"Cooking With Class"

November 2, 2007



A few weeks ago, I encountered some high school students selling cook books. They had a table outside of Gerrards Market on Cypress Avenue in Redlands.

In the past, both adults and students have been stationed outside of Gerrard's Market promoting a variety of local organizations. I fear I am not a great supporter and have an automatic response of "No Thank You". This time I did get snared. First off it was the Redlands High School Academic Decathlon and Mock Trial Teams. Secondly, they were selling a cook book!

I have friends who tend to poke fun at the newsletters sent by real estate agents that have recipes in them, but recipes catch a lot of attention. If you could see my four cupboard shelves filled with cook books, you would know why I just had to purchase this one.

It is entitled "Cooking with Class" and is a compilation of recipes donated by parents, friends and notables. My first read through found some new and fun recipes. I hope you have the opportunity to obtain a copy. It costs $10 and the money goes to support these dedicated students.

What Effect Will the Fires Have on the Housing Market?

November 1, 2007


I received a comment and some questions from my blog of October 25, 2007.


The comment was directed toward how the loss of property would effect the housing market. Obviously there are a number of individuals and families that are in need of housing. The temporary shelters are being closed and folks are needing to find housing until they figure out their future plans. It is possible that in the short term there will be a demand for rental housing. Most insurance policies do include coverage for temporary housing during a reasonable rebuilding period.


A more challenging question concerned the issue of the mortgages that were against the properties that now are mere ashes. When you purchase a home, one of the lender's requirements is for enough fire insurance to cover the amount of the loan. The lender is added to the policy and has first rights to any settlement monies. This should hopefully pay off the entire loan leaving the property owner with a lot and no mortgage debt. The homeowner then will need to obtain a construction loan in order to rebuild. If the choice is to purchase a resale property, then a new loan would need to be obtained.


It will be some time before all the paperwork can be processed. I do know that after the 2003 fires, insurance companies were relatively prompt in providing funds for temporary housing for the victims. Whether or not the federal government steps in with temporary housing (FEMA Trailers) remains to be seen.


For all of us who were not victims of this disaster, it would be prudent to check our homeowners policies and familiarize ourselves with our coverage.

Halloween Event

October 31, 2007

If you happen to be driving on Cajon Street in Redlands, you certainly noticed the neighbors in the 400-500 block have been busily preparing for a Halloween Party! These neighbors in these vintage homes are a wonderful example of community spirit. Each year they plan a creative decorating extravaganza. This year is outstanding!

Approximately 5:30 P.M. this evening, there will be music and lights and folks preparing for an old New Orleans funeral when the saints come marching in. The Zanja 8 Band will be playing.

There will be a short parade which will end in the vacant lot. These adults are having so much fun with this Holiday! Come by and enjoy!

Community Catalyst Contest

October 30, 2007

I recently received an e mail from Smithsonian Magazine which alerted me to a contest that was being sponsored by the Dow Chemical Company. It was an invitation to join the Dow Chemical Company in recognizing Community Catalyst who are making a difference in their community. I am sure that we have a number of individuals in the Inland Empire who would be worthy of this recognition.

One winner will be selected to receive a cash prize and will be profiled within a Dow advertisement in Smithsonian Magazine as well as on Smithsonian.com/catalyst.

Go to www.Smithsonian.com/catalylst for more information and to nominate your community catalyst. Entry period ends December 1, 2007.

Is Your Mailbox Filled With Refinance Pitches?

October 29, 2007
My attention was captured this morning by an article on the front page of the LA Times. It was entitled "Refinance pitches in sub-prime tone". The article addresses the "blizzard of advertising" that mortgage companies continue to do in spite of the sub-prime meltdown. According to the article, those negative amortization and interest only and option arm loans are still being offered. The difference is that the target market is the homeowner with substantial equity, at least 3 years of ownership, and a credit score of 700 or better.
These come-on letters seem to me to be clearly in the "buyer beware" class.
There are some good questions to ask before being overly tempted.
What is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR)?
Is the initial rate a "teaser rate"?
What is the length of the loan?
Does it have a balloon Payment at the end?
What is your monthly payment for each month of the loan? Lenders have computer programs that can print out the entire principal and interest payment allocation.
Is there a prepayment penalty if the loan is paid off early?
Does the monthly payment quoted include taxes and insurance payments?

