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Just Keep Swimming…Your May Newsletter is Here!

May 1, 2020 by cdiez Leave a Comment

As we continue to self-quarantine at home, many of us might be feeling disconnected, lonely, and stir-crazy—all of which are perfectly normal feelings to have at this time. However, it’s important to remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Coronavirus numbers are beginning to stabilize as a result of social distancing, and California is just weeks away from modifying its stay-at-home orders.

So while it may be difficult, just know that we are all in this together. In the words of Dory from Finding Nemo, when life gets us down we must, “Just Keep Swimming…” until we cross the finish line together.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our real “lifebuoys” out there. Thank you to our healthcare workers, first responders, police officers, firefighters, grocery store workers, and all of the brave heroes on the frontline for serving and loving your communities during this critical time.

This month’s newsletter is dedicated to answering some common questions and concerns that sellers and buyers might have during this time. I am also sharing a fun DIY home project to keep you and your loved ones busy and entertained!

The coronavirus pandemic has brought much of the country to a screeching halt. But just because people are stuck at home, it doesn’t mean your home sale has to come to a screeching halt too. You can sell your home in the midst of this challenging time—as long as you’re safe.

Here are some precautions homeowners should take in order to sell their home safely during the COVID-19 crisis:

Embrace virtual showings: You don’t need a swarm of potential buyers walking in and out of your house; it’s not safe for you or them. Instead, have your real estate agent vet buyers and give them virtual tours of your home.

A recent survey from realtor.com found that, if given access to the right information and technology features, nearly ¼ of respondents (24 percent) would be willing to buy a home without seeing it in person. The number is even higher for younger homebuyers, at 29 percent.

But what information and tech features do buyers need to make a purchase? According to the survey, the features most important to would-be buyers when making a decision about buying a property remotely include:

A virtual tour of the home (61 percent)
Accurate, detailed listing information (58 percent)
Accurate, detailed neighborhood information (53 percent)
High-quality listing photos (51 percent)
A video walk-through with their real estate agent (39 percent)

Give me a call today to learn more about our virtual tours, professional photography, and 3D Matterport technology.

Practice safety measures for in-person showings: If you have a buyer who has already been vetted and is extremely interested in the property, they may want to see your home in person before writing an offer. Prior to allowing anyone into your home, make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces to protect potential buyers—and then make sure to do the same after the in-person tour to protect yourself and your family.
The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way people buy and sell homes. But with the right safety measures, there’s no reason it has to derail your home sale.

With social distancing in full swing, searching for a home in the traditional sense—including going to tour homes in person—is getting put on the back burner. But just because you can’t see as many homes in person, it doesn’t mean your home search has to suffer!

A recent article from realtor.com outlined tips for conducting a virtual house hunt that’s just as good as the real thing:

Learn how to read an online listing and what’s hiding: You don’t want to waste your time virtually touring homes that aren’t going to be the right fit. When going through a listing, look for red flags that might indicate that a listing isn’t what it seems—and isn’t worth your time (for example, a complete lack of photos of the home’s interior or photos that appear to be stretched out to make a room appear bigger). It’s also important to stick to your original home search criteria whether that applies to living in a particular neighborhood and location or requiring a certain bed/bath count—it can be easy to venture off course to other neighborhoods and homes with just a click of a button, but sticking to your criteria is key.

Ask your real estate agent to go into detail during virtual tours: Thanks to technology like Zoom or FaceTime, your agent can take you on a virtual tour of potential properties. But video doesn’t catch all the small details you would catch if you were physically in the space (like the finishes on cabinets, or crown molding on the ceiling)—so make sure to ask your agent to talk you through those details.

Check out the neighborhood: There are a ton of interactive map tools and neighborhood guides on the internet that will give you insight into a potential home’s neighborhood. Ask your agent to send detailed neighborhood reports and information.

Bottom line? With a little creativity, technology, and patience, there’s no reason your virtual home search can’t be just as effective as a traditional search!

The kitchen has (not surprisingly) become one of the most popular areas in our homes these days…So much so that our fridge may see us more times a day than the outside world…All jokes aside, you might consider using this extra time at home as an opportunity to add that extra “wow” factor to your kitchen. The best part? These DIY home renovation ideas don’t require a lot of time or money:

Build a custom copper rack for your pots and pans: Easy and inexpensive, a custom copper rack for your pots and pans is a great way to add a stylish edge to your kitchen. Just hang a copper pipe from your wall or ceiling, hang your pots and pans with inexpensive hooks, and you have a unique focal feature that instantly elevates your kitchen design. Click here for DIY inspiration. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, there are lots of affordable, ready to assemble options like this elegant Copper Rack from Home Depot.

