Blog for Evelyn Volk - Calgary Realtor
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Happy St. Patrick's Day

Wishing you a Happy St Patrick's Day!


With this busy spring market, there has never been a better time to sell than now. We'll work together to list your home in this new normal to get the best results.

I have modified my business to keep my clients & homeowners safe. I provide professional virtual showings, physical distancing, paperless transactions, priority in sanitization & safety with all appointments. Here are easy steps to list your home.

STEP 1: Stay casual or pj's!

Let’s start with letting me know when your available and we’ll schedule a Zoom call so we can meet virtually. I’ll get to know you & your home goals and with my expertise, I’ll answer any questions to help you, step by step, through the entire listing process.

STEP 2: Get your home ready for sale

- organize
- de-clutter
- clean
- interior & exterior touch ups and repairs
- dispose of any items no longer needed or donate
-curb appeal tips for both front and back yard

If you lack time or resources to do this, we have a list of dependable covid protocol suppliers that can help.

STEP 3: Picture/Virtual Tour Day

We’ll go over how to get the best results for picture day! I understand from experience what a homes’ integrity is, beyond the fresh paint & I help my clients with making informed decisions to maximize the purchase & sales potential of their home.

Choosing my services over many others will be the best decision you can make. I will handle the tough negotiations, I will be honest about your homes’ image & have the experience to share great ideas to allow your home to be the best home on the market!

If you’d like to discuss your DREAM HOME or NEED TO SELL YOUR CURRENT HOME, contact me at 403.815.7310.

EVELYN VOLK
SRS®, ABR®, CCS®
Sellers Representative Specialist
Accredited Buyers Representative
Certified Condominium Specialist
URBAN-REALTY.CA 


Credit image: Corefact
 

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 



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Time to Spring Forward and Get Into Your Dream Home

Credit Image: Corefact


How long do you need to own a home before you can sell it profitably? The answer depends on your individual situation, but generally speaking, the longer you own a house, the more you’ll net from its eventual sale. Sometimes life intervenes, however, and you need to sell after owning a property for only a few years. Here’s how to decide whether buying a home for the short term is right for you.

Length of ownership affects profitability

Conventional wisdom says that you always make money in real estate. Decades of steady population growth in Canada and the United States have generally put upward pressure on prices. But owning a home is not always profitable; sometimes it turns out you’d have been better off financially if you’d rented for the same period.


Interest rates and national and local economic conditions affect property values. Another factor determining whether you’ll make money when you sell a home is the length of time you’ve owned it. Conventional wisdom has it that you need to own a home at least five years before selling it. To make money when buying a home for the short term, your costs of buying and selling that house must be less than the equity you’ll accumulate during the time you own it.

Recovering costs to buy and sell

Making money on a property comes from building equity in it. Equity grows in two ways. One is when property values appreciate because of external factors, allowing you to sell the house for a relatively higher price than you paid for it. The other type of equity — called paid-in equity — is the amount of a property you actually own because of the down payment you made and the principal you have paid during your ownership.


To make money on the sale of a home, your total equity at the time you sell must exceed the costs of having bought and sold that home. These costs include:

  • The closing costs you paid when you bought the home you’re now selling. You can find these costs listed on your closing statement.
  • The interest you have paid on your mortgage during your short-term home ownership. Mortgage payments are the same amount each month, but the proportion of that payment that goes toward interest rather than principal shifts over time. In the early years of a mortgage, most of that payment goes toward interest, not toward the mortgage’s principal. This means that you actually build little paid-in equity through your first few years of payments. Check with your lender to determine how much interest you’ve paid.
  • The costs you’ll incur selling the home. These include money spent to ready the house for sale, real estate commissions, and the closing costs you pay as the seller.

For any home sale to be profitable, the total of all these costs must be less than the price you sell the home for.

Improving your chances of profiting in the short term

If you are shopping for a house and think that because of job changes, a growing family or other reasons you may be buying for the short term, there are a few things you can do to improve your financial prospects.

  • Buy a home you can more easily afford. Don’t strap yourself buying at the maximum that you can pay. One way to do this is to look for a home being sold by a distressed seller.
  • Someone who needs to sell quickly because of a job move, divorce, or other difficult circumstance may discount the sales price to speed things along.
  • If you think you may be buying for the short term, find a home that is offered at a discount because it needs fixing up. But research repair costs before you make an offer. If they’re high, you may not be getting a bargain.
  • If you put down 20 percent or more on the home when you buy it, you will finance less and save on interest costs.

These tactics can help make it more likely that when you sell after buying for the short term, the equity you recover will offset your costs.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. The article was revised from HOUSEOPEDIA’s original article.


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SELLERS' MARKET IN FEBRUARY LEADS TO RISING PRICES

Credit: Image by pjurisic0 from Pixabay 


City of Calgary, March 1, 2021 – With gains in every price range, residential sales activity in February totalled 1,836.


This reflects the best February since 2014.


“Despite continued COVID-19 restrictions, housing activity continues to improve. Much of the strong sales activity is expected to be driven by exceptionally low mortgage rates,” said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.


