April Newsletter

April 2012 Newsletter                        Here’s What’s Happening in North Branch

ACTIVE: Another Gutner Team Listing!!!  5439 Michael Court,  an expanded Morgan with in-ground pool!  $509,900

See it at www.gutner.com     AND if you have anyone who would love this great house give me a CALL!!!!

5403 Nicholas Ct—4 bedroom, 2.5 baths, family room open to kitchen, stone fireplace, sunroom. Was $499,000. Now $479,900.  On the market for 56 days.

Temporarily off the market:  Foreclosure: 5445 Richie Ct—4 bedroom, 2.5 baths, with deck and in-ground pool. $349,000. On the market for 29 days.  Great buy if you’re friends with a mold remediator!

JUST SETTLED:  5480 Melissa Ct— 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, updated kitchen, full finished basement, deck and large paver patio. $465,000.

In Cold Spring Hunt:

ACTIVE: 4970 Redfield Dr—An Eaton Williamsburg, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, granite & ss kitchen, unfinished basement. Listed at $499,900. On the market for 148 days.

PENDING: ANOTHER GUTNER TEAM SALE!!!  On the market with someone else last year for $493,000 for 391 days.  We listed and sold in 1 day!  Haverford model on corner lot.  Listed for $489,900.  See it at www.gutner.com!!.

5008 Davis Dr—An Eaton Federal with extended sitting room and two huge closets, backs to preserved wooded area, 2 zone heating. Originally $520, then $515, now $500,000. On the market for 153 days.

SETTLED:  4983 Mead Dr—An Eaton model with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, finished basement. Reduced to $509,900.  Settled at $485,000. On the market 259 days.

5065 Grundy Way—a Waterford w/1st floor master, 3-car garage, fin. basement w/media room. Originally $589,000. Last priced at $564,900 and sold for $557,500 in 263 days.

What buyers are looking for in 2012

You would think that buyers would be thrilled with lower prices AND GREAT rates but they want MORE.  Those great ingredients don’t necessarily translate into confidence that prices won’t continue to drop.  They want three things and three things only:

A good value.  Condition.  Location.

You can thank HGTV and House hunters for some of this.  Buyers are watching other buyers from around the world pick the house that is in great condition, at the lowest price and the best location.  MOST buyers do not want to deal with contractors so even if you price your home without granite and updated bathrooms, they’ll pass it up if they can, or they’ll kill you with price if they have to do the work.  Everyone is afraid they might lose their jobs.  They’re looking for a place to settle down where the mortgage, taxes, utilities and upkeep won’t kill them. They want something where the mortgage, taxes, utilities and upkeep won’t kill them.  They are looking for PRICE, CONDITION, LOCATION.  You can’t change your location—but you have total control over your price and your condition. 

September Newsletter

Here’s What’s Happening in North Branch

ACTIVE: 5403 Nicholas Ct— 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, former model home. Listed at $519,000 for 51 days.

PENDING: 5473 Jillian Way— Fabulous Lot backing to protected space, lots of nice upgrades like inlaid carpet, custom woodworking, Sun Room addition, finished basement with full bath.  Reduced to $465,000. On the market for 144 days.

5487 Jillian Way  - 4 bdrms. 2 1/2 baths, hardwoods, master sitting room. Reduced several $460,000. On the market for 396 days.

SOLD: None.

Here’s What’s Happening in Durham Ridge

ACTIVE:  None.

PENDING: None.

SOLD: 4529 Blue Ridge Dr— A Washington model, 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 1 acre lot with paver patio, Master bedroom has 2 walk-in closets and sitting area. Reduced to $440,000. Sold for $415,000 in 122 days.

***************************************************    

     

I’m often asked why one house sells so high and a seemingly same house sells for less.  The reasons are many.  There’s the obvious difference:  A perfect picture: Price, location, condition.  But the not- so -obvious plays a huge role too.  For example, we’ve had sellers who were buying up and got a fantastic deal on the other end and just didn’t care about the extra 10, 20 or $30,000.00.  Then there’s the homeowner who has bought something else and now needs to get their house sold as carrying two homes is killing them—or the couple who’s living with their mother-in-law in Kansas, waiting for the house here to sell and they’re ready to shoot themselves.  In some cases, those with great equity just decide that they want to be the next one sold . . .  so they complete our to-do list and price it below the competition.

