NOVA PROS Home Improvement Resource » Real Estate

Home Inspections 101

LillyTeam — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:00:36 +0000

Home inspections made easy.

What does your home inspection cover? And who is liable if a problem develops down the road? We’ll answer these questions in today’s column.

You need an inspection on any property you are buying, regardless if it’s old or new construction. An inspection is like a check-up for your house. What repairs will need to be addressed now and what might need to be addressed later down the road? This is what you have answered during an inspection. Having an inspection done prior to signing a contract allows you to negotiate your findings into the deal. Does the roof need replaced? The seller may give an allowance to pay for the repairs. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know!

Perhaps you’ve fallen in love with a fixer-upper and are dreaming of doing the repairs yourself. If the inspection discovers hidden damage and costs, you’ll be given the option to keep looking for a more suitable house. Keep in mind, however, that simply because a house needs repairs doesn’t mean you shouldn’t purchase it. Nearly every house will have a list of repairs that need to be done to get it “shipshape.” It is your decision to choose how much you are willing to spend and how much work you are willing to do.

A home inspection varies depending on what type of property you are interested in.

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), “The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.”

There are limits, however, to what a home inspection will cover. They aren’t required to identify conditions that are concealed or are considered latent defects. That means if personal property, plants, snow, or debris are covering an issue, the home inspector isn’t require to move those items to inspect and isn’t liable if he misses something. They aren’t require to make determinations on systems that aren’t readily accessible.

They also aren’t required to note the presence of potentially hazardous plants and animals. That includes “wood destroying organisms” or even molds.

This means you should find a home inspector that you trust. The ASHI recommends you choose from their list of licensed professionals. “ASHI members know houses, ensuring that you can find a home inspector. They are trained to objectively communicate to you, the home inspection buyer, what the house has to say. ASHI members have demonstrated technical proficiency and report-writing skills, and they have committed to continuing education in order to achieve and maintain their member status.”

Having a trusted inspector means that most every problem that can be identified will be. An inspection is about peace of mind, and a good inspector gives you that.

Written by Carla Hill as found in Craig Lilly’s Newsletter.

Don’t Let Termites Eat Away the Sale Of Your Home

LillyTeam — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:00:15 +0000

Termite Infestation

You’re selling your home and it comes time to get that dreaded termite inspection. It’s the Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection that homeowners fear can eat away at the price of a home or ruin the entire deal–but it doesn’t have to.

There are a few signs that may indicate there might be an infestation. Some states are more likely to have heavy termite activity such as those in a “hot zone” such as California, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Hawaii. While these areas have the highest level of activity, termites can be found nearly anywhere and the varieties of the insects differ depending on the area and climate.

According to TermiteInstitute.com, “When conditions like cracks in the foundation or plumbing leaks are present; the possibility of a hidden wood-destroying infestation exists. Buyers should pay particular attention to these potentially hazardous conditions outlined in the WDO inspection report.”

Many homeowners don’t think about the possibility of having termites until they’re getting ready to sell their home. Unfortunately, a history of termite issues can eat away at the sales price. Being prepared and understanding what to expect from an inspection is not only helpful but could help ensure a better price and smoother home sale.

TermiteInstitute.com has a lot of information that helps clarify the type of termites found in various locations. The site also helps inform and educate people about termite warning signs, treatment, and even the biology and lifecycle of these pests. I found the site’s top questions and answers about termites to be very interesting. Here’s what you should know about termites.

If my neighbor’s home is infested; will mine be attacked next? TermiteInstitute.com says not necessarily. However, the risk is, of course, high. Preventive treatment is recommended.

How are homes treated for termites? The methods vary depending on the severity and the professional company that you choose but here’s a look at some modern treatments.

Termite bait systems can be set up, however, this requires termites to find the bait stations, eat the poisonous feed, and then transfer it to the colony. It can take up to a year to be fully effective.