“Confidence is also likely improving as vaccine rollouts are underway. Additionally, some of the worst fears concerning the energy sector are easing with recent gains in energy prices.”


New listings also improved in February, but the gap between new listings and sales narrowed. This is causing the sales-to-new-listings ratio to rise to 65 per cent, keeping the months of supply well below three months.


Conditions are far tighter in the detached sector of the market, especially for product priced below $600,000, where strong sellers’ market conditions are present with less than two months of supply.


The market has faced relatively low inventory levels compared to sales for the past several months and prices continue to trend up. In February, the residential benchmark price rose over the previous month and currently sits four per cent above last years’ levels. 


Detached product has the lowest months of supply and is also exhibiting the most significant gains in prices. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the apartment condominium segment still has a relatively high level of inventory compared to sales, which is impacting price recovery for this property type.


HOUSING MARKET FACTS


Detached


Detached sales improved across every price range this month, but the lack of choice in the lower price ranges likely placed limits on the gains in sales.


New listings did rise, but it was not enough to prevent further tightening in the market, as the sales-to-new-listings ratio rose to 71 per cent and the months of supply fell to under two months. This is the lowest months of supply recorded in February since 2007.


Tighter market conditions occurred across all price ranges, but properties priced below $600,000 saw the months of supply fall to just above one month. These conditions are supporting significant price gains in the detached sector, which recorded a February benchmark price of $502,500. This is nearly two per cent higher than last month and five per cent higher than last year. It is also the first time since 2018 detached prices have risen above $500,000, and currently sits under five per cent below previous highs recorded in 2014.


Prices increased compared to last month and last year in every district of the city. However, the magnitude of those increases varied, with the largest year-over-year gains occurring in the South East district at nine per cent, and the lowest gains occurring in the City Centre at under two per cent. 


Semi-Detached


Semi-detached sales in February recorded significant gains, pushing sales activity to the highest February levels seen in nearly 13 years. However, like the detached sector, the improvements in new listings were not enough to offset sales, ensuring this sector continues to favour the seller.


With lower levels of supply relative to sales, benchmark prices improved over both last year and last month. However, this was not consistent across all districts. The West district continues to see prices that remain over two per cent lower than last year’s levels. The strongest year-over-year price gains were reported in the South East and North districts.


Row


Despite a significant increase in new listings, improving sales offset the gains and the months of supply fell to three months.


Conditions for row properties are not as tight as what we have seen in both the detached and semi-detached sectors. However, they do reflect an improvement relative to the oversupplied conditions recorded last year. However, when considering activity by price range, pockets of oversupply persist in this market.


Citywide reductions in inventory relative to sales supported some price improvements in this segment. The benchmark price trended up from last month and currently sits just over one per cent higher than last year’s levels. Year-over-year gains did not occur across all districts, as prices remain lower than last year’s levels in the North, North West, South and South East districts.


Apartment Condominium


Driven by product priced mostly under $300,000, apartment condominium sales improved to best February levels recorded over the past six years.


However, the gain in sales was not enough to cause any significant changes in inventory levels. February inventory remained elevated compared to levels we typically see at this time of year.


While the months of supply has trended down in this sector, it remains above five months. This is preventing the same type of price recovery seen in other sectors. On a year-to-date basis, the benchmark price remains similar to levels recorded last year.


REGIONAL MARKET FACTS


Airdrie


February sales reached new record highs for the month.

The largest gain in sales occurred in the $400,000 - $500,000 price range. New listings also increased, but the sales-to-new listings ratio remained elevated at 71 per cent and the months of supply dropped to under two months in February. This is the tightest level seen since 2014.


Persistent sellers’ market conditions have resulted in further price gains in the market. The benchmark price has trended up for the past eight months and, as of February, it is over seven per cent higher than last year’s levels. Most of the price growth has been driven by the detached sector.


Cochrane


Cochrane sales more than doubled compared to last February. This represents the strongest February ever recorded for the town.


New listings also rose for the month, but it was not enough to cause any substantial change in inventory levels and the months of supply fell to below two months. This is the lowest months of supply for February seen since the record low in 2006.


Tight conditions supported price growth in February, as the benchmark price rose to $413,700, a four per cent increase from last year’s levels.


Okotoks


New listings have been trending up from the lows seen at the end of 2020, helping to support a significant improvement in sales in February. February sales reach levels not seen for the month since the record high in 2007. 

Inventory levels remain exceptionally low relative to sales and the months of supply dropped below two months. Like other towns around Calgary, the sellers’ market conditions caused prices to trend up. In February, the benchmark price reached $442,600, nearly five per cent higher than levels recorded last year.




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Are We Victims of Renovation Hype?


Home renovations is an astounding $326.1 billion annual industry in the United States, with no signs of its growth stopping. Consumers constantly hear the message that their houses somehow fall short…which begs the question: Do our houses really need that much work or are we simply victims of reno hype?

Why Do You Want to Renovate?

First, consider your motives. Have you bought into what someone else thinks of your home? Do you really need stainless and quartz when your black appliances and granite work just fine? While the television remodeling shows are entertaining, they shouldn’t be considered the last word on your own remodeling decisions.

Will Renovations Detract?