For more information click on www.ftc.gov/credit

Going Green

October 26, 2007

This weekend in Venice, California there will be a "Green Home Tour". Advertised as California's first conventionally constructed Platinum Leed* home, it will be open for touring Friday and Saturday from 10A.M, to 6 P.M. and on Sunday from 12P.M. to 6 P.M. The cost is $20.00 per ticket.

All proceeds will be donated to Healthy Child Healthy World, a non-profit organization which is dedicated to protecting the health and well being of children from harmful environmental exposures.

This home is built of sustainable materials, energy efficient solar panels, GE energy star qualified appliances, reclaimed concrete material, recycled denim insulation and Kohler water conserving fixtures.

For more information or questions you can call 310-454-0290 or take a virtual tour at http://www.710emilwoodave.com/

The address of the home is 710 Milwood Avenue, Venice Beach, CA 90291 (Just off Abbot Kinney)

For folks thinking of building a home, this is an opportunity to check out some eco friendly design ideas.

Emergency Supplies Appeal

October 25, 2007

No one in southern California can be unaware of the wildfires that have been raging all week. These fires have been the most devastating fires that have occurred in my 40 year memory. I do not remember a time when so many homes and structures have been totally destroyed by these raging fires. The aftermath now is focused on the housing of the homeless. Lessons learned from the Katrina disaster are helping aid providers and reports indicate a fairly orderly process for public shelters.

Senator Bob Dutton's office has sent out a request for emergency supplies. This request went to service organizations such as the Rotary Club of Redlands of which I am a member. I am passing along a short list of items that we can donate. They can be delivered to Gates 7 and/or 9 at the Orange Show Fairgrounds.

Cots, Sheets, Blankets, Towels, Pillows, Soap, Shampoo,Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Breakfast Food, Baby Food, Formula, Diapers, Water, Coffee, Pet Food, Brooms, Mops, Phone Cards, Toys, Coloring Books, Crayons, Baby Clothes and any items that a person who lost everything might need.

Home for the Holidays

October 24, 2007

Wouldn't it be great to celebrate the holidays in your new home? With a 30 to 45 day escrow period, you could achieve this goal!

I heard on the radio this morning that the interest rate on conforming 30 year mortgages (up to $417,000) has gone down and the rate for jumbo loans has also dropped. These rate reductions are not universal. It is important to call your mortgage broker and get an actual quote. For example, this morning one lender was quoting six and five-eighths for jumbos while another lender was quoting seven and a quarter with 6 points. Nevertheless, there are some great loans out there if you have a good credit rating and cash to put down.

I do not want to sound like a broken record, but there is a great selection of homes available. I remember our first home with a vaulted two story living room. I went and bought the tallest Christmas tree I could find! It was so exciting - especially when we had to bolt it to the wall to keep it standing!

These are the memories that you could create when you decide on the location and property where you want to put down your roots for a time.

Termite Treatments

October 23, 2007

It is always a "cross your fingers" time when you sell a home and must have a Structural Pest Control Inspection. The cynical and somewhat typical homeseller is sure that the inspector will always find an infestation. While we live in an area that is prone to drywood termites, I can say that in 31 years as a real estate agent, I have found that most homes do not require the drastic treatment of fumigation.

In the past 5 to 10 years, alternative treatments have been developed and have met with reasonable success.

Some of these include:

ThermaPure Heat

Direct Wood Injection

Tru-Shield System(R) Prevention

Tim-Bor(R) Pro

Orange Oil

Microwave.

If fumigation is recommended and you have reservations about the chemical effects, it would be useful to interview some of these other providers. Always check with the state Structural Pest Control Board to be certain that they have a valid license.

Is My Dream House for Sale?

