Christianne Gordon, REALTOR®, e-PRO CDPE Carson Valley Real Estate Specialist

Repair Your Screen Door - Enjoy a Northern Nevada Breeze!

Northern Nevada is breezy! We have breezes in morning and late evening through spring, summer and fall. It is the perfect place to have a screen door. They let in cool Northern Nevada breezes and fresh air in, while keeping out bugs and insects. In Northern Nevada, we often have 40 degree swings during summer and fall. We can be in the low 40's in the mornings and in the high 80's in the afternoons. Once the sun goes behind the Sierra Nevada mountain range, we cool right back down very quickly. If you have a screen door, you can maximize your natural airflow and cool your house down in the evenings. It's a nice way to cool your home down from the heat of the day and save on energy costs.

Unfortunately, screen doors can easily be torn and bent out of shape, which is a hazard to anyone who uses them, particularly dogs, cats, and kids. Replacing screen doors can be expensive and time consuming. Plus, you will have a really hard time finding hardware stores that carry screens to fit your door, especially if the door is older. Your initial attempt and lowest cost and hassle repair will be to patch any small tears. If your screen only has a small hole, try using an all-weather or waterproof adhesive to close it up. A screen patch can be sewn over a small tear. However, patching and mending screens only goes so far. You get to a point where you know the whole screen simply needs to be replaced. Trying to find the make and model of your screen door, in order to have the company replace the screen, is a lot of work, let alone extremely expensive. Replacing the screen yourself will save you a lot of time and money. This process is likely not as difficult as you think. Here are the simple steps to replacing the screen easily and quickly.

Steps To Repairing A Screen Door

1. Depending on the damage, you will need some tools and supplies to repair your screen. Before you start, you will need: screen material (either fiberglass or aluminum mesh will work), aluminum or wooden framing, a utility knife, a flat-head screwdriver, and a splining roller. Luckily, all these items are easily obtained at a hardware store.

2. Begin by removing the old spline and screen from the frame. You will need to pry the spline with a screwdriver. If the spline is still flexible, you can reuse the screen and save some money. Otherwise, find the right replacement. What is the spline? It's the weatherstripping 'stuff' in the groove between the frame and the mesh.

3. After you remove the old spline, examine the frame. If it is undamaged, start replacing the material. If not, get a hacksaw and begin cutting. Measure the aluminum framing material to coordinate with the former frame.

4. Then, connect the framing pieces into the corner brackets, which also only need to be replaced if damaged. You may then begin replacing the screen by first unrolling the screen material. Pull the material taut over the frame, but allow an inch or so of material to hang over the edges. There are two types if mesh available: aluminum and fiberglass. If you can find fiberglass, you may want to use it since it is more forgiving and can be stretched more easily than aluminum.

5. Place the spline over the taut screening material and push it into the frame grooves. Use the roller to fill the grooves evenly. Then, cut away the extra screen material with a utility knife or scissors.

5. Reassemble the screen door frame and reattach to your door. It's just that simple!

Now you can enjoy the pleasant flow of lazy Northern Nevada breeze, without the bugs trying to invade your home, while keeping your beloved pets and children inside.

(Photos courtesy of kissyplusr, freckspecks, and NazZMedia - Flickr.com)

Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.

Common Questions by Tenants Living in Foreclosed Northern Nevada Properties

We have had a few new Northern Nevada bank-owned properties assigned to us recently that have had tenants in place. Each time, the Asset Manager for the bank has authorized us to offer a Cash for Keys agreement to the tenant in the property in exchange for the tenant to move out within a defined period of time.

Each time, as we discuss the Northern Nevada tenant's rights and responsibilities to be eligible for the Cash for Keys, the topic of their security deposit comes up. Once the property has reverted to the bank, the previous landlord no longer holds the property. Obviously, the landlord owes this security deposit to the tenant. It should be held in a separate deposit account and not commingled with the landlord's personal deposit accounts.

Aside from suing the previous landlord, does anyone have any bright ideas to assist these Northern Nevada tenants in recovering their security deposits? I feel horrible for these folks who have dutifully paid their rent to an individual who stopped paying the bank and did not advise the tenant that the property was in pre-foreclosure. Conversely, I have a hard time believing that the tenant did not receive any notices posted on the property or was completely unaware, but either way, it's just not right.

Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.

Welcome to the seventh and final post in a series of 7 posts covering the more important issues about buying a home in Northern Nevada.

In the first post, we covered the topics "Why Should I Own A Home?" and "Why Should I Use a REALTOR®?".

In the second post, we covered "Real Estate Commissions Explained" and "7 Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership".

In the third post, we covered "Your New Northern Nevada Home Wish List" and "Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood".

In the fourth post, we covered "Get Your Finances In Order" and "Think Like a Lender: Let's Do The Math".

In the fifth post, we covered "What To Expect When Writing The Offer" and "What Your Northern Nevada Home Inspection Should Cover".

In the sixth post, we covered "Things You Should Know About Homeowner's Insurance" and "What Exactly Is Title Insurance, Anyway?".

