10 Ways to Get Rid of Mold in Your Home
Copyright© 2011 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission.
Rosemary West
RE/MAX Professionals Select
Office: 815-729-1814
Mobile: 630-807-9700
rosemarywest@remax.net
http://RosemaryWestTeam.com
Top 10 Ways to Prevent Roof Leaks
While roofing problems are obviously exacerbated by rain, there are other insidious, but lesser-known sources that contribute to roof leak issues. Whether you’ve got a new home or an older one, most roof shingles, on average, can go 15 years without needing repair—but a roof can deteriorate well before the 15-year mark, and the longer you wait to repair it, the more expensive the repair will likely be.
By being aware of the various problems that can lead to major roof leaks, you can catch them early, avoid expensive repairs, and prolong the life of your roof. Of course, this is especially critical if you are approaching the home-buying or –selling process. Home inspection company Pillar To Post recommends that you keep a close watch for the following roofing red flags and correct them as soon as possible:
1. Incorrect shingle installation. Even the strongest shingles won’t stand up to rain if they’re not properly installed. Improper joint locations and a lack of underlay are two issues that are particularly hard to see, but can be extremely problematic.
2. Structural sagging. A sagging roof structure is often the result of moisture retention, and nearly always foreshadows, or coincides with, a leak issue.
3. Water “ponding.” Clogged roof drains and indented areas on flat roofs can cause water pooling—which is basically a leak waiting to happen.
4. Damaged nails. Even on shingles that have been expertly installed, nails are the first thing to show wear. Corroding nails leave microscopic holes that invite water in.
5. Improperly hung gutters. Gutter placement is critical and just a tiny shift caused by strong wind can tamper with the gutter system and divert rain onto the roof.
6. Moss. As moss gathers, it retains more and more moisture that you might not be able to see—until it starts dripping into the attic.
7. Insufficient insulation. Pre-1980s homes, in particular, may not have an adequate vapor barrier; if they don’t, a replacement is warranted—surface patching and minor repairs will just amount to wasted money.
8. A deteriorating chimney. Cracks, eroded joints or decaying caps in the chimney allow moisture and water to seep in.
9. Poor past repairs. From improper plastering to inadequately plugged-up holes, any past repairs that look like they’re DIY are probably not up to code and are not apt to provide leak protection in the future. Have a professional evaluate and correct as necessary.
10. Don’t forget the attic. Many leaks can actually originate in the attic so be sure not to terminate any vent or exhaust pipes in the attic.
Rosemary West
RE/MAX Professionals Select
Office: 815-729-1814
Mobile: 630-807-9700
rosemarywest@remax.net
Copyright© 2011 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission.
Tips for a Successful Kitchen Remodel
There’s no way around it—everyone gathers in the kitchen. Often the heart and soul of our home, the kitchen is also one of the critical areas that contributes—or detracts—from the value of your home.
As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have witnessed over and over how the kitchen can make or break a home buyer’s decision. Whether you’re planning to put your home on the market soon or simply want to enhance the functionality and atmosphere of your home, a kitchen renovation is always a good idea—it will pay dividends in terms of value, whether in the near or far future.
Your kitchen remodel should be approached with careful consideration and planning to ensure the best outcome. As all kitchen experts will tell you, the best designs are based on the “work triangle”—the space among the prep area, cooking area and sink. A good kitchen design ensures that there is never less than four feet or more than nine feet between these areas.
Here are some other key tips to follow when planning your kitchen remodel:
1. Create a Budget. According to the Kitchen & Bath Association, while some remodels are more extensive than others, the average kitchen remodel costs between 10-20% of the home’s value. Leave a 10-15% cushion for surprises, such as unexpected structural repairs. Also avoid settling for a cheap option, thinking someday you will replace it with something you really want. Chances are that will never happen.
2. Determine Your Priorities. Your kitchen design should be predicated on lifestyle. Do you have a large family? Do you love to cook? Entertain? Factors like these will determine both layout and the types of appliances you purchase.
3. Research. Don’t jump headlong into a remodel. Take advantage of the copious resources available to research what you really want from your kitchen. Watch TV remodeling programs, start a notebook with magazine clippings, attend remodeling seminars (usually free at your local home improvement store), visit home shows, kitchen showrooms, neighborhood tours, etc.
4. The Right Expert. Get referrals from friends, neighbors and your real estate professional, and then interview kitchen designers. Have them come to your home so they can see your current kitchen and make recommendations.
5. Take Your Time. Don’t rush! Approach each of the above steps with careful consideration. Changing your mind after the project is started typically adds about $1,500 to the cost of a kitchen project.
6. Get Everything in Writing. No doubt you’ve heard a horror story or two of remodels gone wrong. When using a professional for a remodel, the written contract should list each phase of the project; every product, including the model number; and copies of each contractor’s license, and workers compensation and liability insurance to confirm they are current.
Heeding the above tips should put you well on your way to a successful kitchen remodel. Please feel free to contact me for more information or for referrals on professionals to work with. Also be sure to send this email on to those who may be considering a kitchen remodel.