The site says that liquid termite treatment is known as the new “undetectable” or “non-repellent” technology. “It works well with subterranean termites, which comprise about 90 percent of the infestations in American households.” This method is done by a professional applying the undetectable liquid to the soil and around the home as well as critical points in the structure where termites are likely to invade.

Since termites can’t detect the liquid material, they pass through the treated soil causing termite mortality. “However, before termites die, they can have an opportunity to return to the colony and transfer the material to others in the nest,” according to TermiteInstitute.com

Will my homeowners’ insurance pay for treatment? It’s not likely. Although, in some areas of Louisiana some insurance companies have covered termite treatments for those structures that suffered hurricane damage.

While termites are annoying and can certainly eat away at your sale price, if you don’t take care of the infestation and damage, they’re not harmful to humans. In other words they feed on wood, not people. But they can severely damage a home so it’s best to know right away whether you have an infestation and what your options are to resolve the problem. It could save you money and frustration when it comes time to close the sale on your house.

Written by Phoebe Chongchua as found in Craig Lilly’s Newsletter.

Remodeling Increasing: How to Get the Best Value

LillyTeam — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:51:26 +0000

Homeowners who have either decided to stay in their homes or are considering selling may be helping to build momentum in the remodeling market.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the organization’s Chairman, Greg Miedema, said in a recent media statement that, “With more calls from homeowners and more projects under way, remodelers are seeing better activity in their businesses.”

NAHB reports that indicators for current remodeling market conditions have improved in all regions across the country. “A significant portion of the market improvement came from the measure for major additions and alterations (jobs worth $25,000 or more with a leap to 38.2 (from 32.7),” according to NAHB. The association’s Remodeling Market Index (RMI) measures ranges from zero (very poor conditions) to 100 (excellent conditions) as rated by the remodelers surveyed.

NAHB says several factors could be contributing to better remodeling conditions. “Remodeling does uptick when there are more new homes being built and sold or existing homes being sold because people tend to remodel when they’re moving or when they’re selling. The other thing that we could be seeing is an increase in consumer sentiment in that people have been reluctant to spend but now are feeling a little bit more confident and more willing to spend. These are things that some of our researchers think might be part of the influencers right now,” says Kelly Mack, Communications Manager for NAHB Remodelers.

Remodeling is, however, a big step for many homeowners. Getting the best value for your remodel shouldn’t come from guesswork; instead, knowing how to find a remodeling company with a solid reputation for delivering quality work throughout the entire remodeling process requires research.

Choosing the best remodeler for your project can often be a tedious process and if you don’t take the time to explore all your options it can result in frustration and too much money spent.

Making sure the company that is doing the remodel asks the right questions, does its homework, and offers full-service design and remodeling under one roof. This will help ensure a quality remodel that meets all your needs.

Steve Walton, Senior Design Consultant for Marrokal Design and Remodeling, in San Diego, California helps clients sort through what can be a complicated process to get the best value remodel.

“When I meet with clients, I have them describe their ideas for the remodeling project. I take a lot of notes,” says Walton. The design consultant then sets another meeting at Marrokal’s Design and Remodeling center. Prior to this meeting Walton has already done his homework and researched any likely obstacles for the remodel. Some companies take on a project and later discover remodeling barriers.

“I get your set-backs, zoning conditions, and height conditions and try to see if there are any issues. That way when we meet at our design center we can start looking at the architectural process,” says Walton.

The full-service home-design remodel company offers homeowners one-stop shopping for their remodeling needs. “I develop a written program based on what my clients’ needs and goals are for their remodel,” says Walton. He adds, “Throughout this I am digging deep and finding out what’s important to my clients. A lot of companies don’t ask these questions but this is how Marrokal Design and Remodeling starts to develop a preliminary budget for our clients.”

While not all remodelers offer full service (from design to construction), this type of company is often popular with homeowners. A full-service company keeps your remodeling project running smoothly by coordinating all of the necessary design, construction developments, and communication with trade companies through one primary source (removing the unnecessary hassle of trying to get numerous trade companies to work together).

