Understanding Identity Theft - Prevention Tips

Childhood Identity Theft: Warning Signs and Prevention Tips

You may just chuckle and toss those credit card offers that come in the mail for your fourth grader, but there may be something more nefarious at play: identity theft.

According to the Identity Theft Assistance Center and the Javelin Strategy & Research group, one in 40 families with children under 18 had at least one child whose personal information was compromised. It all starts with the child’s Social Security number, which is then paired with a different name, birthdate and address to apply for credit. This is called a synthetic identity, and is very hard to detect.

"Using the stolen Social Security number, identity thieves can open credit cards, rent apartments, buy cars, secure jobs and apply for welfare or other government programs," says Trevor Buxton, fraud awareness and communications manager at PNC Bank.

PNC offers these warning signs that your child may be a victim of identity theft:

• Notification by the IRS of unpaid taxes in your child's name.
• Notification that a child's Social Security number was used on another tax return.
• Receiving collection calls for a minor child.
• Receiving bills in a child's name for products or services not ordered or delivered.
• Declined for government benefits because benefits are already being paid to another account using the child's Social Security number.

Fortunately, there are proactive steps a parent can take to protect their children from identity theft, such as:

• Keep your child’s Social Security card in a safe, locked place at home; never carry it on your person.
• Find out if you can opt out of providing your child’s Social Security number on school and medical forms. Many will allow the use of just the last four digits.
• Shred all documents that show your child's personally identifiable information before throwing them away.
• Most importantly, request an annual credit report for your child at annualcreditreport.com. Everyone is entitled to one free copy per year. Your child’s report should show no credit history at all. If there is a credit history, he or she has most likely become a victim of identity theft. Contact the credit agency and notify the authorities immediately. 

Source: PNC Bank

For more information about childhood identity theft, contact me today.

Planning to Rent? Know What to Inspect.

10 Things to Inspect before You Rent

Are you or a family member in the market for a rental? Make an informed choice by following this inspection checklist from the experts at RentHop:

1. Cellphone reception
In today’s world, we tend to assume we can get great coverage anywhere and everywhere. That’s not necessarily so. When you’re touring a potential apartment, make a call or two on your mobile device from a couple of different rooms. While you’re at it, ask the landlord about WiFi. Some include it in the utilities as a rental incentive.

2. Water pressure and temperature
While you can’t climb in and take a shower during a walk-through, be sure to turn the shower on and test the pressure and temperature with your hand. If it’s not up to par, find out why. Perhaps it’s a temporary situation due to work being done in the building, or something that the building management can repair.

3. Pests
No one wants company when they move in. The best way to check for pests is to open cabinets and drawers and look for droppings, and check walls, baseboards and around plumbing pipes for cracks and holes. You can also ask the landlord for confirmation of when the last pest-control treatments were completed. Be proactive and ask questions—you have every right to.

4. Power outlets and electrical work
When visiting an apartment, bring something small to test as many outlets as possible. Or, pick up an Electrical Receptacle Wall Plug AC Outlet Ground Tester from your local hardware store. It should cost about $5 - 10 and will check the circuit status for each individual outlet in the apartment. While you’re at it, check all the lights in the apartment to make sure they turn on and off properly.

5. Appliances
Just as you’re checking the outlets and the water pressure, test the appliances as well. Open and inspect the fridge, microwave, dishwasher, oven, garbage disposal and any other gadget that comes with the apartment. If something isn’t in working order, ask the landlord what the plan for repair or replacement is.

6. Night-time vibe
Neighborhoods can be very different once the sun goes down, so make sure you visit your potential new location at night. Is it lively or desolate? Well-lit or dark? Are businesses still open, or has everything shut down? Make sure you’re comfortable with how the area feels at night.

7. Parking
If you’ll be dependent upon a car for your daily commute, find out about the parking situation. Is there a lot with assigned spots? If not, visit the lot during the morning and evening rush hour and see how easy it is to get a spot. If you have to rely on street parking, find out if there are alternate side rules to contend with. Your best bet here is to ask other tenants, as they’ll give you the skinny on parking pros and cons.

8. Neighbors
One of the most important factors to check into is who your neighbors will be. Talk to as many other tenants as you can, not only to get a feel for the vibe of the building, but to ask questions about landlord and building maintenance. Ask them what they like best about living there and what they can’t stand. This will go a long way in helping you make the right decision.

9. The lease
The item you should inspect most carefully of all is the lease. Take your time and read it from top to bottom, asking questions whenever something is unclear. You don’t want to be unpleasantly surprised later on by something you unwittingly agreed to in the lease. Look for policies on subletting, renovations, security deposit, renewal and pest control.