October 21, 2007
I was going to select the properties I thought were the best value in each hundred thousand price range, but I encountered two snags. Number 1: there are too many choices and number 2, value depends on the style and type that appeals to a particular prospect. So instead, I am sharing how many choices you have in each hundred thousand price range in the Redlands market.
$200,000 or less..........17 (3 years ago almost 0)
$200-$300,000...........92
$300-$400,000...........146
$400-$500,000...........91
$500-$600,000...........50
$600-$700,000...........22
$700-$800,000...........13
$800-$900,000...........16
$900-$1,000,000........12
$1,000,000+................47
This would be a great time to write down a description of your dream house.
Then call your real estate agent and see how many properties come close to fitting your description. It has been 8-10 years since buyers have had so many choices. Get pre approved for a loan, pick your price range and take a look. This is an opportune time to make a move.

A Weekend of Family Fun

October 19, 2007
This Saturday and Sunday residents of the Inland Empire will have a choice of some special events. The theme of these events are a celebration of family. Here are three that offer education and fun.

1)Children's Health and Safety Fair (Admission is Free)
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 20
FUNdamentals Preschool Academy
2424 Kendall Drive, San Bernardino
Activities include craft booths, CHP inspections of car seats, face painting,
demo of martial arts and library card sign-ups. Giveaways and much more.

2) 10th Annual Fiesta de la Familia (Admission is free - Parking is $5.00.
Arrowhead Credit Union Park
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun.
Art exhibits, traditional foods, entertainment including local mariachi
bands.

3) Multicultural Celebration of Ancestors ( Regular Museum Admission)
San Bernardino County Museum
2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.
Crafts, music, family stories and family traditions that honor ancestors.

4) Loma Linda Community Parade and Fair - (Admission is free)
Anderson and Barton Road and Loma Linda Academy
10656 Anderson St., Loma Linda
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 21

This is just a sampling of the opportunities to share fun times. The 2 county area offers great outdoor entertainment and our wonderful fall weather contributes to the quality of life experienced by inland southern California residents.

Homeowners Insurance (cont)

October 18, 2007

Yesterday, I wrote about the standard single family home insurance policy. A question that arose had to do with the need for a homeowners policy when you purchase a condominium. Yes, an insurance policy is needed, but it will provide different coverage than is provided for a stand alone residence.

When you purchase a unit in a condominium project, you are purchasing "air space". The Homeowners' Association owns the building and the common area and will have a master insurance policy covering these structures. This policy provides liability coverage and for structural loss from fire, wind, water damage (not flooding) and other coverages. When you purchase a condominium unit, you should be sure to review the Association's coverage.

The condominium owner's insurance policy that you need to purchase will protect you against negligence liability in case someone is injured in your condo unit. The policy will also provide coverage for fire or other damage to your furnishings, theft, accidents and damage to the interior of your condominium.

There is often a misuse of the term "condominium". Many residences that have a homeowners' association are not condos, but rather PUDS or PRDS. A PUD is a planned unit development and PRD is a planned residential development. A review of the homeowner documents should clarify what type of unit you are purchasing. Usually in PUDs or PRDS you will own the entire residential unit including roof and walls as well as a part ownership in any common amenities such as green belt, pool, club house, etc. The homeowners' association will have a master policy covering the common areas, but you will need to obtain a standard homeowners policy covering your entire unit.

Insurance is for when disasters or accidents occur. You may never need to use your coverage, but it is vital that it is in place.

Homeowner's Insurance

October 17, 2007

Having a policy of homeowners insurance is an important expense for the owner of any residential property. At the time of a purchase of that first home, the buyer (if not purchasing "all cash") will be required to secure a homeowner insurance policy prior to a lender funding a loan. From that time forward, it will be necessary to renew the insurance policy every year.

There are four essential types of coverage in the standard homeowners insurance policy.

1)The repair or rebuilding of your house if it is damaged by fire, or other disasters listed in the policy. It will not pay for damage caused by flood, earthquake or normal wear and tear. Additional policies are available if you want flood or earthquake protection. It is important that the amount of coverage includes building code compliance even though this may up your premium.

2) Your personal belongings are covered if they are stolen or damaged by fire or other covered disasters up to an amount that is usually 50% to 70% of the amount of insurance you have on your home. You do need to assess the value of jewelry, silver, furs as typically there are limits if they are stolen - $1,000 to $2,000). You can purchase a special property endorsement at insure these items at their appraised value.