      The problem in today’s Real Estate market is that those who can afford to shear off a couple of thousand for the sake of “getting it done now” become the new base-line for the next sale.  Buyers can’t get into the last sales so they look strictly at square footage, rooms and finishes.  The same for the appraiser who will tell the bank how much they should lend.  The last price of a sold is the “new” price of a neighborhood.  Foreclosures and short sales abound in every neighborhood of Buckingham and Plumstead.  It’s a fantastic time to buy and it may be the best time for many years to come to sell.  Keep paying off your home and increasing your equity and you’ll be in a better place when your time comes. 

***************************************************    

 

10th Annual Keller Williams Food Drive

For the past 9 years Keller Williams Agents have been loading up the shelves at the New Britain Food Larder which serves more LOCAL people than you can imagine!

Date:  Saturday, October 1st

Bring your donations to the 
New Britain Food Larder

Located right on Route 202 in New Britain, 
after the 7-11 at the next light

Anytime before 12:00 Noon

Come enjoy some delicious Chili as it is also our

Annual Chili contest (I won last year)!

***************************************************    

 

 The scoop on light bulbs

By 2012 many types of incandescent bulbs will no longer be sold in the U.S.  By 2014 all will be discontinued.  Traditional 100 watt light bulbs are going to be phased out come this December 31.  By Jan. 1, 2014 the only incandescents will be the three-way bulbs.  BUT, don’t fret!  LED bulbs are LONG LASTING and last up to 10 times as long as compact fluorescent and FAR longer than typical incandescent.  They are more DURABLE because they don’t have a filament and can be jarred and bumped.  They are COOL because they do not cause heat build-up, producing 3.4 btu’s/hour compared to 85 for the one’s we use now.  Should cut down on air-conditioning! MORE EFFICIENT using only 2—10 watts of electricity (1/30th of incandescent).  These bulbs last for years and save 80% in electricity! LED bulbs costs more but the longevity and cost savings of usage are fantastic!  And the next time you see a really bright traffic light, you’ll know they’re using LED’s!

***************************************************    

What Projects are Worth It?

If you’re thinking of doing some improvements stick to the most used areas of your home and those that will pay you back when it’s time to sell. 

According to Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost Versus Value Report” last year, the following projects give the highest paybacks upon sale nationwide:

*Adding an attic bedroom (which none of us can do because of our truss systems)  83.1%

*Adding a wooden deck, 80.6%

*Minor Kitchen remodel, 78.3% 

*Basement remodel, 75.4%

*Major kitchen remodel, 72.1%

*Bathroom remodel, 71%

Some remodels, according to the Magazine, let you recoup the entire cost—and then some.  Replacing your front door with a new steel unit is estimated to return 128%. Other replacement projects give great returns because they not only are re-9investments in the home, but provide great curb appeal as well.  Buyers are enticed to view a home when greeted with bright new doors, clean easy-care replacement windows, smooth new driveways and no over-grown vegetation.

***************************************************  
  

Garbage Disposal Care and Maintenance:

So . . . Who knows the rules of taking care of your disposal?  Here’s some help:

Put food in slowly.  If you shove it in it can cause a clog an will shorten the life of your system.

Grind up those chicken bones and small fruit pits!  They actually help clean the walls of the disposal.

Use only cold water and run if for 15 to 20 seconds.  This solidifies the grease so it can get ground up.

Keep it smelling nice—grind citrus fruit peels or add a few drops of dish soap and let it run for a few minutes.

Sharpen the blades by filling it with ice cubes every month or so.

DON’T:  Use hot water as it makes grease liquefy and clog the drain.  DON’T grind celery stalks and onion skins as they will tangle up and clog it the same as pasta and rice which swells with water and clogs it up.  DON’T turn off the motor too quickly.  Make sure everything is ground up and then run the water for 15 seconds to flush it out.  DON’T put your coffee grounds in because the disposal can handle it but your pipes will clog.  And finally, DON’T forget to use it because it’ll get rusty and can lead to premature replacement. 