10. Damage
Make sure you take photos and document anything that is wrong with the apartment before you move in—a hole in the wall, a tear in the carpet, a cracked window. You need evidence that such damage was not caused by you, otherwise, it could jeopardize your security deposit when it comes time to move out.

Contact me today for more tips on how to choose the perfect rental property.

10 Easy Improvements to Make on Your Fixer Upper

10 Easy Improvements to Make on Your Fixer Upper: There is something awesome about buying a fixer upper and doing the renovations yourself. Here are 10 things you need to include.

By Cary Teller

There is something awesome about buying a fixer upper and doing the renovations yourself. Some people fix them up a bit at a time, using cash as they have it available. If you want to make a big impact by doing small things, here are 10 things you need to include.

1. Change Out the Lighting

Nothing says outdated like an old-fashioned gold chandelier. Lighting is something that can be updated easily and won’t cost a bunch of money. It is one of the smallest things you can do that will have the biggest impact.

2. Paint

There is an old saying that states “if a barn needs to be painted, slap some paint on it.” You will be amazed at what some paint can do to your home. A new hue can cover imperfections and give the room the blast of color it needs. Forget drab, white walls that are lackluster. Give your home a color makeover.

3. New Fixtures

Just like the lighting, the fixtures in the home become outdated quickly. Start with the kitchen faucet and then move on to the bathroom. You can update and upgrade a fixer upper by just adding these small touches.

4. Paint Cabinets/Add New Hardware

If you have new cabinets in the budget, then you should go for it. However, if your budget is limited, then you may want to try to paint them. Painting old cabinets and installing new hardware will give the kitchen a facelift. If the cabinets are old but sturdy, then you can bring them back to life. Painting is inexpensive and has a huge impact.

5. Rip Out Old Carpeting

Carpet is great when it is new; however, when it is old and dingy, it can really have a negative impact on a space. Hardwoods are the best option, followed by laminate floors. However, if you are stretched for money, you may try a bag floor or a penny style one. There are creative options online that allow you to do great things with your floors for less.

6. Add Curb Appeal

The curb appeal of the home is everything. It does not matter how great the inside looks if the outside is in shambles. Clean up any dead plants and add some new. Be sure to pick flowers and shrubs that bloom at different times. This will allow you to have color year-round. Add some shutters and a fresh coat of paint to the porch. Use decorative numbers to display the address. Finally, replace the mailbox if necessary.

7. Repaint Ceilings

Ceilings are often overlooked. They are usually white and the color is reserved for the walls. However, people do not realize how dirty these ceilings can be. A fresh coat of paint on the ceiling can really enhance the whole room. The walls are not the only thing that needs to be painted.

8. Upgrade the Exterior Façade

The biggest impact you can have on the outside of a home is to replace or paint siding. If you have it in the budget, you can add brick and stone accents. Most fixer upper homes have chipping paint and worn out siding. Splurge for some nice siding or paint a great color to update the home’s look.

9. Replace the Windows

New windows are expensive, but they are important. If you have old windows in your home, you need to spend the money to upgrade them. Windows are great for keeping the elements at bay. You will save yourself money in the long run by sealing off old-drafty openings.

10. Update the Heating and Cooling Unit

To help the process of heating and cooling a home, you need to make sure the home has an updated HVAC unit. The air filters are just as important as the unit. Filters with a rating of Merv 11, have "astro pleating" to help ensure no dirt or dust gets into your system. Extend the livelihood of your unit by selecting quality air filters.

Automate Your Home for Convenience

MARCH 21, 2017

Smart Homes: The Way of the Future

                                    Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Bring Automation into your Home

How many times have you driven away from your home and wondered if you forgot to close the garage door or lock the front door? With some clever and convenient new technology, you no longer have to worry.

Cell phones, tablets and PCs can now connect with smart home devices when you’re away to manage everything remotely, from turning on your lawn sprinkler system to regulating your home’s temperature to feeding your pet. When you’re home, you can also use these same devices or a voice-activated mechanism to control your home’s systems conveniently while watching a movie from your couch. All devices can also be combined to talk to each other and seamlessly connect the networks inside your home.

Sounds great, right? But you may be asking about the cost. While some smart home systems can be expensive, we’ve put together a list of a few smart home devices that you can install yourself for $500 or less.

