As busy as our daily routines and lives are, it’s sometimes easy to overlook fire safety and other home maintenance.
Remember to replace the old batteries in your home’s smoke alarms regularly. A good rule of thumb is every six months when you change the clocks for Daylight Savings. This year it ends on November 2nd.
While you’re at it, dust each alarm and test it to make sure it is properly functioning. Make sure you have installed enough smoke alarms for the size of your home–at least one per floor, especially near bedrooms.
It’s also a good idea to periodically check your fire extinguishers. Many models are useful only for a certain number of years before they must be serviced or replaced. Check your model to determine the time period. Each home should have at least one extinguisher in the kitchen and the garage.
Finally, because overloaded circuits are the cause of many home fires, you should take a few minutes to scan your home’s power outlets and replace any cords or plugs that have cracks or other visible damage.
These simple tasks will make your home a safer place for everyone.
Unrealistic, contradictions and false expectations - caused by some extremely popular reality home-improvement shows.
Designed to Sell
Designed to Sell shows how to turn a tired house into a showpiece by giving sellers a $2,000 budget and a team of experts to transform their house into the hottest property on the block.
This happens to be one of my favorite shows. I know that it isn’t truly possible to spend less than 2 days and under $2,000 to completly remake a room, let alone an entire house!
These shows do provide viewers with a tremendous wealth of information and terrific ideas for renovating rooms. Many of the ideas are simple and can be done in a weekend. That is one item and area at a time. If you’re considering a new look to a bedroom through the addition of some interesting new paint colors, new window coverings, some moldings, the revamping of some existing furniture and maybe building a simple bookshelf, it is indeed possible to do in two days with $2,000- however not by everyone, especially the average homeowner.
These shows are done by professionals. You have the host, designer and few key contractors – then there is a slew of personnel behind the scenes that you do not see. Additionally, everything is completely organized and planned thoroughly, all materials are preordered and delivered prior to filming.
Most times in exchange for having their company names mentioned on air the materials and products are provided at cost or at designer discounts plus the labor is provided free by the show – therefore $2,000 goes a bit further.
These reality home-improvement shows are great, but as a viewer you must realize that this is not reality.
Therefore enjoy these shows for their entertainment value, and for the information they provide. But don’t take these shows as the truth, and don’t expect that you can get a contractor to perform the same feats of magic without a very extensive and very expensive infrastructure to back you up.
The classic dilemma for many homeowners is whether to buy or sell first. There is no “right” answer. It depends on your specific circumstances.
Most homeowners agree that it’s more prudent and less stressful if you sell your existing home before you buy a new one. You can often get top dollar for your home if you are not under pressure to sell. And you’re in a better position to negotiate on the buying side of the transaction. If you have to make an offer contingent on the sale of your home, you often lose negotiating leverage.
If you sell your current home and the home you select isn’t available when you’re ready to move, you may end up with cash in hand in a short-term rental. No one wants to move twice, but it may be well worth it to eliminate risk and have more money to work with.
If you currently own a home I would be happy to provide you with a home valuation so that you know what your home is worth in today’s market. If you provide me with some basic information on your home, I’ll be able to give you a price range. That range will be determined using the information you provide to establish a list of comparable properties in your area as reported by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Or I can provide you with a more precise valuation by briefly visiting your home.
THE EMERGENCY ECONOMIC STABILIZATION ACT
As you know or at least you have heard by now about the “Bailout or Rescue.”
Basic Synopsis: On October 3rd, President Bush signed emergency legislation to help stabilize financial markets and improve bank dealings with borrowers in foreclosure. The legislation includes provisions that reinsert monies back into credit markets to help future homeowners. The package also includes provisions increasing federal insurance on bank accounts, as well as some limited tax relief for real estate.
The need to sell and buy real estate remains constant. People still relocate as a result of job transfers. Young families still want to move into larger homes. Upwardly mobile families still desire to move into more expensive homes. Empty-nesters still want to downsize.
People need to feel good about making a financial decision as large as buying a home. There needs to be a certain level of confidence. Events such as those surrounding the financial markets erode this confidence.
The $700B bailout, is likely to produce multiple positive economic and psychological effects on the residential real estate market.
There IS hope in sight for our floundering economy! This recent action by President and Congress will help reduce the supply of homes and increase demand. Thereby rejuvenating the housing market – freeing up much needed mortgage funds. Plus the Federal Reserve is considering lowering interest rates again. Lower mortgage rates, reduced foreclosures, and stabilized home prices will mean more buyers.
Don’t be left on the sidelines. Now is the time to act – before home prices start to rise and fewer homes become available.
When you choose a real estate agent, you’re selecting someone to represent you in one of the largest financial transactions you may ever undertake.
As the Internet continues to simplify the way people research buying and selling homes, there are many good reasons to choose an agent who can harness the power of technology to provide you with exceptional service, including:
- Sending up-to-date information by email for you to review at your convenience.
- Providing you with an online home evaluation to stay on top of current market value.
- Emailing new home listings to you as soon as desirable properties hit the market.
- Delivering e-newsletters to keep you informed about market trends and other important matters.
- Showcasing your home on the Web to help you sell it for top dollar.
Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or simply want to stay informed about the real estate market, using new technology helps me consistently provide you with timely information and outstanding service.
As you prepare your home for the market, one thing to keep in mind is that you have only one chance to make a first impression. It is absolutely vital that prospective buyers form a good impression of your home–beginning the moment they drive up.
You can help create that good first impression by presenting potential buyers with a well-cared-for yard including a mowed lawn. Your front door and porch should be clean and neat, preferably freshly painted.
These first important encounters create a positive impression that carries through to the rest of your home. An inviting atmosphere implies that your house has been well maintained and taken care of. Homes that convey pride of ownership frequently receive the best offers.
If your home appears disheveled or uncared for, prospective buyers may quickly conclude it’s been neglected and is in need of repairs. Such a negative impression can result in a less-than-generous offer–or possibly no offer at all.
Try viewing your home through a potential buyer’s eyes. Would YOU buy your home?
A funny take on a sad situation.
Baltimore County | Phill Cross | 
October 31, 2008 10:18 am | 
Comments (0) 
Welcome to my blog on Real Estate in the greater Baltimore Maryland Metropolitan Area. I am Phill Cross, a full-time ePRO REALTOR® & licensed MD Real Estate Agent affiliated with RE/MAX Acclaimed.
