly, with the right number of coats. It’s extra work, but it pays off in the end. Even if you hire a painter, it won’t cost as much as redoing the bathroom. You could also refinish the floors yourself, although it involves renting a machine.

2. Then again, other flaws cost a bundle

On the other hand, some blemishes may initially slide under your radar—but eventually make a big impression on your wallet.

“Problems with the foundation, structure, roofing, and siding can be expensive to fix,” says Baumbusch—as can major replacements with sewage, septic, and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems. Replacing decks and driveways can also be costly. Sometimes environmental problems such as a wet basement or mold can be mitigated, but treatments are not always successful. In some houses, it can just be impossible to solve a bad mold problem.

“I once viewed a property for sale where the mold was so bad, it was difficult to breathe,” says Baumbusch. “It was everywhere, and the property management company was doing nothing to stop it. That home would probably be better off completely gutted or razed altogether.”

3. Ballpark your renovation costs

Hire a structural engineer to evaluate the home before you buy—but before you even get there, do your research. There are a lot of repair estimators out there, so ask your friends and co-workers if they’ve done repairs lately and could tell you how much they cost. That way, you can quickly ascertain whether the repairs would fall within your budget. Draw up a reference sheet for renovation costs such as roof, foundation, HVAC, and windows. This will help you to determine a viable offer price.

4. Ask for a discount—gently

Now on to the real upside of buying a fixer-upper: major savings! These houses can go for as little as 60% to 80% of the original asking price, says Baumbusch. This is especially true if the home has been sitting on the market for a while, or if you’re able to offer cash upfront.


From Realtor.com By Rosie Amodio

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The 4 Most Underrated Places In New Jersey That You Must Check Out

11/22/2015

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1. Space Farms Museum and Zoo, Sussex
This eclectic museum and zoo is truly unique. You can find something here to suit almost any interest. Visitors can enjoy classic cars, a miniature circus, vintage dolls, unique clocks, Native American artifacts, and the second largest privately owned collection of antique firearms in the United States. The zoo includes the largest private collection of North American wildlife in the world - over 500 animals. The zoo also participates in many programs which help to benefit endangered species.
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2. Roebling Museum, Roebling
This unique museum is highly specialized, and a favorite amongst engineers. According to its website, "The mission of the Roebling Museum is to document, preserve and exhibit the history of the John A. Roebling’s Sons Company, the Roebling family and the village of Roebling. Its focus is not only on the industrial and technological achievements of the company but on the unique social history of its workforce and the town it created."
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3. Adventure Aquarium, Camden
This is already a pretty popular attraction, but some still stay away because of its location. I know Camden isn't the safest city, but the aquarium isn't dangerous...just dangerously awesome. Two words: shark tunnel. If you have some extra cash, you can even get up close with the animals!
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4. Newark Museum, Newark
Another incredible attraction in a less desirable city, Newark DOES have nice areas. This museum is right near all the universities and offers an extensive art collection, the historic Victorian Ballantine house, and a planetarium. It is the largest museum in New Jersey.
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From: onlyinyourstate.com by Kristen Koennemann
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What to Expect When You Buy a 100-Year-Old House

11/17/2015

2 Comments

 
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If you like old homes, you may have aspirations of living in a century-old farmhouse or perhaps a row house constructed in the 1800s. It's not for everyone, but for some people there's something charming and almost whimsical about living in a house that's been around longer than your grandparents. It's the history, it's the look and it's certainly the construction. They just don't build them like they used to.

That's meant as a compliment, but it's possible to purchase a century-old house and eventually long to live in a cookie-cutter home that looks like every other residence on the block. As Kent Owen, an insurance agent from Silverhill, Alabama, puts it: "Older homes may look nice at first glance, but think of them like a person who has been divorced a few times. You might be able to make it work, but you'll be finding problems from the past in there somewhere."

That might be fine with you, especially if you enjoy do-it-yourself projects. But if you're thinking of buying a century-old house, you want to know what you might be in for and then get out your wallet. These are some issues century-old homes tend to have in common.
 
Faulty, dangerous or old wiring. Well, here's the good news. If you're buying a house that is 100 years old, the wiring has probably been replaced, says Welmoed Sisson, a home inspector with Inspections by Bob, headquartered in Boyds, Maryland.

Sometimes, Sisson says, she and her husband will find houses with the original wiring, "and it's almost never in good working order."

Here's a fun fact: "Old houses with electricity frequently had knob and tube wiring, which relied on exposed wires running through porcelain tubes and around porcelain knobs," Sisson says.