Another approach to remodeling that sets quality remodelers apart from the rest is the use of value engineering to design the remodel. “Value engineering” means refining and sometimes redesigning aspects of the remodel to make it more cost-effective which ultimately saves money for the homeowner.

Mack adds that the basic tasks of asking for references, planning your budget, interviewing remodelers, asking about certifications that the remodeler holds, and making sure that all your questions are met will help set your mind at ease before you start the remodeling process.

If you’re considering a remodel, understanding some of the most popular remodeling trends can help you decide which projects may have the greatest appeal for comfort and sale-ability.

Mack says high on the list are creating outdoor living space and energy-efficient remodels to help off-set the cost of utility bills. The outdoor living trend has been steadily increasing says Mack. “This is a trend that we think will grow into 2015.”

Written by Phoebe Chongchua as found in Craig Lilly’s Newsletter.

Moving Made Easy, Keep It Simple

LillyTeam — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:29:35 +0000

The moving industry is complicated. It uses a lot of lingo that most consumers don’t understand: You get your estimates as “binding” or “non-binding”; movers use a “tariff” to determine rates; when the mover ships your goods, you receive a “bill of lading.”

And when you go to check out your mover, you run into a mass of regulations. If you’re moving within your state, your state government regulates your move; if you’re moving across the country, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration does. Finding (and understanding) information about your mover on either of these agencies’ Web sites can be hard, too.

It’s understandable, then, that most people don’t put in this kind of gumshoe work. However, there are three basic moving pitfalls that, if avoided, can help save you from a lousy experience with poor moving companies.

Not getting an in-home estimate

The moving company needs to see exactly what they need to move. If they don’t, it’s near impossible to derive accurate moving quotes for your move.

Have them come to your home to see exactly what you need moved; otherwise, you could be in for a nasty surprise on moving day if they claim you have more belongings than you indicated on your inventory.

Don’t give an inventory over the phone or complete one online. You will have a hard time putting together an accurate inventory on your own, and it also gives unscrupulous moving companies the opportunity to claim that your inventory was incorrect and void the estimate – on moving day, no less.

While on the subject of unscrupulous moving companies, one easy way to decrease your chances of hiring one is to start your search using a database of pre-screened, pre-qualified movers. Check out Web sites such as MovingQuotes.com, which matches consumers with pre-screened, competent movers.

Not choosing a mover with a local presence

There are many reasons for this.

First, it’s a good idea to visit the moving company offices to ensure they’re a legitimate mover and not just a broker that’s going to give your move to someone else.

Second, it will put your mind at ease to see the moving company’s facilities, its names on the trucks, etcetera.

Third, logistically, it’s just easier. If you’re moving from Texas to Seattle, how can a moving company in Ohio do your move? Will that moving company really be handling your move?

Finally, if you must follow up with the moving company for a damage claim or something else after the move, having them nearby makes that process much easier.

Going with a low-ball bid

Beware of an offer that sounds too good to be true. You will almost certainly pay for it in some other way.

True, some companies might offer a lower price, but make sure it’s a reasonable discount. First, you should get at least three moving quotes for your move. If two of the movers are priced around the same level, and the third comes in with a price that’s 30 percent less, you need to be skeptical.

All moving companies face the same costs, so if someone is telling you they can do your move for a lot less, it’s probably because they will make up the difference by larding on a bunch of ridiculous charges later, such as excess packing charges, or claims that you added stuff to be moved after you got your estimate.

Packing up and moving – whether across town or across the country – is always a nerve-racking experience. The thought of dealing with a potentially disreputable moving company adds another layer of unnecessary complexity. By avoiding these three common mistakes, you will increase your chances of having an easier, less stressful moving experience, and move on to enjoying your new home.

Written by Tim Johnson as found in Craig Lilly’s Newsletter.