Renovations typically aim to modernize, and modernization tends to erase historic details. Also, changing one room often leads to the next…and the next, as redoing one makes the adjoining room look dingy. This can create an artificial need to ‘improve’ more spaces.

Is Renovating Cost Worthy?

Assess your home objectively, and ask if the cost truly makes a substantial difference or if it simply increases your debt. Get at least three estimates from qualified professionals.

Is There Anything Wrong With Your Home?

Critically think about your home’s functionality: Does it heat or cool when needed? Do the roof, doors, and windows keep out the elements? What has broken due to age or normal wear and tear? The answers to these questions will guide you to necessary replacements versus falling under the spell of renovation hype.

Which improvements should you consider?

Some renovations do hold high return on value, increasing the worth of your home. Improving smart technology features, regardless of your home’s age, will mean increased functionality for you and will also attract buyers. Yes, kitchen and bath remodels tend to show a high return on investment but think about doing a moderate renovation to save money while still making the space more usable.

Sometimes, the least noticeable – and most practical – improvements mean more in the long run, such as installing energy efficient doors and windows, or a new roof.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. The article was revised from HOUSEOPEDIA’s original article.


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Watering Wisdom: Tips for a Lush Landscape on a Budget
 

It’s more than a nice feeling to have a lush lawn and showy flower beds — it’s a solid investment in your home. In fact, according to some estimates, landscaping accounts for about 18 percent of the value of your home. But it’s important to be savvy about watering so that your investment doesn’t go down the drain. How much should you water and how often? What methods will cause your landscape to thrive without costing a fortune?


Invest in an irrigation system.  Having a professionally designed and installed irrigation system beats dragging the hose and sprinkler around the yard. A professionally designed system will cover your lawn and beds uniformly. Set the control panel to water at the proper time of day for the correct length of time and at regular intervals throughout the week. You’ll waste far less water, save money and save yourself a lot of time.


How long to run the system. How much water do your plants need? Too much water can harm the plants, but water too lightly and you risk your plants and lawn having shallow roots that make them vulnerable to summer heat. Plant roots wick the water up when the first four to six inches of soil becomes saturated. Know your soil. Sandy or loose soils drain water away more quickly than clay-based soils.  Set each sector of your system to run long enough to hear a slight squish of wet soil when you step on it.


How often to run the system. Determining factors include the season of the year and in which part of the country you live. During the winter months in northern states with snow, no watering is needed. In southern states the root systems still need moisture in winter, so if you don’t get regular rain, water a few times a month. During the growing season of spring and into summer, especially when the heat cranks up, schedule your system to run just as the plants are starting to wilt but don’t allow the plants to go into distress. In southern climates, you will likely water more frequently, especially in the dog days of summer, but those states also are prone to having water restriction schedules, so be mindful of the rules to avoid a hefty fine.


Best time of day to water. Watering overnight can cause the lawn to stay wet too long and cause disease. Watering during the heat of the day means much of the water evaporates before it can do any good. The best time to water is around sunrise.


More tips and tricks.  Mow your grass high. Cutting too low weakens the root system and stresses the grass in summer heat. Be sure to periodically check your system by running shorter test cycles. Broken sprinkler heads can send water straight up or out into the street. Watch to make sure the spray patterns are providing even coverage with no gaps. Adjust heads or call your installer for help. Finally, layer your planting beds with three to four inches of quality mulch to preserve moisture and insulate root systems from winter cold and summer heat.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 


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5 Tips for Creating a Butterfly Garden in Your Backyard
 

There’s something magical about the beauty and delicacy of butterflies. Wouldn’t it be fun to have them as frequent visitors around your home? Here’s how to invite them into your yard.


1. Learn your butterflies. Research local websites for butterfly field guides highlighting types native to your area. Pay close attention to the types of plants that will attract them. What they like to feed on and what they like to lay eggs on may differ so make sure your garden offers both.


2. Placing your butterfly garden. Choose colorful, nectar-rich flowers and plant them near a window for easy viewing. Pro tip: What attracts butterflies also attracts bees so you may want to avoid patios or other outdoor seating areas.


3. Water. Butterflies get much of their hydration from nectar, but they still need water. Keep your bushes hydrated, misting them so that water beads on the leaves. Small puddles of standing water also help butterflies find moisture.


4. Sun and shade. Steady sunshine is important for butterflies, but a good balance of sun and shade is ideal. In the early morning, butterflies will often find a sunny place to let the sun warm them. In the heat of a summer day, shade is needed from temperature extremes.


5. Wind protection. Situate your butterfly garden with enough shrubbery and a solid fence or wall next to it to supply a wind shield. Because they are so delicate, butterflies can be carried off in a stiff wind.

 
Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
 
 
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Small Space, Big Style: Kitchen
 

If your kitchen is on the small side, fear not. You, too, can have big style in a small space. With a focus on function, careful material choices, and a little creativity, your dream kitchen is possible — regardless of size. Check out our top five design solutions for tiny kitchens.


