Top ways to boost curb appeal
Whether selling or staying, first impression makes world of difference
You've no doubt heard the term "curb appeal," which is the first impression that your home makes when a visitor arrives. Whether you have your home up for sale or just want things to look a little nicer when you or someone else pulls up out in front, the best place to start is by giving the front of your home a critical examination.
Driveway: A driveway, by necessity, tends to be a fairly dominant feature, and it is often one of the first things that a person sees when they arrive at your home. If you have a concrete driveway that is oil-stained, check with your local home center for cleaners that can spruce it up. While you're there, get a crack repair compound and take care of smaller cracks before they become larger. For asphalt driveways, a seal-coat can often make a big difference in appearance and help prolong the asphalt as well.
For concrete or asphalt that is badly damaged, it's time to be thinking about replacement. You can replace the driveway with the same material as before, or consider an updated look by using paving stones instead -- they hold up well in all types of weather, and can even be a very satisfying do-it-yourself project.
Walkways: When someone arrives, is there a clear and safe path to your front door? You may not mind walking across your front lawn, but guests and prospective buyers would definitely prefer a walkway. There are lots of options for creating a new front walkway or replacing an existing one, so check out your home center or some landscaping magazines for ideas.
Landscaping: Speaking of landscaping, do you actually have any? Is it well maintained? Few things look worse out front than an overgrown or neglected yard, and you can often remedy things with a little hard work and some minimal expense. Cut back or remove trees and bushes that have gotten out of control. Feed the lawn to get it to green up again, or consider removing all or part of it and replacing it with low-maintenance materials.
If you have planter beds, be sure they're weeded and have fresh bark in them. Plan your landscaping to create a visual appeal by not having all the same type of plant. Intersperse some plants that provide spots of color at different times of the year, and mix plants for different heights as well.
Shade Trees: Consider adding a couple of new shade trees in front. Trees are good for the environment in general; they help a home look more established and appealing; and they can help lower your summer cooling costs as well. Trees look best planted in odd numbers -- a grouping of three or five, for example -- and the folks at your local nursery can help you with proper spacing.
Exterior Paint: There is probably nothing that will help or hurt the outside of your home as much as how your paint job looks. A fresh coat of paint in up-to-date colors works wonders, while old, peeling paint in a color scheme that went out of style when Eisenhower was president can really ruin a first impression.
If the paint is in generally good condition and just has a few bad spots, spend a couple of hours with a paint scraper and a can of exterior primer to get things ready for touch up, then have your local paint store match you up a gallon of paint and touch up the primed areas so they blend in. You might also want to consider repainting the eaves or window trim in a fresh new color to liven things up a little.
A New Entrance: Your front door is one spot that every visitor has to pass though, and it can make a lasting impression. A fresh coat of paint or stain can sometimes do the trick, but if your door is badly beat up you should consider replacing it. Check with a local company that specializes in doors (not a home center) and see about having a new door matched to your existing frame. The door company will cut the door, mortise the hinges, and drill for the locks using your old door as a pattern, so you can slip the new door right into place without expensive frame alterations or extensive carpentry.
Whether you're getting a new door or working with your old one, make sure that there are no squeaks or groans when it opens, and that it fits well in the frame without binding. Check the operation of the door handle and deadbolt; check the condition of the weatherstripping; and don't forget the operation of any screen and storm doors.
Cleaning: Last but far from least, clean things up a little. Pick up any trash that's accumulated, including dead leaves, cigarette butts and other small debris. Wash the siding to remove dirt, dust and cobwebs, and wash the windows. Hose off the walkways periodically, and make sure that all exterior lighting is operational. Finally, clean off the front porch -- including porch furniture and knick-knacks -- so that that area is clean and inviting as well.
|
Bluebird Martini Recipe |
|
Simple and pretty. 3 oz. Vodka Pour vodka and liqueur into mixing glass. Add ice, stir to chill and strain into your Swank |
Do you know what a Supplemental Assessment is? I received one a few weeks ago.
When you purchase a home the counter assessors office will "catch you up with the current tax base". If you have impounds included in your mortgage this will not change.. you will still have impounds, but you will have to pay the new assessment on your own. You can call the lender and have them pay the new assessment with the money that is your impound.. if you have any extra. Hope you are enjoying your new home.