• Doorbells: Answer your door with your smartphone, tablet or PC. With a lot more features than just sound, smart doorbells include motion detection, video and two-way audio features to see, hear or speak to anyone at your door remotely.
• Motorized window treatments: Control light and protect your privacy with the touch of a button. If you’ll be away from home, set a timer to control your blinds automatically so your home will look occupied even when you’re away.
• Thermostats: Connect your thermostat to your home’s Wi-Fi to control the temperature from your phone, tablet or laptop and monitor how much energy you use. There are even smart thermostats that can program themselves to the temperatures you like and adjust the temperature when you’re not home to save energy.
• Locks: Unlock your front door from your car using an app on your phone. No need to search for your keys while carrying in packages. Virtual keys can be made for family and guests—they each get their own code and you get an instant notification when your door opens.

These inexpensive smart home technologies provide a great way to add value to your home and make them more marketable to potential homebuyers.

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Animal-related considerations play a role in determining living situations

When It Comes to Homeownership Decisions, Pets Rule

RISMEDIA, Wednesday, March 22, 2017— Editor's Note: This was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. See what else is cookin' now at blog.rismedia.com:

• How to Find a Home That Will Increase Your Quality of Life
• Renovate or Decorate? 3 Things to Consider Before Choosing
• Why W-2 Employees and Gig Economy Workers Should Customize Their Pitch to Mortgage Lenders

A lot goes into the decision to buy, sell or remodel a home. After all, this is one of the most significant investments of your lifetime, so there are a lot of factors to be weighed and considered...including how happy your pet will be.
 
Yes, you read that right. In fact, 81 percent of respondents to a recent report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reported that animal-related considerations play a role in determining their next living situations. In 2016, 61 percent of U.S. households either had a pet or planned to get one in the future, so it stands to reason that our animal companions will play a significant role in our housing decisions for the foreseeable future.
 

 
According to NAR's 2017 Animal House: Remodeling Impact report, 99 percent of pet owners said they consider their animal part of the family, and 89 percent of those surveyed said they would not give up their animal because of housing restrictions or limitations. In fact, 12 percent of pet owners have actually moved in order to accommodate their furry, finned or feathered family member, and 19 percent said they would consider moving to accommodate their animal in the future.
 
No one knows the relationship between homeowners and their animal friends better than REALTORS®. Those surveyed for the report said that one-third of their pet-owning clients often or very often will refuse to make an offer on a home because it is not ideal for their pet.
 
Other interesting statistics from the report include:

• 67 percent of REALTORS® say animals have a moderate to major effect on selling a home. If you're selling your home, make sure you've cleaned or replaced any areas affected by pet damage or odors.
• 52 percent of respondents said they had completed a home renovation project specifically to accommodate their pet, such as fencing in their yards, adding a doggie door or installing a pet-friendly laminate flooring.
• 80 percent of REALTORS® consider themselves animal lovers, so you'll have lots of support in accommodating your pet's housing needs when buying! 

Maria Patterson is RISMedia's executive editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at maria@rismedia.com.

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How to Find a Home That Will Increase Your Quality of Life

How to Find a Home That Will Increase Your Quality of Life: Buying a home is a big step whether it’s your first home or a retirement home. The location and size of your home can impact on your quality of life.

By Hannah Whittenley

Buying a home is a big step whether it’s your first home or a retirement home. The location and size of your home can have an impact on your quality of life. There are several steps you can take to find the home that's best for you.

Assess Your Situation

Lists are an excellent assessment tool. Before you begin your house hunt, list the features that you desire. This list should include the logical aspects such as proximity to your job and the quality of schools in the area if that applies to your situation. Go ahead and list your desires. While you may not find a house that meets everything on your wish list, you should be able to find one that checks off the high priority items.

Location Is a Priority

It’s imperative that you concentrate your home search to a location that you can consider ideal. You can make changes to the interior and exterior of a house but the location is something you can’t change. It’s often a good idea to seek assistance from real estate professionals when evaluating how specific locations complement your lifestyle. Experts in the field can guide you to areas that are compatible with your budget, and your immediate and possibly future needs.

What Do You Enjoy

Buying a home that supports your personality can increase your quality of life. If you’re a social person, a condo in the city with amenities such as a pool, tennis court, or exercise room, might be a good option. If you don’t like city noise and close neighbors, you should concentrate your home search to rural settings. If you’re looking for a home to meet your downsizing goal, you may want to concentrate your search to areas that support healthy aging. These areas could be conducive to outside walks, social events within the community and interior features that increase safety within the home.

Size Matters

The larger the home, the more upkeep and cleaning time it requires. Typically, larger homes are more expensive to maintain. Buying a home that fits your budget comfortably will leave money in the budget for pleasurable activities that enhance your life.

Your home is your personal retreat. It should support your lifestyle and be compatible with your personality. It’s an investment that can improve your quality of life.