***************************************************    

     

Kids Away At College?

Ask your insurance company for “casual driver” rates on your car insurance.  AND, lots of policies only cover $500.00 (not even the cost of that new lap-top)!  Estimate all your student has in their apartment or dorm room and be sure it’s covered.  And did you know???  College kids are targeted for 35% of identity theft.  They are very casual about giving out their social security numbers and personal info.

***************************************************    

     

Can’t say it enough!!  Be sure you add the sump pump rider to your insurance policy.  If they don’t have it . . . Change insurance companies!

Here's What's Happening in North Branch

ACTIVE:
5487 Jillian Way - 4 bdrms. 2 1/2 baths, hardwoods, master sitting room. Started at $510,000, reduced several $475,000. On the market for 367 days.


5473 Jillian Way— Fabulous Lot backing to protected space, lots of nice upgrades like inlaid carpet, custom woodworking, Sun Room addition, finished basement with full bath. Listed at $489,900, reduced to $479,000. On the market for 109 days.

5455 Richie Ct— 4 bdrms. 2 1/2 baths, Listed at $430,000 Foreclosure. Was under agreement, but back on the market.

SOLD:
5416 Nicholas Court, New Kitchen, finished basement, pool. Started at $519,900, last price $459,900. Sold for $430,000 after 319 days on the market.

In Durham Ridge

ACTIVE:
4529 Blue Ridge Dr— A Washington model, 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 1 acre lot with paver patio, Master bedroom has 2 walk-in closets and sitting area. Started at $459,000, currently priced at $440,000. On the market for 111 days.

PENDING:
None.

SOLD:
None.

And some little known facts from the National Association of Realtors:

- For every home that someone buys there is up to $60,000 brought back into the local economy with furniture, updates and related items.
- Every home sale affects 80 different occupations!
-Home sales are responsible for 2.5 million private-sector jobs each year.
-Housing accounts for 15% of America’s Gross Domestic Product and is a key driver in our economic recovery.
-Out of the last eight recessions, housing brought us out of six of them. So . . . go buy a house!!!!

TAX ASSESSMENT APPEAL RIP OFFS !

 We recently received a solicitation from “Value Appeal” to reduce our Real Estate Taxes for our residence in Cold Spring Hunt. They claim that we are over-assessed by $2300 and that they can help us reduce our taxes by $2300.

They are wrong in the calculation of our assessment as we appealed our taxes two years ago and our assessment is right in line with value but "Value Appeal" charges you the $100.00 just to get a report!!! They are obviously inflating their number to get you to use their services.

The appeal is a simple process that will cost you $25.00 to the Board of Appeals. IF YOU QUALIFY and that's a big IF. Email us today to see what the county values your property at for tax purposes. 95% of you will not qualify for an appeal as the state/county has played with the assessment numbers. We would be happy to tell you if you qualify and give you the comps you need if you do qualify. We have done hundreds of them in the past two years, and we will help you do yours before the deadline on August 1st for free. If you have any questions please email (only) us at jeri@gutner.com and we will gladly help you.

And now . . . The numbers:

If a buyer is looking for a 1 to 20 year old home, their route is usually Buckingham, Doylestown and Plumstead. Here’s what’s available to them:

Watch us Re-Do our Master Bath!

Well . . . Unfortunately, real estate got in the way of my bathroom renovation so no new pictures to show. I did get as far as fixtures—and trying to find fixtures that match each other is no easy chore! Stay tuned to our blog for updates. Go to www.gutner.com and click on BLOG.

A friend of ours from whom we have been getting our prescription eye wear for years has opened in Rice’s Market in the new barn. Save 40% to 60% on your next purchase and mention Jeri and Henri for an added 10% off!

MOST AND LEAST AFFORDABLE CITIES! A New Jersey surprise!