If you hear a homeowner or realtor refer to K&T wiring, they're referring to knob and tube wiring. And a not-so fun fact: "Many insurance companies will not issue coverage on homes with K&T," Sisson says.

Corrosive water pipes. A major problem for city governments around the country is that water lines have to be replaced. They don't last forever. In fact, the American Water Works Association’s 2015 State of the Water Industry report says that replacing aging water lines is currently the most important item on the industry's to-do list. Not surprisingly, if you have a house that's 100 years old or older, and previous homeowners haven't replaced the pipes, that job will fall to you.

Heather Brewer, who has a public relations firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico, says she owns a beautiful craftsman house built in 1919 (OK, just shy of a 100-year-old house), and water issues have often been a problem from the get go.

"Once, as I was cleaning out my desk, my almost-3-year-old son saw my checkbook, pointed to it and said, 'That for the plumber.' Literally, the only time he ever saw me write checks was to the plumbing company," says Brewer, whose son is now almost 4 and likes to pretend he's a plumber when he plays with his toys.

There are many reasons for water problems, according to Randal Weeks, a designer, architect and founder of Aiden Gray Home, a home furnishings and decor manufacturer in McKinney, Texas. "Houses like this have been occupied and not throughout the years. That resting water damages and decays the pipes, thus leading to leaks and basically dirty water that takes time and may or may not flush out," Weeks says.

And water issues that come with a 100-year-old home won't likely be covered by insurance, Owen points out. Not if those problems have been festering for years, anyway.

"Preexisting conditions and slow damage that is preventable over time isn't covered," Owen says.

From: money.usnews.com By Geoff Williams 
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Why You Should Sell Now… Before Winter Hits

11/16/2015

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People across the country are beginning to think about what their life will look like next year. It happens every Fall. We ponder whether we should relocate to a different part of the country to find better year-round weather or perhaps move across the state for better job opportunities.
Homeowners in this situation must consider whether they should sell their house now or wait. If you are one of these potential sellers, here are five important reasons to do it now versus the dead of winter.
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1. Demand is StrongFoot traffic refers to the number of people out actually physically looking at home right now. The latest foot traffic numbers show that buyers are still out in force looking for their dream home. These buyers are ready, willing and able to buy…and are in the market right now!
As we get later into the year, many people have other things (weather, holidays, etc.) that distract them from searching for a home. Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.
2. There Is Less Competition NowHousing supply is still well under the 6 months’ supply necessary for a normal market. This means that, in many markets, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in that market. This is good news for home prices. However, additional inventory is about to come to market.
There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. Homeowners are now seeing a return to positive equity as real estate values have increased over the last two years. Many of these homes will be coming to the market in the near future.
Also, new construction of single-family homes is again beginning to increase. A study by Harris Poll revealed that 41% of buyers would prefer to buy a new home while only 21% prefer an existing home (38% had no preference).
The choices buyers have will continue to increase over the next few months. Don’t wait until all this other inventory of homes comes to market before you sell.
3. The Process Will Be QuickerOne of the biggest challenges of the housing market in recent times has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks are requiring more and more paperwork before approving a mortgage. Any delay in the process is always prolonged during the winter holiday season. Getting your house sold and closed before those delays begin will lend itself to a smoother transaction.
4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-UpIf you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by over 18.1% from now to 2019. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30-year housing expense with an interest rate below 4% right now. Rates are projected to rise by this time next year.
5. It’s Time to Move On with Your LifeLook at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?
Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take back control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps, the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.
From Keepingcurrentmatters.com by KCM Crew
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6 ways technology has changed home buying in N.J.

11/11/2015

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​Don't forget your phone

These days, those sales signs planted in front yards are your gateway to loads of information. If you see a home you like, text the number on the sign and you'll receive an instant brochure sent to your phone providing details aplenty, said Felicia Dragone, a Mullica Hill-based Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway.

Her company also offers a branded app that allows you to identify properties Berkshire has listed for sale in your area. If you're driving through a community you like, consult the app and information on nearby homes is in the palm of your hand.

These fancy house hunting features are key to the modern home-buying market and younger tech-savvy buyers and sellers have come to expect them.

"You have to stay one step ahead," Dragone said. "This is what they expect. They want everything at their fingertips."

Sellers should keep in mind that the home must be priced wisely, given that buyers have easy access to information on what sellers paid when they bought the house, Dragone added.

Your home needs a webpage

Many homes are marketed via individual web pages, where a particular property doesn't have to compete with a screen full of other offerings. It's one home, front and center.

Take 36windingway.go2frr.com for example.