Downsizing & Making a Little Money in the Process

Need to Downsize? Make a Little Money in the Process

If you’re getting ready to downsize, or are settling the estate of a loved one, you will be confronted with the often overwhelming task of getting rid of furniture and belongings. These tips from MaxSold will not only help you streamline the process, but possibly bring in some money along the way:

Decide What to Keep
The KonMari Method of decluttering from Marie Kondo offers the sage advice of keeping those items that bring you joy and that you also have room for. If an item doesn’t fall into both of these categories, set it aside in a separate room or designated nook of the house.

Don’t Go Straight to the Dump
Instead of adding to landfills, try to recover money for your unwanted items. What may be “junk” in your eyes is just the thing someone else may be looking for, whether it’s a broken-in easy chair or a box of extension cords.

Take Your Time with High-Value Items
If you’re getting rid of something that truly has value, take your time and price it right. If you post an ad online and get an instant response, you might have underpriced the item. Conversely, if you’re getting no responses, you may have priced your item too high. Auction sites—like MaxSold—might be the best option, as they encourage bidding, and therefore, a good price for your prized possession.

Avoid Storage
If you can’t get the price you think an item deserves, you may think storage is a good option while you hold out for the right price. However, this strategy usually ends up costing you more, as you pay potentially thousands for storage while your item depreciates in value. Unless you have a family member to give it to, a better financial decision is to get it sold.

Research Online Sales Sites
When looking for the right site to sell your items through, do your research. Choose a company with proven methodologies, good online reviews and a process that eliminates security risk.

Source: MaxSold

For more tips on bringing in money as you downsize, contact me today.

7 Home Service Contract Tips

First-Time Buyers: 7 Home Service Contract Tips

Wednesday, September 09, 2015

As an additional incentive, an increasing number of home sellers are purchasing home service contracts on behalf of buyers, according to the National Home Service Contract Association (NHSCA). For first-time buyers benefitting from these contracts, it’s important to:

1. Review the home service contract to be sure you understand all terms and conditions. Home service contracts generally provide service, repair or replacement for items such as dishwashers, ovens, disposers, electrical and plumbing systems, and most importantly, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).

2. Maintain all appliances and household systems to keep them in efficient operating order. You will benefit from uninterrupted service as well as potential energy savings.

3. Request optional coverage if you feel you may need coverage on items not typically specified under the standard coverage, such as a swimming pool, septic tank or spa.

4. Keep a copy of your contract easily accessible and post the provider’s toll-free service number in a visible location, like the refrigerator door.

5. Call your contract provider at the first sign of trouble. Do not call a repair contractor directly. One of the benefits of your home service contract is that your provider works with a network of prequalified and licensed contractors in your area. If a breakdown (such as a lack of water or heat) poses an actual risk to your health or safety, most providers will work to expedite emergency repairs.

6. Follow up with your provider if for some reason you are not satisfied with the service provided. They will work with you to resolve your concern.

7. Note when your contract expires. For your convenience, many companies will provide automatic renewal of your contract. If you do not wish to renew, contact your provider right away to exercise your cancellation rights.

Source: NHSCA

5 Ways to Add Spring Time into Your Home

5 Ways to Let Spring into Your Home

By Maria PattersonNo matter how mild or harsh your winter may have been, spring is a rite of passage that should be recognized throughout your home with elements of renewal. This will not only serve as a refresh for your living environment, but for your state of mind as well. Here are some simple yet highly effective ways to infuse spring throughout your home:

1. Lighten up...literally. One of the best things about spring is the extension of daylight hours, so make sure to let all that extra light into your home. Trade in heavy drapes for sheer curtains and keep shades and blinds raised as often as possible. Survey your yard and trim back any trees and bushes that may be blocking the flow of light into your home.

1. Bring spring growth indoors. Among the sweetest harbingers of spring are buds, bulbs and new green growth. Capture this inspiration indoors by forcing bulbs in a decorative pot or collecting forsythia branches in a vase to force their famous yellow blooms indoors. Cut forsythia stalks at an angle once the weather has been above freezing for a few days, but before they bloom. Place them in water right away, and watch them work their magic.

1. Play with color. Take some of your favorite spring colors—yellow, purple, bright green, soft pink—and add them to your home décor with throw pillows, table linens, towels and pillow shams. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, paint a wall, a set of shelves, or your cabinet doors in a spring shade.

1. Fresh air. When the temperature permits, open your windows and let in that refreshing spring air. Even if it’s just for an hour during the warmest part of the day, the fresh air will help weed out winter mustiness and renew the air quality in your home.

1. Spring scents. Cut or buy a bunch of lilacs or hyacinths and place them in vases around your home. Alternatively, light candles in spring-time scents to permeate your home with the scents of the season. 