Add a new light fixture above your kitchen table: If you have a kitchen table, switching out the light fixture above the table can instantly breathe new life into the space, making your kitchen feel more modern and on-trend. Pinterest has light fixture ideas for just about any style of kitchen. Click here to find one that matches the design and look of your kitchen.

Add crown molding to cabinets: Adding crown molding to the tops of your cabinets accomplishes a few different goals. It adds visual interest, makes the cabinets look more expensive, and also draws the eye upward, making cabinets look taller. Check out this DIY tutorial here.

Small changes to your kitchen can make a big impact on your home—and with a little time and effort, you can easily make those changes in a single weekend.

8 Tips for New Homeowners Moving to a New State

December 13, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

We all have reasons for relocating. Sometimes, it is simply getting a new job in a state. We move to be closer to family. I know some folks that have moved on average once every two years and they weren’t military. However, they saw a lot of the United States and Europe as well.

Carol Evenson passes on some tips for moving to a new state to help make a move smoother and less stressful.

1. Do plenty of research.

Before you actually start the moving process, you should start by researching the city to which you plan to relocate. From local shops to schools and food chains, you should know exactly what your new city has to offer. We highly suggest doing a thorough internet search or, if possible, even driving through the city to get a better understanding of the area.

2. Search for your new home.

Before you take the plunge and move to a new city, you should spend at least a couple months beforehand finding a new home. Reach out to a local realtor. They can provide invaluable help as you look for a new place to live Whether you plan to rent or buy, a realtor can not only show you around the city but also recommend a great property to settle down in. They will be familiar with the different neighborhoods and can help you to find a home that is within your budget and provides the things you need.

3. Develop a budget.

Money can be tight while moving, which is why it’s so important to create a budget. It’s very easy to overspend or even run out of money with so many expenses coming at you. Developing a moving budget can help you monitor how much money you are spending and keep track of how much you have left to spend.

One of the biggest expenses that you should base your budget around is the moving company costs, but don’t spend everything in that one area. There are still plenty of large costs that you need to be aware of, such as plane tickets, utility connection fees, and more.

4. Hire a moving company.

The best, and sometimes only, way to move all your belongings from one state to another is to hire a moving company. However, before you hire one you should do plenty of research to make sure you are getting the best service possible. Some different moving companies have specialties they offer, so look for the best. Some movers refuse to move pianos while others specialize in that area. Some movers specialize in long-distance moves, while some bill themselves exclusively as Phoenix, Los Angeles, or Dallas movers. Make sure that the moving company you hire can handle exactly what you need them for.

Ask for recommendations from your friends and family. From there we suggest asking for testimonials from past customers. Ideally, the more positive reviews they have from customers, the more you can trust them. However, you should also check out their licensing info at the US Department of Transportation to make sure they are legally allowed to be moving your belongings.

Click here for full article

The Home Improvement Decisions that You will Never Regret

November 3, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

When I think about home improvement decisions for the house, I tend to see what my wife has up next on her major home to
do list. Of course, then I check the budget to see what we have available for funds.

Lidia Staron gives us some insight on decisions we make that are just right.

When it comes to home improvement, homeowners have a myriad of options at their disposal. However, this is not to mean that all of these options are the best. While some fixes and renovations in a home can turn your home into a perfect setting, others end up causing more harm than good. Right from landscaping to wiring and kitchen renovation, home remodeling needs careful consideration to avoid future regrets.

What to Avoid
While some home remodeling options may look trendy on the surface, they may not be ideal for a long term engagement. For instance, one of the trends you would not want to get involved in is specialty finishes on hardware. While most homeowners find specialty finishes on the bathroom or kitchen trendy, their relevance does not last long. Furthermore, they are expensive to have them installed or changed. So considering their up-charges and the fact that they are a thing of the moment, it may not be worth the effort.

In most cases, homeowners would try to do all they can to improve the overall outlook of their bathroom. However, some of these additions may be unnecessary. For instance, while adding a veined marble wall to your bathroom is a beautiful endeavor, going overboard can prove overwhelming since, in a few years, it will look outdated. The same applies to graphic tiling that seems trendy at the moment. At this age, Pinterest and Instagram, soon everybody will be going for it, and it will not be desirable in a few years to come.