Key to Earning Energy-Efficiency Tax Credits

LillyTeam — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:17:39 +0000

Homeowners now can claim up to $1,500 in expanded energy-efficiency tax credits for remodeling their principal residence to reduce energy consumption. Available until the end of 2010, the revamped Existing Home Retrofit (25C) Tax Credit helps consumers save two ways: on their costs and on their utility bills.

“Remodelers can help find the best methods of saving energy in your home with an assessment, like a home energy audit,” explained Greg Miedema, CGR, CGB, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Tucson, Ariz. “Tightening the house to reduce air leakage by adding insulation, fixing ducts, and installing a more efficient heating and air conditioning system can help save on energy bills today while also reducing next year’s tax bill.”

The expanded federal tax credit refunds 30 percent of the product replacement cost up to a total of $1,500. It can be used not only for HVAC systems, insulation and water heaters but also for windows and doors and insulation as long as the new products meet IRS qualifications. In some cases, installation costs may also be used to claim the tax credit.

Home energy audits can cost as little as $500, which remodelers say is an expense that pays for itself – and more – with savings from efficiency upgrades. And homeowners may be able to combine federal tax credits with local and regional incentives to maximize savings.

Here’s one example: Insulation improvements may be one of the easiest and most affordable ways to save on energy costs. Upgrading inefficient insulation (from R-19 to R-38) in the attic of a two-story, 2,000-square-foot Chicago home might cost around $1,000, but the tax credit brings that down to $700. Add that to Chicago’s MidAmerican Energy residential energy efficiency rebate program, which can return up to $600 spent on insulation or other energy-efficiency upgrades, and the cost drops to $100 – meaning a two-year payback period for the $51 estimated annual utility savings for this project.

Inspecting the ductwork, caulking and heating and cooling systems for possible upgrades or enhancements also help to provide additional energy savings, Miedema said.

Homeowners also can use the tax credit for heating and cooling components. For example, upgrading a standard 10-year-old air conditioner to today’s federal minimum 13-SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) model may cost about $5,500 in Phoenix, but does not qualify for the tax credit. Spending as little as $2,000 more for a higher-efficiency air-conditioner (such as 16-SEER) earns the homeowner the $1,500 energy-efficiency federal tax credit. Plus, the local power company provides a rebate starting at $425. With the tax credit and utility rebate, the cost difference can be paid back in a couple of years, while the homeowner may enjoy utility bills savings for years to come.

With the credit, tankless water heaters are comparable in cost to traditional gas water heaters, but last as long as 20 years and are 30 percent more efficient, according to Eugene Lamana, residential business manager at Rinnai, a manufacturer of tankless water heaters and other gas appliances based in Peachtree City, Ga. Savings depend on local energy prices, but home owners may also save with less frequent replacements. When the credit is included, homeowners can save $100 per year on their water heating expenses, he added.

“These are just some examples of how the energy-efficiency tax credit helps consumers save money in making home improvements and cutting down utility bills,” said Miedema. “Homeowners should contact a professional remodeler near them for advice on installing tax credit-qualified improvements in their home.”

Homeowners can use an energy-savings simulation from the NAHB Research Center at http://energysim.toolbase.org to determine likely costs of upgrades and savings. Information on rebates from utility companies and other state and local government incentives is available at DSIRE.

In addition to expanding the 25C tax credit, the Wind, Solar, Geothermal and Fuel Cell (25D) Tax Credit for renewable energy products now provides larger incentives for installing geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells. Although the upfront costs are high for these products, the tax credit is 30 percent and there is no cap on their cost through 2016. Taxpayers can claim the credits on IRS Form 5695.

Written by Realty Times Staff as found in Craig Lilly’s Newsletter.

How to Landscape to Sell Your House

ZoeMack — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:00:14 +0000

One of the most important factors to consider if you are going to sell your home is curb appeal. When buyers pull up to look at your house, you want them to see a home that is neat, well taken care of, and beautiful: the sort of home anyone would be proud to own. Landscaping can be a smart investment; a buyer’s first impressions can often make or break a sale, and the exterior of your home is the first thing everyone sees. For a small investment of time and money, you can use landscaping to make your house stand out and be noticed. The following are aspects of landscaping you should consider before putting your house on the market:

LAWN: Your lawn should be well maintained. Mow often and set your mower higher: grass that is clipped too short will be more prone to drying out and weeds. Take the extra time and edge sidewalks and paths.

