Yes and no......huh?
As pointed out on many occasions.....sometimes homeowners get carried away and by doing some upgrades the cost will not be recouped in a sale..... Why?
As a homeowner, if you are seeking to increase the value of your home you also need to look at the homes and neighborhood and overall market value of your area.
A Viking Stove or a pool may be your fondest dream.....but will you recoup the cost of such in your particular area?
Does not mean you should not proceed with your wants but be clear as to your overall intent of upgrades and remodel and do not automatically believe the value of your home will jump above the current market values for homes in your area in the event you need to sale in the near future.
Pools in particular can be an albatross or a blessing. There are costs associated with the upkeep of a pool requiring consistent maintenance. There are liability issues. On the other hand for those who love to chill out by the pool side and entertain makes them an asset and a blessing.....Take a look at your neighborhood......are there other pools in the area?
Probably the most simplest and least costly repairs or upgrades prior to going on the market is paint(neutral) and flooring.....neutral. Remove clutter, keep the yards maintained.
It is all about the first impression and street appeal....
Take advantage of energy conservation programs where you can get rebates and/tax breaks on dual pane windows and appliances.
For those homeowners who do not like to take care of back yards and pour cement in instead........you might want to rethink that as well.....you can design very low maintenance or no maintenance areas without pouring all of that concrete in.......If you do decide to install concrete make sure the contractor knows exactly what they are doing in terms of drainage and how to design the final touch up next to your foundation in terms of sloping etc. Water needs to run away from the foundation. Otherwise you have created a nightmare for your foundation and structure and inspection reports could cost you dearly in terms of repairs or negotiating your price downward considerably.
Are you saying not to remodel? Absolutely not.........what I am saying is when you update look at the cost associated with those updates and make sure those updates are in line with other remodel projects or homes in your area. You may update but perhaps choose less costlier materials and designs.
Buyers love updated kitchens....baths......
Think cost, investment and return.........
Living Trusts and Real Estate......
Living Trusts and Real Estate. No one likes to think about death and disability etc.....However for those with real estate and equity wanting to make life easier for those left behind you do want to consider a Trust....... I am not an attorney nor can I advise as to how such would be set up....I do know this...I have witnessed not only the tragedy of past clients either passing on or the aftermath of those clients who did not have a Trust that would protect their loved ones from probate court, tax consequences and the hardship of selling their property.
There are paralegals and sites online as well as Attorneys who specialize in such.
Make sure you have spelled out Power of Attorney and successor Trustees...
Make sure you have your pets covered in the event of your untimely demise.
Make sure you have a health declaration page and DNR(Do not resusciate) if certain conditions are present.
Make known your bural wishes and/or cremation.
Yes it costs a little money but will be worth it to those left behind in anxiety, grief, taxation and stress.
Maybe you do not have property and/or a lot of money but you do have pets. Never assume they will be taken care of . Remember they cannot speak for themselves.
Some possible onsite links for information....The sites suggested do NOT bring me any monetary gain. As a courtesy am providing you a base to perform your own research. I do not guarantee their accuracy or validity.
http://www.legalzoom.com/living-trusts/living-trusts-pricing.html
http://www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10581&id=2212
http://www.wethepeopleusa.com/
http://www.animallaw.info/topics/spuswillstrusts.htm
www.iSELLeastbayRealEstate.net
DRE Lice 01255032
This was on the news and the email below was forwarded to me this AM. I have worked in past years with this shelter and they have performed a great service to the pets and community. They have sponsored the Bay to Barkers each year at the Berkeley Marina......If you can pass on to those who might be able to assist please do so. I know this is an extremely hard time for all.......Thank You...
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Home Buyers ONLY! Sorry NO agents.
I have been asked to procure a buyer for a double wide mobile home in a senior park by the bank.
Buyer must be owner occupant. No rentals allowed in this park.
It has been repossessed...Needs a little TLC . The carpet appears in great shape... The lineoleum in the baths and kitchen most likely will need updating.
The appliances will most likely need updating.. Has hook ups for inside washer and dryer.
For the most part appears to have been kept up needs some cleaning.
The bank is asking $15000 for this home.
If any interest please contact me.
It is located in Pittsburg at Delta Hawaii.
There are monthly lot space rent fees. Mobile home owner pays own utilities. Great community with a lot of events and various group activities for those inclined to be involved.
You must be 55 and/or over to live in this park.
The bank just reduced to $15,000....what a deal.......
Contact me for a personal showing of this home.
www.iSELLeastbayRealEstate.net
DRE License #01255032
If you are like me you put things away for a rainy day......after several rainy days and several years later that item still has not been used......
Spring is the perfect time to clean up clutter and give things away.....OR have a garage sale!
Rule of thumb if you have not used an item for 5 yrs it is definitely time to think about letting it go.
I took a look at my home office today and took a deep sigh..........
I could have sworn I did a spring and fall clean up last year........
Remember to get a receipt for anything that you take to Goodwill or Salvation Army etc...Another opportunity to cut back on taxes and give at the same time.
Electronics that do not work? Remember to take them to a recycling drop off specific to electronics. On occasion you will find vendors who pick up electronics and rehab them and resell them. Just remember the environment in your clean up.
Sometimes neighborhoods will have a joint effort in a community garage sale. That is a great idea and helps you to get to know your neighbors better as well as build better relationships and will bring more traffic your way.
In fact, ask your local realtor to help sponsor such.....
Communities that join together in events such as garage sales will also grow and become more cognizant of any safety issues.. There is protection in numbers and what better way to communicate but through a garage sale.
Some have gone a step further and made it a block party as well. .... Barbecue and all.....
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"Pawsitively" selling Walnut Creek Area real estate since 1999. Relocation, Residential, Condos, Townhomes, 1031 Exchange, Lots and Land, Mobile Homes, Investment property, Short Sales and REO.
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