Whether you've owned a Northern Nevada home before, or you are a first time Northern Nevada home buyer, having a Buyer's Guide can be a very helpful tool before, during, and even after the homebuying process.

Since most people don't buy and sell homes every month, let alone every year, we have put together a fantastic 36-page "Just For Buyers" Guide courtesy of GreatNevadaHomes.com.

In this post, we'll be covering "Mortgage Escrow Accounts Explained", "Understanding Closing Costs" and "What To Expect at Close of Escrow".

Mortgage Escrow Accounts Explained

Mortgage escrow accounts ensure that homeowner’s property taxes, fire and hazard insurance premiums, mortgage insurance premiums, and other escrow items are paid in a timely fashion. The escrow accounts ensure that there is enough money to pay these bills when they are due. It prevents the homeowner from facing lapsed insurance coverage or delinquent taxes and protects both the lender and you, the owner. Borrowers should receive a full breakdown and explanation from your lender before signing any documents.

1. Escrows work like an automatic budget. The primary advantage of an escrow account for the homeowner is that they automatically budget the borrower’s tax and insurance responsibilities over the course of a year. Homeowners do not have to worry about coming up with several large, lump sum payments. Rather, you make a smaller monthly payment with your loan.

2. Limits on the amounts lenders can collect. The law specifies the limits on the total amount that the lender may collect for escrow. The lender may require a monthly payment of 1/12th of the total estimated taxes, insurance premiums, and other charges reasonable anticipated. If the lender predicts there to be a lack of money in the escrow account, the law permits the lender to require additional monthly deposits to avoid or eliminate the deficiency. On the other hand, the lender is required to provide you an annual summary of all monies placed into your escrow account and show the payments made to various agencies, like your insurance carrier and your local property tax assessor. If they have overestimated the amount necessary and you have a balance in your escrow account, the lender is required to reduce the monthly amount necessary for you to deposit into your escrow account, or they can provide you with a one-time refund to reduce the balance in the account to the legally accepted amount.

Understanding Closing Costs

A common mistake that causes a tremendous amount of frustration by home buyers is underestimating the amount of cash (closing costs) needed to move into the house. Most people wrongly assume that all they need for closing is the down payment. People simply don’t understand what occurs during closing, and often don’t ever ask for specifics from their agent. Closing items charged by the title company, lender, and taxes by the county and state agencies can add up to a substantial amount and can be devastating to the transaction if not planned for properly. While each purchase is unique, we have developed a form we use called the “Buyers Estimated Closing Costs” page that is a summary of all the types of fees charged at close of escrow and have included a sample on the next page.

Please keep in mind that depending on what lender you use, what lender programs you qualify for, and what your credit rating is, the lender fees can vary greatly. This is why we recommend buyers get pre-qualified with a lender prior to looking for a house – it directly impacts the amount of money needed to bring to closing, which in turn, affects the amount you will have available for a down payment, which in turn, ultimately affects the sales price of a home you are approved to purchase.

What To Expect at Close of Escrow

Finally, the day has come for you to settle on your new home. What can you expect?

First, you and your agent will do a ‘final walkthrough’ of the home. This will be your last chance to examine the home carefully and ensure that what you contracted to buy is what you are buying. It’s a good idea to check hot and cold water at each faucet, flush each toilet, test all appliances, and examine the home thoroughly. Your agent will have a digital camera handy to photograph any questionable items in case the sellers are not present. This way you can address any last minute ‘hiccups’ before you sign your paperwork officially closing the escrow on the house.

It’s important to understand that sometimes things do occur that are no fault of the seller. Make sure you conduct your walkthrough without a skepticism, but with an objective eye, and if you do find something wrong, come to the escrow company office with a calm, problem-solving perspective. Most sellers want to complete the sale as much as you do and want to do what’s right to make sure you are happy. And of course, your agent will be there to present any problems and negotiate an amicable resolution for everyone.

You can expect to review the HUD-1 Settlement Sheet a day or two prior to your closing so you will know how much money you will need to bring to closing. This typically involves you going to your bank to obtain a cashier’s check, as escrow companies do not accept cash or personal checks. Then, be prepared to sign, sign, and sign your name some more – sometimes it can take over an hour to complete all the paperwork! But in the end, you’ll receive the keys to your new dream home and it will all be worth it!

If you'd like a FREE copy of our complete 36 page Northern Nevada "Just for Buyers Guide" just let us know. We're happy to provide you with one to assist you on your road to home ownership.

Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.

Ok, Ok, I get it - I'm not cool and I'm not hip because I don't have an iPhone. I know so because my Dad even asked me this weekend what I thought of the iPhone because he was thinking of getting one. Eek! I can't be upstaged technologically by my Dad. I can just hear him now "Hey Chris, there's an app for that!".

But here's something that's pretty cool about my Blackberry Tour - it is also a modem for my laptop.

