Fall Is Just Around the Corner! Is Your Home Prepared?

Fall and winter can bring unexpected home maintenance issues, which always means unexpected costs!  Be prepared with this super handy checklist.  Some of these things may not apply to you, but they might apply to your friend or neighbor.  

EXTERIOR

❏ Check for cracks in asphalt or concrete on driveway, sidewalks, and paths. These can be a tripping hazard, and can invite water that will do more damage during the colder months.

❏ Make sure retaining walls have no bulges or loose areas. One heavy rain or snowfall, and you could have a mud slide on your hands. Make sure the weep holes built into the wall are clear.

❏ Examine porches and decks for sagging ceilings, loose rails or boards, and damaged steps. Check to make sure the posts are still firmly in the ground and not loose, or worse yet, rotted completely out of the footing.

❏ Give fences and stone walls-and their gates-a once-over for leaning and loose parts, which could fall or blow off during a storm.

❏ Look for signs of insect or bird nests in soffits, eaves, or attic vents. If you see signs of animal waste in a certain area, look around for the possible nest or culprit. 

❏ Take note of where paint is peeling, brick mortar is missing, or stucco is cracking on the house's siding.

❏ Look for leaning on the chimney. Check that the flashing is in good condition, and not peeling up or missing. 

❏ Check gutters and downspouts for debris or improper pitch, especially during a rain storm. Look for stains on the soffit, which could be a sign of a leak. 

❏ Examine the foundation for cracks and bulges. 

❏ Take a look at the sill, checking for rot and insects. Look for raised mud channels, which indicates the presence of termites. Use a sharp knife or other probe to see how much the wood gives.

❏ Make sure the grade of the ground around the foundation slopes away from the house. 

❏ Look at the roofing. Are there cracks, missing shingles, crumbling pieces? Check asphalt for dry, blistering, alligatoring, or curling shingles; wood for rot and splits; slate and tile for broken pieces; and flat roofs for holes. Be especially vigilant under trees, where falling branches or jumping animals could have done damage. Once the leaves have fallen, look more closely at where branches touch the house. 

❏ Examine the flashing and vent/chimney caps for missing or damaged parts. Look for rust. 

❏ Look for moss and other debris on the roof.

PLUMBING, including BATHROOMS and LAUNDRY

❏ Look for signs of leaks in all exposed pipes, and in areas where pipes run through the walls or foundation. 

❏ Look for signs of corrosion, which could indicate a problem with the water, or with the pipe itself. Watch for green stains around brass and copper fittings and on shutoff valves, a sign of either corrosion or electrolysis caused by mismatched metals. This will cause leaks and bad connections if left uncorrected. 

❏ Check the water pressure. Low pressure could mean a problem with the line or just sediment buildup in the faucet aerator or shower head. 

❏ Check drains for speed of drainage - a slow drain may have a clog or a blocked vent pipe. Look for a full swirling drain; bubbling drains are a sign of a problem.

❏ Flush the toilets to make sure they operate properly. Open their tanks and look for worn or missing parts. Then wait around for a few minutes to see if the toilet runs after a pause, a sign of a slow leak. 

❏ Look inside the burner chamber of the water heater for rust flakes. Check the flame; it should be an even blue, with no yellow. A yellow flame indicates soot or a problem with the gas-air mixture, meaning the jets need cleaning. 

❏ Drain the water heater to remove sediment that has settled to the bottom. Sometimes leaks in faucets are caused by hard water wearing out the washers. 

❏ Watch out for cracked tiles in the shower area or around sinks. Tap on tiles looking for loose or hollow ones, which could be masking rotted backerboard behind them. 

❏ Check on the state of the tub and shower caulking to see if its time to replace it. 

❏ Look for evidence of mildew where water has a chance to stand for longer periods 

❏ Manipulate the toilet base to be sure it doesn't rock, which might mean a leak has damaged the floor around it. 

❏ Look for cracks on the toilet tank or bowl or on sinks 

❏ Slide shower doors do check for sticking, rust, or obstructions. Examine the gaskets around the door glass for gaps and tears. 

❏ Turn on the shower and bath faucets and check for leaks around handles and valves. Are they easy to use, or harder to turn on and off? Check set screws around escutcheon plates. 