For more ways to infuse spring into your home, contact me today.

Childhood Identity Theft - Warning Signs

Childhood Identity Theft: Warning Signs and Prevention Tips

You may just chuckle and toss those credit card offers that come in the mail for your fourth grader, but there may be something more nefarious at play: identity theft.

According to the Identity Theft Assistance Center and the Javelin Strategy & Research group, one in 40 families with children under 18 had at least one child whose personal information was compromised. It all starts with the child’s Social Security number, which is then paired with a different name, birthdate and address to apply for credit. This is called a synthetic identity, and is very hard to detect.

"Using the stolen Social Security number, identity thieves can open credit cards, rent apartments, buy cars, secure jobs and apply for welfare or other government programs," says Trevor Buxton, fraud awareness and communications manager at PNC Bank.

PNC offers these warning signs that your child may be a victim of identity theft:

• Notification by the IRS of unpaid taxes in your child's name.
• Notification that a child's Social Security number was used on another tax return.
• Receiving collection calls for a minor child.
• Receiving bills in a child's name for products or services not ordered or delivered.
• Declined for government benefits because benefits are already being paid to another account using the child's Social Security number.

Fortunately, there are proactive steps a parent can take to protect their children from identity theft, such as:

• Keep your child’s Social Security card in a safe, locked place at home; never carry it on your person.
• Find out if you can opt out of providing your child’s Social Security number on school and medical forms. Many will allow the use of just the last four digits.
• Shred all documents that show your child's personally identifiable information before throwing them away.
• Most importantly, request an annual credit report for your child at annualcreditreport.com. Everyone is entitled to one free copy per year. Your child’s report should show no credit history at all. If there is a credit history, he or she has most likely become a victim of identity theft. Contact the credit agency and notify the authorities immediately. 

Source: PNC Bank

For more information about childhood identity theft, contact me today.

10 Things to Inspect Before You Rent

10 Things to Inspect before You Rent

Are you or a family member in the market for a rental? Make an informed choice by following this inspection checklist from the experts at RentHop:

1. Cellphone reception
In today’s world, we tend to assume we can get great coverage anywhere and everywhere. That’s not necessarily so. When you’re touring a potential apartment, make a call or two on your mobile device from a couple of different rooms. While you’re at it, ask the landlord about WiFi. Some include it in the utilities as a rental incentive.

2. Water pressure and temperature
While you can’t climb in and take a shower during a walk-through, be sure to turn the shower on and test the pressure and temperature with your hand. If it’s not up to par, find out why. Perhaps it’s a temporary situation due to work being done in the building, or something that the building management can repair.

3. Pests
No one wants company when they move in. The best way to check for pests is to open cabinets and drawers and look for droppings, and check walls, baseboards and around plumbing pipes for cracks and holes. You can also ask the landlord for confirmation of when the last pest-control treatments were completed. Be proactive and ask questions—you have every right to.

4. Power outlets and electrical work
When visiting an apartment, bring something small to test as many outlets as possible. Or, pick up an Electrical Receptacle Wall Plug AC Outlet Ground Tester from your local hardware store. It should cost about $5 - 10 and will check the circuit status for each individual outlet in the apartment. While you’re at it, check all the lights in the apartment to make sure they turn on and off properly.

5. Appliances
Just as you’re checking the outlets and the water pressure, test the appliances as well. Open and inspect the fridge, microwave, dishwasher, oven, garbage disposal and any other gadget that comes with the apartment. If something isn’t in working order, ask the landlord what the plan for repair or replacement is.

6. Night-time vibe
Neighborhoods can be very different once the sun goes down, so make sure you visit your potential new location at night. Is it lively or desolate? Well-lit or dark? Are businesses still open, or has everything shut down? Make sure you’re comfortable with how the area feels at night.

7. Parking
If you’ll be dependent upon a car for your daily commute, find out about the parking situation. Is there a lot with assigned spots? If not, visit the lot during the morning and evening rush hour and see how easy it is to get a spot. If you have to rely on street parking, find out if there are alternate side rules to contend with. Your best bet here is to ask other tenants, as they’ll give you the skinny on parking pros and cons.

8. Neighbors
One of the most important factors to check into is who your neighbors will be. Talk to as many other tenants as you can, not only to get a feel for the vibe of the building, but to ask questions about landlord and building maintenance. Ask them what they like best about living there and what they can’t stand. This will go a long way in helping you make the right decision.

9. The lease
The item you should inspect most carefully of all is the lease. Take your time and read it from top to bottom, asking questions whenever something is unclear. You don’t want to be unpleasantly surprised later on by something you unwittingly agreed to in the lease. Look for policies on subletting, renovations, security deposit, renewal and pest control.