Stay focused. When space is limited, make meal preparation — the No. 1 job your kitchen — the focus of your redo. Look for tailor-made appliances, such as reduced-sized refrigerators and stoves, and single-basin sinks. No island? No problem. Consider a butcher block-topped cart that can be rolled out when needed and put away when not in use. Maximize storage by using drawers instead of cabinets.


Keep things clear and open. When counter space is at a minimum, it’s important to keep clutter at bay. Store what you can in drawers. Overhead cabinets may offer storage, but they also can make the room feel closed off. Consider replacing the cabinets with open shelves. Neatly stacked dishes can look surprisingly stylish. If that’s not an option, replace the cabinet doors with glass fronts. The glass works as a visual trick to keep things open and light. You can use this same trick with tables and chairs—the clear versions create the illusion of openness.


Pick great materials. You may discover you can afford options that might be cost prohibitive in a larger kitchen. Great granite? Yes, please. Beautiful hardwood floors or a top of the line faucet? Check. Don’t be afraid of going bold with splashes of color. Be sure to select materials that coordinate with each other. Because your space is smaller, any clashing will be obvious.


Brighten and lighten it up. By keeping your color palette light, adding great lighting, and using reflection to bounce light around the space, your small kitchen will feel more open. A tile backsplash is a great opportunity to add reflection, but mirrors and shiny appliances also work. Include a variety of light sources in your kitchen, from ambient to task lighting. Consider including pendants and other overhead lighting to replace standard builder-grade fluorescent lights. This change alone will make a huge difference. Add unexpected touches, such as under-cabinet lighting.


Go high, go low. Drawing attention to the height of the room will help your kitchen from feeling too closed in. If you have windows, consider hanging window treatments near the ceiling to draw the eye up. And don’t forget about the floors. A beautiful hardwood or cork is a great choice. If these are out of your budget, check your options in vinyl or laminate.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 



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Spring Forward With Lush Landscaping
 

Springtime is peak season for listing your home for sale. A well-manicured lawn and colorful landscape provide a luring setting for buyers on the hunt so let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.


Plan for a springtime sale by prepping the landscape the previous fall. Clear any clutter from the yards, trim back shrubs and tree limbs and clean out gutters. Rake the lawn and flowerbeds. In February or March, apply a pre-emergent weed killer. Pro tip: Organic versions are available.


The lawn is fundamental to a good-looking landscape, so when spring arrives, keep it healthy. Aeration improves air supply to roots. If the grass is thin in areas, reseeding can help, but take a sample tuft of your grass to a nursery or grass farm and get an exact match. Apply fertilizer and weed control . Depending on how much snow and rain you received over the winter, be sure that the grass is well hydrated and green. Of course, keeping it well trimmed and groomed is essential.


Showcase your flowerbeds. In spring, lots of blues, reds and yellows bring vibrancy. Plant varieties that have a long blooming period, spring into summer.  If you are still trying to sell by fall, yellows and oranges accompanied by pumpkins usher in cooler weather and the coming holidays.


Natural stone edging around flowerbeds creates a transition from lawn to beds. Be sure to lay a good three- to four-inch layer of quality mulch in the flowerbeds to insulate plant roots from seasonal temperature extremes and to retain moisture in the soil.


Run your sprinkler system manually for just a couple of minutes per station. Make sure each area is getting good coverage. Are all sprinkler heads rising to full height? Clear any turf that may have grown over the heads or clogged the nozzles. Look for leaks and redirect heads spraying onto paved areas.


Trim trees, plant new ones. If mature trees have low hanging, unruly limbs, trim them back for a neater and more expansive look to the property. If you have large, blank areas of lawn, consider planting a new tree.


Keep hoses and other implements in the garage or an attractive garden shed in back to keep the yard tidy.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract


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Pay Back Time: Which Home Renovations Are Worthwhile?
 

When contemplating resale, homeowners often wonder what renovations will give them more resale bang for the buck. Let’s take a look at what renovations pay off and some that don’t.


Focus on priorities. Although your house is an investment, first and foremost it is your home. Don’t view renovations solely with dollar signs in your eyes. Think in terms of how a renovation will improve your quality of life as you continue to live there. Take return on investment into consideration, but also think of the pleasure the renovation will bring.


What renovations bring the most value? Renovation rarely reap full pay back upon resale. A smart remodel will add value, but usually not equal to the expense of it. You might automatically think of a sleek new kitchen or bath as the things that bring the best value. Although worthwhile, there are some less expensive renovations that make good selling points for later resale.


For example, adding attic insulation. It might be out of sight, out of mind, but pays off in energy savings. So does replacing old, inefficient heating and air equipment. Toss in energy rebates and tax credits by various levels of government and you get a payback on some of your costs right away. Also, telling buyers that the HVAC system is practically new may relieve a fear of theirs. Adding an automated sprinkler system can save on watering bills through efficiency and also ensure a healthier, more appealing landscape. Improving street appeal is a big plus. A handsome new garage door and front door can also do wonders.


Room renovations. What pays off best? Think about what room remodeling project would bring you the most pleasure. Most often, the kitchen is the answer. A tremendous amount of family time and entertaining is spent in the kitchen and adjoining dining areas.