REMOVING PLANTS: Obviously, weeds should be removed. Overgrown plants and bushes should be pruned, and if they look too bedraggled, removed. If you have the time, some shrubs (like forsythia) can be brought back to life by cutting them back to a foot or so off the ground. They will grow back lusher and more full, but this will take time. Overgrown perennials can be dug up, divided, and used to plant new areas. If you have extra plants in areas that aren’t easily seen, move them to more obvious locations.

CHOOSING PLANTS: Landscaping plants, bushes, and trees all take time to establish themselves and grow. Of course, you can buy full-sized bushes and fifteen foot trees, but these can cost a significant amount of money, as well as needing specialized equipment to plant them. If your current landscaping is spartan or nonexistent, a wise choice is often to purchase one largish bush or small tree as a focal point, and surround it with smaller, cheaper plants. Annual plants (plants that die off each year) can provide a show of color and take less time to fill out than perennials. Annuals can also be significantly less expensive, especially if you grow them from seed. If you have a couple of months before you plan on listing your home, flower seeds like zinnias or alyssum grow quickly and provide a good show of color. Ornamental grasses can provide interest and height, and may grow faster than flowering plants or shrubs.

PLANT LOCATION: Choose a highly visible area for your planting; near the front of the house or next to a front path or stair is usually a good choice. Landscaping should match the style of the house: a small cottage will look good with a little plot of mixed wildflowers in front of the front porch, while a neo-classical or modern house may look better with a single sculpted evergreen and several smaller plants. Most smaller plants look best in odd-numbered groups: group 3 or 5 plants together instead of having one of everything. Plant smaller plants in front and larger plants in back. If your planting is not next to a house or wall, surround a taller plant with gradually shorter plants.

MULCH: Mulch can make all the difference when it comes to getting that manicured, landscaped look. Not only will a good layer of mulch keep the weeds down and retain moisture for the plants, but it can make the garden areas around your house look well cared for. If your planting areas border your lawn, use flexible edging to keep the mulch neatly in place.

HARDSCAPE: Hardscape refers to the non-living elements of your landscaping. If your property is overflowing with rocks, consider edging areas with stone, or if you have larger rocks, arrange them in a pleasing configuration and surround them with mulch. Add a ceramic bird or two for a dash of color and interest. If you live in a dry, arid climate, use Zen gardens for inspiration; arrangements of gravel, sand, and stone can be just as beautiful as plant life. Benches and bird feeders can beautify side and back lawns, especially when they are placed against a backdrop of taller plants. (A note on garden gnomes, ceramic ducks, plastic flamingos, and the like: while you may love and treasure these things, you should be aware that potential buyers may not be of a similar mindset. It is best to remove any inanimate objects that possess a face from your yard before showing your house.)

The trick to landscaping a house to sell is to get the most selling advantage for the least amount of money. Focus on the main areas: near the front entrance, along a path, and the front of the house. Choose one or two larger plants or shrubs, and surround them with smaller, cheaper plants. If you choose flowering plants, make a note of when they flower and how they look after flowering. A mass planting of tulips will look gorgeous while they are in bloom, and terrible later in the summer.

If you are completely lost as to which plants to pick or where to plant them, consult a gardener friend or ask advice from your local nursery. (Gardner friends are also sometimes a useful source of extra plants.) When in doubt, you should be pretty safe planting three different heights of plants next to a foundation wall, as long as you make sure they get the required amount of sunlight.

For more articles by this author, please go to Helium.com

Seller’s Home Appeal for Today’s Market

LillyTeam — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:00:40 +0000

After years of hearing from successful sellers that they didn’t have to do a thing to sell, they now need to understand how they can stand out from their competition.