Looking for the most affordable metro area with populations of less than 1/2 a million? Check out the 10 most affordable cities: Kokomo, Indiana; Monroe, Michigan; Cumberland, Md.; Elhart-Goshen, Indiana: Springfield, Ohio; Sandusky, Ohio; Bay City, Michigan; Rockford, Ill.; Fairbanks, Arkansas; and Flint, Michigan. If you want to move to the 10 least affordable areas head out to California although Ocean City, NJ ranks #4 least affordable!

The 10 most affordable with populations of 500,000 or more were Syracuse; Youngstown; Indianapolis; Warren-Troy, Michigan; Toledo, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla; Harrisburg-Carlisle, Akron, Dayton, Detroit. Median sale price of $80,000. Of course the least affordable were NY; San Fran; L.A.; Honolulu; Santa Ana-Anaheim; San Jose; Bridgeport-Stamford, Ct; Nassau-Suffolk; SanDiego and El Paso. Median sale price of $425,000.

10 Easy to-do Upgrades that add Style and Value

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in the value and appeal of your home. Whether you’re trying to sell your home or just spruce up the place, here are 10 easy ways to get started.

1. Update hardware on cabinets and drawers

2. Replace towels and rugs in the bathroom(s)

3. Add overhead lighting or wall sconces to brighten rooms

4. Declutter small spaces and closets with DIY storage kits

5. Wash or power wash the exterior of your home (especially windows)

6. Add area rugs to throw in a hint of color

7. Hang a mirror in small rooms to give the illusion of more space

8. A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim brighten any room

9. Try a fresh new color on your front door for character

10. Mow and mulch your lawn even in the cooler months

Make a plan. Set a budget. Get started!

Local Hazardous Waste and Old Computer Collection

Hazardous Waste and Old Computer Collection Program for Middle Bucks is being held from 9:00 to 3:00 on Saturday, July 23rd, at CB South High School, 1100 Folly Rd., Warrington. You can bring as many 3 computers and 25 gallons of Hazardous products including: pesticides; flammables such as gas, oil, spot removers and paint thinner; caustics such as lye, oven cleaner, drain and metal cleaner; toxics such as rust/paint remover, antifreeze, weed killer, fluorescent lamps; household batteries and Lead-Acid Batteries including car, marine, motorcycle and truck batteries.



June 2011: Here's What's Happening in North Branch

ACTIVE: 5487 Jillian Way - 4 bdrms. 2 1/2 baths, hardwoods, master sitting room. Started at $510,000, reduced to $492,900, now $482,900. On the market for 310 days.


5473 Jillian Way. Fabulous Lot backing to protected space, lots of nice upgrades like inlaid carpet, custom woodworking, Sun Room addition, finished basement with full bath. Priced at $489,900. On the market for 230 days.

PENDING: 5416 Nicholas Court, New Kitchen, finished basement, pool. Started at $519,900, last price $459,900.

SOLD: None

NorthBranch for sale in April 2011

NorthBranch for sale April 2011


If you are looking to sell your home please contact jeri@gutner.com

If you want to see these or any other homes in Bucks or Montgomery Counties please contact henri@gutner.com

April 2010 Newsletter

April 2010 Newsletter Here’s What’s Happening in North Branch

Pending : 5414 Nicholas Ct A GUTNER TEAM LISTING A Chapman 3 bdms all on the first floor!!! 2 Full Baths, backs to protected space. Hardwoods, Corian, New Master Bathroom, Deck Patio Pond and Gardens, finished basement , incredible condition. Listed for $419,000. Reduced to $399,900. Great spot for your parents! Nothing to do in this house!


5467 Richie Ct a Grandview, 4 bdms 2 1/2 Baths, hardwoods, granite, partial finished basement. Listed at $529,000 for 58 days Pending for $524,900.

Toll Brothers neighborhood coming!!
Plumstead Hunt is beginning to sell and there are Pre-construction prices going on. Beautiful lots from 19,000 square feet up to 28,000 square feet (1/2 acre and up)—Lot premiums from $0 to $25,000 but most are $10,000. Gorgeous and timeless models for this location. Buy with us and as Members of The Toll Brothers Advisory Board, receive an additional $2,000 in upgrades (in addition to what we negotiate for you!!!). Call us if you would like to have us email you site plan with lot prices.