What to Focus on in Home Remodeling
So you have everything figured out and are set up to make your investment in home renovation. Before starting your renovation project, make sure to budget all your expenses. With a detailed budget, you will know, whether is it better to consider a personal loan for home improvement or to use your savings and pay with cash.

Where do you start? With funds ready, you ought to go for priority aspects of your home remodeling. The following are some of the notable areas to lay your emphasis.

Storage
Come to think of it; a building is essentially meant for storage apart from being home. This fact explains why one will go to great lengths to create several rooms of various storage purposes. Over time, we accumulate a lot of stuff, and it only makes sense to create enough space for the same. Consider both your current and future storage needs when creating these spaces. This applies to both the interior and exterior storage.

Infrastructure
Apart from location, the home’s infrastructure can become a make or break point for your home remodeling design. By building a custom home, you have the autonomy to decide where each of the main features will be located. This is in addition to the assurance that whatever is used under the floor and behind the walls is high quality. Some of the notable infrastructural considerations in home remodeling include electrical systems, cooling systems, siding, plumbing, insulation, and windows. Work hand in hand with your architect or designer to ensure each of these works to improve the overall performance

Is it Time to Renovate Your Home

October 1, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

To me, sometimes this answer is pretty obvious. If everything in the house is still from 1986 when you bought it, change is due. When all homes around you seem to capture your eye with something fresh but yours doesn’t, then it may be time for some renovation help.

Here are some tips from Anna-Maria Sanders to help you know that it is time.

Renovating your home requires a significant investment. To make the most out of each penny you spend, you must renovate only when it’s needed.

So how do you know if it’s high time that you renovate your home?

Check out these tell-tale signs:

Your Home is Deteriorating

The rate at which your home deteriorates depends on many factors, such as the quality of its construction, the materials used, and the type of climate you live in. Deterioration is a major reason for renovating a house. However, it isn’t always easy to spot deterioration because not all signs can be seen directly.

So what are the signs that your home has gotten substantial wear and tear?

• The tiling system in your home starts to detach. This is most common in areas like the kitchen and the bathroom.
• The roof is leaking.
• The wall paint is chipping, plumbing fixtures are damaged, and the floors are creaking.

As mentioned, other structural problems are not noticeable. It’s a great idea to enlist the help of a professional home inspector at least every year to spot problems early on and have them repaired.

You Have Enough Funds

Every renovation project – big or small – requires money. According to Home Advisor, the cost of home remodeling ranges from $18,466 – $75,350. Yes, it can be very expensive that’s why you need to be financially prepared. To save on the cost, consider tackling necessary projects first, such as home repairs. Note that a lot of times, you might go overboard with your budget. It’s inevitable. But you want to at least keep the unexpected costs at a minimum. If you have sufficient equity in your home, you can use that to finance your home renovation project.

You Need More or Less Space

You could be expecting an additional member in your family soon, your teens wanted a little more privacy and ask to have their own bedroom, or your grownups may have decided to move out. Renovating your home is a great way to meet the changing needs of your family.

You Lack Enough Storage

Is your kitchen looking crowded? Do the contents of your cabinet fall out whenever you open its doors? Has it come to the point when you rather order takeout because cooking at home has become incredibly difficult? Renovating your home to add more storage space can make you stay organized and keep your home clutter-free. Thankfully, modern designs of cabinets and storage systems are not only stylish but also space-saving. Examples are hanging cabinets, multifunctional furniture, built-in wall shelves, and the like.

Mistakes Buyers Make When Searching for Their First Home, and How to Avoid Them

July 15, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Buying your first home can be a very exciting time. There is something about not having to pay rent anymore. Sometimes, with all of the different things going through a home buyers mind, we can make a mistake. Jaymi Naciri covers some of the mistakes that can be made and offers tips to avoid them.

Many starter-home purchases are driven primarily by price, which is understandable. But, there are so many other considerations involved in finding the right place, like square footage and location, to name just a few of the most consequential.

When looking for your first home, it’s critical to keep the most important considerations in mind so you don’t find yourself going down a real estate rabbit hole. Remember these common buyer mistakes to keep you on track.

Buyer mistake No. 1: Being seduced by the pretty stuff

Fresh paint, pretty throw pillows, nice bedding. They’re all decoration, and decoration can be dangerous for homebuyers. Don’t let it distract you from the house itself. How’s the floorplan? Does it work for your family? Is there enough square footage? Does the location make sense? These are among the factors that should be driving your purchase.

