RENOVATIONS WITH THE BEST RETURNS FOR 2017

Are you thinking of a home renovation project? Why not pick one which has the highest rate of return when you go to sell your home? This list of renovation winners may surprise you.

If you’ve been kicking around the idea of some home improvements, but aren’t sure which ones make the most financial sense, don’t miss “The Renovations That Will Pay Off the Most for Your Home in 2017” published by Realtor.com. 

While some renovations sound like they’re a home run for your home’s value, in actuality big-ticket projects recoup far less than some of their simpler counterparts.

For example, adding fiberglass insulation to your attic has an astonishing estimated return of 107.7% compared to a bathroom addition, which averages only a 53.9% return. 

The report compares the average cost of the project to the expected value at the time of resale. Here are the top 10 projects and their ROI percentage:

1. Fiberglass attic insulation (107.7%)
2. Steel entry door upgrade (90.7%)
3. Manufactured stone veneer (89.4%)
4. Minor kitchen remodel (80.2%)
5. Garage door replacement (76.9%)
6. Siding replacement (76.4%)
7. Wooden deck addition (71.5%)
8. Second-story addition (71.1%)
9. Basement remodel (70%)
10. Family room addition (69.3%)

You can read a more detailed analysis of the projects (plus the next 9 projects in the ROI list) here: http://www.realtor.com/news/trends/best-and-worst-renovations-to-make-in-2017/

Of course, ROI is only one factor in choosing a home renovation. Some projects pay huge dividends in the pleasure they give you while you live in your home. Having a second bathroom with two teenagers in the house? Priceless! 

Which renovations are you considering? How concerned are you about your return on investment when the time comes?

When you’re ready to cash in on your investment, get in touch with me! I’m here to help you get top dollar for your home: valeriemcconville@gmail.com

YOUR EXIT PLAN IN CASE OF FIRE

In almost every movie featuring a house on fire, the actors seem to be able to move around the house and see just fine, while beating back flames with a shirt or coat. Of course, that’s not what happens in real fires. 

When there’s fire in a home, there is typically complete darkness (because the power goes out) and a cloud of spreading thick, black smoke makes it difficult to see and breathe. 

That’s why knowing how to get out of your house — fast — is crucial. 

Experts recommend rehearsing what to do in case there’s a fire. Make sure everyone in the family has an exit plan. Each should know exactly how to get out, including primary and secondary exits, and where the family will meet once safely outside. 

Never attempt to take anything with you. It may seem like you have plenty of time to grab a coat or purse, but the characteristics of a fire can change in seconds. 

As a fail safe, in case you can’t exit through a door, you should determine in advance which window has the safest exit. Make sure that the window opens easily and everyone knows how to remove the screen or any other obstruction. 

Finally, don’t call the fire department from inside your house. Get out first, then make the call.

WILL AN OPEN HOUSE HELP SELL YOUR HOME?

You’ve probably seen signs around the area for Open Houses. You may have even attended a few. 

These are open invitations for potential buyers to drop by on a certain day and time, to check out the property and get more information. 

When you’re listing your home for sale, you might wonder whether you’ll need to have an Open House. 

To answer that question, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons. Planning and hosting an open house isn’t as easy as it may seem. There’s a lot of preparation involved. 

In addition, you’ll likely spend hours making your property look its best and you’ll need to be away from your home for a good part of that day.

That being said, an Open House has many advantages.

• It helps showcase features of your property that may not come across well in advertisements and listing descriptions. 

• It attracts potential buyers who, for any number of reasons, might not otherwise call to view the home. 

• It generates a buzz and publicity about your listing.

However, an Open House might not be necessary if there is high demand for properties like yours and you’re likely to get multiple offers.

HOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT WITH YOUR LENDER

A recent survey revealed 1-in-5 home buyers ended up unhappy with their lender. How does this happen? What can you do to avoid this situation the next time you shop for a loan? This post explains some helpful tips for seeking satisfaction with your lender.

Home buyers often do not realize how complex and competitive the lending process can be. For many (especially first-time buyers) there’s only a hazy idea of “the bank” approving or denying them a mortgage. So many don’t understand how to shop for a loan or that investing a little time upfront can result in profound savings and a sense of satisfaction.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal recently revealed “in a recent survey, 21% of home buyers regretted their choice of lender.” (Source: http://www.wsj.com/articles/about-one-fifth-of-mortgage-borrowers-were-unhappy-with-their-lender-1481738583) Among first-time buyers, that figure crept up to 27%.

As the piece details, there are some good ways to avoid this disappointment. First and foremost, it’s important to plan ahead, looking into mortgage options long before you actually begin hunting for homes. It’s also important to get more than one quote. Also, don’t go solely on a referral from a friend, family member, or even your real estate agent! While your agent may know some superior lenders, you should always base your decision on the lender’s own merit. Often online reviews and independent rating agencies will help you make this determination.

Additionally, you may be interested in these tips from the website “Nerd Wallet” to help you  “jump-start the mortgage loan process.”:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/mortgages/5-tips-finding-mortgage-lender/#5tips

This article also includes killer questions to pin down how these lenders work and what you can expect during the experience. 

Finally, here are some resources to avoid becoming a victim of a predatory lender. This piece, “Top 12 Warning Signs of A Predatory Lender” by FHA Loan Pros (Source: http://www.fhaloanpros.com/resource/top-ten/top-12-warning-signs-of-a-predatory-lender.php) provides crucial warning signs which might just save you from making a major mistake.