That page features all of the vital stats on the property, along with plenty of photos.

MORE: Where are highest tax bills in Gloucester County?

Great photos are key to showcasing a property, Dragone said.

"Don't go cheap on photography," she advised. "That's the single most important part of marketing your property ... make that investment."

For a Realtor, selling a home isn't a "set-it-and-forget-it" process. The extra effort to market really matters.

"You always have to keep your product fresh," said Realtor Judith Fini, with Century 21 in Sewell. "The seller appreciates the effort."

That drone is shooting to sell

Sure, we know drones as weapons of war and Amazon tells us it will one day use them to drop packages on our doorsteps, but real estate agents are utilizing them now to grab sky-high images of homes.

To give buyers the full experience, some agents contract with professional drone operators to grab video all around the property.

During the open house, Dragone displayed drone video of 36 Winding Way on a flatscreen TV in the home's basement entertainment area.

Marketing tech worth the cost

All of these bells and whistles are part of marketing a home.

Sellers need to think about how the house looks when it's opened to potential buyers and they need someone to market it properly, Dragone said.

Web pages, drones, professional photos, open houses and advertising doesn't come cheap.

Real estate agencies provide agents with some of the resources. "Any agency gives you a select marketing piece, but it's not enough," explained Realtor Joanna Papadaniil, Dragone's partner at Berkshire Hathaway in Mullica Hill.

To give clients what they really need, Papadaniil said, requires a financial outlay by the agent. She spends a significant sum to market homes "the way I choose to market them," Papadaniil said. "The seller will see that we are doing everything humanly possible to put the property out there. Whatever we can do, we don't look at the cost. We just do it."
From: myinforms.com
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6 Ways to Uncover the Truth About Your New Home—Before It’s Too Late

11/9/2015

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Congratulations, you’ve found your dream home! Or have you?
You set up appointments to visit your potential new home more times than you can count (you’re secretly wondering if your agent is going to change her number). You did so many drive-bys, your would-be neighbors are getting nervous. You took endless video of every room inside, and you measured all the spaces so you can start doing some late-night obsessive-compulsive furniture shopping. You’ve done all your due diligence, right?
We hate to break it to you, but maybe not.
There are a few more things to look out for—a few nagging annoyances that you might not notice right away but, unchecked, could eat at your soul day and night. Certainly, not all of the issues are deal breakers. But given the choice between dealing with them now or eventually becoming a bit too familiar with that bar on your (soon-to-be) new corner as you mull over what might have been, you might want to choose the former. Deal with the extra-fine details now!
Here’s how to make extra sure your new home won’t drive you crazy.
Drive by at nightStop us if you’ve heard this one before (spoiler alert: You have!). Because it’s really, reallygood advice. A lot of basic but important questions (Is there a streetlight shining directly in my window? Do the neighbors throw late-night 80s hair metal parties?) can be answered with a quick after-hours drive-by (or two). Yeah, we know you’re already doing them during the day. Do them at night too—on the weekend as well as a weeknight.
“Find out what kind of noise levels there are before making your final decision,” saysAmy Cook, a San Diego Realtor®.
Do not skip this step: Discovering these problems after closing could give you an endless headaches.Like, real ones—migraines that won’t go away.
Take a walk and ask lots of questionsTo be truly thorough, you need to get out of the car and hit the pavement. Repeatedly.
“If you really want to learn about the neighborhood and find out all the gossip, good and bad, walk around the neighborhood meeting people and asking them questions,” says Fort Collins, CO, Realtor® Angie Spangler.
Of course, this strategy works best if your neighborhood is sociable; in a suburban neighborhood without sidewalks or much daytime activity, you might not learn much (and you might freak people out a bit). Some moderation is key. And if things are too quiet, maybe this hood isn’t for you. Or maybe it’s perfect. Some shoe leather reporting will give you a better indication of how you’ll fit in.
Understand the zoningIf there’s one thing that can prevent surprise heartaches, it’s understanding the neighborhood’s zoning laws.

