Monday, April 28, 2008
Should You ReModel?
We are often asked in this market should I remodel my house or not? Well our answer is - why not - as long as you are planning on staying in your home until the market turns. It is always a good idea to do updates to your home. However in this market buyers are looking more for a deal than whether your home has hardwood floors or not. In a "Sellers" market improvements to the home like tile floors or fancy bathrooms are always deciding factors in a buyers mind. But in this market a deal is what they are looking for - even if they have to remodel after they move in. If you are pre-approved and can get financing it is the greatest time to buy but sellers have faith - better times are coming. Real estate always runs in cycles. Remember if you are looking to buy or sell just give us a call and we will be happy to help.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
When To Fly The Flag
Did you ever wonder the Dates to fly the American Flag? We have so we found this information that helps. We always fly the flag but there are certain days that the flag should be flown. Remeber that the flag should always have a light on it if it is flown at night.
DATES TO FLY THE FLAG
New Year's Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, third Monday in January
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
Easter Sunday (variable)
Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May
Flag Day, June 14
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, first Monday in September
Constitution Day, September 17
Columbus Day, second Monday in October
Navy Day, October 27
Veterans Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25
and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States;
the birthdays of States (date of admission);
and on State holidays.
DATES TO FLY THE FLAG
New Year's Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, third Monday in January
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
Easter Sunday (variable)
Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May
Flag Day, June 14
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, first Monday in September
Constitution Day, September 17
Columbus Day, second Monday in October
Navy Day, October 27
Veterans Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25
and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States;
the birthdays of States (date of admission);
and on State holidays.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Richie Green - You Were One of Kind and Will Be Missed
Normally each Monday we blog about something real estate related but this Monday we quite frankly are not in the mood. This past week we lost a very dear friend of ours Richie Green. He was an on call fireman for the past 21 years and a successful businessman. We first met Richie thru J & R Autobody, a company he co-owned, and then we were lucky enough to become his friend. He was truly one of a kind. He would give you the shirt off his back and ask nothing in return. If you stopped into his shop he would stop whatever he was doing, no matter how busy he was, to help you out or even just chat. You always knew he would be there for you no matter when or what with his trade mark 100 watt smile. He will truly be missed and we are proud to say he was our friend.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Increasing The Value Of Your Home
Last Thursday evening the two of us went to a broker open house for a Realtor in our office. Can we just say this is an example of "Yes you can make a silk purse out of a sows ear". We saw this place a few months ago and the transformation is amazing. Check it out at 25 Hornbeam Hill Road in Chelmsford, MA. It is a lovely home in a great neighborhood.
This brings us to our subject today on remodeling and how you can increase the value of a home. Whether you are presently living there or you are just going to flip the house for re-sale, there are some important facts to keep in mind. According to Realtor.com you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune to spruce up your home.
To attract buyers, sellers must up the ante to convince them that their property offers what many want most — top value for dollar expended. Here are eight fast fixes:
1. Buff up curb appeal. You have heard it before, but it’s critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside. Be objective. View listings from the street. Check the condition of the landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, knocker, windows, house number, and even how window treatments look from the outside. Add something special — such as big flower pots or an antique bench — to help viewers remember house A from B.
2. Enrich with color. Paint’s cheap, but forget the adage that it must be white or neutral. Just don’t let sellers get too avant-garde with jarring pinks, oranges, and purples. Recommend soft colors that say “welcome,” lead the eye from room to room, and flatter skin tones. Think soft yellows and pale greens. Tint ceilings a lighter shade.
3. Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom. These make-or-break rooms can spur a sale. But besides making each squeaky clean and clutter-free, update the pulls, sinks, and faucets. In a kitchen, add one cool appliance, such as an espresso maker. In the bathroom, hang a flat-screen TV to mimic a hotel. Room service, anyone?
4. Add old-world patina. Make Andrea Palladio proud. Install crown molding at least six to nine inches in depth, proportional to the room’s size, and architecturally compatible. For ceilings nine feet high or higher, add dentil detailing, small tooth-shaped blocks used as a repeating ornament. It’s all in the details, after all.