Rosemary West
RE/MAX Professionals Select
Office: 815-729-1814
Mobile: 630-807-9700
rosemarywest@remax.net
http://RosemaryWestTeam.com
Answers to 5 Common Questions About Default
Unfortunately, in today's slowly recovering economy, many homeowners continue to find themselves in financial trouble. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have worked with many clients over the past few years to help resolve their financial dilemma in the best way possible. There are many options available to distressed homeowners -- unfortunately, most people are not aware of what these options are.
To help clarify confusion and shed light on optimal homeowner options, real estate finance expert Marian Anthony, answers five questions distressed homeowners often have:
1. Should I intentionally default on my home mortgage?
You’ve probably heard of people "intentionally" or "strategically" defaulting on their mortgage, willing to take the hit to their credit in favor of freeing up cash flow in the short-term. Rather than defaulting, however, homeowners should talk with their real estate professional about the potential for a short sale. A short sale could lead toward the debt showing as "settled" on your credit. Walking away and allowing the bank to foreclose still allows the second lender to render a judgment -- and possibly garnish your wages. You may also have to file for bankruptcy to recover from the credit nightmare.
2. As a borrower, what are some ways I can gain leverage with my lender?
One way to gain leverage with a lender is to establish a "substitute mortgage" -- a security pledge that is offered to the seller's lender with a third party for a lesser amount of the current payment. Over time, this will result in a significant amount of collected funds that can be used as negotiating leverage to release the borrower from the debt, or dictate terms for a favorable loan modification.
3. Why have loan modifications and foreclosures become the predominant answer for so many in distressed property situations?
The reason why loan modifications and foreclosures have become the answer for so many is because many real estate professionals erroneously consider the short sale process to be too complex. It is essential to work with a real estate professional who is equipped with the right forms and contact information, and who knows how to orchestrate a short sale transaction.
4. Why is a short sale strategy more advantageous than a foreclosure?
The reduced payoff in a short sale can release you from the debt obligation. This often allows you to re-establish your credit faster and re-enter the market much wiser. A foreclosure can ruin a homeowner's credit and take much longer to recover from.
5. I’ve heard borrowers in default need a 'General Public Disclosure?' Why?
Many people are not aware of the alternatives available to them when facing foreclosure. Knowing your options, as detailed on a General Public Disclosure document, can make all the difference in establishing a deal that's in the homeowners' best interest.
Remember that every distressed homeowner's situation is unique; therefore, it is essential to contact a real estate professional -- and often an attorney -- to determine the best possible solution for you. I am happy to assist, so please feel free to contact me, and please pass this important information on to others in need.
Rosemary West
RE/MAX Professionals Select
Office: 815-729-1814
Mobile: 630-807-9700
rosemarywest@remax.net
http://RosemaryWestTeam.com
6 Ways to Get Your Home in Tip-Top Shape
Understandably, the goal for any home seller is to sell their property quickly, while investing as little as possible in renovations. With a limited budget and a little effort, you can greatly increase your home's appeal by focusing on what prospective buyers can see on their first visit.
As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I've learned a lot from my fellow members and have access to valuable home-selling information. Consider the following advice from staging expert Kate Hart:
Curb appeal: First impressions are everything and this has never been truer than in today's market. To leave a positive impression on buyers, take care of any exterior maintenance issues before buyers arrive, such as power washing walkways and patios, cleaning your gutters, touching up peeling paint, replacing broken light bulbs, edging and mulching beds, and adding fresh annuals. Some free things you can do include polishing your front door hardware and sweeping away pesky cobwebs.
Kitchen: Give your kitchen a mini facelift on a budget by repainting your cabinets instead of replacing them. For a more contemporary look, consider a semi-gloss espresso brown. For a more traditional look, opt for a semi-gloss creamy white. Complete the makeover by adding new hardware. Considering professional help? Ask your local painter if they can spray a lacquer finish on your cabinets. This treatment is more expensive than painting the cabinets yourself but the result looks like a factory finish.
Bathroom: Give an outdated bath a pick-me-up by replacing your existing lighting, faucets and hardware with updated styles.
Family room: Make your fireplace or great view the selling feature, not your entertainment center. Chances are, your family room is currently centered around the things you do everyday, such as watching television. Before showing, rearrange your room to showcase the architectural focal point of your family room.
Dining room: Keep the dining room decluttered and streamlined so buyers can imagine how they can enjoy this space with their families. Before showing, make sure to remove any knick-knacks and extraneous items from your china cabinet or sideboard. A rule to follow: pack up any items that are smaller than a softball, such as salt and pepper shakers, wedding cake toppers and small figurines.
Living room: Make sure you are selling your space, not your stuff. Give this space a less-cluttered look by keeping no more than three items per surface. For example, go with a piece of art and a pair of candlesticks on the mantle instead of your favorite collection.
A little bit of work and preparation can go a long way toward selling your home sooner. For more tips and advice, please feel free to e-mail me. And, if you know anyone else who could benefit from this advice, please share this with them as well.
Sincerely,
Rosemary West
RE/MAX Professionals Select
Office: 815-729-1814
Mobile: 630-807-9700
rosemarywest@remax.net
http://RosemaryWestTeam.com
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