Once again, I am receiving letters at home from attorneys who would like to help me lower the assessment on my house, thus lowering our taxes. And they charge 50% of what they save you!!! As you know, we helped 288 people last year lower their assessments FOR FREE! WE will be helping people again this year and ask only that you send us AN EMAIL to jeri@gutner.com with your name, address, model and improvements. We will begin the process and get back to you with what you have to do. Many of your neighbors saved several thousand dollars so don’t hesitate to call us.


Keller Williams Agents have huge Hearts! Helping people in our community is a huge part of our company. This year, our RED DAY will benefit Seniors. Feel free to join us on May 13th at the Senior Center located at 700 North Shady Retreat Road to help paint the outside and 3 offices on the inside. We’ll be there from 8:00 to 5:00—join us for an hour or so you can. We are doing this in conjunction with THE TWILIGHT WISH FOUNDATION, a national organization founded by Cass Forkin of Buckingham. TWF is an incredible foundation granting wishes to Seniors. From a new mattress or air conditioner to re-uniting families they haven’t seen in years, riding on a motorcycle, and going to a prom, each wish is different. See them on the web at www.twilightwish.org. The stories are compelling, like Margaret, 81, a nursing home resident who lost her son suddenly and because of financial circumstances he had to be buried in an unmarked grave. TWF arranged for a headstone and a service to place it. They are Fantastic!



BUILDER Magazine’s Top 10 Elements of Style for 2010
Let’s not call them “trends” because trends come and go. Builders try to design homes that will last for generations. Builders are paying attention to Consumers who now desire less maintenance and more free time. Here’s the top ten design areas that builders agree on this year.

1. Standard height of 9 feet on first floor and a shift away from the two story great room to more effective use of second-floor space.
2. Low-maintenance/no-maintenance materials, especially on exteriors. Ceramic tile and stone floors, brick exteriors, and metal trim instead of wood on the outside are just a few examples.
3. Larger laundry rooms and mud rooms.
4. Natural materials are important on the interior—hardwoods, granite. Classic is here to stay.
5. “Me” spaces. Quiet corners and cubby holes to escape everyone, a computer niche, a junk room, a chair with a bookshelf.
6. Decline of the living room and increase in “special” rooms, such as home offices and media rooms. As houses get smaller there just isn’t room for a place you only visit to dust. It will still exist in many builders homes but it will not be a “formal” room.
7. Technology advances. Builders agree that they need to offer pre-wiring for an abundance of amenities, like Ethernet, surround sound, stereo equipment. Keyless entries, computerized security systems, advanced lighting controls, etc.
8. Outdoors for entertaining. Builders are paying attention to the back yards. Covered areas with full kitchens, home theaters, sleeping porches and dining rooms are popular. Decks and patios are still strong, but a screened porch is more popular.
9. Mixed products on the same street. Smart-growth initiatives are promoting design plans for master neighborhoods that mix singles, townhouses and condo’s.
10. Rear-loaded homes. As lots get smaller, garages are going out back or across an alley, saving the front of the home for porches. Remember your parents home, drive up the driveway and the garage is hidden back there. It’s back!



Need Help With “Stuff” around the House?
People I can’t live without:
My Painter, HVAC guy,
My Second Husband (our handyman)
My Decorator
My Tree Guy
My Plumber and My Roofer
Need a referral? Call Us!
If you are planning to put your home on the market in the next 6 to 8 months,
it’s not too early to start talking to us!
Attic Ventilation

Attic areas can hold substantial amounts of moist air. In the summer it is very hot and humid in the attic, however, in the winter it can be more humid causing a fair amount of problems.
1. The roof is roughly 1/2” away from blistering shingles.
2. As heat in the house rises, it gets trapped in the attic acting as a hat for the entire home.
By having good ventilation the hot air would be removed drawing in relatively cooler air. Insufficient air movement in the attic doesn’t allow the heat from the second floor to go anywhere. Hi temps and humidity will delaminate the roof sheathing, excessively dry out the roof framing and cause an earlier need to replace.

There are many ways to vent an attic; fans, ridge vents, gable end vents. The important thing is that it IS ventilated which will save you repairs and heating/cooling bills.

