3 Warning Signs a Home Listing

May Not Be All it Seems

There’s a lot of competition for good listings right now, so it’s tempting to find a house that seems nice and jump on it as quickly as possible. And while you should definitely act fast, ideally you only want to go under contract once. Make sure your first choice is really what it seems. Here are a few things you can look for before you submit an offer to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

1. Old or faulty wiring – Usually when someone says “they don’t make it like they used to,” they’re implying the item in question used to be better. But with wiring, the fact that they don’t make it like they used to is a good thing. Some older forms of wiring are inefficient or even dangerous. The insulation on the wires can also wear off over time, creating a fire hazard. If you’re considering buying an older home, make sure the wiring is already up to date and meets modern code requirements or include the price of an electrical upgrade into your budget.

2. Cracks in the foundation – The foundation does a lot more than keep a house from sitting on the ground. It keeps the house level – which is essential to having working doors, windows, and roofs. It also protects against mold. So if you see cracks in the foundation, beware. Foundation cracks can be very expensive to repair even  without fixing any problems caused by the cracks. If mold formed in the cracks, for example, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars for mold remediation.

3. Old or damaged roof – A roof can last up to thirty years with the right maintenance and conditions – which is a good thing since they can cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace. Make sure the roof still has at least five to seven years of usability in it or budget a new roof into the price of the home. If the roof is already damaged, consider the fact that there could be further damage in the house caused by the bad roof.

10 Projects to Enhance Your Backyard

“Go big or go home” doesn’t have to apply when you’re already talking about your home. You don’t need to invest a ton of time or money to make a big statement in your backyard. Here are some things you can do in your yard that fit both the biggest and smallest budgets.

1. Hang some lights – It just takes a few lights to completely transform your backyard. If you buy them right after Christmas, you can get outdoor lights for 75-90% off. But even if you pay full price for non-seasonal outdoor lights, you can still find them for $10-20 a strand.

2. Add a swing or hammock – A porch swing or hammock doesn’t have to set your budget back a whole lot and having one adds a quiet retreat to your yard where you can kick back and enjoy the fresh air in comfort.

3. Grow a garden – Plants or flowers can add to the beauty of your yard and enhance your backyard experience. Plus, depending on what you plant, you could repel mosquitoes, attract butterflies, or cut down on your costs for fresh produce.

4. Add a firepit – This project can be as simple or as complex as you’d like, and once it’s ready, you’ll have the perfect place to gather your friends and family for good conversations and marshmallow roasting!

5. Buy a grill – Charcoal or gas doesn’t matter as much as the fun BBQs and delicious food that will result from adding a grill to your yard.

6. Create a water feature – You can pick up a pre-made fountain for a few hundred dollars or build a larger, custom-made pond to fit any budget. Whichever way you choose, your fountain can add to the peace and tranquility of your yard.

7. Fence it in – They say good fences make for good neighbors, so adding or upgrading your fence is a great way to enhance your space. A good fence can keep out prying eyes, protect kids and pets, mark your property line, and add visual appeal.

8. Add a deck or patio – While this project is a little pricier, a deck or patio will provide years of outdoor fun. Whether you lay bricks, pour concrete, or install a wood deck, adding a deck or patio can turn your backyard into a premium entertaining space.

9. Build a playground – A backyard playground is a great way to keep children entertained. Even something as simple as a sandbox will give your kids a safe and creative play space. Shop around to find something that fits your space and budget.

10. Get a pool – What’s better than having your own private pool? It can add hours of entertainment and is a great go-to party theme.

3 Ways to Fit Furniture into Any House

Whether you’re moving somewhere new or just bringing something new into your current house, getting furniture to fit through doorways and into your desired space can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to fit furniture into any room in your home.

Plan ahead.
Instead of dragging a piece of furniture all over, sketch out how you’ll arrange your furniture. This is especially helpful if you have narrow hallways, small rooms, or a lot of furniture. You can use paper and pencil or find a free program online to help you make a floor plan. Start by creating the outline of the room (or your whole house), trying to get the dimensions right. Next, measure the height, width, and depth of each item of furniture. Starting with the largest items first, sketch them into the desired room, then work the smaller pieces in. Remember to leave at least 3 feet for drawers, cabinets, and walkways. If you need to, you can always erase furniture and try again.

Move smart, not hard.
If you plan ahead and take the proper precautions, you can make sure you, your home, and your furniture survive the move unscathed. Empty any drawers before you try to carry potentially heavy items like shelves, nightstands, dressers, or armoires. You can also disassemble your bed frames, couches, and dining tables to make them easier to get through doorways and narrow halls.

Scale down.
If you’re moving to a smaller place or you just have a lot of oversized or non-essential furniture, consider paring down your collection. You can also try switching to pieces that serve multiple functions, like a sleeper sofa, storage ottoman, or tables with built-in shelves.

If you’ve outgrown your current space, just let me know! I’ll be glad to help you find a home that will accommodate all of your belongings. And the same goes for anyone else you know who needs a new place to call home; I’m here to help! I can help you find the perfect place for you and your family.

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Theresa Miller, Broker, Realtor, CEO
themmteamrealty@ca.rr.com
(310) 713-8459
http://www.themmteamrealty.com

We are Leroy & Theresa Miller with The M & M Team Realty. We are Residential Realtors working with clients to purchase, sell or lease. We specialize in clients who need to sell or purchase property due to life changing events (i.e. a divorce). We understand the urgency and sensitivity of the clients needs.

We are The M & M Team Realty, “The Answer to Your Life Changing Events”