Buyer mistake No. 2: Searching for a home that fits your furniture

How many times have you heard a buyer on House Hunters say, “Our furniture won’t fit in here.” When you’re buying a property that costs a couple hundred thousand dollars, it’s silly to hold back over a five-year-old, $1,000 couch.

Buyer mistake No. 3: Getting too hung up on price

It’s easy to get a number stuck in your head and refuse to give up, but that figure might not be doable depending on your local real estate market. Raising your price range by $10,000 may vastly increase the available homes and may only mean another $50 per month. That’s one lunch out you can forgo to get what you really want.

Buyer mistake No. 4: Not trusting your gut

The price is right, the location is right, and the home has the right number of bedrooms and baths. But it just doesn’t feel right. You may not be able to put your finger on what it is that’s bothering you about a house, but if something’s nagging at you now, imagine what it will be like to live there. It could be your gut is trying to tell you something.

Buyer mistake No. 5: Ignoring the neighborhood

The hope is that any major problems with the home you’re looking at will show up on an inspection report, but other issues could pop up to derail your purchase or kill your enjoyment of the home once it belongs to you. A lot of the time, that has to do with the neighborhood.

That could mean a commercial area too close to home, a rundown house across the street, or some zoning changes that are bringing a ton of new multi-family units to the area and increasing traffic. Whatever it is that’s bothering you, think it through. You can always fix your home, but you can’t change the neighborhood.

Buyer mistake No. 6: Not thinking long term

Maybe you think you’ll only be in this “starter home” for two years, and, therefore, the neighborhood isn’t all that important. As long as the house meets your approval, you’re good, right? According to a study by ValuePenguin, “the median duration of homeownership in the U.S. is 13.3 years.” That varies depending on the location, however, of the 20 largest U.S. cities studied, the lowest median was 9.7 years in Denver.

Does that mean you’ll stay in this home for 10 years or more? Who knows. But if you’re a young couple planning to have kids in the next three-to-five years, let’s say, it wouldn’t hurt to make sure the home you buy now can accommodate that lifestyle change.

Click here for full article

See How 1 Kitchen Style Works With 5 Types of Wood

June 5, 2019 by cdiez Leave a Comment

Barbara Milner, a Houzz contributor, shows us just how good a kitchen can look.

If you’re considering the contemporary style for your kitchen, one challenge you may face is how to make it cozy. Choosing wood cabinets is one wonderful way to add warmth.

These five kitchens are contemporary, a design style characterized by clean lines, a lack of adornment and, often, a neutral color scheme. It’s the second most popular style for remodeled kitchens, according to Houzz research. Each kitchen shows a different type of wood cabinetry. Which material would you choose for your kitchen?

1. Flat-Cut Red Oak on Island and Upper Wall Cabinets

Red oak is a popular hardwood in North America and a dominant species in U.S. forests. It has a distinctive grain and gets its name from the tree’s leaf color in the fall (which explains why, despite the name, this wood is not always red in color). It’s considered a timeless classic and used in furniture, flooring, cabinetry and architectural millwork.

“Flat cut” refers to the way the wood in this kitchen was cut. This method creates a cathedral pattern, sometimes called peaks, on the face of the board.

How it’s used. Designer Lisa Lev used flat-cut red oak on the kitchen island, upper wall cabinets and tall pantry cabinet. The gables — or sides of the cabinets — are also red oak and nicely frame the white cabinets. The island’s matching red oak toe kick creates a floating effect and a soft transition to the engineered hickory flooring. Lev’s clients did not want island stools, so she created built-in shelving for kids’ books instead.

Supporting elements. Lev used white to balance the striking red oak with engineered quartz countertops (Organic White by Caesarstone). They have a clean, modern aesthetic that doesn’t compete with the wood.

Flat-front white cabinets and a classic white hexagon tile backsplash keep the spotlight on the wood’s grain pattern. A slim three-quarter-inch countertop profile helps keep costs down, while simple stainless steel cabinet pulls quietly support the design. Vintage teak chairs (see the previous photo) add more wood warmth, while yellow pendant lights introduce a cheery note.

Why it works. The red oak’s beautiful flat-cut grain brings an abundance of natural texture to this contemporary space, creating an atmosphere that’s at once modern and organic.

Durability. Red oak is strong and resilient. Its rating on the Janka scale — a measure of wood’s hardness — is 1,290, which is considered medium. Red oak is a readily available species and the benchmark against which all other wood species are compared.

Click here for full article and pictures