5. Screen hardwood floors. Buyers favor wood over carpet, but refinishing is costly and time-consuming. Screening cuts dust, time, and expense. What it entails: a light sanding, not a full stripping of color or polyurethane, then a coat of finish.
6. Clean out, organize closets. Get sorting — organize your piles into “don’t need,” “haven’t worn,” and “keep.” Closets must be only half-full so buyers can visualize fitting their stuff in.
7. Update window treatments. Buyers want light and views, not dated, fancy-schmancy drapes that darken. To diffuse light and add privacy, consider energy-efficient shades and blinds.
8. Hire a home inspector. Do a preemptive strike, since busy home owners seek maintenance-free living. Fix problems before you list the home and then display receipts and wait for buyers to offer kudos to sellers for being so responsible.
Sources: Ernie Roth, Roth Interiors, Los Angeles; Angel Petragallo, abrÒ, Group One, Boise, Idaho; Melissa Galt, Galt Interiors, Atlanta; Steve Kleiman, CEO, Oakington Realty, Houston; Sid Davis, Sid Davis & Associates, Farmington, Utah, and author of First-Time Homeowners’ Survival Guide (Amacom, 2007); Steve Hochman, Friendly Note Buyers, Roxbury, N.Y.; Margi Kyle, designer and spokesperson for Hunter Douglas.
This brings us to our subject today on remodeling and how you can increase the value of a home. Whether you are presently living there or you are just going to flip the house for re-sale, there are some important facts to keep in mind. According to Realtor.com you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune to spruce up your home.
To attract buyers, sellers must up the ante to convince them that their property offers what many want most — top value for dollar expended. Here are eight fast fixes:
1. Buff up curb appeal. You have heard it before, but it’s critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside. Be objective. View listings from the street. Check the condition of the landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, knocker, windows, house number, and even how window treatments look from the outside. Add something special — such as big flower pots or an antique bench — to help viewers remember house A from B.
2. Enrich with color. Paint’s cheap, but forget the adage that it must be white or neutral. Just don’t let sellers get too avant-garde with jarring pinks, oranges, and purples. Recommend soft colors that say “welcome,” lead the eye from room to room, and flatter skin tones. Think soft yellows and pale greens. Tint ceilings a lighter shade.
3. Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom. These make-or-break rooms can spur a sale. But besides making each squeaky clean and clutter-free, update the pulls, sinks, and faucets. In a kitchen, add one cool appliance, such as an espresso maker. In the bathroom, hang a flat-screen TV to mimic a hotel. Room service, anyone?
4. Add old-world patina. Make Andrea Palladio proud. Install crown molding at least six to nine inches in depth, proportional to the room’s size, and architecturally compatible. For ceilings nine feet high or higher, add dentil detailing, small tooth-shaped blocks used as a repeating ornament. It’s all in the details, after all.
5. Screen hardwood floors. Buyers favor wood over carpet, but refinishing is costly and time-consuming. Screening cuts dust, time, and expense. What it entails: a light sanding, not a full stripping of color or polyurethane, then a coat of finish.
6. Clean out, organize closets. Get sorting — organize your piles into “don’t need,” “haven’t worn,” and “keep.” Closets must be only half-full so buyers can visualize fitting their stuff in.
7. Update window treatments. Buyers want light and views, not dated, fancy-schmancy drapes that darken. To diffuse light and add privacy, consider energy-efficient shades and blinds.
8. Hire a home inspector. Do a preemptive strike, since busy home owners seek maintenance-free living. Fix problems before you list the home and then display receipts and wait for buyers to offer kudos to sellers for being so responsible.
Sources: Ernie Roth, Roth Interiors, Los Angeles; Angel Petragallo, abrÒ, Group One, Boise, Idaho; Melissa Galt, Galt Interiors, Atlanta; Steve Kleiman, CEO, Oakington Realty, Houston; Sid Davis, Sid Davis & Associates, Farmington, Utah, and author of First-Time Homeowners’ Survival Guide (Amacom, 2007); Steve Hochman, Friendly Note Buyers, Roxbury, N.Y.; Margi Kyle, designer and spokesperson for Hunter Douglas.
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