A good kitchen remodel, with updated counters, cabinets and appliances, pays off in quality of life and resale. Again, you probably won’t recoup all of your financial investment, but it will elevate the overall appeal of the home and perhaps be the deciding factor for buyers.


Bathrooms, particularly the master bath, is the next room renovation with the highest payoff. But another interior renovation to consider is the opening up living spaces in older homes that are more compartmentalized. If you watch home remodeling TV shows, you know that knocking out walls can greatly improve a home’s livability. Consult with a reputable contractor to make sure any walls you want to remove aren’t load bearing.


For warmer climates: Built-in pools. Pools provide lots of family fun, but not much resale return. The addition of a pool may narrow your market among buyers because of the extra maintenance and expense. Parents with very young children also may be skittish of pools for safety reasons.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.The article was revised from HOUSEOPEDIA’s original article.


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Homeowners Associations: Love ‘em or Hate ‘em?
 

Homeowners associations provoke strong emotions. Depending on who you ask, they are viewed as either the neighborhood’s protector of home values or, in some cases, a small group of residents who take community rule enforcement to the extreme. What is an HOA and why do they exist?


Simply put, an HOA is a private regulatory organization for a neighborhood development. Buying a home in a neighborhood governed by an HOA means that membership is mandatory. An HOA transfer fee is typically charged when a new owner buys an existing house in the neighborhood. These fees are meant to compensate the HOA for its time and expense in assisting with the home’s purchase and sale. For example, the HOA may have to provide copies of the development’s governing documents, HOA financial statements, or documentation of outstanding dues, fees, or HOA liens on the home.


The HOA is created by the developer of the subdivision and for an initial period, while the neighborhood is still being built, the HOA’s directors are the developer and a few elected residents. As the neighborhood is completed, the developers are replaced entirely by elected homeowners.


The HOA has covenants and declarations defining its existence as well as rules and regulations for homeowners. Rules govern things like parking, sheds and other out buildings, animals, landscaping, and acceptable colors a home may be painted.  Violations may result in fines. Homeowners pay monthly or annual dues to finance the maintenance of common areas such as parks and pools. HOA’s may have rules for conducting a home business, especially if it involves shipping and receiving or affects neighborhood parking.


An HOA also may have a reserve fund in which a portion of dues is set aside for long-term repairs and improvements. A special assessment may also be charged for emergencies, such as storm, fire or flood damage not sufficiently covered by insurance.


The regulatory power of the HOA is what often provokes resentment. Critics say the HOA infringes on their rights as homeowners to do with their property as they please. Such critics cite the overzealous actions of some HOAs to bully homeowners over minor rule infractions.


Supporters of HOAs argue that the associations prevent homes from becoming run down, which, in turn, protects home values. Supporters also say association rules help keep home prices at their highest by requiring tidy yards and common spaces, and prohibiting unlicensed commercial activities. Association supporters also like the idea of residents self-regulating rather than having local governments do the job which could lead to even tougher restrictions and bureaucracy.


Setting aside their regulatory functions, HOAs oftentimes also provide the organizational muscle for neighborhood activities, such as holiday gatherings, food truck rodeos, sports tournaments  and other fun events. The HOA is also likely to distribute neighborhood newsletters, which spread the news about local play groups, book clubs and other neighborhood-based organizations.


Love them or hate them, HOA’s are ubiquitous in modern life. Homeowners would do well to learn the rules for their neighborhood and get involved to play a role in guiding the direction of their organization.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 


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Checklist: March To-Dos for Homeowners
 

March means warmer days and more sunshine, which is perfect for accomplishing home projects. Yes, it’s time for spring cleaning and fixing.

  • Inspect the roof. Check for damage from ice and wind. Look for loose shingles and flashing. Check behind chimneys where shingles meet flashing. Inspect the gutters, especially where they attach to fascia boards. Reattach any gutters that may have pulled loose under the weight of ice.
  • Inspect the attic. Look at the underside of the roof decking, checking for signs of water seepage. Ice can get into cracked shingles, expand and cause a leak upon melting. Replace shingles and backing, if necessary.
  • Foundation drainage. Before spring rains, check the slope of soil from the house foundation. Build up any areas where soil has eroded. Use small river rock mixed with the soil to better hold it in place.
  • Clean fireplace. Shovel out ashes and log remnants, then use a hand broom and vacuum to remove the fine dust. Close the damper. If you have a gas log set, consider shutting off the pilot for the spring and summer to save on gas usage.
  • Prep garden tools. Sharpen shovels, hoes and pick axes. Gas up the lawn mower and weed eater and give them a trial run. Take the insulating covers off the faucets and move hoses into place.
  • Gardening goals. In March or April, depending on your climate, it’s time to start thinking about a spring and summer garden. Clear raised planting beds of debris, and turn soil. Start seedlings inside. Do not plant until after last frost date in your area.
  • Relocate firewood. If you have left over wood, move it several yards away from the house. During the spring, a wood pile attracts creatures such as termites, carpenter ants, skunks and possums.
  • Power wash siding and decks. Over the winter prolonged moisture may create mold and moss on decks and house siding. Rent a power wash machine and give them a good cleaning.
  • Clean windows. Winter weather leaves dingy windows. Let the sun in with a good cleaning.
  • Provide nutrients for your landscape. Depending on your climate zone, March or April is the time to apply fertilizer and weed control. Consult local gardening experts.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 



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High Tech Security Right at your Front Door: The Future is Here
 

Welcome to the future of the front door. The classic wood door with a knocker will probably always exist, but check out what high-tech gadgets are becoming more widely available:  touch screen locks, fingerprint scans, and doorbells that allow you to see and talk to visitors on your phone.