Consult with the city’s departmentsSpeaking with your city’s planning, water management, and police departments can uncover vital information about your potential home—such as its flood hazard, which you may not notice in the dry season but can put your home at risk when it rains.
How close are you to emergency services and what’s the average response time? Is there a big commercial project underway nearby that could increase traffic? Do the crime statistics concern you?
Scope out social media resourcesApps such as Nextdoor help you keep an eye on the neighborhood and can be a valuable resource before moving in. Scour other apps and online resources, join local Facebook groups, and sign up for neighborhood email lists to find out the most common complaints and concerns of your new neighbors.
Pay attention to nearby homesIf you don’t have a trained real estate eye, it might be easy to overlook your neighbor’s unmowed lawn—but ignoring it might mean missing a vital clue to the area’s health and upkeep.
“As a real estate agent, it’s easy for me to identify the properties that are rentals or show lack of upkeep,” Spangler says.
From: Realtor.com by Jaimie Wiebe
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5 Winter Home Improvement Projects for Less Than $1,000

11/9/2015

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#1 HEATING

It’s that time of the year again. Your home has to be properly heated in preparation for the low temperatures this season. Proper heating not only makes your home more comfortable to stay in during winter, it can also help you save on energy bills. For this article however, we will focus on your water heater.

Simple Water Heater Installation

A water heater is a simple device. It is not difficult to maintain and they usually last from seven to 15 years. However, even with proper maintenance, sooner or later, you will replace your water heater. If your water heater starts to leak or if it isn’t heating, you have to replace it fast.

Average Cost:

Typical cost is about: $826 – gas water heater with 50 gallon tank, typically used in a 5 person home, including vent and pipe .

Prices range from:

$639 – electric water heater with 40 gallon tank, typically used in a four-person home
$1,077 – gas tankless water heater, 6.4 GPM for 2 baths, including vent and pipe
Tips:

A domestic water heater may be tank­type or a tankless type, and can use either gas or electricity as its heat source. Typical domestic tank­type water heaters range from 30 to 50 gallons and they require floor space to be installed. Tankless units are rated in gallons per minute (GPM) and range from 2 to 10 GPM. They can be wall mounted and located in reduced spaces.

DIY Consideration:

In the very best of cases this installation may be suitable for the able DIY person, but home insurance or local codes may require a licensed or certified installer.
In cases where issues can arise, it is best left to professionals to resolve on the spot.
A fairly complete plumbing tool set will be required, perhaps including a torch.
 

#2 FLOORING

During winter, people come in and out of your home tracking in all types of debris — which can do a lot of damage to your hardwood floors. Snow and water in particular, can be absorbed by wood.

Refinishing Hardwood Floors in Preparation for Winter

Hardwood floors not only make your house look beautiful, it also adds warmth to your home interior. Wood floors become extremely cold during winter. However, when heating a home interior with hardwood floors, the increase in temperature should be balanced with a gradual decrease in humidity levels. Otherwise, you risk warping the wood. That being said, you need to refinish your hardwood floors before winter sets in as this will provide extra protection to your wood floors.

Average Cost:

Typical cost is about: $2.8 per square foot – sanding of the existing floor and the application of sealers

Prices range from:

$2.50 per square foot – sanding of the existing floor and the application of sealers
$3.50 per square foot – sanding of the existing floor and the application of sealers
Tips:

Hardwood floors should be refinished regularly to extend its lifetime. The cost of refinishing hardwood floors varies greatly from region to region.

DIY Consideration:

This may be suitable for the able DIY person.

 

#3 WINDOW INSTALLATIONS

Keeping your home warmer during winter entails high energy consumption. However, if you have energy­efficient windows you can reduce your energy consumption.

Energy­ saving Vinyl Casement Window Installations

When choosing the best windows for your home, there is no one­size­fits­all standard. But according to House­Energy, when it comes to choosing the best windows for cold climates, the most energy­efficient are double­glazed and triple­glazed windows. These windows have a very low U­factor and relatively high solar­gain (SHGC) coefficient. This type of window in vinyl frame would work best. Vinyl is inexpensive and does not need to be painted or stained. Casement windows also provide the best ventilation when opened.

Average Cost:

Typical cost is about: $943 – vinyl casement window replacement

Prices range from:

$691 – vinyl casement window replacement – DIY
$1,290 – vinyl casement window replacement – upgraded
Tips:

Casement windows extend to the exterior of the house and may obstruct walkways. The actual cost of installation will depend on material and finish grade, size, structural preparation, special needs and the current labor rate – when using an installer. These prices are for service in the immediate area of the provider. Taxes and permit fees are not included. During contractor inspection, the homeowner should be informed about the cost of any repairs needed as well as the cost of adapting the new window with the current opening. A project involving more than two windows may earn the homeowner a unit price discount Local or national subsidy may be provided for energy efficiency improvements.

DIY Consideration:

● This project is not highly suitable for DIY with precise carpentry and a critical closure deadline.

● Partial DIY of removal and disposal tasks are possible for the prepared DIY.

