First Impressions

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CURB APPEAL

As we approach the season of sunny, warm weather, it is a good time to work on projects for the exterior of your home, especially as you consider putting your property on the market. Looking at the property from the eyes of potential buyers, you may want to consider some landscaping or other areas for an upgrade.

There are projects that won’t break the bank nor will a remodel be required nor totally re-landscaping the yard. Here are but a few easy projects that will not take a long time to accomplish.

~Replace the mailbox. Over time, mailboxes start to look worn and rusty from all the exposure to the weather. Replacing the box is an easy fix. Or you might think about building a permanent structure that covers the mailbox, protecting it from the weather.

~Lights. Adding or upgrading the lights on the porch or along the walkway or even the driveway can  add  a  welcome home feeling to the property. The added light can also add to the security of the home. The soft glow of the lights in the evenings is inviting.

~Landscape. There are so many places to add flowers or small bushes to the front of the home. Flowers can be put into window boxes for the front windows. Decorate the walkway or driveway with small bushes. Flower pots can be put anywhere in the front of the home and can be moved around for a change. A small, decorative fence can line the driveway. There are many, inexpensive ways to add to the landscaping of the home.

~Windows. If you are thinking about a bigger project, then you might consider replacing the windows. This can be the best home improvement you make to the property. Not only will it look great, it will save with energy costs as well. There are a variety of vendors, easily found online, to choose from. Plus, they do all the work!

Spring is the season for cleaning, de-cluttering the house and yard and garage. It not only feels good to get it accomplished, but will add to the appeal of the property as potential Buyers walk through.

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Carbon Monoxide Detectors

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Important to Know……

Senate Bill 183 Lowenthal (SB183) created the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (Act). The Act requires carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to be installed in every dwelling unit intended for human occupancy. A CO detector is a device that detects the presence of CO and emits a loud noise to alert occupants that CO is present in order to prevent CO poisoning. Detection in a home environment is impossible without a warning device because CO is odorless, tasteless, colorless, and invisible. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without using a carbon monoxide detector.

Placement and location of carbon monoxide detectors in the dwelling is not clearly spelled out in the Act. This may be determined in the packaging of the carbon monoxide detector which can be purchased at any hardware or home store. Installation locations may vary depending on the manufacturer and depending on the type or design of the detector. Since instructions will be specific to the carbon monoxide detector you purchase, be sure to read all of the instructions before attempting to install the device.

There are some general guidelines regardless of which type of carbon monoxide detector you use:

·         CO devices should be placed on every level of the property

·         CO devices should be placed within 10-15 feet outside of each individual sleeping room

·         CO devices can be placed on the wall or the ceiling, depending on packaging placement instructions

·         CO devices should not be placed where children or pets can get to them and may do damage

·         CO devices should not be placed in areas of direct sunlight or areas of extreme temperatures

·         CO devices should not be placed behind anything that will obstruct or inhibit the device from working properly

For more information you can explore the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://www.cdc.gov/co/

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Looking To Sell? Part 2

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Looking To Sell? Part Two

     

6. Stage Your Home: In order for the Buyer to see all the possibilities of each room in the home, it is a good idea to set the stage. Pack away the nick knacks or any decorations that might take away from seeing the home. Take down wall decorations or pictures. This will help showing the true size of the rooms as well.

7. Do Not Hover: So that the potential Buyer does not feel uncomfortable, it is a good idea for the seller to be gone from the property during showings or an open house. This way the Buyer can take their time as they consider whether this is the home for them.   

8. What is Next? Be ready for the next move. Are you going to buy another property? Are you going to rent a property for an extended time? You want to leave yourself plenty of time to make these arrangements. You may have a Buyer that will want to move into the property in a very short time period. You want to be ready so that the next move is as stress free as possible.

9. Flexibility is a Key Factor: Today’s market can pose many challenges for the Seller. Some markets have seen price declines and fewer buyers. The willingness to be flexible on both price and terms, and a willingness to negotiate, may ensure a sale that happens sooner than later or not at all. 

      

10. Stay Positive: In spite of today’s market, stay focused on the positive side. Pay attention to the feedback from potential buyers and your agent.  Most importantly, hang in there! Don’t be discouraged. There is a Buyer for your property.

Whether you are downsizing, moving up, avoiding foreclosure, moving closer to the job or schools, keep these tips in mind.  Your agent will help to make the process as stress free as possible.

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Looking to Sell? The First in a 2 Part article: Helpful Advice

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Helpful Advice for Sellers

The real estate market is constantly changing and poses many challenges for the seller. Selling is not a bad idea. The best price you get is the one you will get now.

1.       Make sure to employ a professional. With the constant changes in the real estate market, you will want someone who can help competitively price your property, work their plan of action to get the property sold, attract potential buyers and navigate through the contracts and paperwork.

2.       Disclose, Disclose, Disclose. All known facts about the property must be disclosed to the potential buyer. When in doubt, disclose.

3.       Determining Value. The market value of your home is not what you have in it or what you need out of it or based on memories or what the neighbor says. The true market value of home is what a buyer is willing to pay based on today’s market, competition, financing, location and condition. A property priced correctly from the beginning will have a much greater chance of getting offers. An overpriced property will go unseen.