Keypad entry.  Perhaps the most low-tech of the new locks is a simple, programmable keypad with digits that light up. The actual locking mechanism is a simple dead bolt. Once programmed, punch in the code and turn a knob to open. Without the code, the outside knob just spins.


Key fobs. Businesses and parking entry gates have used key fobs for years. Now they have arrived at your front door. What a convenience when you’re coming home with an armload of groceries.


Touch-screen locks. If punching actual buttons already seems quaint, how about a touch-screen lock just like you have on a smartphone? Samsung has a sleek model that allows multiple users and keeps track of who comes and goes and when.


Smartphone app locks. You’ve probably seen the commercials showing a wife quizzing her husband about whether he locked the front door before they left. He says yes, then pulls his phone out and remotely locks the door on the sly. This technology also allows you to schedule usage and creates an entry log. It also will send a text message to homeowners whenever the lock is accessed.


Fingerprint readers. For extra secure technology, fingerprint-reading locks can be programmed to accept only pre-screened fingerprints. The Kwikset company sells this lock, which has a handsome traditional look.


Who’s there?  New doorbell technology allows you to see visitors who ring the bell and and talk to them on your smartphone.


Old school backup. If you are concerned about a technology or battery failure leaving you locked out, don’t worry. Each lock type has a manual key for emergencies.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 


 
 
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Six Easy Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill
 

For most homeowners, the sting of a sky-high electricity bill is more than enough to prompt their interest in energy savings. Check out these easy methods to help lower your monthly bills.


1. Attic insulation.  Most of the heat transference in a home occurs in the attic, whether it’s indoor heat escaping in winter or outdoor heat penetrating during summer. Checking the depth and coverage of your attic insulation is important for all seasons. Measure the depth of your insulation in a few different places.  Also look for places over living areas of the house where insulation may be missing. Check online energy conservation sites to see what “R” factor insulation you have and if it is adequate for your part of the country. The “R” factor is a measure of resistance to heat transfer and has a direct impact on your energy usage. If you’re uncertain about doing this job yourself with rented equipment, consider hiring a professional. Ensuring that you have adequate attic insulation gives you more energy-savings bang for your buck than almost anything else.


2. Window seals. Take a good look around the edges of your windows both inside and out. Look for any gaps in caulk or rubber seals. Re-caulk and reseal where necessary. The same thing applies to the rubber seals around the edges of your outside doors. Unless you have old, single-pane windows, you shouldn’t have to worry about replacement window costs.


3. Get a programmable thermostat. Once you have a programmable thermostat you’ll wish you’d gotten one sooner. They make it easy to set the inside temperature to rise and fall on a schedule that mimics your family’s living, working and sleeping schedule. Why heat or cool the home when everyone is at work or school all day? Also, experiment with setting heating and air conditioning temperatures that test the limits of what you find comfortable. Combining this with a willingness to layer your clothing may save you a considerable amount of money.


4. Use fluorescent and LED bulbs. Achieve double savings by switching to fluorescent and LED bulbs. First, they both use a fraction of the electricity of the old incandescent bulbs. In a typical house with fifty bulbs, switching to these more efficient lights can save about $100 per year in electricity costs. Second, fluorescent and LED bulbs rarely burn out. While they do cost more to buy than incandescent bulbs, they will often last for years without needing replacement. The combined energy savings and replacement costs make them well worth considering. No matter what kind of bulbs you use, turn off lights when you exit a room.


5. Run a full load. That goes for the dishwasher and your washer and dryer. Because you’ll be using your machines less frequently, your savings will be considerable — on  both electricity and water useage. With less wear and tear on your machines, you also will ultimately save on replacement costs. When you must buy replacement appliances, look for the blue “Energy Star” sticker designating that they have met the federal government’s energy efficiency standards.


6. Cut the power to TVs, audio systems, computers not in use.  Lurking in your home are silent energy thieves or so-called power vampires. Even when not in use, TVs, treadmills, computers and other electronics still use electricity to keep internal components powered up. Either unplug them when not in use or put them on a power strip that has an on-off switch you can easily flip.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 
 
 
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Steps to Avoid Foreclosure

CREDIT IMAGE: HelpGuide.org



Foreclosure was likely the farthest thing from your mind the day you closed on your home. But sometimes, life circumstances intervene and leave you unable to pay your mortgage. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help avoid foreclosure. Here’s our guide.

Don’t avoid, communicate

Say you’ve fallen behind on your mortgage payments because of a job loss, financial reversal, divorce, or health crisis. Scared and embarrassed by your dilemma, you may be inclined to avoid your mortgage company’s letters and phone calls. Unfortunately, that’s the worst thing you can do.