Thanks Ricky.
Definition is:
When the Assessor's Office reappraises your property due to a change in ownership or new construction, you will be notified by mail of the new assessed value. This notification is known as a ‘Notice of Supplemental Assessment.' The reappraisal may result in the issuance of a supplemental tax bill. If the new assessed value is greater than the previous taxable value, the result will be a bill for the increase in value. A positive increase will generate a one-time supplemental bill. However, if the new assessed value is lower than the previous taxable value, it will result in a negative value. A negative value indicator will generate a one-time supplemental refund.
It is important to understand that supplemental tax bills are in addition to the regular annual tax bill and are mailed directly to the owner of the property. Unlike the annual property tax bills, lending agencies do not receive the original or a copy of the supplemental tax bill. These bills are the responsibility of the owner even if the regular annual property taxes are normally paid by a lender through an impound account. You may need to discuss the matter carefully with your lender. In any case, do not presume that your lender will automatically pay these types of bills.
John Hayes
RE/MAX Gold Folsom
530-306-3316 www.johnhayesrealestate.com
Subscribe to my Blog
|
California Martini Recipe |
|
6 parts vodka Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with orange twist |
For a couple of years now, Congress and other government entities have called for changes within both FNMA and FHLMC. Basically, the feeling has been that the underwriting guidelines need to tighten up and the capital requirements (for loan losses) needed to be increased. Consider both "mission accomplished."
With the recent ownership change at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the changes are coming fast and furious. Traditionally, non-owner occupied loans and high ratio loans have performed worse than other loans. So, changes are being made. The cost (points) of non-owner occupied loans is increasing as follow
LTV of <75%
LTV from 75.01% to 80%
LTV from 80.01% to 90%
1.75%
3.00%
3.75%
In many instances, borrowers have elected to pay a higher rate instead of the higher points. This will still be allowed. The cost of "buying up" the rate to offset the higher fees remains unchanged.
In another significant change, FNMA and FHLMC are reducing the number of mortgage loans that any one borrower may have. If you are doing a loan on an investment property or a 2nd home, you were previously limited to ten financed properties. The key is NOT the number of properties that you own, but the number of properties that have loans on them. All borrowers are now being...
Limited to 4 Financed Properties
These changes are effective immediately.
Lyman King
Senior Loan Consultant
(916) 817-4408 direct line
(866) 811-2302 direct fax
John Hayes
RE/MAX Gold
530-306-3316
|
The Academic Martini Recipe |
|
Galliano and orange . . . a study in good taste. 2 oz. Gin Combine ingredients in mixing glass. Add ice, stir to chill. Strain into a Swank Martini Glass. |
John Hayes
RE/MAX Gold Folsom
530-306-3316 Web Site
http://www.johnhayesrealestate.com
Blog
http://www.realestatemartini.com
Eat My Martini Recipe |
|
6 parts honey vodka 1 part amontillado sherry Almond-stuffed olive Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with olive. |
Have a Great Weekend.
John Hayes
RE/MAX Gold
530-306-3316
|
Peach Blossom Martini Recipe |
|
6 parts peach vodka Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with cracked ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with peach slice. |
It is my goal as your Full Time Real Estate agent specializing in the Folsom,Rancho Cordova and El Dorado Hills areas, to provide you with superior service at all times! www.johnhayesrealestate.com
It is my goal as your Full Time real estate agent specializing in the Folsom,Rancho Cordova and El Dorado Hills areas, to provide you with superior service at all times. My local expertise and extensive real estate experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a home at this time, or are a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources I offer.
Buying a home? I look forward to helping you select the home of your dreams by taking time to listen to your needs and desires.
Selling a home? My real estate expertise and many effective marketing programs will give you the exposure and edge you need to sell your home quickly for top dollar.
Returning Client? I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve you and hope you take advantage of the valuable resources I provide. Come back to visit often!
I consider this community an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you my enthusiasm for the many neighborhoods that encompass it. I pride myself on providing unparalleled service and look forward to developing a long-term relationship with you. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss how I can best assist you with your real estate needs.