How to Save on Homeowners Insurance

1. Don’t shop on the internet. It is impossible to compare apples to apples.
2. Raise your deductible. A $1,000 deductible can save you as much as 25%.
3. Ask whomever is quoting how they figure the cost of the land into house coverage. Land doesn’t burn or blow away.
4. Buy your home and auto policies from the same company.
5. Ask what you can do to lower your costs by reducing risk.
6. Improve your home security w/alarms w/monitoring station.
7. If you’re at least 55 years old and retired or work from home, insurance companies love homebodies. They maintain their homes and are quick to spot problems.
8. Maintain good credit. It’s the first thing they look at.
9. Stay with the same insurer and if you ASK your loyalty will be rewarded with a discount.
10. Review your coverage and policy and coverage every year.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY -
BE SURE YOU HAVE SUMP PUMP COVERAGE!!!
Remember!!! We work with ALL national Relocation Companies and while they may tell you that you have to work with their selections, that is NOT the case!

March 2010, North Branch Newsletter

March 2010 Newsletter Here’s What’s Happening in North Branch
Active : 5414 Nicholas Ct A GUTNER TEAM LISTING A Chapman 3 bdms all on the first floor!!! 2 Full Baths, backs to protected space. Hardwoods, Corian, New Master Bathroom, Deck Patio Pond and Gardens, finished basement , incredible condition. Listed for $419,000. Great spot for your parents! Nothing to do in this house! See the virtual tour at www.gutner.com
Pending: : 5467 Richie Ct a Grandview, 4 bdms 2 1/2 Baths, hardwoods, granite, partial finished basement. Listed at $529,000 for 58 days Pending for $524,900

Are we at the “bottom” yet?
Hmmm. Probably not. Let’s take a home in a development in Buckingham and analyze that.
In 1994 it was purchased new from the builder for $222,000. With “typical” appreciation of 4% per year that house should have been worth $303,822 in 2002. Nice appreciation, right? But it sold for $420,000!
Today, with “typical” appreciation of 4% per year that house should be worth $415,801 but that house would sell today somewhere around $490,000. At 4% appreciation, it won’t be at $490,000 until 2014 which tells us that our prices will be stagnant for some time. So? Are we at the bottom? It depends on how many short sales and foreclosures come our way.
We’ve been pretty lucky so far, however I know of several homes that are empty, not on the market yet, and owned by a bank. But savvy buyers know that this is the time to buy and homes ARE selling. Interest rates are GREAT and prices are GREAT! This is an unusual time where prices are low and interest rates are low. Something is going to break and our guess is that interest rates will start their climb. Inventory is already lower than last year where some neighborhoods had 10 to 15 homes for sale. We’re very optimistic about this spring! If, however, you are in trouble . . . We are working with a Short Sale Expert and would be happy to hook you up with him. Don’t go into foreclosure! It ruins you for years and years.


Computer and Electronics Recycling Day:
Drop off all your old computer & electronic equipment & help save our Earth! Proceeds to Benefit: A Family of God Lutheran Church, 4770 Route 202, Buckingham, 413 So. To Left on 202, Left into Church parking lot.
Sunday, April 11th, 9AM to 1PM. Items accepted include: Laptop Computers; Printers & Fax Machines; Televisions ($20.00 fee); Batteries (lead acid); Computer parts; Air Conditioners ($20.00 fee); Desktop Computers; DVD Players, VCR’s; Computer Monitors ($5.00 fee); Stereos and Speakers; Cables/Cords; Small Appliances; Dehumidifiers ($10.00 fee); Electronic Toys. All proceeds go to sending kids to camp for week where they will repair homes for the less fortunate. The amounts listed above are not mandatory, but suggested.

You also have a facebook page at friends and neighbors of North Branch, Gardenville, Pa.

