What's Over Your Head?

No roof lasts forever, and if it's time to replace yours, give a lot of thought to how best to do it. Notice the wear and tear on your neighbors' roofs over time to help figure out which materials are durable and look good on houses like yours. Observation is a great tool — and it's free!

That said, there are basic qualities of every material that you should consider when making your pick.

Asphalt shingles

• Most popular roofing material.
• Lightweight and easy to install, which reduces labor costs.
• Inexpensive; cost from $70 to $120 per 100 square feet.
• Lifespan is shorter than that of other materials, about 20 to 30 years, depending on maintenance and brand quality.
• Work with many styles of homes, especially suburban ones.

Slate

• Classic beauty and elegance.
• A heavy material that requires extra framing and must be installed by a professional.
• Expensive; costs about $600 per 100 square feet.
• Lasts for more than 50 years.
• Durable, fire-resistant and recyclable.
• Fake slate looks just like real slate but is made of polymer, clay, rubber or asphalt instead, so it's more lightweight and less costly (although it will not last as long).

Metal

• Often made of aluminum, stainless steel, zinc or copper (which fades to green).
• Installation is easy because metal is half the weight of asphalt; comes in panels or shingles.
• Expensive; costs anywhere from $100 to $800 per 100 square feet.
• Lasts for 40 to 70 years, and is resistant to extreme weather.
• Can be noisy when rain falls on it.
• Dents easily but unnoticeably, as the texture of the roof hides any dings.
• Reflects sunshine, which keeps your home cooler during summer.
• Recyclable, and can be used to collect rainwater.

Synthetic

• Made out of rubber, plastic and polymer to imitate natural materials at a lower price.
• Lightweight and strong, making installation easy.
• Costs $300 per 100 square feet.
• Somewhat durable and fire-resistant, but some may absorb water.
• Quality can differ greatly from supplier to supplier.

Of course, the style and geographic location of your house may affect your choice. Also, the quality of the contractor you employ may matter more than the type of material you choose. Getting the best person for the job ensures your roof will be installed correctly and that it will serve you for a long time. Venture out of your yard, do some research, and ask friends and neighbors about their roofs to get started today!

Empty Nest? 5 Changes Your Home Needs Now That It’s Kid-Free

The house you raised your family in has seen a lot — a lot of love and laughter and maybe a little turmoil. Now that your home is officially kid-free, it is in dire need of some enhancements so you can make a smooth transition from being a full-time parent to having a less hands-on relationship with your children.
Check out these five changes your home is begging for now that you have an empty nest.

First-Floor Guest Bedroom
Think about rearranging the layout of your home now that the kids are out of the house. You might already have plans to turn one of your kids’ bedrooms into a guest bedroom; however, if it’s on the second floor, consider using a room on the first floor. For now, you can use it for guests, but if you plan to stay in your home for the rest of your life, you may want your bedroom to be on the first floor when you get older.


Create Extra Space With Fewer Walls
If you have a few smaller rooms that were once kids’ bedrooms, consider knocking down a wall or two to create one larger space. It makes sense to have lots of smaller rooms if you have a house full of kids, but now that it’s just you or you and your spouse, you can keep one bedroom for guests and create a bigger room to serve a more meaningful purpose, such as a studio, office or home gym.


Kitchen Facelift 
With lots of people in the house, it can be tricky to do any kind of home upgrade or renovation. Now that you have an empty nest, consider making kitchen upgrades that you’ve been putting off. Does the tile need work? Do the cabinets need replacing or maybe just some paint? You could also update old appliances — now is the best time to do whatever needs to be done to bring your kitchen up to date.


Master Bath Enhancements 
With kids out of the house, you will have more time to yourself and hopefully to pamper yourself. Make some updates to the master bathroom by changing the counters and cabinets and/or adding ambient lighting with a dimmer. Add a bench in the shower and a heated towel rack. Replace towels with ones that are plush and soft. Do whatever is necessary to make your bathroom feel more like a spa. You deserve it!