Sincerely,
John Hayes
Areas of Expertise:
Sellers:
Buyers:
Purchase Loans:
Refinace:
Land:
New Constuction:
Building Your Dream Home:
These are some Testimonials from my past clients:
Hi John! John..working with you was great, so great that I have referred quite a few people to you so that you could help them find and purchase their homes. I think one of the best things about you is that your ALWAYS reachable. There were many, many times that I needed to talk to you and you always answered the phone or called back in a matter of minutes. That's really important to me because it shows me that you care and that your not just there for the sale, your with us the entire way through. Buying a home is very stressful at times, dealing with the banks on a foreclosed property and the lenders asking you for proof of everything but your blood type can really drive you nuts. You know your stuff. You give us your advice with an added "trust me" and sure enough you were always right. I would also like to add that you have remained in contact to this day offering your assistance in many different ways. You have a list of people that you have referred us to to help with many misc. repairs for our home (at really low prices), you have even kept us in mind when interest rates have dropped to a lower rate so we can re-fi and lower our payment. Your service doesn't stop with the SOLD sign, you continue to work for us long after the sale and that really means a lot to us. Good luck with everything and we'll keep those referrals coming! Jennifer Hill Elk Grove, CA.
1) John, I just wanted to send you a short e-mail thanking you for all your hard work in helping us with our home purchase. I know we are not easy clients to deal with. You were always available when we needed to get a hold of you or look at houses. I also appreciate your honesty throughout the whole process. You have a gift of making people comfortable. Thank you again and if anyone asks me about real estate I will definitely send them your way. J. Conrad
Alex Perez Hello John, Every person who reads this needs to know what kind of person this individual is; Kind, great person to have around your family, outstanding work ethic, dedicated to achieve optimum results and passionate about his career. John, you will always be highly recommended by me. Good Luck. Well just wanted to say hello to you and your family. Alex 3) Dear
John,
There are a lot of realtors out there who just want a
listing or a commission. You are not one of them.
You took a great deal of time to ensure we were not
just buying any house but buying a home that would
fit us. This professionsl courtesy extended to
helping us obtain the best financing available at
that time. We appreciate all your hard work and
efforts, Thank you Mr & Mrs Sartoris
My wife and I were referred to John by my co-worker when looking for our first home. John is a very knowledgeable realtor, and he answered all of our questions and concerns. After understanding our needs, he did his homework and found our dream home. The home that John found for us was a tremendous deal for the price, and a lot bigger than we had expected! John answers your phone calls in a timely manner, even if you call him everyday like we did. He understands that buying a home is your most important purchase of your life, and he will be there for you the entire process.
Adam & Khontharith Aita
Hi John
To everyone who will be reading this, Mr. Hayes is a caring, honest,
goes the extra mile Realtor.He
really listens to what you want in a house and finds what you want. He
has great patience and is
always there for you through the whole process. I WAS REALLY SCARED
when Mr. Hayes and I found my
home, But he always answered my phone calls and email. I sent many. He
assured me
that I could do this and I did. He is always positive, when you buy a
house you really need that. If
you are looking for a house you should call Mr. Hayes for all the
reasons above and he is really a
diamond in the rough. Thank you Maria Martinez
John,
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for all the hard work put in to my buying a home. It's been a rough roller coaster ride (about 2 years, 3 Real Estate Agents, 4 Lenders). I've seen the market (i.e interest rates/home prices) go up and down. My first home buying experience was enjoyable you were a very helpful and accommodating agent, that most importantly got the job done. As a new home owner, I am glad you were on my side. I would of never of thought about the extras that could be procured in a purchase if one is aggressive as yourself (i.e the 1yr home warranty, paid closing costs, washer/dryer, refrigerator/freezer, etc.). John, my family and I would like to sincerely thank you for your integrity and honesty and diligence. Due to all your work, I, got a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom house at $215,000 with a 5.25% interest rate. Almost unheard of two years ago. Thank you again. Carlos
John Hayes served as our Real Estate Agent through the purchase of our new home. We ran into him through a Craig's List add for one of his properties and he lined up properties for us to look at. We got to know him and he got to know our family and our needs, and was able to find us an absolutely fantastic deal with a brand new home. He went the extra mile that other agents did not.
John was always available to us throughout the buying process to answer questions or help things get moving along, if need be. I could not have asked for a better Real Estate Agent. He was concerned about our needs and what would work for our family. I would highly recommend John to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
Sincerely,
Theresa
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