You must respond when your mortgage company writes or calls. Better yet, be proactive and contact your lender as soon as you see you are in trouble. A borrower in a tight spot who explains his situation and requests help can often work out a plan with the mortgage company that helps him keep the house.

Steps to avoid foreclosure

Once you’ve shared the details of your situation, your lender may offer you some form of relief to avoid foreclosure.

  • Your mortgage company may agree to a repayment plan in which you catch up on your missed payments over time. For example, if you missed a few payments but can now resume paying, the mortgage company may agree to let you add a couple of hundred dollars per month to payments to catch up. Or you may be allowed to make up the missed total at a later day under specific terms. These plans are known as repayment or forbearance programs.
  • If the interest on your adjustable-rate mortgage is about to increase and you can’t pay it, your lender might be willing to delay the increase.
    If you have sufficient equity in the home, your lender may be willing to refinance your loan. The missed payments can be rolled into the new balance.
  • You also may be able to borrow from a government program that grants loans to pay off unpaid mortgage balances. Another option is to rent out your home at an amount equal to your monthly payment. You move to a more affordable place while you catch up on your back payments.

Selling your home may be a way to avoid foreclosure and protect your credit. For this option to work, your house must sell for enough to cover selling costs and pay off your loan balance in full. If the home is worth less than your loan balance, you can request permission from your lender for what is known as a short sale. This option will negatively affect your credit, but not as severely as a foreclosure.

When foreclosure proceedings have begun

If you haven’t been able to work something out, you’ll be served a notice of default. Once that happens, your options narrow. Still, a few remain.

  • You may still be able to sell your home, or short sell with the lender’s permission.
  • You can offer your lender a deed in lieu of foreclosure. By surrendering your house to your lender and signing over its title, you save the lender the legal costs and time of foreclosure. This option is simpler than foreclosure but will negatively affect your credit in the same way.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. The article photo was revised from HOUSEOPEDIA’s original article.

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Buying New or Used: What’s Your Home Preference?

Credit: Images by Paul Brennan from Pixabay 


The hunt for a new home most often begins with the answer to one simple question. Do I want to purchase an existing home or new construction? Retro with character versus a blank slate? Consider these eight trade-offs before making your decision.


Purchase price. Statistics show that buying a new house may cost up to 20 percent more than buying an existing home, though circumstances in your market may be different. New construction tends to be further from urban centers. Existing homes in the city center will be higher than comparable houses in the outskirts. But not all cost increases are in the house itself. Commuting costs are much higher in the suburbs.


Floor plan. New homes are built with current tastes in mind, which means new construction will offer open floor plans with few walls in the main living areas. Also in new homes, windows are larger, allowing more natural lighting. Vaulted ceilings create an expansive feel. Bathrooms are larger and walk-in closets are commonplace.


Existing homes, depending on age, may have smaller, more defined rooms, smaller windows and lower ceilings. Homes from a couple of generations ago did not have walk-in closets and spacious bathrooms. To open things up will require remodeling, which should be figured into the purchase price.


Architectural style.  Part of the appeal of existing homes is the retro look of the architecture. Some older designs have a character that cannot be found in contemporary houses. In neighborhoods from generations past, homes were customized. Or enough time has passed that tract homes have been remodeled.


Builders in new subdivisions may have only a handful of designs. While they will try their best to keep identical homes from being built side by side, a house three doors down might be your home’s identical twin.


Features. New homes offer upgrades, which means buyers may choose to buy more expensive cabinets, counters or tile. In an existing home, update will have to be done after closing, which means dealing with the construction hassle. Electronic features, such as wiring for home theater and smart home technology, can be easily built into new construction. However, retrofitting an existing home is more difficult and expensive.


Lot size and landscaping. Unless you are building a custom home on your own, new subdivisions build houses very close to one another. Older homes have more spacious lots. Trees and landscaping on new construction lots are usually young and sparse, whereas older homes have the beauty of large mature trees and other established greenery.


Timing. With a new construction home, unless construction is underway, buyers must wait up to six months or longer for it to be finished. With an existing home, sales typically close in a month or two.


Maintenance. With new construction, everything is fresh. It will be years before you have to replace or repair even small items. With an existing home, an inspection is vital so the buyer knows the condition of the house and knows when items will need repair or replacement. Any expensive items that will need work soon should be used in negotiations for price concessions from the seller.


Energy efficiency. Newer homes are far more advanced than older homes when it comes to energy efficiency. This is true not only for the structure itself, but also for the systems. Unless they’ve been upgraded over the years, the insulation, windows and doors of older homes will be colder in the winter and warmer in the summer. Heating and air conditioning systems today operate far more efficiently, using less gas and electricity than even just five years ago. The same is true of appliances. An older home may need to be upgraded to get energy bills to a manageable level.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. The article & the original photo was revised from HOUSEOPEDIA’s original article.



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Keep an Open Mind When It Comes to Floor Plans
 

For several years now, open floor plans have been favorites, and they still top many buyers’ wish lists. While benefits to an open floor plan abound, they’re not the best choice for everyone. Here’s how to decide what floor plan works best for you and your family.