Update Your Most-Used Furniture
Maybe you didn’t want to invest in high-end furniture while you were raising kids because you feared stains and smears on expensive items. However, now is the time to invest in a little luxury. You can transform your home into more of an adults’ house by swapping out some older pieces of furniture for something tasteful and refined.


Looking for even more ways to update your home? Give me a call today! I love sharing my expertise.

Should I Buy a Home That Needs Repairs?

If you’ve found your dream home − in the area you want, with a big kitchen, three bedrooms and more − is it worth it to buy if the home needs a little TLC? The answer differs depending on the type of repairs, the neighborhood and more. Keep reading to find out if putting an offer on a home that needs repairs is the right move for you.

Are the repairs just cosmetic?
Don’t get confused between a fixer-upper and a house that just needs some minor, mainly cosmetic, repairs. A fixer-upper usually has a very cheap purchase price because the new owners will have to put in so much elbow grease to get it to livable condition. However, cosmetic repairs are another ball game. These are small tasks like painting, changing the carpeting or installing new cabinetry. If the home you’re interested in only needs cosmetic repairs, it may be worth the money because you’ll get to customize the home a little bit, and the seller might be offering a discount because the house needs a little TLC.


Check the inspection report
Get an inspection report before you buy. Maybe the seller told you that all the house needs is a fresh coat of paint and a little landscaping; but the inspection report could alert you to bigger problems that the seller either doesn’t know about or hasn’t disclosed. If the inspection report mentions foundation issues or that a new HVAC system is needed, this is not the kind of project you want to get into if you’re not prepared.

Will you get good ROI after the repairs are complete?
What kind of neighborhood is the home in? If it’s in a decent neighborhood, close to schools and parks, or if the neighborhood is up and coming, it might be worth buying a home in the area because the value will increase over time. It’s worth it to take on some minor home repair projects for a house in a desirable neighborhood.


Do you have the time to devote to this project?
If you weren’t previously planning on purchasing a home that needs minor repairs, make sure you have the time and patience to put up with the items that need updating. If you have a busy job or kids with demanding schedules, moving into a home that isn’t move-in ready could be stressful. Also, be prepared for loud noises and a little debris if you hire workers or plan to do repairs yourself.


Are you getting a deal on the home?
One of the most important factors is the type of deal you’re getting on the home. If it’s not move-in ready, what’s the incentive to do the repairs and updates yourself? If the seller isn’t offering an allowance for you to do the repairs or isn’t selling slightly below market to incentivize buyers, what’s the point?


Look into a 203 (k) loan 
If you find a home that you’re serious about but that requires minor or major repairs, look into financing through HUD’s 203 (k) loan. This type of financing allows you to finance the purchase of the home and the necessary improvements without having to seek multiple loans. Visit HUD.gov to learn more.

 

Is This Your Situation: You Want to Save for a House?

Purchasing a home is a big financial responsibility, but the rewards of homeownership are many. Particularly for first-time homebuyers, coming up with the down payment needed to see your dream to fruition can often seem overwhelming. There are many strategies, however, that can help you save for your down payment.


It should also be noted that various loan programs exist that would allow you to drastically reduce the amount of money needed for a down payment. For example, VA loans often require 0% down, while FHA loans see down payment options ranging from 3-6%.
When you're ready to start saving for your down payment, consider these smart solutions:



#1: Cut Back

When you realize that cutting back on certain things can help you reach your goals, it will change your perspective. Think of it as an investment rather than a loss. Here are some areas where you can potentially cut back:

• Morning coffee and stops in the car for water, drinks and snacks ... carry your own
• Cable and expensive internet … use some of the cheaper options such as Netflix
• Eating out ... cook at home and use leftovers for quick meals and lunches

#2: Do it Yourself
You can save on a number of the services you pay for each month by doing it yourself. While there is a time and place for professional assistance, consider these alternatives:

• Personal grooming ... paint your own nails, give yourself a facial, use coupons for haircuts
• House maintenance ... mow your own yard, trim the trees, clean the interior, repair what you can
• Make presents for family and friends instead of buying, especially cards and gift wrap

#3: Let Your Goals Be Known
You'd be surprised how much support you will receive from your circle of friends and family. They may opt for a game night-in instead of an expensive concert or dinner. They will also be more understanding if you can't chip in for a trip or group present. What's more, when you make your goals known to your friends and family, you're more likely to stick to them!