 

#4 ELECTRIC

As winter approaches, your electric bill rises. This is due to several factors:

● Lights stay on longer because of shorter days and longer nights;

● Extra hot water is used for warm baths and showers;

● Because people stay indoors longer during winter, electric equipment such as computers, TVs, DVD players and gaming consoles are used more often;

● The clothes dryer is used more often.

Electric Circuit Install

Due to the reasons mentioned above, you need a more efficient electrical system during winter.

Average Cost:

1. For Electric Range Circuit

Typical cost is about: $202 – 30 foot circuit, exposed cable

Prices range from:

$ 76 – 30 foot circuit, exposed cable – DIY
$393 – 30 foot circuit, outdoor conduit upgrade
2. For Electric Outlet Circuit

Typical cost is about: $153 – 30 foot circuit, exposed cable

Prices range from:

$27 – 30 foot circuit, exposed cable – DIY
$292 – 30 foot circuit, outdoor with conduit upgrade
3. For Electric Dryer Circuit

Typical cost is about: $179 – 30 foot circuit, exposed cable

Prices range from:

$53 – 30 foot circuit, exposed cable – DIY
$333 – 30 foot circuit, outdoor with conduit upgrade
Tips:

Electric range circuits bring power to electrical equipment inside your home. These are subject to compliance codes and professional practices designed to reduce fire risk. The cost to install an average electric range circuit, electric outlet circuit or electric dryer circuit depends upon the power rating, circuit lengths, preparation and special requirements, and the current labor rate.

DIY Consideration

● IMPORTANT: Whenever you are going to work with electricity, you need to turn off the circuit breaker first. Double check, using a non­contact voltage tester to make certain that there is no current before you start working.

● This project is somewhat suitable for DIY with good electrical skills and tools.

● Electrical circuits and installations must comply with codes to reduce fire risk.

#5 DOORS

Most home owners choose wood doors for its aesthetics. It provides a good blend of elegance and strength and they can be very affordable depending on the type and quality of wood. However, wood needs to be treated regularly with paint or varnish so that it will be protected from wind, rain and snow. Neglecting to do so would cause rotting. For most people, the most practical choice for the winter season would be a fiberglass or steel door.

Installation of Fiberglass/Steel Door

Fiberglass and Steel are energy­efficient and common low­maintenance choices for exterior door material.

Average Cost:

The average exterior door costs range from:

1. For Fiberglass Doors: Typical cost is about: $679 – exterior fiberglass door replacement

Prices range from:

$463 – exterior fiberglass door replacement – DIY
$1,537 – exterior fiberglass door replacement – upgraded
2. For Steel Doors:

Typical cost is about: $ 613 – exterior steel door replacement

$397 – exterior steel door replacement – DIY
$871 – exterior steel door replacement – upgraded
Tips:

The cost of installing average exterior fiberglass and steel doors depends on the type of material and finish grade, size, structural preparation and special needs, and the current labor rate. These prices are for service in the immediate area of the provider. Taxes and permit fees are not included. During contractor inspection, the home owner should be informed about the cost of any repairs needed as well as the cost of adapting the new window with the current opening.

A project involving more than two windows may earn the homeowner a unit price discount Local or national subsidy may be provided for energy efficiency improvements.

DIY Consideration

● This project may suitable for DIY with carpentry skills, unless of a critical deadline.

● Partial DIY of removal and disposal tasks are possible for the prepared DIY.

Home improvement projects may be costly if you are not well­informed. If you want to make sure your money is spent wisely on your home improvement projects, without having to sacrifice quality, visit howmuch.net for more information.

​From: styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org
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How to Get the Most Money from the Sale of Your House

11/8/2015

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Every homeowner wants to make sure they maximize the financial reward when selling their home. But, how do you guarantee that you receive maximum value for your house? Here are two keys to insuring you get the highest price possible.
1. Price it a LITTLE LOW
​
This may seem counterintuitive. However, let’s look at this concept for a moment. Many homeowners think that pricing their home a little OVER market value will leave them room for negotiation. In actuality, this just dramatically lessens the demand for your house. (see chart)
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2. Use a Real Estate Professional

This too may seem counterintuitive. The seller may think they would net more money if they didn’t have to pay a real estate commission. Yet, studies have shown that typically homes sell for more money when handled by a real estate professional.

Recent research posted by the Economists’ Outlook Blog revealed:

“The median selling price for all FSBO homes was $210,000 last year. When the buyer knew the seller in FSBO sales, the number sinks to the median selling price of $151,900. However, homes that were sold with the assistance of an agent had a median selling price of $249,000 – nearly $40,000 more for the typical home sale.”
From: Keepingcurrentmatters.com by KCM crew
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