So that's right - no more paying for an additional wireless card subscriptions, or roving to the nearest Starbuck's for my free 2 hours per day. I can go outside to the park, plop down at the picnic table, plug in my phone and VOILA - I am online!

Besides, I really love my trackball (I really wish I had a Centipede game downloaded). It's great for scrolling down webpages really fast. And touch screen technology doesn't work well with my acrylic nails (Men, I know you all secretly are giggling and I don't care!)

Would you like to know how to do this, too? Follow these simple instructions to set up your Blackberry Tour (powered by Verizon) to also act as a modem:

1. Download VZ Access Manager by visiting http://www.vzam.net.

2. Save the program to your desktop and then install.

3. Launch the program, plug in your phone via the USB cord provided for the phone when you purchased it, and then Detect the Phone. Do this by selecting Options, then Detect Wireless Device and then select Smartphone.

Then, when you have connected, you will see your Blackberry listed as an additional connection available:

The last step is for you to select your phone as the connection and Click Connect WWAN in the bottom right corner. Then you will receive one last screen that looks like this:

Chances are if you have a Blackberry Tour you have a data plan. This is your one warning from Verizon to make sure you have an unlimited data plan so you don't get one of those 500 page long bills with lots of zeros in the amount due.

That's all there is to it! So go outside, get some sun and work done at the same time!

Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.

Welcome to the sixth post in a series of 7 posts covering the more important issues about buying a home in Northern Nevada.

In the first post, we covered the topics "Why Should I Own A Home?" and "Why Should I Use a REALTOR®?".

In the second post, we covered "Real Estate Commissions Explained" and "7 Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership".

In the third post, we covered "Your New Northern Nevada Home Wish List" and "Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood".

In the fourth post, we covered "Get Your Finances In Order" and "Think Like a Lender: Let's Do The Math".

In the fifth post, we covered "What To Expect When Writing The Offer" and "What Your Northern Nevada Home Inspection Should Cover".

Whether you've owned a Northern Nevada home before, or you are a first time Northern Nevada home buyer, having a Buyer's Guide can be a very helpful tool before, during, and even after the homebuying process.

Since most people don't buy and sell homes every month, let alone every year, we have put together a fantastic 36-page "Just For Buyers" Guide courtesy of GreatNevadaHomes.com.

In this post, we'll be covering "Things You Should Know About Homeowner's Insurance" and "What Exactly Is Title Insurance, Anyway?".

Things You Should Know About Homeowner's Insurance

1. Look for exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover floor or earthquake damage as a standard item. These coverages must be bought separately.

2. Look for dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may be a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit the amount paid for stolen jewelry unless items are insured separately.

3. Understand replacement cost. If your Northern Nevada home is destroyed you’ll receive money to replace it only to the maximum of your coverage, so be sure your insurance is sufficient. This means that if your home is insured for $150,000 and it costs $180,000 to replace it, you’ll only receive $150,000.

4. Understand actual cash value. If you choose not to replace your Northern Nevada home when it’s destroyed, you’ll receive replacement cost, less depreciation. This is called actual cash value.

5. Understand liability. Generally your homeowners insurance covers you for accidents that happen to other people on your property, including medical care, court costs, and awards by the court. However, there is usually an upper limit to the amount of coverage provided. Be sure that it’s sufficient if you have significant assets.

What Exactly is Title Insurance, Anyway?

Title Insurance is a type of insurance that protects the purchasers from obtaining something that is not legal to purchase or has other undisclosed debts attached to it.

There are many situations that can arise. Government agencies, contractors, lenders, creditors, and the Internal Revenue Service may lay claim to a property, sometimes without the owner even being aware of it. Sometimes a deed can surface that pre-dates the public record, putting ownership in question. All these situations jeopardize the purchaser’s rights to the property. Title insurance provides the Northern Nevada homeowner with coverage against such an occurrence.

1. It protects your ownership right to your home both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as mistakes in the spelling of a person’s name or an inaccurate description of the property.

2. It’s a one-time cost usually based on the price of the property.

3. In the Northern Nevada area, the owner coverage is typically paid for by the seller and the lender’s coverage is usually paid for by the buyer. However, this can always be negotiated.

4. There are two types of policies: lender and owner. A lender’s title policy protects the lender’s interest in the property, typically limited to the amount of the loan. For example, if you have paid a 20% down payment, the lender’s policy will be limited to 80% of the sales price, since that is the value of the lender’s investment. The owner’s policy protects you on the full value of the property today (100% of the sales price), as well as the future value of the property until you choose to sell it.

5. Discounts on premiums are sometimes available if the home has been bought within only a few years since not as much work is required to check the title. This is called a “reissue rate”. Your REALTOR® will ask the seller for his title insurance policy in order for your to receive a discounted reissue rate when applicable.

In the seventh and final post in this series, we'll discuss "Mortgage Escrow Accounts Explained" and "Understanding Closing Costs". If you'd like a FREE copy of our complete 36 page Northern Nevada "Just for Buyers Guide" just let us know. We're happy to provide you with one to assist you on your road to home ownership.

Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.