#4: Take on Extra Work
This may sound obvious, but it's more than just overtime or a sales commission. Try to turn your hobbies and extra time into money. Look on community boards for services wanted such as tutoring, cleaning, dog walking, errand running and even elderly companionship and driving.


#5: Save on Purchases
Take the time to research costs and shop during sales. It may take a couple extra minutes each week while grocery shopping or clothes shopping, but the end results will be worth the effort. Become a bargain hunter and you'll quickly see the savings stack up.


Make Your Homeownership Dreams Come True
Making the conscious decision to save will be the best start to achieving your down payment goals. Create a monthly alert on your phone or computer that lets you know when you've reached the monthly amount. Once you've reached the desired down payment amount, talk to a real estate professional to start looking at homes that could be yours.


Meanwhile, give me a call so I can help put you on track with a savings program, and refer you to a good lender who can also work with you and give you some tips.

Looking for a Way to Test a Property's Condition?

Although putting a professional inspection contingency in the contract will help protect you from surprises, doing your own inspection before making an offer could save you considerable time and money.


How can you tell if a property is worth buying? Here's how to look at the big picture—for structural concerns, major repairs that are needed, appliances that have to be replaced.



Crawl the Walls
Start out by going to the right when you enter the house, and keep following the wall. You will check each wall that way. Do the same on every floor. Look for settlement cracks, separating joints, defective plaster or other signs of stress or damage. Check wallpapered areas for crinkling or gathering, which may mean walls are settling or shifting.


Look for Leaks
Loose or wrinkled wallpaper could indicate a water leak somewhere. Look for water stains on the ceiling and walls. You may have to look closely—bring a flashlight—in case they have been painted over or repaired.
Spend time in the bathrooms and in every area with pipes, checking for leaks and drips. Also, run the shower and basin, then flush the toilet to check water pressure. Look for cracked or loose tiles and missing grout or mildew stains on the walls or floor, which could indicate a behind-the-wall leak.


Plug Into the Electrical System
Check every electric socket or outlet. Use a plug-in night light and turn every switch on and off. Look for extension cords and multiple plugs in sockets, which could mean insufficient or poorly placed sockets. Also, check every appliance to be sure it works well.


Focus on Condition
Open and close every door and window. Look and listen for squeaking, sticking, or a tendency to close on their own. Check for evidence of shifting or settling around the front stoop, chimney and walks, and places where the driveway and the fence meet the house. Also, check the deck for sturdiness and look for rotted wood. Go into the garage and check the walls, floors and doors—inside and out.


Pay Attention to Pests
Look for termites and ants. Especially look along the foundation, around doors and entry points of wiring and pipes. Check the grading of the yard to be sure water runs away from the house.
You can and should insist on a written report detailing what the problems are with the house, how important each one is. You may have to consult a contractor to estimate repair costs on any problems found.


If everything looks good and you decide to purchase the house, be sure to require a home inspection by a professional inspector before settlement. You will want a professional who will get into the crawl space, climb onto the roof and poke around with a flashlight in the attic. Your professional should also carefully inspect the major systems—electrical, gas, plumbing and heating/air conditioning.


To make sure a home is in tip-top shape before making an offer, give me a call today for more information about how you can spot red flags.