❏ Unscrew the shower head and look for collected sediment in it that could be lowering the water pressure. 

❏ Examine vent fans for obstructions or dust. Turn them on: If it sounds really loud, the bearings may be worn out or a flapper may have gotten stuck. 

❏ Check washer hoses for signs of aging (cracks or brittleness) or leaks. 

❏ Check dryer vents for tears. Vacuum or brush out lint in hose and around lint screen inside unit. Look for link around the floor or on the wall, indicating a clog in the vent hose.

WATER and SEPTIC

❏ Send out a sample of well water to your country cooperative extension to test it for chemicals and bacteria.  

❏ Make sure that the well cover is tightly sealed but there is still access to the pump. 

❏ Check the sump pump by pouring water on it, to see if it turns on automatically.

❏ Look around your septic tank/field for soggy ground or overly lush vegetation, which could mean the tank is full or failing.

HEATING

❏ Take a flashlight into the furnace flue and look for a buildup of soot or rust. Tap on it to see what falls; rust is a sign of condensation, which is cause by an inefficient furnace. Have a pro service the system regardless of what you find. 

❏ Make a solution of dishwashing soap and water, then brush it on ductwork joints-wherever there are leaks you’ll see bubbles in the soap.

❏ Check registers and vents for loose or missing covers and screws. 

❏ Check around radiators for leaks, or damaged floors, which could be a sign of a leak or an incorrect pitch toward the return. 

❏ Look for overall deterioration, rust, loose parts, and other signs of a failing system.

ELECTRICAL

❏ Check trees around the house to be sure they're not threatening wires. 

❏ Open the panel and look for new scorch marks around breakers or fuses. Also check outlets for scorch marks, which could be a sign of loose and sparking wires. 

❏ Look for loose outlet covers, receptacles, and loose boxes, which may have to be refastened to the studs while the power is turned off.

❏ Test all GFCI outlets by plugging in a lamp and then hitting the test and reset buttons to see if it turns the light off and then on again.

❏ Go around with a electrical tester (or lamp) to make sure all outlets work.

INTERIOR

❏ Now that summer's humidity is gone, check doors for swollen spots and sticking. 

❏ Look for loose hinges and doorknobs. 

❏ Check the floor for popped nails, loose boards, loose tiles, and springy spots that could be a sign of joist trouble. 

❏ Look at ceilings for stains, which could indicate a roof or plumbing leak. 

❏ Make sure ceilings and floors aren't sagging or cracked in new places, which might mean a bigger problem causing a shift in the house. Look above doors for cracks. 

❏ Check walls for popped screws and nails on drywall or new cracks in plaster. 

❏ Point a flashlight into the fireplace and up the chimney, checking for loose bricks, cracks, signs of animal nests, or excess soot that could spark a chimney fire.

❏ Make sure the damper operates properly. 

❏ Check around ceiling fans to be sure they're well secured to the ceiling and not working their way loose with all the summer use. 

❏ Jiggle the stair balustrade to test its sturdiness, and take note where balusters and banisters have come loose. 

❏ Test all smoke and CO2 detectors and replace batteries immediately if something doesn't work.

DOORS AND WINDOWS

❏ Examine weatherstripping around exterior doors and windows for tears and wear. 

❏ Look for cracks in window glass and glazing around panes. 

❏ Check the action of the windows for sticking points. 

❏ Look for peeling paint and other signs of wear on window frames and stools, usually in the bottom corners. Check that weep holes in the sill outside haven't been caulked over, inhibiting drainage.

❏ Take a look at thresholds for cracks that could let water reach the sill.

ATTIC

❏ Look around the attic space during daylight hours, with the lights turned off. Look for holes in the roofing that let light in.

❏ Keep an eye out for signs of animal activity or entry points for animals. 

❏ Check around vents for gaps. Look at fan motors for frayed wiring or loose screws.

❏ Feel around insulation for damp spots where leaks might be occurring. Look for missing or torn insulation, which could be a sign of animal activity.

❏ Examine joists and rafters for structural damage.

GARAGE

❏ Check the action of the garage door and look for dents in the tracks or cracks in the door. 

