Category Archives: Real Estate

Four Ways to Help Make Your Roof Leak-Proof

Posted on March 7, 2016 | Leave a comment

Considering the record-breaking heat last summer, we understand why you might welcome the storms El Niño is sending our way. But before you start planning to spend your weekends curled up on the couch with a cup of tea, watching the rain pitter-patter on your windows, take some time to prepare your home—and in particular, your roof—for the deluge.

Of course, roof maintenance is important all the time, but this year, it’s especially critical. Experts say that homes could be more susceptible to leaks this spring because the summer’s high, dry heat caused the wood in houses to contract and open up small gaps, big enough to allow water to leak through.

And that’s why homeowners should make sure their roofs are sealed up tight before the rains come. Following are some steps to take to help you avoid leaks this spring:

Perform a thorough inspection. You should give your roof a good once-over at least annually, and twice a year if possible. It’s not as difficult as you might think: Just put a ladder up to the side of your house and check for missing or worn shingles. Take a particularly close look at spots where there’s flashing or where two different materials meet, such as the areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights. If they’re not sealed right, they’re prime spots for leaks. Homeowners with tile roofs might think they can skip this step, but they shouldn’t. Tiles can slip, chip, and crack, exposing the felt paper underneath to sun, which in turn causes wear and tear to the paper, leading to possible leaks.

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RE Agents blocked from helping with closing documents

Posted on March 5, 2016 | Leave a comment

Under the new federal real estate settlement procedures that took effect late last year, an unexpected problem is taking shape: Many lenders and title companies are refusing to provide copies of the final closing documents to real estate agents representing homebuyers. That, in turn, is threatening to jeopardize one of the traditional services agents perform for their clients — scrutinizing closing statements for inaccuracies that could cost them money or delay the settlement unnecessarily.

Yet in a recent internal survey of members across the country, the National Association of Realtors found that 54.5 percent of agents reported they had experienced difficulties obtaining the closing disclosure form used under the new federal rules, and that half of these agents detected errors when they finally reviewed them. The errors included incorrect fee charges, commission splits, taxes and failure to include seller concessions to the purchasers, among others.

In some cases, when closing disclosures had to be changed and reissued — triggering a mandatory three-day waiting period for the purchasers and delaying the settlement — sellers have balked and even canceled sales. Eric Post, principal broker at BHGRE Realty Partners in Portland, Ore., told me “we’ve had some situations where this caused the termination” of entire deals because the delay “wasn’t acceptable” to the sellers.

10 most cost effective renovations

Posted on March 2, 2016 | Leave a comment

renov

High-end, major remodeling projects don’t always offer the most favorable return on investment when you sell your home. Lower-cost but highly visible changes can often do more to increase profits in a sale.

For value questions regarding your home contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com.

Here are some simple improvements that may offer the most bang for the buck.

In apartments and houses: Refinishing hardwood floors, Painting walls, Replacing kitchen countertops, Installing new kitchen appliances, Replacing kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts

In houses only: Replacing the garage door, Replacing siding, Adding a wood deck, and Replacing windows with wood windows.