What’s Hot?
Well, according to the National Association of Home Builders decking out the kitchen makes the whole home more saleable. Kitchen designs, they say, translates to dollars.
1. “Blue is the new green”. Soft blues are catching on with consumers looking at home as a refuge. It’s calming and clean. Gray is an increasingly popular and pumpkin-orange is great for younger buyers!
2. Now that you’ve stripped all that wallpaper, it’s bAAAck! But large-scale prints and only on an accent wall.
3. Cabinets have gone through oak and maple phases: Now they’re showing up in painted white finishes.
4. The average newly built single home shrank from 2.520 square feet to 2,480 but priorities changed to price, energy and organization. Very high on the list was a kitchen big enough for the whole family to dine—-67% surveyed said they wanted space for a table, as opposed to chairs at a counter. 62% wanted a kitchen that functioned as a family gathering place. Walk-in pantries are highly desirable and a “family foyer” gets top marks—not at the front of the house but by the garage—space for backpacks, coats, boots, etc.
5. And granite . . . “it’s almost a starter-home feature” says a kitchen designer. While it has moved off of the list of “musts” and been replaced by various energy-saving features, buyers expect it.
Need Help With “Stuff” around the House?
People I can’t live without:
My Painter, HVAC guy,
My Second Husband (our handyman)
My Decorator
My Tree Guy
My Plumber and My Roofer
Need a referral? Call Us!
If you are planning to put your home on the market in the next 6 to 8 months,
it’s not too early to start talking to us!

Top Budget Friendly Improvements:
1. Conquer Clutter—Whenever we have sellers get rid of their clutter, they think the house doesn’t look like their home. DUH! That’s the idea. We want people looking at space as theirs, not yours
2. Top Energy Efficient Project: Add Insulation
3. Top Outdoor Structures Project: Add a fence
4. Top Big Ticket Project: Finish the basement
5. Top Home Exterior Project: Repair Gutters
6. Top Outdoor Living Project: Add Outdoor Lighting
7. Top Landscaping Project: Make it look neat, tidy and easy to care for.
8. Top Storage and Organization Project: Maximize and Organize Storage Space
9. Top Bathroom Project: Refresh Fixtures
10. Top Kitchen Project: Upgrade Appliances.
10 Things EVERY Remodeling Contract Should Include:
1. The Contractor’s name, address, phone number, and license #
2. DETAILS on what the contractor will and WILL NOT do
3. A list of materials. Size, color, model, brand name and product
4. All required plans. Assure accuracy. Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before any work begins.
5. Written notice of right to, without penalty, cancel within 3 days of signing. It’s the law.
6. The approximate start date and completion date.
7. Financial terms, spelled out—Total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation or “change” fees.
8. A binding arbitration clause, which you’ll need in the event of any disagreements. Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation.
9. Everything you’ve requested. Make sure all items you’ve requested are included. If you do not see a specific item in the contract, consider it not included. NEVER sign an incomplete contract.
10. A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year and should be identified as full or limited. The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor, or manufacturer must be identified. Make sure the time period for the warranty is specified.

Should you Make Bi-Weekly Payments on Your Mortgage?
With biweekly payments, you pay half of the monthly mortgage payment every 2 weeks, rather than the full balance once a month. This is comparable to 13 monthly payments a year, which can result in faster payoff and lower overall interest costs. For example, the biweekly mortgage payment process can pay off a $200,000 30 year fixed loan at 7% in approximately 24 years (75 months sooner than a standard payment plan), with a total of $68,925 in interest savings.
Your lender might offer several biweekly payment options, where you make a payment that equals half of your normal monthly payment every two weeks. There is a considerable difference between different payment plans, so you should check with the lender to find out how they will treat your biweekly payments, exactly.
What most borrowers get when they convert their loan from monthly to biweekly payments is a pseudo biweekly (or standard biweekly) payment plan. On the pseudo biweekly, the biweekly payments are credited to an account managed by your lender. Once a month, as with standard payments, the monthly payments are made out of that account. The excess amount accumulated in the account by the end of each year is equal to a full monthly payment. At this point your lender makes a double payment.
In order to set up a true biweekly (or simple interest biweekly) payment schedule, you must have a lender that will immediately credit each 1/2 monthly payment upon receipt. The lender must calculate interest for two-week intervals and apply the biweekly payments less the interest to reduce principal every two weeks. Check with your mortgage holder—This is GREAT!