 

Are You Ready for a New Home? A Guide for Move-Up Buyers

Are you feeling like you've outgrown your current home? Has your life changed over the years? This could be a sign that you're ready to move out of that starter home and into something that more closely aligns with your lifestyle.
Keep reading to learn the signs that you're ready to move up!
Your Current Home Has Increased in Value
It may be a good financial decision for you to move into a nicer home if your current home has significantly increased in value. Check with your Realtor about the current value of your home. If it's worth much more than you bought it for, now might be a good time to sell and put the money from the sale toward buying a bigger place.


You or Your Partner Received a Salary Boost
Have you or your partner experienced an increase in your yearly earnings? If so, you may want to crunch the numbers and see how much more house you can afford. If your earnings have remained stagnant, then buying a more expensive home is probably not a good financial move. However, your life may have changed since you bought your first home, and perhaps you can afford a house that delivers a little more luxury or one that's located in a better area.


The Neighborhood Is Changing
Maybe you loved the neighborhood you live in when you first moved there, but if you've owned your house for a while, chances are the neighborhood has gone through some changes. Maybe it gained in popularity and younger people have moved into the area, making the streets busier and louder on the weekends. Since smaller cities and suburbs are seeing an uptick in new residents, your area, like many others, could be becoming more transient and less community-oriented.


Your Lifestyle Has Changed
Has your lifestyle changed because you started a family or got a demanding job? You may have outgrown your starter home with the addition of new family members. Or, perhaps you need to live in a house that is closer to the office. Many people become move-up buyers because their lifestyle has significantly changed since they bought their first home.


Other things to consider: Before making your final decision, ask yourself these two questions to make sure you're ready to move up.


Can I afford two mortgages? Depending on the order of events, there is a chance that you could enup buying your new home before selling your old home. In this case, can you afford two mortgages? Or have you researched financing options, such as bridge loans and home equity loans?


Can I afford moving costs? When figuring out your budget, factor in moving costs, such as closing fees, Realtor commission and hiring movers.


Think you're ready to take the plunge and move up? Contact me today to start the process!

Is It Worth It to Improve Your Home or Move On?

Homeowners are faced with numerous decisions throughout the years when it comes to their homes and how to manage them. A home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, so decision-making shouldn't be taken lightly. A difficult decision homeowners face is whether to move to a different property or simply improve their current one. 
The answer is never black or white, but we've listed the variables that need to be weighed carefully. Your personal finances and the status of local markets are just two issues you will have to consider. Also, think about which improvements give you the most bang for your buck.


Before taking the leap either way, here are some factors to consider:


Thoughts on Selling     

• Current market conditions. Is your area flooded with homes for sale? What is the transaction time from listing to closing?  Is the market lopsided with more sellers than buyers?
• Local factors. Are there new jobs coming to your city or are companies moving away and jobs decreasing? Will there be an influx of new residents or is everyone trying to sell quickly? Will new jobs bring higher incomes or is downsizing a problem?
• Your home value. What is your home's worth? Can you extract from it what you paid or will you sell at a loss? What is the lowest offer you can accept? Will you be able to offer any help with the closing costs?
• Personal logistics. Can you afford to move to a new house while paying the mortgage and other costs on the first, or do you have to sell first and then move? How long can you continue to pay the mortgage, taxes and insurance on this property?

Insights into Renovation

• Current market conditions. Will increasing your home's size or features price you out of the area? Sometimes putting in high-end finishes can make your home worth more than what it will appraise for.
• Local factors: Are buyers looking for homes similar to an upgraded version of yours in that area? Don't create a forever home when buyers move to your area for a starter home. It will be hard to make a profit this way.
• Your home value. You can quickly put in too many renovations and create a home that is worth more than what the area dictates. Take that into consideration when planning your remodel.
• Personal logistics. If you ever plan to sell, these are things to consider. However, if you feel that you'll stay in your home for years to come, improving your property might be a wise move.

There's not a magic formula to determine the right steps for every homeowner, but using a local real estate professional can be a great start. They know the markets and can explain the best options for you.