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Displaying blog entries 161-170 of 176

Clear Choice

Monday, April 06, 2009
by Sue Martin Team
If you feel a draft every time you walk by your windows, it’s probably time to replace them. Likewise, windows that stick, glass that is cold to the touch, and costly energy bills despite new insulation and other home repairs are all signs that you’ve put off replacing them for too long.
 
Whether you intend to buy and install the windows yourself or have a pro do it for you, do the research first. Know your window type: double-hung windows that slide up and down, casement windows that swing out, awning windows, etc. Then pick your preferred framing material, such as wood, vinyl or fiberglass. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, from style to price to longevity.
 
You must also consider where you live; energy needs in the Northwest differ from those in the Deep South. Ratings for energy efficiency, light visibility, air leakage and other factors are available from government programs such as Energy Star, publications such as Consumer Reports and industry sources such as the National Fenestration Rating Council.
 
Armed with the right information, you can shop smarter. Have a target price in mind, get estimates and have the patience to wait for the best possible price.

Sources: www.energystar.gov, www.nfrc.org
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Stage Coach

Friday, March 27, 2009
by Sue Martin Team
    Even if your bowling trophies and musty shag carpet feel like home to you, they might turn off potential buyers. That’s why staging — as seen on TV?— has become a popular technique to help sell houses. But home staging is more than just redecorating; it’s a way to help potential buyers feel like your house could be their next home.
It might seem counterintuitive to spend money on a home that you’re leaving, but the cost might be worth it. According to StagedHomes.com, a leading increased an average home-staging organization, the final sale price on staged homes of 3 percent versus those that were not. Staged homes also typically spend 80 percent less time on the market.
Staging doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. If you don’t know where to begin, talk to your REALTOR®, who can offer advice or help you find a professional stager. A basic consultation with a home staging professional might cost $200 to $400 depending on the market, but some are complimentary.
If you want to do it yourself, start outside. Clean the sidewalk and driveway and, if possible, add a fresh coat of paint to the house, garage door or railings. Use potted plants and new light fixtures for flash at the front door.
      Inside, keep things clean and clutter-free. Pick impersonal art over family pictures. Purge unnecessary belongings, and stow what you can’t throw away in decorative baskets. Sparsely arrange furniture away from walls. Add accents with mirrors, plants, rugs, pillows, colorful cookbooks, fruit bowls and other accessories. Focus on lighting, from soft bedroom lamps to natural light from open drapes.

Sources: HGTV.com, StagedHomes.com
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Go Green - Save Green!

Friday, March 20, 2009
by Sue Martin Team
You don’t have to build from scratch to have a greener home. These quick and easy home fixes will shrink your consumption and your monthly bills.
 
Rate it. Look for Energy Star-rated products. This government program helps people make energy-efficient choices, which can lead to savings of up to a third of energy costs.
 
Switch the lights. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs. Replace them in highly used fixtures such as porch lights, bathroom vanities and office lamps.
 
Go with the flow. Use low-flow showerheads and consider installing low-flow toilets to reduce water usage and save on water-heating costs.
 
Plug in, turn off. Use a power strip for your home office or home entertainment center. Even in standby mode, consumer electronics — which account for 15 percent of household electricity — use a little juice, so turn the power strip off when you can.
 
Cool it. Turn the water temperature for your washing machine or dishwasher down to 120º F to cut water-heating energy consumption.
 
Seal it. Search for hidden air leaks in your attic, basement or crawl space, and seal them with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping. Home sealing can be an inexpensive way to cut energy consumption by up to 10 percent.

Sources: www.energystar.gov, www.eere.energy.gov
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Fire Power

Friday, March 13, 2009
by Sue Martin Team
Fireplaces have irresistible appeal. Just picturing a fireplace conjures feelings of warmth and coziness. Even in warmer climates where people don’t rely on them for heat, fireplaces add charm, character and value — about $12,000 per fireplace, according to the NatioNal associatioN oF REaltoRs® — to homes. They lend ambiance to just about any room, and with so many varieties and options available, it’s easy to see why people want them.
 
If you don’t have a fireplace in your home, it’s easier than you might think to add one — without undergoing a complete remodel or major construction. Gas and electric models are more popular and affordable than ever and easy to install. And with so many options for every space and budget, the hardest part is choosing one that best suits your needs.
 
If you do have a fireplace in your home, whether it’s the wood-burning, gas or electric variety, the most important factor is maintenance. Like cars, fireplaces need annual tune-ups. if you have a chimney-based fireplace — traditional wood-burning or top-vent gas — you should have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the chimney at least once a year or after approximately 80 fires. It’s also a good idea to have a certified service technician come out once a year to inspect other types of gas fireplaces and to replace bulbs on electric units.
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Feng Shui Take Me Away

Friday, February 27, 2009
by Sue Martin Team
Done right, a bathroom can be a quick escape from the rush and stress of everyday life. And turning this room into an urban oasis doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If you’re starting from scratch or remodeling a bathroom, the design experts at HGTV suggest a flowing floor plan that blends from one area to the next. You may even want to consider the principles of feng shui, the Chinese art of placement, which focuses on creating a positive flow of energy in the home. 

    While sections may be distinct, the bathroom should not feel divided. Ideally, the bathtub should be placed near a window so you can peer out into nature while soaking in the tub. The view looking in and out of the bathroom should be appealing, and the toilet area should be kept hidden from the doorway.

