by Jeff Pittman | Jan 15, 2014 | Homes
What a difference a wall makes! Here’s the before and after of the open family room at 3119 Corte Portofino in Newport Beach....
by Jeff Pittman | Jan 14, 2014 | Homeowners
Expecting to recoup most of the money you poured into home improvements when it comes time to sell? Think again. In fact, some projects can actually reduce the value of your home. Make such improvements for yourself or your family to enjoy. Above all, avoid the five following improvements, especially if you’re hoping to sell soon. They simply won’t add any value to your home, at least not enough to pay back the cost of the project itself. Swimming pools – Even if you live in a sweltering hot climate and can easily picture your friends and family lying by the pool on a hot summer day, potential homebuyers may not. Instead, they’re imagining hours of upkeep, expensive costs and dangerous liability. Upscale landscaping – There are two problems with fancy landscaping: taste and upkeep. Instead, keep it simple with native plants that require little water and maintenance. You’ll spend less overall for a picture-perfect yard. Wall-to-wall carpeting – Not long ago, wall-to-wall carpeting was the norm in many suburban homes. Today, that’s not the case. In fact, many home buyers prefer hardwood floors or a wood/carpet mix. High-end upgrades – Many people think high-end upgrades will increase the value of their home, but that’s not necessarily true. The amount of money you spend on top-of-the-line appliances in your kitchen, rare marble countertops or imported tiles for your bathroom may do little to increase a home’s price. Invisible improvements – Just because you spent a lot of money on new plumbing or a new HVAC unit doesn’t mean the potential buyer will pay you more for the property. It is always a good idea to invest in these projects for...
by Jeff Pittman | Jan 14, 2014 | Homes
Here’s the before and after of the now beautiful kitchen at 3119 Corte Portofino in Newport...
by Jeff Pittman | Jan 9, 2014 | Buyers
Moving into a new home is a complicated and certainly emotional process. Not only do you have to find the right home for you and your family, you also have to pack up and relocate your entire life when it’s time to move in. Going through this process is difficult enough and when you add kids into the equation – things get even tougher. Leaving friends behind, organizing schedules and remembering every single toy are just a few of the challenges that come along with moving to a new home with your kids. Here are some practical tips for you so you can be sure nothing falls through the cracks and the whole process goes off without a hitch – or at least close to it. 1. Make a to-do list. Make a to-do list and stick to it in order to help you stay organized and on schedule when things start to get hectic during your move. Whether you kick it old school and write it out by hand in a special notebook or make a list on your iPhone, putting everything down in writing will help you remember. Be sure to make one for yourself and one for the kids as well. In fact, have the kids make their own so they feel like a part of the moving process and in control of the situation. Be specific on your to-do list by adding dates when you need to have things done. 2. Let your kids help you pack. Don’t be afraid to let you kids help in the packing process, you don’t have to tackle it alone. Depending on their...
