by Jeff Pittman | Apr 24, 2014 | Homeowners
by Jeff Pittman | Apr 21, 2014 | Buyers, Sellers
When it’s time to put your house on the market home sellers are faced with a dilemma – renovate and increase your home’s value or sell as is. There can be a fine line between improvements and renovations that are necessary and add value and those that are wasting your time and money. We’ve compiled all the most important data from the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) and CAR (California Association of Realtors) and come up with a top 5 list of home improvements that buyers are looking for while they’re shopping for homes and give you money back for your investment. Even if you’re not ready to move, these are improvements you can enjoy now and rest easy that future buyers will love as well. Kitchen updates 85% of home buyers want a walk-in kitchen pantry and according to CAR you can expect to recoup 60%-120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel as long as you keep it modest and to the point. Restructuring the lay out and adding a built in cappuccino maker won’t get you the returns you’re looking for but a new countertop and a great paint job should do the trick. A cost effective and stylish kitchen upgrade for faded, stained or worn out counter tops is laminate. For example granite styled laminate mirrors the look of granite but for a fraction of the cost. The laminate is also the perfect material for your kitchen because it’s scratch resistant. Changing the look of your countertops will give the whole room a facelift and it won’t cost you a fortune. Great Outdoors There are tons of reasons to give your backyard...
by Jeff Pittman | Apr 17, 2014 | Buyers
Buying a fixer-upper upper can be a great idea. You get a home in a great area at an affordable price with the potential of getting twice what you paid for it in value once you’ve finished a couple repairs. This of course is a best case scenario, but it is achievable. However, there are lots of things to think about before you take the plunge and invest your time, money and personal energies into a fixer-upper. Let’s start with a simple pro and con list to help you decide if you should purchase a fixer-upper. Pros of Purchasing a Fixer-Upper: Get your dream home. All home buyers have a wish-list of things they want in a home – pool, granite kitchen counter tops, built in grill, location, bay window, etc. A sure way to get your perfect home is to put in the work and fulfill your own dream list. You might not be able to find the home you want within your price range that meets all of your wildest dreams, but you can find a home with the potential to do just that. Fixer-uppers are cheaper. Most home buyers purchase a fixer-upper because it’s a great deal financially. It’s in a great neighborhood, has more space or is just generally better than the other homes you’re able to afford. Purchasing a fixer-upper is a great investment for a young couple or family because it allows you to save now on a down payment and monthly mortgage. A fixer-upper is an investment in your future because soon it will be the home you want with a higher resale...
by Jeff Pittman | Apr 16, 2014 | Homes
Our mid-century modern at 108 Via Havre in Newport Beach is in escrow! 108 Via Havre, Newport Beach | Located in the heart of Newport Beach’s coveted Lido Isle on a premier 50 foot lot, this extensively renovated mid-century contemporary home has been enhanced with today’s amenities. Known as the Bissell house, George Bissell was a noted California Architect who received the American Institute of Architects California Lifetime Achievement Award previously lived here. This home is on street to street lot and features five bedrooms and four baths at 3,550 square feet. There is fabulous natural light throughout its flowing open floor plan. The kitchen has been upgraded with custom made cabinets, Calcutta marble countertops, and Viking appliances. The living room, kitchen, and family room all open to a large south facing patio courtyard with an in ground pool/spa and Viking BBQ perfect for the ultimate indoor/outdoor living space. The master suite features a spacious walk-in closet and master bath with stand alone tub, custom made cabinets, and Calcutta marble throughout. Two secondary bedrooms up stairs feature a Jack and Jill bathroom with custom made cabinets, Calcutta marble counter tops, and limestone flooring. There are also two more bedrooms downstairs, one with an en suite bathroom. Downstairs is wired for sound with speakers throughout. Other features include new electrical, new plumbing, new windows, all new doors and hardware, new gates, new landscaping, new irrigation, new A/C system, new furnace, new water heater, new garage door, and new roof. The prestigious Lido Isle community includes a bay front yacht club and sailing program, boat docks, boat storage, grass parks and...