3) You will also receive liability protection from a standard policy of homeowners insurance. It protects against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or your family cause to other people. It may also cover damage caused by your pets to other person's property. The most common limit is $100,000 but you can secure a greater amount. An inexpensive way to have greater liability protection is to purchase an "umbrella" policy which generally cost between $200 to $500 per year for up to $1 million in protection.

4)If your home is damaged to the extent that you can no longer live there, the standard policy will also include the additional costs of living away from home.



Always ask your insurance agent what the dollar limits are on each of these standard coverages. Also check out the amount of the deductible.



A few tips: Remember that the insurance does not cover the value of the land. Your coverage needs to be the market value of your home minus the value of the land.

Select a deductible that you can afford without involving the insurance company. (Check with your lender because most lenders want a $500 deductible rather than a higher amount.)

Seriously consider an umbrella liability policy. Generally the coverage is less expensive than increasing liability limits in a standard policy.

Know your policy!!!!

What's in Your Web?

October 16, 2007

If you are reading this blog, I know that you have either logged onto the loislauer.com site or the shirleyharry.com site. I would like to learn what motivated you to go to a real estate site.

Are you thinking of buying or selling?

Did you just want to find details about a specific property?

Did you click on the "blog" button to see what the blog is about?

Did you find the information you wanted?

How would you design your real estate web site to make it consumer friendly?

These are just a few questions I have because I know we want the information in our web site to be the information you want in your web search.

You can respond to these questions by clicking either the comment or e mail symbols at the bottom of this blog. I will read them and will not publish them if you request me not to put them on the site for all to read. I eagerly await your thoughts about our web site and this blog.

A Year of Trustee Sales

October 15, 2007
The past week I read and heard in the news a great deal of data concerning the real estate market and the huge number of foreclosures. Since I subscribe to Dataquick, one of the foremost data gathering companies, I search the site for the recorded "Notices of Default", the "Notices of Trustee's Sales" and the properties that actually go to sale and are now owned by the lenders. What I have seen is that there are many more "Notices of Default" recorded than there are properties that actually go back to the lender. The following is a year of data compiled from Dataquick from August 2006 to August 2007. (I thank Chris Akins at Ticor Title for researching this report.)
The report shows the number of single family residences (SFR)in a given city, the actual number of trustees sales (TS)for the 2006-2007 year.
Bloomington..................5,228 SFR...........40 TS
Calimesa.........................1,067 SFR...........8 TS
Colton.............................9,262 SFR...........70 TS
Fontana..........................38,635 SFR.........335 TS
Grand Terrace...............2,936 SFR...........12 TS
Highland........................11,484 SFR..........71 TS
Loma Linda....................3,401 SFR...........3 TS
Moreno Valley................37,249 SFR.........625 TS
Redlands.........................16,057 SFR.........36 TS
Rialto..............................19,268 SFR.........236 TS
Riverside........................81,067 SFR.........582 TS
San Bernardino.............40,662 SFR........411 TS
Yucaipa..........................11,171 SFR...........36 TS

The number of single family homes may not include some of the new construction as it takes some time before the Assessor's roles are updated.
The outstanding fact that stands out from these statistics is that the trustees sales are, in every city, 1% or less of the total single family residences. Yes, the number of foreclosures has risen and is rising, but it is not at all in the same proportions as we saw in the 1990s.

A Blogger's Fantasy

October 12, 2007

When I first started blogging almost a year ago, I had the idea that readers of the blog would click on the comment or email buttons and would ask questions.
In fact, one of the concerns about starting a blog site was that it would be used to give negative feedback. To date, I really have not received any negative comments, although I am appreciative of learning of the readers concerns. I am writing the following opinion and am looking for the readers critiques.



In the year since I began blogging, the real estate market has experienced dramatic changes. A year ago we were waiting to see how the market would adjust to the end of the "up cycle". Today, we are aware that, even though we knew a cycle was ending, we had not truly anticipated the character that the "down cycle" would take on.