10. Damage
Make sure you take photos and document anything that is wrong with the apartment before you move in—a hole in the wall, a tear in the carpet, a cracked window. You need evidence that such damage was not caused by you, otherwise, it could jeopardize your security deposit when it comes time to move out.

Contact me today for more tips on how to choose the perfect rental property.

PreFab Homes - 3 Items To Know Before You Buy

3 Things to Know About Prefab Homes Before You Buy

 From Albert Clark'sHomeActionsBuy

Modular home building is one of the fastest-growing segments of construction, with modular housing production increasing every year. Modular homes are becoming increasingly popular because they take less time to build and are cost-efficient options for first-time buyers or seasoned investors. If you're interested in a prefab home, you know all the benefits, such as low cost, fast construction and pristine craftsmanship, but before you make a final decision, consider the details.
 
The process

Building a modular home is very different from building a traditional home. The homes are built in a factory in programmed stages — from the walls to the finished product — and then set in place at the home's location. Framing, insulation, floors, drywall, roofing, windows, plumbing and lighting fixtures are all installed and finished by experienced craftsmen using state-of-the-art production technology. The home is shipped 90 percent complete and is assembled on the foundation. This process brings forth very different issues than the traditional homebuilding process.
 
How to find the right manufacturer

The quality of your modular home will depend on your manufacturer. There are plenty of high-quality companies building incredible modular homes, but these companies may have a higher price tag. Don't automatically go with the manufacturer that has the lowest prices, though, because you can get burned with a bad modular home that was built with cheap products. Find the right manufacturer by looking at its finished homes and talking to other clients who've used that manufacturer. 

How the home looks when it is done isn't everything — you should choose a builder based on the company's range of designs, geographical reach, and reputation. The price tag is just a small factor in the overall picture.
 
Be mindful of the foundation

With a conventional home, it is easy to make adjustments for foundations that aren't perfectly level. Since a prefab home is built in a factory and shipped to the location, making changes to adhere to the foundation is next to impossible. The foundation has to be perfectly square within a half-inch for the modular home to work. 

This is something that buyers interested in a modular home should take into consideration. Before you ever purchase a modular home, you need to ensure that the land you want to build the home on has the means to provide a perfect foundation setting.

What makes you interested in purchasing a prefab home?

Building Codes & Permits - Know What To Do

Do I Need a Permit to Do That?

 From Albert Clark HomeActions

Renovating your home can be an exciting undertaking, but it is important to slow down and make sure you check all the boxes before you proceed with your project. Building permits primarily exist to protect the health and safety of the home's residents, so while it might be inconvenient to apply for a building permit, it can be worth it in the long run. But how do you know if you need a building permit for the project you are planning?
 
1. Do I need a permit for the project I am about to start?
 
A few general guidelines can give you an idea of whether you will need a building permit. In most cases, you will need a permit for any modifications you would like to make to your existing home. These include electrical, sewer or plumbing updates and mechanical installations. They also include changes to the roof line, the addition of fireplaces and the expansion of pre-existing windows.
 
On the other hand, there are some situations when a permit is usually not required. Cosmetic changes, such as new flooring, trim or paint, typically do not require a permit. Other types of modifications, such as building a deck, replacing the siding on your home, or building a new fence or retaining wall, may or may not require a permit depending on your location.
 
2. Why do we have building codes?
 
Building codes are put in place to protect the home's residents as well as the community at large. One commonly cited example of a building code applies to stair railings. Stair railings are required to have sturdy hand holds to help occupants traverse them. In general, railings are also not permitted to have any gaps that are larger than 4". This regulation was put in place in order to prevent small children from getting stuck while trying to climb through the gaps.
 
Building codes can also help make the community safe and clean for everyone. Examples of this include environmental efficiency regulations.
 
3. Is a building permit my responsibility or my contractor's?
 
If you choose to hire a contractor, make sure you discuss with the contractor who will be pulling the building permits. In some areas, you have to be a licensed general contractor in order to pull building permits, but in many other jurisdictions you are able to pull building permits for your own private residence.
 
4. How can I find out if I need a permit?
 
Check with your local jurisdiction. Different areas have different laws surrounding building permits and building codes. In general, urban areas are more strictly regulated while the requirements in rural areas tend to be more lax. Make sure that you check the most up-to-date versions of all the guidelines. For example, requirements for energy efficiency have changed drastically over the past decade, causing building codes to adjust accordingly. It is always best to make sure that you are up to date on the local building codes and guidelines.

Home Renovations That Can Hurt (and Help) Property Value: The best remodels will increase both quality of life and listing price, so take care to invest in projects that will net the biggest returns.

