by Jeff Pittman | Dec 26, 2014 | Buyers
Newly constructed homes are very popular with a large segment of buyers. There are good reasons for it too – other than that new home smell of course. With pros and cons for both new and resale homes, you can’t go wrong but here are 4 reasons why buying new can cut homebuyer costs. 1. Peace of mind Like everybody else that completes the purchase of a home, things are going to be a little bit tight for a while. You don’t need any new headaches. Like a new car as opposed to a used car, the likelihood of problems arising is diminished in buying new. Nothing in the home has ever been used before. There’s no 20-year-old HVAC system to worry about or faulty electrical wiring. You will have peace of mind knowing that you won’t likely have any major repairs to worry about. 2. Energy savings While older homes have their charm, most are not energy-efficient and be very costly to keep it warm of cool. Newly built homes are much more energy conscious than those of decades ago. That new HVAC system has never been used and it’s incredibly more efficient than the clunker in an older home. The new kitchen appliances and water heater will also be of higher efficiency. You’re saving big on energy costs with new construction. KB Builder has recently built several new home developments in Southern California. Their solar power energy system and WaterSense appliances on average save homeowners $1,000 on their energy bills per year. 3. No Repairs In a newly built home, there aren’t any drippy faucets, cracked windows, holes in...
by Jeff Pittman | Nov 29, 2014 | Weekly Quote
“If we are not thankful for what we have, we are not likely to be thankful for what we are going to get.” ~Frank A. Clark
by Jeff Pittman | Nov 24, 2014 | Holidays
Thanksgiving is coming up which means now is the time to start brainstorming ways to make your holiday one for the record books. If you’re hosting the holidays at your house then you’re going to need some inspiration. From decorations and table settings to delicious dishes, here are some ideas we found online that are not only easy, they fun! An unforgettable day starts with setting the mood the moment your guests walk in the door… 1. Pumpkin Topiaries and Corn Stalks for an Autumn Porch Step by step how to transform your porch. 2. Craft your own Pumpkin Vases Any shape, any size, any flower, everywhere in or around your home! We got this idea from Frugal Flourish. Now it’s time to make the indoors unforgettable as well… 3. Set up a Prim and Perfect Food Station Setting up a coordinated food table like this one is a piece of cake when you have the right tools. Get all the free printable decorations for this here. 4. Create a Pumpkin Diorama A pumpkin diorama like this one from Sweet Paul is a fun and quirky way to celebrate. Who said pumpkin carving is just for Halloween? 5. Burlap Place Settings to Brighten up the Table Simple, easy and you can personalize them. Step by step instructions here. 6. Or These Rosemary Wreaths You can also save this one for Christmas! Source Weddingomania.com 7. If You’re Feeling Handy, Try This Rustic Planter Box Centerpiece Made from old pallet boards, can fill it this rustic masterpiece with fruit, leaves, or any fall decor you already have! DIY instructions for this brought to you by The Pin Junkie....
by Jeff Pittman | Nov 22, 2014 | Weekly Quote
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” Abraham Lincoln
by Jeff Pittman | Nov 20, 2014 | Buyers
Buying a fixer-upper can be a great real estate investment but the secret is finding the right house. There are obvious benefits to buying a fixer-upper including: lower sales price, less competition, resale potential and the satisfaction of a job well done.We all know that the ideal fixer-upper is one that everybody wants – just not yet. The key is seeing past the peeling paint, warn carpets and popcorn stucco walls that other buyers can’t. To help you narrow in on exactly what else makes a fixer-upper a worthy real estate cause, here’s the most important points to consider. Cosmetic Repairs Vs. Structural Repairs The most important determining factor in whether or not a fixer-upper is worth the work is the type of repairs it needs. Generally speaking, cosmetic repairs cost much less and are easier to complete than structural, electrical or plumbing repairs. Cosmetic repairs simply take time and commitment. If you have the patience and determination to make your fixer-upper look better, you stand to gain from the purchase. Here’s a quick list of pricey repairs to avoid (or keep to a minimum): Replacing HVAC systems Foundation work Reroofing Large scale plumbing, sewer and electrical replacements Pouring concrete Complete remodels in the kitchen & bathroom Room additions How Much Do The Repairs Cost? If a repair costs more than it adds to the resale price, than it might not be worth it. When you’re viewing homes, make a list of repairs and consider the price of those repairs closely. Traditionally it’s the cosmetic improvements like paint touchups, floor refinishing, windows, siding and new lighting that are the most lucrative...