Based on my research earlier in the week on units sold and median prices, I believe that the defining characteristic of the 2007 real estate market in the Inland Empire is the "standoff" between buyers and sellers. What I mean is that most buyers are waiting for prices to come down and most sellers are unwilling to reduce their asking prices. Hence the number of units has dramatically fallen since 2005 (the height of the sellers' market) yet the median prices of homes has remained relatively unchanged. Since most potential buyers already have a roof over their heads, they can wait out the sellers. The wise seller will be the one who is willing to recognize that it is time to reassess the current market and become one of the units that enters the "sold" category. In all probability the selling price will be 5% to 10% less than it might have been a year or two ago.

Community Catalyst Contest

October 11, 2007

There are so many folks in the Inland Empire that work for the betterment of their communities. Countless volunteer hours are given each day to make the communities better places to live. Some of these volunteers do receive recognitions and honors, but most are committed to a project without the desire or expectation that they will be compensated or publicly recognized.
An e mail that I received last Friday caught my attention. It came from the Smithsonian Magazine and referenced a contest being sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company. I shall quote the e mail:
"Do you know someone who is actively working to improve your community?
Join The Dow Chemical Company in recognizing Community Catalysts who are truly making a difference. One winner will be selected to receive a $1,000 cash prize in recognition of his/her efforts and will be profiled within a Dow advertisement in Smithsonian magazine as well as on Smithsonian.com/catalyst.
Go to www.Smithsonian.com/catalyst for more information and to nominate your Community Catalyst. Entry period ends December 1, 2007."
Let's recognize the individuals who make our communities such great places to live!

A New Web Site for Consumers

October 10, 2007

Often when preparing an estimated closing closing cost statement for a buyer or a seller, the fee for title insurance is questioned. In fact, for several years, the California insurance commissioners have been threatening the title industry with a mandatory roll back in rates. On Tuesday this week, Steve Poizner, the present California Insurance Commissioner, posted a new web site with the purpose of helping consumers shop for title insurance.
I tested it out by completing the search information form. Immediately I was given the price of title insurance from a great number of title companies. The information that is given has the name of a particular title company and the cost of their policy. At one time , title company offered different coverages for extended warranties. The prices quoted, I believe, are for a basic policy. They give a starting point for any further inquiries into coverages that the price includes.
The www.clta.org web site is easy to use as there is a clearly marked logo for Title Wizard.

2007 Home Sale States/Inland Southern CA/Jan.-Sept.

October 9, 2007

The following data was retrieved from the IMRMLS. It is based on reported home sales from January 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007 in Riverside/San Bernardino County communities.

Banning/Beaumont.....2007/145.....2006/244.....a decrease of 41%

Bloomington.................2007/20......2006/51........a decrease of 61%

Colton............................2007/46......2006/151......a decrease of 70%

Fontana.........................2007/197.....2006/594....a decrease of 67%

Grand Terrace..............2007/16.......2006/30......a decrease of 47%

Highland.......................2007/69......2006/148.....a decrease of 53%

Loma Linda..................2007/25.......2006/51.......a decrease of 51%

Mentone.......................2007/11........2006/20......a decrease of 45%

Moreno Valley..............2007/210....2006/583.....a decrease of 64%

Redlands.......................2007/130....2006/192.....a decrease of 32%

Riverside.......................2007/418....2006/1000..a decrease of 58%

San Bernardino............2007/224....2006/564....a decrease of 60%

Yucaipa/Calimesa........2007/105....2006/184.....a decrease of 43%



These numbers do not reflect new homes or for sale by owners that have also sold. In some markets such as Moreno Valley and Banning/Beaumont where new home construction has boomed, the sales in these new tracts have attracted buyers and may be one reason that number of resale units have declined.

Median prices have declined the most in San Bernardino and the least in Banning/Beaumont and Redlands. In general the median prices for the first three quarters of 2007 have dropped between 3% and 15%. Median prices are a tricky indicator as they are always dependent on the mix of houses being sold. For the two county area, median prices remain in the $300,000 to $400,000
price range.