❏ Make sure tool storage and hanging rakes and shovels don't create a falling or tripping hazard.

KITCHEN

❏ Test the drainage of the sink and look for signs of leaks on the faucet. 

❏ Look at all the cabinet doors and drawers to make sure they open and close properly. Check for loose hinges or sticking drawer slides. 

❏ Turn on the disposer and listen for signs of obstructions or problems with the motor.❏ Try all the stove burners to be sure they turn on quickly and properly, without sparking or bursts of flame. Make sure gas stoves give off an even blue flame. 

❏ Check the oven door gasket for signs of wear and tear. 

❏ Turn on a gas broiler to make sure it lights properly. 

❏ Make sure the gas shutoff valve is working. It should be able to turn until its completely perpendicular to the pipe. 

❏ Open the dishwasher and spin and lift the washer arm by hand to make sure it isn't stuck. Check that nothing has dislodged the drain hose; it should arc up to prevent backwash from the drain into the dishwasher. 

❏ Look for signs of leaking under and around the dishwasher. 

❏ Make sure water filters have been changed recently.

As always, I would love to assist you or your friends with any real estate needs!

What is a REALTOR and why should you use one?

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are nine reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.

1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Get objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

3. Find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.

4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

6. Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.

7. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.

8. Buying and selling is emotional. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.

9. Ethical treatment. Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years.

As a real estate professional and REALTOR®, I would love to assist you with all of your real estate needs!!  Call me today for unmatched personal service!

The BIGGEST Mistake a Seller Can Make

Ok, you've decided that it's time to sell your home.  And you know how much it's worth.  You've even sifted through the hundreds of Realtors available to you and narrowed it down to three that you will interview for the job of selling your home.  It's easy to get caught up on deciding the sale price of your home.  Obviously, walking away with more money is the ideal solution.  Maybe you'll be able to buy a bigger, better home next time.  Or maybe you'll finally get to take that European cruise you've been thinking about.

The truth is it doesn't matter how much money you think your home is worth.  Nor does it matter how much money your agent thinks it's worth, or the ten other agents competing for your business.  The person whose opinion does matter, is the buyer purchasing the home.  Correctly pricing a home for sale is part art, and part science.  It involves comparing similar properties, making adjustments and deciding an estimated appraisal value for the differences between them, understanding and tracking market trends and taking stock of present inventory, all in attempt to come up with a range of value and form an educated opinion.  This method is similar to what an appraiser does but when a Realtor performs this task, it's called a Comparative Market Analysis.  No two appraisals or market analyses should ever be the same, but they should be relatively close.  It's wrong to try to slap a fast price tag on your home.  It's only an educated guess but the market will truly dictate the worth of your home.

There is little danger in underpricing a home.  If a home is priced too low, then the seller should receive multiple offers, which will drive the price of the home up, almost like a bidding war.  The danger lies in overpricing your home and selecting your agent on opinion of value.  What I mean by that is, would you rather someone present a price to you based on facts and statistics, or because they are agreeing with everything you say and have suggested the highest sales price of all the other Realtors?  

Pricing a home correctly from the beginning can save the homeowner thousands of dollars, months- possibly years- of time and stress.  Think about the homes you've seen that have just sat on the market for sale.  That homeowner is in a constant state of stress, maintaining their home for any possible showings, they've had to pay the mortgage payment and all the utilities while it's been listed, and they're stuck.  They can't move on.  Whether they've decided to sell their home because of relocation, they're trying to buy a bigger house, or maybe they need to unload the debt.  They can't because their home hasn't sold.  It becomes a stale, dated, market-worn listing that everyone bases their homes and listings from.  Another agent will list a home right down the street from the one that has been sitting for four months and price it less- only to be competitive and properly service her clients.  The market-worn listing will eventually expire, and the homeowner has to start the entire process over again.

Don't be that seller of an expired listing.  Price your home correctly and competitively from the beginning and work with a Realtor that brings you information based on facts and statistics.  You're hiring this individual to perform a very expensive task for you.  Be sure they know what they're doing!