Here is a handy list to help sellers determine if some features in their home might need some attention.

Test all door and cabinet knobs. Replace mismatched or inexpensive hardware for a quick update. Buyers rarely can get beyond a knob that comes off in their hand as they attempt to use a door.

Take the time to paint walls, trim and ceilings. Keep adjoining rooms in one color palette, which will make your home appear larger. Clean up spills from messy painters. Hire professionals to paint mullions on windows and staircase spindles.

Slipcover mismatched furniture in a room that requires visual unification.

Discover ways to organize day-to-day room needs. Substantial wicker baskets or square stainless steel or brass containers can organize magazines, remote controls and toys. Books provide a good look, but vary them by laying some down and standing some up.

Wallpaper is considered fill-in-the-blank decorating. No two people have the same taste in this instant decorator wannabee. If it’s more than three years old, take it down and paint in a neutral color. And wallpaper borders are out.

Simple furniture rearrangement can bring new life to a tired space. Float sofas and coffee tables away from walls for a designer look.

Use area rugs to anchor furniture groupings on bare tile and wood floors. Place groupings of candles and clear glass bowls filled with natural potpourri, fresh fruit or glass crystals on side and coffee tables.

Make sure there is balanced lighting in every room for dusk and evening showings. Dimmers help set the right tone.

Polish and wax hardwood floors to brighten and blend an old finish.

Clean every surface until it shimmers and shines. Clean can seal a deal. Don’t forget the windows.

Purchase the best quality carpet pad which can make any new carpeting “cushy,” and home buyers love cushy. Stay away from shag styles; buyers know it won’t be around long in style cycles.

Streamline window fashions. Heavy drapes are in the minority. Think “let the light shine in” when placing blinds and shades. Light and bright can overcome other issues with a home.

Freshen-up closets with closet organizers to maximize storage space and paint a neutral, washable color. Make sure buyers can see the back of all closets and cupboards. Lighting is an often overlooked feature in closets, but buyers will always turn on lights when viewing a closet, big or small.

Thinning closets, cabinets, basements, attics and garages will also help your storage spaces look larger. If you can’t part with items, rent a storage locker to hold items for decision making later.

Don’t forget the basement; dark, dirty and musty basements are a turn-off to buyers. Add extra lighting, paint the floor and vacuum out all the cobwebs. Organize storage areas and take the time to clean the washing machine and dryer. To spruce up the hot water heater and furnace, wipe down with a strong cleaner. Scrub the laundry tub and sweep left-over leaves out of exterior stairs and window wells. Run a dehumidifier to reduce basement moisture.

Take a good look from the street or road at the front of your home. Look for shrubs that are overgrown or dead and remove and replace them with shrubs or plants that are to scaled to your home. Small inexpensive bushes send the wrong message.

Limit yard ornaments to a favored few. Excess ornaments can make yards look busy and buyers might want them included in a purchase contract.

Paint and refresh yard lights, flagpoles, mailboxes, window boxes, fences and trellis. Don’t forget the swing set or play equipment.

Replace broken bricks on terraces, cracked concrete patios and steps.

Restore screens on porches and lanai’s. Dirty, rusty and ripped screens limit functionality to homebuyers.

Don’t leave pets unattended for property showings, especially if you think they could be aggressive or territorial around strangers.

Have carpets and area rugs cleaned before showing your home to potential buyers. Those allergic to animal dander and hair, even if they can’t see your pet will know when their eyes and nose start to alert them to an allergic reaction. Many will not purchase a home that poses strong allergy issues.

A barking dog or overly-friendly cats can kill a showing. Be pro-active and take your pets off site for showings. Hire a dog walker to occupy pets if you can’t be home.

Written by Mark Nash as found in Craig Lilly’s newsletter at http://www.lillyteam.com

Why Stage?