Some Riverside/San Bernardino County September Stats

October 8, 2007

The following data has been taken from the IMRMLS. It is a comparison of the number of closed residential transactions reported through the IMRMLS for the month of September. It does not include new homes or for sale by owner data. I have listed the cities in alphabetical order. Banning/Beaumont.....2007/35.....2006/81.....a decrease of 57%

Bloomington................2007/7........2006/16.....a decrease of 56%

Colton...........................2007/10......2006/40.......a decrease of 75%

Fontana........................2007/51......2006/171....a decrease of 70%

Grand Terrace.............2007/4........2006/13.....a decrease of 69%

Highland......................2007/13......2006/46.....a decrease of 72%

Loma Linda.................2007/1........2006/12......a decrease of 92%

Mentone......................2007/3........2006/8........a decrease of 62.5%

Moreno Valley.............2007/63.....2006/167.....a decrease of 62%

Redlands.....................2007/37......2006/55.......a decrease of 33%

Rialto...........................2007/29.....2006/77.......a decrease of 62%

Riverside.....................2007/107....2006/334.....a decrease of 68%

San Bernardino..........2007/51.......2006/176.....a decrease of 71%

Yucaipa/Calimesa......2007/28......2006/53.......a decrease of 47%

I also found that the median prices have not decreased nearly the percentage amount that the number of units has. A quick conclusion could be that sellers are still remaining relatively firm on their prices, but that buyers are waiting for reductions thus resulting in fewer units being sold.

If you go back to my previous posts you can retrieve the stats for the first two quarters of 2007. Tomorrow I will report the stats for January through June.

And If You Really Plan to Make a Move....

October 5, 2007


If you are seriously considering making a move in the next year, sooner or later,

doing some of the repairs or renovations may be well worth your while. Some will be costly, others just require your labor.


One of the really important steps to take in preparation for a move is the sorting of your "stuff". This means cleaning closets. Donating all the clothes you never wear to your local charity. Looking through those boxes of memorabilia to determine which are really, really important to you. Organizing drawers and cupboards and creating open space as much as possible. So often, I have heard buyer prospects say "I don't envy these sellers when they go to pack." Your task is to clear as many of your belongings out of the house. This will permit buyer prospects to picture how they would place their "stuff" in your spaces.


So, if you really are going to move, make your inventory and start the repair, renovation and reduction process. You might even decide to stay because you have now create such an appealing home!

#1 Detail for Seller's Attention

October 4, 2007



It is great to discuss the improvements that a Seller can make to a property, but the #1 item that will eliminate a property from a buyer's consideration is SMELL. This is often the most difficult item for a seller to recognize. When someone lives with an odor it seems that it becomes unnoticeable. Smokers don't smell smoke, cat lovers don't smell cat and gourmet cooks don't smell cooking odors. If you are planning to offer your home for sale, I would recommend that you have a neighbor or friend or a real estate professional walk through your home. Tell them to be brutally honest. What do they smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.



Here are some ways to "breathe easier."


Have the carpets cleaned by a professional carpet cleaner who uses steam extraction. Have upholstered furniture professionally cleaned as well. (If you can, re carpet or replace. Sometimes it is difficult to get odors out of pillows, mattresses.


Empty your closets and have clothes washed and dry cleaned to remove whatever odors they may have absorbed.


Change furnace filters frequently. It would probably help to hire a duct cleaning service to clean your ducting.


Wash down walls, ceilings and floors.


Clean your oven, your refrigerator, your trash comp[actor with dish washing liquid and rinse with one cup vinegar, the juice of 3 lemons and a gallon of warm water.


Clean all your drawers and cupboards and be sure to wash them out and allow to dry thoroughly.


Once you have done all the basic cleaning, you can use lemons or potpourri or baking soda or vanilla extract to capture any odors or at least replace them with a better smell. Do this only after the thorough cleaning as adding another smell can make a bad smell even worse.


Just imagine how wonderful it will be to have your house clean to the core!

How Does Your Bathroom Rate?

October 3, 2007


If your home is of the vintage variety, you may only have one bathroom. You want to make sure that the one bathroom is as up to date as it can be made.