4.       Keep emotion out of the equation. Sellers who attach too much sentimental value to the property experience missed opportunities to consider offers. Buyers will not recognize the value as the seller does. It becomes more difficult for the seller to make wise decisions.

5.       Stay Tuned. The professional you have hired will guide you through the marketing and paperwork of the sale, but it is important the seller understands the process and the contracts and disclosures involved.  Communicate often. Ask questions. Be involved in the process.

Stay tuned to next month’s blog for five more thoughts on Helpful Advice for Sellers.

As you consider your next move, be it selling or buying, contact me and let the journey begin.

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December Tips

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December brings a lot of activity into play. To accommodate all the activity, friends and family, making time for planning and prevention could make the holidays less stressful.

To start, here are a few holiday shopping tips.

Make a list. List the people you need to shop for.  List how much you can spend on each one. Don’t forget to budget for wrapping, cards and, if necessary, shipping.

Shop around. Get on your favorite stores email lists for coupons and to receive notifications of special sales. Look for stores that offer price-matching policies. Some stores will match or beat their competitor’s prices. Some stores will offer limited time discounts.

Shop online. During the holidays, vendors will offer free shipping with any order placed, or with a minimum purchase price. Once you have completed your transaction be sure to double check items in your cart, shipping charges, and all information. Once the transaction is complete, don’t forget to print your receipt.

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This is also the time of year for preventative measures to fight the flu or cold. Many actions come from using common sense.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Throw the tissue away when done.

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you are not able to wash, use a hand sanitizer.

Keep your hands off your face. This is a way germs can spread.

If possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you are sick with the flu, stay home to rest, especially if you have a fever. Limit contact with other people as much as possible.

Contact your doctor for further advice and for recommendations for remedies. There may be a need for a doctor visit as well.

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The Holidays

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Fall is here with winter around the corner. It gets a bit colder and we will have some rain, which for us in Southern California, is winter. Along with the change in season, the holidays are fast approaching. No sooner does school start in September and we start thinking about getting ready for the holidays.

There can be much to prepare. With the change in weather, we might start considering how to make our homes more “weather proof”. Fixing places that might have leaks that let cold air in and let warm air escape. It might be a time to spruce up the yards, getting them ready for the decorations that go out. Or we might put a fresh coat of paint on, fixing or replacing broken parts of the house, in anticipation of holiday visitors. That is just the house.

Then there is shopping and more shopping. So starts the lists. Lists for the grocery store, making sure we have the right foods for the visitor that may have food allergies or may be a bit picky. We put together the ads, looking for any and all coupons, to help with saving as much as we can along the way.

What are we saving for, you ask? So we will have plenty to shop for all those special gifts we give to everyone, be it family, friends, co-workers, bosses, or that person that has been in your service and deserves a token of appreciation, once again, scouring the ads for the best value and price.

There have been some that dare to break away from this tradition, starting a new one by creating and making their gifts. This is fun, especially for the small ones. It actually can be fun for everyone, making it an activity everyone can do together.

Whatever the activity during this time, it’s good to stop and take a moment in reflection of what we are truly thankful for, being sure to express that to our family and friends.

If your journey during this time encompasses a move, whether buying or selling, it is a good time for this. Wondering why? I would be happy to explain.

Real Estate Property in Point Loma San Diego CA  is available. Feel free to contact me.

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Halloween Tips

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Halloween is coming! It’s always good to be reminded of some Halloween Safety Tips.

ESCORTING TRICK-OR-TREATERS

Watch for the jack-o-lanterns with candles to make sure children don’t get too close with their long costumes or wigs.

Take plenty of light, a flashlight, glow sticks or glow bracelets, to make sure the path is visible, looking for debris or cracks or stairs.

Make sure costumes are safe, easily worn so as to not trip. Making sure props have blunt or smooth edges. Shoes should be worn at all times.

Teach children pedestrian safety and the importance of not talking to strangers.

CANDY ALTERNATIVES

If a child has food allergies or diabetes, you may want to consider giving a child a small toy or game. Other fun stuff might be temporary tattoos or glow sticks.

DRIVING ON HALLOWEEN

Can be a stressful experience with the sidewalks filled with walking children. The sun goes down and they may not be aware of the dangers.

Children should always be accompanied by an adult. But if you plan to drive, here are a few tips.

DRIVE SLOWLY

The focus will be on the children, possibly not watching for unexpected traffic.

BE PATIENT

Take your time, stop often as children run from house to house

GO AROUND

If possible stay away from busy streets or neighborhoods.

STAY ALERT

With children in dark colored costumes, they may not be as visible. Be aware of the surroundings at all times.

STAY HOME

Plan to do your trick-or-treating in the early part of the evening, even before the sun begins to set

ALTERNATIVES

If you don’t want your child out trick-or-treating, consider putting together a neighborhood party. This could be planned with other parents and could be a fun way to get to know your neighbor. Or contact a local church, school or club to find out times to participate in the party. There are fun haunted houses all throughout the city, which could be fun too.

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