Looking for a mortgage broker to help you navigate the lending process? I’m happy to refer a few. Get in touch today: valeriemcconville@gmail.com

WHO TO NOTIFY BEFORE YOU MOVE

If you’re moving soon, the list of people and organizations who legitimately need your new address is surprisingly long! Don’t overlook anyone on this list before you make the move.

Are you preparing for a move? You probably know to notify your friends and loved ones, but there turns out to be a surprising number of people and organizations who need to know about the address change. A recent article from Zillow included a comprehensive checklist which covers pretty much everyone you will need to notify:

1. Family and friends
2. Current employer
3. Landlord
4. Postal services
5. Utilities
6. DMV
7. Government agencies
8. The IRS
9. Financial institutions
10. Insurance companies
11. Medical and educational facilities
12. Subscription services and clubs

Be sure to read the article to check out advice for notifications when dealing with each of these 12 parties who need to be notified. Read all about it here: http://www.zillow.com/blog/who-to-notify-when-moving-187286/

While certain companies and institutions usual have formal processes for notification of an address change, it can be a good idea to go ahead and get some inexpensive postcards printed up announcing your move.

If you’re looking for other superb moving tips, don’t miss out on the website Moving.Tips (http://http://moving.tips/) It contains a wealth of information on issues and questions surrounding making a move, including articles such as “Why cheaper is not necessarily better when moving house?” and “How to say goodbye to a home when moving?”

Moving can be stressful, but there’s a lot you can do to reduce stress and even add some much needed fun and satisfying emotional transitions to the event.

Thinking about a move? I can help you buy or sell your next home: valeriemcconville@gmail.com

GROWING GREENER AND SAFER COMMUNITIES!

Did you know that green spaces such as parks and protected land are actually good for public safety? This interesting report shines a light on the relationship between green space and safe space.

Some interesting information is out on the topic of green space in neighborhoods and the impact they have on community safety. The report, “How Cities Use Parks to Create Safer Neighborhoods,” offers the following:

“For those concerned that green spaces may foster crime and illegal activity, evidence now exists that the opposite may be true. These are the findings of scientists at the Human-Environment Research Laboratory of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who studied green space alongside public housing in Chicago. Other researchers who are conducting similar studies across the country are finding similar results.” 

(Source: https://www.planning.org/cityparks/briefingpapers/saferneighborhoods.htm)

Key Point #1:

Time spent in nature immediately adjacent to home helps people to relieve mental fatigue, reducing aggression.

Key Point #2:

Green residential spaces are gathering places where neighbors form social ties that produce stronger, safer neighborhoods.

Key Point #3:

Barren spaces are more frightening to people and are more crime prone than parks landscaped with greenery and open vistas.

Key Point #4:

In order to make the best use of greenery and open space, it must be positively incorporated into a community's design.

The report concludes: “The factors that explain these findings emphasize the importance of greenery in community and personal wellness.Time spent in natural surroundings relieves mental fatigue, which in turn relieves inattentiveness, irritability, and impulsivity, recognized by psychologists as precursors to violence. Green spaces also support frequent, casual contact among neighbors. This leads to the formation of neighborhood social ties, the building blocks of strong, secure neighborhoods where people tend to support, care about, and protect one another.”

Might this study might reframe the way you think about shopping for a home? If you’re looking for a home close to lots and lots of green space I can help find you that ideal location: valeriemcconville@gmail.com

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME BABY-PROOF

You may not have kids of your own yet, but if you have people visiting your home for any extended period of time, you’ll want to make sure to do your best to baby-proof your space. Here’s how to shore up the biggest risks.

You may not have kids right now, but chances are you may be entertaining guests one day who do. You can put your guests at ease and do your best to protect their little ones from harm by investing in some modest pre-visit baby proofing. Here are some sound strategies to make their visit low-stress and safe:

Mind the Power and Appliances

Outlets are enemy #1. Baby fingers are like magnets for electricity, so splurge on some plastic outlet covers which fit snugly into those empty sockets. If you have any multi-socket power strips around, be sure to cover those as well (or elevate them out of harm’s reach). Depending on the age of your youngest visitors, some may be able to reach knobs and buttons on appliances like your stove. Exploring hands can accidentally turn on the gas, so if you think your kitchen will be vulnerable, invest around $10 on stove knob covers.

Make Some Rooms Off-Limits

It may not be practical to baby proof every inch of your house, so make certain zones baby-free by using gates. Sturdy, simple, pressure-mounted gates will protect certain passages and prevent you from making any permanent holes in your wall. Alternately, use door knob covers to make even unlocked rooms less likely to be prone to an infant invasion.

Fight Falling Objects

Babies are all about testing gravity, and as they try to bring themselves upright, they’re liable to tug on anything within arm’s reach. This might include your entertainment center, bookshelf, floor lamps, or other furniture. Are there any precarious pieces which might tumble down and seriously injure a child? Consider pieces on top of shelves (like decorative glassware) which could be shaken down through modest force.

Curtail the Cords

Power cords and curtain (or blind) cords can cause falls, entanglement, or even strangulation. Tie these up out of the way or too high for a baby to reach from the floor.

Get Down and Look Around

A baby will put anything in its mouth. That will include choking hazards, dropped medications, or stray chemicals such as rat poison or cleaners. Shift your perspective to the floor and look for anything suspicious.  

Some homes are more kid-friendly than others. If you’re looking for a great home for little ones, I can help you find one today!: valeriemcconville@gmail.com