Home Renovations That Can Hurt (and Help) Property Value

Posted on Feb 23 2017 - 10:57am by Housecall

By Brooke Nally

If you’re into renovation projects, then updating and revamping your home can be a lot of fun. But before you get too excited about knocking down walls and setting up a custom movie room, you might want to consider resale value. Flashy renovations don’t always yield the best returns, so you’ll need to take care when picking projects.

To make things easier for you, here are four remodels to avoid and four to invest in.

Remodels to Avoid

Luxury RoomsAn indoor basketball court, wine cellar, sauna, or even a movie theater won’t often recoup the high building costs. Luxury add-on rooms are hard to pitch to buyers unless you’re living in an upscale housing market—the average homebuyer won’t be willing to pay for them. Further, rooms that depend heavily on wired electronics, like home theaters, are hard to keep current because TVs and speakers are constantly advancing.

Swimming PoolThe average cost to build a pool is $39,084, a hefty price tag that is seldom recovered once the home is sold. It’s widely accepted throughout the industry that a homeowner will lose money by adding a swimming pool. Homebuyers don’t want to deal with the maintenance cost of a pool (which can cost as much as $2,000 a year), the added insurance premiums, and—if they have young kids—the safety issues.

Gaudy AccentsThough gold-plated crown molding or mosaic-tile backsplashes may feature prominently in your ideal vision for your home, they often turn out to be the average homebuyer’s worst nightmare. Passing fads or niche trends rarely stick around long, so if you miss the brief window when your remodeling choices are in, you’ll end up paying for it later.

Changes Contrary to Area StandardsIf you aren’t watching the trends common to your area, you could end up losing a lot of money. A home that totals $600,000 after all the renovations won’t sell in a neighborhood where homes are netting half that price. Likewise, knocking down the walls of extra bedrooms for an open layout won’t be appealing in a family-oriented neighborhood.

Remodels that Pay

Steel Doors
You don’t want to go cheap on a standard front door. At roughly $1,000, steel doors are comparatively affordable, durable, low maintenance and burglar resistant. As an added bonus, theNational Association of Realtors® reports that steel door upgrades show the highest return on investment of any home remodel, at over 100 percent of the cost.

Solar PanelsAs the price of solar panels continues to drop, the energy payback on installing them is becoming greater and greater. The average rooftop solar system is now paid off in seven and a half years. After that, panels are a big money-saving asset. A study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory notes that homebuyers “consistently have been willing to pay more for a property” with solar panels—a premium of around $4 per installed watt, on average.

Related: Will Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Solar Panels?

New SidingThe exterior of your house is the first thing potential homebuyers see when they come to your home, and you want to make the best first impression. This is part of the reason redoing your siding is so profitable. New siding recoups around 80 percent of the initial cost, according to the National Association of Realtors®, thanks largely to the increased curb appeal and improved energy efficiency it provides.

Broadband Access
Access to broadband speeds is considered an essential utility for today’s connected homebuyer. Research shows that faster internet speeds increase your home value by as much as 3 percent. Homeowners can prepare their homes for higher broadband connectivity by working with area providers to install requisite equipment and wiring. Building out wall ports and cable-hiding baseboards is a good move to attract buyers, too.

Even if you’re not considering selling your home just yet, keep potential selling benefits in mind. Intrepid homeowners know that the best remodels will increase both quality of life and listing price, so take care to invest in projects that will net the biggest returns.

10 Things to do Before Selling Your First Home

MARCH 6, 2017

Ten Things to Do Before Selling Your First Home: Part 2

                                         In last week’s blog post, we shared with you five tips to get ready to sell your first home. Here are five additional tasks we recommend you complete before listing your house for sale with an experienced agent.

Estimate your timeline and budget. Your real estate agent can help you decide what to fix and what to leave alone to maximize your profit from the sale. While there’s no guarantee of how quickly your home will sell, an experienced agent can estimate how long it will be on the market and the profit from your sale so you can budget for your next home. Your agent also can help you evaluate market conditions and advise you whether to sell your home first and then buy a new property or vice versa.

Consult a lender. A lender can help you determine the best way to make the transition from one home to another. Depending on your assets and home equity, you may want to consider a bridge loan or opening a home equity line of credit on your current home before you put it on the market to use for a down payment on the next property.

Start packing. While you don’t want your house to be full of boxes when you put it on the market, you can start packing the contents of your closets, storage spaces and garage as early as you want. To showcase your home at its best, you’ll want to remove as much clutter as possible. Getting rid of possessions, donating them or packing them can jump-start that process. You may even want to rent a storage unit to hold excess stuff until you move.