JODonnell — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:00:46 +0000

Because it works! A professionally staged home will bring the highest dollar offers possible for that home and it will do so in the shortest timeframe possible. Consider the Open House a first interview for your house. You wouldn’t think of going on a job interview without paying close attention to all aspects of your presentation – from grooming to professional attire to a well written and professional looking resume. The rewards for a well staged home are just as significant financially and deserve the same attention to detail.

How do we do it?

We go over your home, room by room, noticing things you probably no longer see because you see them everyday. We find solutions for potential problem areas and enhance the features that increase your home’s value. By appealing to the largest segment of potential buyers, we create an environment that buyers want to make their own. Around every corner we prompt potential buyers to envision themselves: having a romantic evening with their partner, playing games with the family, preparing and enjoying an intimate dinner with friends or having a summer barbeque with the neighbors, etc… We appeal to the home buyer’s aspirations for their life – how they want to live. We create an emotional response that brings you top dollar offers.

Savvy real estate agents will be more inclined to show our homes because they know their buyers will easily envision living in them. A home staged by Chic gives a good impression throughout the process and is more likely to be seen as a well-cared-for property by estimators, inspectors, etc.

What is it, really?

Staging is an essential marketing technique in today’s competitive Real Estate market that enhances property presentation using lifestyle selling techniques to secure top dollar offers from buyers. We use proven techniques to review a property for ultimate impact on buyers. Showcasing your home’s best features takes more than de-cluttering, adding flowers and placing a bed on an angle! It is creating favorable impressions everywhere the eyes rest. Starting at curbside and moving throughout the house to the very back edge of the property, we review everything with an objective and creative eye.

Who do we work with?

* Home owners selling their homes who want to secure the most equity possible in the shortest timeframe

* Home builders and re-modelers who want to maximize the return on their investment

* Savvy real estate agents wanting to earn and keep a reputation for excellent service and exceptional performance

What does it cost?

The simple answer to that question is: “Less then it will cost you to not stage…” It is an investment, not overhead. That said, the fee for staging a house varies depending on the size of the house, how many rooms, the level of furnishings needed to support the value of the house, the size and condition of the rooms and if the house is vacant or occupied. You should expect a minimum fee of $300 for a simple consultation and that can go north of $10,000 for full staging of large, high-end homes. Remember, this is probably going to be less than that first price reduction you may be forced to make if you don’t stage, or the house payments you are forced to make while your un-staged home sits on the market and becomes stale. Your return on investment can be threefold or more. How often can you say that about other investments in such a short amount of time?

Repairs That Help Sell Your Home

LillyTeam — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:03:20 +0000

Most sellers know of some repairs that need to be made to their home, and a lot of sellers have many items on that list, but not all repairs are equal or, rather, not all home improvements rank high in the buyer’s mind.

Finding out which repairs will help you sell your home helps you create a good, solid fix-it list to work on. A study produced by HomeGain aimed to take the guess-work out of where to spend your repair dollars. According to the study, the top four areas to focus on are: clean and de-clutter, lighten and brighten, stage the home for sale, and landscape the front/back yards.

The Return on Investment (ROI) depends on the repair and, in some cases, which part of the country you live in. “In some areas of the country things cost more and some people don’t care about some things as much as others do in other areas,” says Jessica Gopalakrishnan, Sr. Marketing Manager for HomeGain.

Here’s how HomeGain breaks down the ROI for the top four repairs. Cleaning and decluttering can create a 578 percent ROI (the highest return was 837 percent in the West). The ROI for staging a home was 340 percent (this category ranked second in the South and Mid-West). Landscaping the front and back yards, brought in a 415 percent ROI. According to the survey, each of these repairs range in cost from a few to several hundred dollars but can return thousands in profit.

Rounding out the study’s top-ten list of repairs are: Repair electrical or plumbing problems, replace or shampoo carpeting, paint interior walls, paint exterior walls, repair damaged flooring, update kitchen and bathrooms. Gopalakrishnan says routine maintenance can help too.