Call me today for all of your real estate needs!  I'd love to get to work for you!  And if you have a friend or family member interested in buying or selling a home, I would love to talk with them!

Why Do I Have To Get An Appraisal??

An appraisal is a bank's valuation of how much a property is worth.  For FHA and VA loans, appraisals are required to protect the bank from underwriting a loan for more than a property's value.  It becomes a necessary step in purchasing a home when using an FHA or VA loan.  However, if the buyer is not, an appraisal can be performed to insure the buyer is making an informed decision and not overpaying. 

Appraisals are also used when refinancing.  If you need to consolidate bills, have a college tuition to pay, or just want to tap into the equity of your home, you'll need a new loan, which oftentimes requires a new appraisal of the property.

Homeowners that have used a conventional loan are required to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).  This is the supplemental insurance that many lenders ask home buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned is more than 80% of the value of the home. Very often, this additional payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal paydown - dips below this 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.
Many appraisers offer a specific service for home owners that believe they have met the 80% loan-to-value metric. For a nominal fee, the appraiser can provide you with a statement regarding the home value. Some will even take the next step and help you file a challenge with your mortgage company. The costs of these services are very often recovered in just a few months of not paying the PMI. 

Before deciding to sell your home, there are several decisions to be made. First and foremost: "How much should it sell for?"  But don't forget there may be other equally important questions to ask yourself such as "Would it be better to paint the entire house before we sell it?", "Should I put in that third bathroom?", "Should I complete my kitchen remodel?"  Many things which we do to our houses have an effect on their value.  Unfortunately, not all of them have an equal effect. While a kitchen remodel may improve the appeal of a home, it may not add nearly enough to the value to justify the expense.

Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your selling price.
Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for.  It's easy for them to step in and give you the information to help you make your decision.  Appraiser fees are based on efforts to complete the report and not a percentage of the sales price. So seeking a professional appraisal can often help homeowners make the best decisions on investing in their homes and setting a fair sales price.  But be careful on your timing.

However, when a homebuyer is using a VA loan or FHA loan, if the property does not appraise for the sales price that the seller and buyer have agreed to, the seller can choose to reduce the sales price or the buyer can walk away from the contract.  This is why in a "VA market", there is less of a housing bubble and the housing market can remain relatively stable. 
No situation is the same as the next, so one solution may not work for you, even if it worked for your neighbor.  The best thing to do is ask a professional.  Mortgage brokers and real estate agents are faced with questions about appraisals and lending all the time.  Why not ask??

If you have a friend or family member that would like to buy or sell a home, I'm never too busy for your referrals!  Call me for all of your real estate needs!



Three Great Resale Properties...under $120K!!!

These resale homes are ready for their new owners!!!  Call me today for more information or to take a look!  I'd love to help!

100 Paula Place

~1500 heated square foot

3/2

$73,900!!!!

1003 Massey Road

1466 heated square foot

3/2 + bonus!

$129,900!!!!



1144 Old Maplehurst Road

1092 heated square feet

3/1.5

Huge Wired Shed in back- perfect for the handyman!

$117,000!!!!



Oh!  By the way!  I'm never too busy for your referrals!  If you have a friend or family member that is interested in buying or selling a home, I would love to help them!!

Foreclosure Properties in Jacksonville, NC

Foreclosures are advertised as hyper property bargains.  This is why potential home buyers and especially preperty investors frequently consider them.  On the other hand, some people shy away from it, because it represents a major part of people's misfortunes and there is a lot of confusion surrounding foreclosure homes.  Nonetheless, if you should ever decide to look at buying  aforeclosed home, there are some important details you need to establish.


1.  Know if there are any liens and encumbrances on the property.  Liens and encumbrances are legal claims to a home by virtue of any outstanding obligations like unpaid contracts, outstanding taxes, and most commonly, mortgages.  An attorney will perform a title search prior to closing, but do your homework.  To have the ownership tranferred to you, you would need to settle all outstanding obligations on the property.