Clean and repair and clean again. Making small repairs throughout your home, such as caulking your tub and replacing fixtures like worn-out door knobs, goes a long way to improving the appearance of your home. Deep clean yourself or hire professionals to get every surface sparkling, including your windows. Don’t forget to change your light bulbs and open or remove your window treatments to allow for the maximum light in your rooms.

Don’t forget curb appeal. No matter what season it is when you list your home, remember that first impressions count. Paint or replace your front door if it needs it, trim and neaten shrubs and flower beds, put down fresh mulch and add some color with a potted plant to entice visitors to come inside.

High-Resale Value Projects You Can Tackle In A Weekend

High-Resale Value Projects You Can Tackle In A Weekend: Always thinking about your home's resale value? Here are five weekend projects you can tackle yourself!

“There’s no place like home,” as the old saying goes. That’s especially true when it comes to an investment.

You live in and love your home, but there might come a time when you have to leave it. And when that time comes, you’ll want to get as much money as you can for your property so you can move onward — and upward.

In order to increase your abode’s value, you might think you have to put in a ton of time, effort and money, but that’s not entirely true. Instead, you can take on weekend projects over time to spruce the place up so when it’s time to sell, you have a completely updated property that’ll end up selling itself.

Ready to get to work? Roll up your sleeves and start on one of the following five weekend projects.

1. Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets

When it comes to smart investment in your home, the kitchen is one of the best places to start. Buyers expect kitchens to be updated. Stone countertops, stainless appliances and sleek flooring all make a space feel modern. Obviously, these changes require a lot of money and, sometimes, a lot of time. That’s why you can tackle it in bits and start first with your cabinets.

Old wooden cabinets with equally dated hardware — think oak doors with shiny brass handles — don’t require a complete gut job. Instead, spend a weekend repainting them a more neutral hue. Finish the project off with new metallic knobs and pulls to complete the modernized look.

2. Make the Eye Go up With Crown Molding

Most homes have roughly the same ceiling heights, but there’s a little trick to make yours look bigger — crown molding. Yes, that white line at the top of your painted walls will draw eyes upward, making the room appear airier than it may very well be.

The project is easy enough to complete, too. You might not be able to install molding throughout your entire home over a single weekend, but you can certainly tackle the project on a room-by-room basis. Again, start with the spaces likely to draw in the most moolah:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Living spaces
• Master bedrooms

These tend to be the make-or-break rooms when it comes to a big purchase. Crown molding adds a bit of detail, a feeling of luxury that’ll certainly add to the bottom line.

3. Boost Curb Appeal — and Backyard Bonuses

No one will come in your home unless the first impression is stunning. Another DIY project should be a landscape overhaul of your front yard. It can be something as simple as adding a path of pavers to your front yard or sprucing up your flowerbeds with colorful blooms. All of this will catch the eye of potential buyers — and fatten up the bottom line of the offers they make.

Another easy fix — your garage door. If it’s street-facing, it’s another area for prospective buyers to look at, and it has a great return on investment.

You don’t have to stop with the front of your home. Especially if you live in a climate that permits lots of outdoor activity, you’ll want a backyard to match. Some may require you rent or buy tools for landscaping and other applications, but imagine the payoff with, for example, the beauty of a functioning fire pit in your backyard. Not only will you be able to enjoy it while you’re still living in your home, but potential buyers will easily be able to envision themselves sitting around a fire.

4. Beautify the Bathrooms

Bathrooms have a big effect on buyers. They expect clean, modern updates, just like in the kitchen. Overhauling your powder room is an easy weekend task that might require small swaps, such as a new modern light fixture over the vanity or a new vanity altogether.

Your full bathrooms will require a bit more attention if you want them to be up to snuff. Again, look in the familiar places:

• Lighting fixtures
• Cabinets
• Hardware
• Countertops
• Tile

You don’t have to shell out a ton of money to have someone else re-tile a wall or backsplash in your bathroom, either, if you have the patience to demo and tile the space yourself.

5. Out With the Really Old

Some accents once considered fresh and fashionable now give your home a dated appearance. You probably already know what in your home screams 70s, 80s or 90s. Whatever it is should go in due course.

The list of outdated design elements is truly endless, but some of the biggest offenders are old-school wallpaper, the floor-to-ceiling wood paneling that may or not be actual wood, and, of course, popcorn ceilings. By removing these three offenders alone — a popcorn ceiling doesn’t take much effort — your home will snap right back into 2017.

Once people start envisioning themselves living in your home, you won’t have to envision offers pouring in — they’ll start coming thanks to your hard work. You go, weekend warrior.