    Other suggestions include using neutral colors such as sand, taupe, brown, gray, sea green and black for a feeling of serenity. The materials you use in your bathroom should balance the five elements of fire, earth, water, metal and air. Blend copper faucets and stone sinks with airy rice paper screens. Bamboo laminate countertops and teak wood add a touch of Zen and don’t require major remodeling. In fact, you can simply add a teak stool to the shower and teak floor mats outside the tub.
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Creepy Crawlers

Friday, February 20, 2009
by Sue Martin Team
As temperatures begin to fall, your home can become a safe haven for insects and rodents. Like people, pests seek shelter from the elements too. Experts at the National Pest Management Association suggest yard maintenance is the simplest, most inexpensive way to protect your home from unwanted pests.
 
Start by reducing the number of access routes into your home by collecting fallen leaves, cleaning out gutters, keeping shrubs neat and trimmed, cutting back tree branches from the roof, and removing leaves and grass clippings from around the foundation of the house. Next, stack firewood away from the house and make sure screens are on all windows and doors to prevent pests from entering into the home.
Need help with yard maintenance?  Have a yard maintenance resource to share?  Leave a comment and let us know of someone you would suggest, or your need for someone to help.  We're happy to share our resources to vendors that meet our standards of service.
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Safe Landings

Monday, February 16, 2009
by Sue Martin Team
Falls are the leading cause of home injuries and injury-related deaths in the United States, but only 25 percent of adults have taken steps to prevent them from occurring in their homes, according to research by the Home Safety Council (HSC). Adults over age 65 and children under age 5 are especially vulnerable to falls. Older adults experience an average of 4,700 fall-related deaths and 1.5 million nonfatal fall injuries each year, while falls are the leading cause of nonfatal home injury for children up to age 14.
 
The HSC offers several tips to secure your home against home-related injury.
·         Install a banister or hand-rail along stairways that extends the full length of the stairs.
·         Make sure porches, hallways and stairwells are well-lit.
·         Use nightlights to help light hallways, stairwells and bathrooms during nighttime hours.
·         Keep stairs, landings and floors clear of clutter, and tuck telephone and electrical cords out of the way.
·         Use child safety gates to secure the top and bottom of stairs, and make sure toys and games are not left on steps or landings.
·         In the bathroom, install grab bars in the bathtub or shower stall.
·         Use a non-slip mat or safety strips in the bathtub. If you use a bath mat on the floor, choose one that has a non-skid bottom.
·         Keep the floor clean and dry. Promptly clean up any grease, water or other spills.
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Good On Paper

Friday, February 06, 2009
by Sue Martin Team
There’s so much to consider when doing construction or renovating your home, from picking the right contractor and the best materials to managing costs and making design decisions. But don’t forget one very important detail: building permits.
Whether you need to obtain one depends on your locality and the type of work you’d like to do to your home, but in many cases, you risk fines, penalties or additional construction costs if you don’t get one. Selling your house might also be more difficult if a building official determines you remodeled without a permit and demands you bring it up to code.
How do you know if you need a permit for your project? Before beginning a project, ask yourself these questions:
  • Will my remodeling change the footprint of the house?
  • Will I have to move a load-bearing wall?
  • Will the roofline be altered?
  • Will any new doors or windows be constructed?
If you answer yes to any of these, a building permit will likely be required. Other aesthetic projects, such as installing new floor coverings, replacing sink hardware, changing a countertop or replacing windows, but not altering the structure, don’t generally require one. If you’re uncertain or need more information, call your local permit office; someone there will help you assess your project and determine if you’ll need a permit.

Source: Wall Street Journal
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Cabinet Meeting

Thursday, January 29, 2009
by Sue Martin Team
When it comes to increasing the value of your home, modernizing a kitchen can return 80 percent to 130 percent of your investment, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. But many homeowners think improving the kitchen has to come with a hefty price tag. Not necessarily.
Cabinets are often the first thing people notice about a kitchen. Cabinets are also one of the easiest and most affordable kitchen features to update. And in most cases, you don’t need to replace them. Just take a close look at your existing cabinet doors. Are they beyond repair, or do they still look good, but just a little outdated?
If they’re still in good shape, simply sanding and applying a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference. Take everything out of the cabinets and scrub them with a cleaner. Lightly sand down the wax, veneer, polish or previous paint, then fix any cracks or breaks with putty. Brush on primer paint and add any paint color, pattern or stencil you’d like.
    New hardware can also add flair to otherwise outdated cabinets. Cabinet knobs, pulls and hinges come in all shapes and sizes, including antique copper, iron, aged bronze, polished brass, glass, stainless steel and more. But before purchasing any new hardware, carefully measure your existing hardware. Jot down sizes and the spaces between screws, which will eliminate the need to drill new holes in the cabinets.
    If replacement is the only option, modular cabinets, available at most home improvement stores, can be an affordable alternative. You can save even more money if you install them yourself.

Source: National Kitchen and Bath Association
 
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What is a Short Sale?

Friday, January 23, 2009
by Sue Martin Team
A short sale is an "arrangement" between the current owner of a home and the bank that lent them the money to buy their home to accept an offer for less than the total amount owed to pay off the home. The "deficiency" is the difference between the amount owed and what the bank collects at the short sale.
Basically the seller has decided to lower their home’s sale price to a level that is less than what they owe the mortgage company. This is not a foreclosure, where the seller has stopped making payments and the bank repossesses the home and sells it, and in many cases will pursue the homeowner for the deficiency.
In the case of a ‘short sale’ the bank or mortgage company works with the homeowner, or their professional REALTOR to accept an amount less than the principal balance on their mortgage in order to alleviate the necessity for the bank to foreclose and try and sell the property on their own.
With the adjustment of the real estate market last year, short sales have become more commonplace. If you feel you are in a situation that could warrant considering a short sale, please contact an experienced REALTOR to help you navigate this cumbersome process that can take several months longer to close once a contract has been agreed upon.
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Displaying blog entries 161-170 of 176

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