2.  Know the extent of maintenance, repairs or retoration work that needs to be done and put that budget in as well.  Foreclosure homes are typically sold "as is", with very little negotiating.  People who lose their homes to foreclosure have the propensity to vent their frustrations out on the house.  Not always, but usually.  Check the plumbing, electrical, roofing, insulation, walls and other detials.  Look for leaks, drippings and items that may need to be put in order before the homes become inhabitable.  Consider getting a home inspection.  It can cost around $200-$250, but can save you thousands in the end.  Typically you are going to put some elbow grease into a foreclosure home.  So know what the repairs and restoration is going to cost you and if it is worth it.


3.  Know the equity built up in the property.  The longer the previous owner owned the home, the higher the equity built into the property.  Statistically, in the Jacksonville market, a homeowner owns their home for 3-5 years.  That's not a lot of time to build equity in a home before foreclosure.  Because of this, typically foreclosures in this area are close to market value, but can be sold for up to $50,000 under market value. 


Investors who flip properties normally look at foreclosure as very good bargains.  If you are looking at foreclosures, it is best to get professional advice so that you know exactly what your options are, and what the actual economic costs are.  Your real estate professional should provide you with a market analysis that shows you what the market price for the home would be.  With that you would be able to decide how much equity you would be buying when investing in a foreclosure home.

Call me today with any questions!!!  I would love to help!  I'm never too busy for your referrals!!

The Top Ten Tips for Selling Your Home in 2011

If you're interested in selling your home in 2011, use these tips to aid you in a quicker sale!  

Selling Secret #10: Pricing it right
Find out what your home is worth, then shave 15 to 20 percent off the price. You’ll be stampeded by buyers with multiple bids — even in the worst markets — and they’ll bid up the price over what it’s worth. It takes real courage and most sellers just don’t want to risk it, but it’s the single best strategy to sell a home in today’s market.

Selling Secret #9: Half-empty closets
Storage is something every buyer is looking for and can never have enough of. Take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what’s left in there. Buyers will snoop, so be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.

Selling Secret #8: Light it up
Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine. Do what you have to do make your house bright and cheery – it will make it more sellable.

Selling Secret #7: Play the agent field
A secret sale killer is hiring the wrong broker. Make sure you have a broker who is totally informed. They must constantly monitor the multiple listing service (MLS), know what properties are going on the market and know the comps in your neighborhood. Find a broker who embraces technology – a tech-savvy one has many tools to get your house sold.

Selling Secret #6: Conceal the critters
You might think a cuddly dog would warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you’d be wrong. Not everybody is a dog- or cat-lover. Buyers don’t want to walk in your home and see a bowl full of dog food, smell the kitty litter box or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes. It will give buyers the impression that your house is not clean. If you’re planning an open house, send the critters to a pet hotel for the day.

Selling Secret #5: Don’t over-upgrade
Quick fixes before selling always pay off. Mammoth makeovers, not so much. You probably won’t get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market. Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Get a new fresh coat of paint on the walls. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ones. Replace door handles, cabinet hardware, make sure closet doors are on track, fix leaky faucets and clean the grout.

Selling Secret #4: Take the home out of your house
One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. The more personal stuff in your house, the less potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Get rid of a third of your stuff – put it in storage. This includes family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes. Consider hiring a home stager to maximize the full potential of your home. Staging simply means arranging your furniture to best showcase the floor plan and maximize the use of space.

Selling Secret #3: The kitchen comes first
You’re not actually selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen – that’s how important it is. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops where a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style. If you have a little money to spend, buy one fancy stainless steel appliance. Why one? Because when people see one high-end appliance they think all the rest are expensive too and it updates the kitchen.

Selling Secret #2: Always be ready to show
Your house needs to be "show-ready" at all times – you never know when your buyer is going to walk through the door. You have to be available whenever they want to come see the place and it has to be in tip-top shape. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, keep the dishwasher cleaned out, the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there are no dust bunnies in the corners. It’s a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold.

Selling Secret #1: The first impression is the only impression
No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers. You can typically get a 100-percent return on the money you put into your home’s curb appeal. Entryways are also important. You use it as a utility space for your coat and keys. But, when you’re selling, make it welcoming by putting in a small bench, a vase of fresh-cut flowers or even some cookies.

Call me for all your real estate needs!  If you have a friend or family member who is interested in buying or selling a home, let me know!  I'm never too busy for your referrals!