Open floor plans. With an open floor plan, the main floor of the house is dominated by one large room, usually called a “great room,” typically combining the kitchen with a living room. Benefits of open floor plans, which gained popularity in the 1990s, are many. These homes typically have more abundant natural light, which compliments the casual atmosphere you usually find in open plan homes. The feel is more spacious because the square footage isn’t divided into smaller rooms. An open floor plan also lends itself to entertaining, allowing the cook to mingle with friends and family. Finally, an open floor plan encourages family togetherness, making it easier for adults to keep an eye on small children.


Open floor plans have certain drawbacks, however. There is such a thing as too much togetherness, especially if you have a large family. Personal space and privacy are tough to come by. The great room can also be loud at times due to the acoustics of an open space. In addition, it’s hard to hide your messes. Dirty dishes and cooking odors are out in the open.


Closed floor plans. Historically, most houses have been designed with living spaces separated from the kitchen by walls and doors, creating a more formal, traditional feel. Though these rooms may not be as open and light as a great room, a closed floor plan has certain advantages. Defined spaces allow for rooms to perform specific functions. You’ll also have more walls to place shelves and display art. If you love decorating, you might enjoy having a variety of spaces, each with its own style. A big bonus of having a separate kitchen is that it contains the mess and odor of food preparation. Finally, a closed floor plan provides rooms for a quiet escape.

 
Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 

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Curb Appeal—Backyard Improvements
 

When preparing your home for sale, drive-up appeal is crucial, but don’t overlook the importance of your backyard space, where potential buyers should be able to envision themselves relaxing. Let’s make it shine in six quick and easy steps.


Clean up the clutter. For many people, the backyard becomes a haven for junk when the garage has more than it can handle. That decrepit barbeque grill, the leftover lumber from the fence repair, and any other eyesores need to go.


Clean off the deck or patio. If your patio is dingy, or the deck needs refinishing, try power washing them. Repair any broken or decaying spots, and then apply a new stain and seal. For patios, clean out grass and weeds growing between masonry joints. With very little money and minimal effort, your outdoor space will look nearly new.


Landscaping should accent the living area with lush greens and colors that pop. The lawn should be weeded, well hydrated and manicured. Use colorful potted plants to accent the patio or deck. Trees and shrubs should be neatly trimmed.


Replace or refurbish patio furniture. Most patio furniture can be repainted. Replace tired seat cushions for a fresh look.


Polish and clean the barbeque grill and add a new cover. If you have an outdoor kitchen, make sure counters are clean and free of any cracks or chips. Outdoor refrigerators should be clean inside and out.


Use accent lighting over the patio or deck and along walkways to highlight features of your backyard living space. For less than $50, drape string lights overhead to create a festive setting.


Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 


 
 
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Attention to Home Maintenance Now Will Avoid Big Repair Bills Later
 

As a homeowner, it’s far better to keep up with routine maintenance than spend big bucks down the road on repairs and replacements. Here’s a handy guide to key maintenance issues and how often they should be completed.


Monthly maintenance.

  • Change the filters to your heating and air intake ducts, unless you own a systems with one large filter located at the system’s air handler. (These require changing every few months.) Clogged filters put a strain on the system, costing more in monthly utility bills.
  • Clean the oven.
  • Run vinegar ice cubes through the food disposal to clean and deodorize it.
  • Check the clothes dryer vent to make sure it is clear of lint. With the dryer on, go outside to make sure you feel a strong flow of exhaust. If not, you may have a clog.

Quarterly maintenance.

  • Test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Press the test button on each one. They should operate as a system, meaning when one is tested and sounds, they all should sound.
  • Test the auto reverse safety feature on the garage door opener. It should reverse when an object is placed in the door’s path. Similarly, test the door’s electric eye to see if the door reverses when the beam is interrupted by a waved arm or other object.
  • Deep clean the house. Besides regular cleanings of bathrooms and floors, clean tile grout to prevent mold and mildew. Clean windows inside and out.
  • Dust the blinds.

Twice per year maintenance.

  • Change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Change the one large filter in your heating and air system, if you have that type.
  • Vacuum the coils on your refrigerator to keep it operating efficiently.

Annual maintenance.

  • Drain the sediment built up at the bottom of the water heater or have a plumber do so. There are several helpful YouTube videos available to learn this procedure.
  • Clean your gutters after the trees have finished dropping their leaves for the year. Consider getting gutter covers to prevent them from clogging. In some heavily wooded areas or areas with pine trees, this chore may have to be done multiple times per year.
  • Just before summer, your air conditioning unit should be checked and serviced by a professional. Just before winter, your heater should be serviced.
  • In the spring, hire a pest control service to eliminate creepy home invaders. This also would be a good time for a termite inspection. Maintain a pest control contract with a reputable company.
  • Walk around your house, inspecting the roof and looking for areas that need touch-up paint.
    In the fall, put insulating foam or Styrofoam sleeves over outdoor faucets to protect from winter freezes.
  • Winterize your pool system.
  • Inspect your windows and replace aging caulk that may be pulling away, exposing gaps.
  • Check your chimney to make sure it is clear and ready for those cozy nights by the fire.

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. 



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Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.