“Not washing the windows is something so simple but a big mistake that homesellers make,” says Gopalakrishnan. Another top mistake is covering up or neglecting care of the floors. “If they leave a dirty carpet on the floor that would be a mistake,” says Gopalakrishnan. She adds that a key strategy for staging a home is to, “lift up the carpets and show off those nice floors — give them a quick shine and clean them up first.”

When you make the above repairs costing approximately $5,000 – $8,000, HomeGain, says that prices, for example, on a three bedroom, two bathroom home can result in price increases: in the West, as high as $22,762; in the East, as high as $23,532; in the South, $21,470; in the Mid-West, $20,279.

“With homes sitting on the market longer, homeowners should do everything they can to sell it quickly and at a price they expect,” says, Louis Cammarosano, General Manager at HomeGain.

The survey collected information from 2,000 real estate agents across the U.S.

The online resource also has a “What If” tool that allows users to hypothetically add a room, bathroom, or even square footage to a home to calculate value estimates on residential properties.

Written by Phoebe Chongchua as found in Craig Lilly’s newsletter at http://www.lillyteam.com

Eco Staging

JODonnell — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:51:22 +0000

Yesterday someone asked me why, as a stager, I thought it would be important to clients or real estate agents that I understood green. It is funny, their question made me step back and I realized that the question never occurred to me because I just thought folks would automatically see the benefit. But it is an excellent question, so I’d like to answer it.

As a stager I work with realtors and homeowners to market properties. The principles of professional staging create a story about the house and the lifestyle that comes with that house. That story creates the emotional connection that we all want in the place we choose to call home – and that is quite magical when it is created in a place we don’t actually yet live. It is what makes staging a viable and indispensible marketing tool.

So how does green come into that? Today buyers are looking for green features. In May of 2008, NAR published a report that indicated that 9 out of 10 REALTORS® said buyers are looking for green features and that interest would continue to rise.
• And, in a trend that could signal greater attention from institutional investors, Energy Star buildings are selling for an average of $61 per square foot more than their peers, while LEED buildings command a remarkable $171 more per square foot.
• According to a recent study, LEED buildings command rent premiums of $11.24 per square foot over their non-LEED peers and have 3.8 percent higher occupancy.
• Rental rates in Energy Star buildings represent a $2.38 per square foot premium over comparable non-Energy Star buildings and have 3.6 percent higher occupancy.

Obviously, hiring me as a stager is not going to give you a Platinum LEED rating, so what do I bring to the table? First I can take a look at the home and review the already existing features that are green, and then give the homeowner a list of features they can market as green. My knowledge of sustainability, green features and practices, energy and water efficiencies and conservation, and grants and tax credits available to finance eco-friendly repairs and upgrades will serve my client well as we go through the consultation phase of the staging project. During the consultation I recommend repairs and upgrades that will help sell the property and I use my green knowledge to ensure they know the choices which will up their green quotient. I can also provide them with the sources and resources to get this done through my knowledge of green products and relationships with service providers with a commitment to energy efficiency, durability, sustainable products and practices, durability, value and healthier options for the home.

The information we provide during the course of getting the home ready to sell and the environmentally sensitive choices we help the client make is only the beginning of the impact an EcoStagerTM can make for the seller. Many clients use the information we give them during the consultation when they move to the next home to continue moving towards a more sustainable life. And, the changes we help to implement and the information we help the seller provide the buyer can be the beginning or continuation of moving towards sustainability for the buyer as well. The service and knowledge we provide are invaluable and, for real estate professionals, making an EcoStagerTM part of your team is the best value you can provide for your clients.

“Green construction is a construction project built to a standard higher than building codes, they last longer are cheaper to operate, sell for a premium, use fewer resources and have a lower impact on the environment.”Source: Alliance for Sustainability, Mike Holcomb / 2007

Chic Home Interiors does Home Staging, Interior Redesign and Training in Staging, Color and Green Build Science. Our training arena is all of North America, while our design and staging is in the San Francisco Bay Area only. Visit our new Green Website.