Are the faucets bright and shiny and drip free? Is the sink shiny and stainless?


Are the tub tiles well caulked and free of chips and cracks? What kind of floor covering do you have. Is it free of stains, cracks, chips, etc. All the above questions are appropriate for each bathroom that you may have. Make what you have sparkle. Begin now if you want it perfect by spring.


Of course, if you have only one bath and you really want to boost the value of your home, add a bath. Most surveys will show that you will probably recoup 80-100% of the cost of the new bath. From the 2006-2007 American Institute of Architects Poll here is the list of what home buyers want in a new bathroom:


1)Radiant Heated Floors 62%


2)Multi-Head Showers 62%


3)Accessibility/Universal Design 48%


4) Doorless Showers 47%


5)Linen Closet Storage 36%


New sinks, faucets and multi-head showers are fairly easy updates. I have seen new faucets and new lighting fixtures transform a bathroom from "blah" to "adorable". (Of course, paint and fresh towels add to the ambiance.)

Let's Talk Kitchens

October 2, 2007


Continuing a discussion of improvements you might make if you are thinking of selling your home, you need to take a good hard look at your kitchen. Even for prospective buyers who hardly ever cook, the kitchen is a key consideration in any decision to purchase a particular house. So ask yourself these questions:


1) Does the faucet drip? When was the faucet last installed?


2) Is the sink scratched or stained or chipped? Does it need re caulking?


3) Does the cupboard under the sink show signs of water damage?


4) How old are the appliances? Is the dishwasher rusty inside? Does the oven have baked on food that no amount of Easy-Off will remove?


5) Are the kitchen cabinets in need of painting or refinishing? Or are they just totally out of sync with contemporary design?


6)What type of counter tops do you have? Tile, Formica, Corian or granite?


Are they chipped or cracked?


7) What type of lighting do you have? Does it provide bright light over the main work areas?


8) What does the floor look like? Is it vinyl or tile and is it in pristine condition.


If you honestly answer these questions, you should know whether your kitchen will be someone's dream or nightmare.


Some fixes are relatively low cost but new appliances, counters and flooring will be expensive. However, most surveys consider the cost worth it for the seller who wants to attract a buyer at the highest possible selling price.


According to the 2006-2007 American Institute of Architects Poll, these are the top items buyers are looking for in a new kitchen:


*Upper End Appliances 65%


*Increased Pantry Space 64%


*Renewable Flooring 53%


*Wine Refrigerators/Storage 53%


*Integration with Living Space 53%


*Recycling Center 48%.


How does your kitchen rate?

Preparing for Putting Your House on the Market

October 1, 2007

Last week I mentioned renovating your lawn now in order to have it beautiful by spring 2008. This week I am going to suggest renovations and/or repairs to make your home more appealing to the critical buyer prospect.

Buyers seem to view houses for the purpose of finding flaws. Finding a flaw eliminates the need to make a buying decision. It seems that it is always scary to decide to buy a house and if there is no urgency to buy, objections flourish.

If you are truly wanting to sell your home, look at your home with the critical eye of a potential buyer and fix any problems that might deter a buyer from making you an offer.

In the Inman Newsletter that I receive daily, Jim Remley of Pro Performers Seminars had an article packed with recommendations for potential sellers. These recommendations come from his new book "Sell Your Home in Any Market - 50 Surprisingly Simple Strategies to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar."

Oh, oh, look at that spot on the ceiling. Does your roof leak? We have had so few rainstorms that you may have forgotten that once during a storm, that spot appeared. Get a roofer and have the roof checked. Sometimes the flashing is loose, sometimes the gutters are full of leaves. These items need to be fixed by a licensed roofing contractor who can provide certification that the work was done to local building codes.

Once the cause of the ceiling stain has been corrected, repairing the spot is equally important even though it may only be a cosmetic issue. If your ceiling is of the "Popcorn" variety, this may be a great time to have the ceiling scraped and re textured with a contemporary finish - a renovation that will greatly improve the desirability of your home.

The attention that you give now to eliminating cosmetic flaws or maintenance flaws will benefit you whenever you decide to market your home.