Green Real Estate Appraiser

DIY or Not

Posted on December 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

How difficult are home improvement projects and how much can a handy homeowner save?

Replace a stone vanity countertop – A carpenter will install a new 61-inch wide granite top for $443. If you have carpentry experience, you can do the job for $300. The granite top is sold in two parts, a slab counter and separate bowl that you glue to the underside of the top before fastening it to the vanity base.

Will updating/upgrading your home add value? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

Read and see more at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/home/chi-do-it-yourself-or-not-photos,0,5389313.photogallery

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Selling a Home to a Real Estate Investor

Posted on December 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

Drive down just about any major road in this country and you’ll probably see the signs: “We Buy Homes Fast!!”

They’re often loud and obnoxious. They offer quick cash settlements. Sometimes they mention ugly homes. Have you ever considered calling the number on one of those signs? Ever wonder what they’re all about?

First thing you should do is find out what your home is worth. This is where an appraisal is needed. Why go into a negotiation without any information. Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your appraisal and value questions.

These signs are put up by real estate investors. There are a million flavors of real estate investor but these signs most likely belong to a real estate flipper or a wholesaler and they’re looking for the really incredible deals. If you’re looking to get top dollar for your home, then don’t waste your time calling these guys. If you have a home that needs major work and you don’t have the time or desire to deal with tire kicking home shoppers, home inspectors and contingencies of all sorts, then these guys might be worth considering.

Call the number on a sign that offers a quick, cash closing and you’ll probably get someone who will offer you about 50 to 60 percent of what your home is worth in top condition. It’s very unlikely that you’ll be offered any more than that.

Let me tell you why. When I’m considering a home, I budget in about 15 percent in costs just associated with the process of buying and selling the home. There are transfer fees, taxes, and attorney fees when I buy it, plus real estate agents and seller concessions (what the seller agrees to pay toward the buyer’s closing costs) when I sell.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Fireplaces – Not Just for Fire

Posted on December 13, 2012 | Leave a comment

Winter and the holidays often evoke images of cozying up fireside with a mug of hot cocoa and reading material in hand. From November through February, however, on days when the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issues a winter Spare the Air alert for the Bay Area, the burning of wood, fire logs or any other solid fuels in a fireplace is illegal.

An empty fireplace just doesn’t have that same charm, does it?

But the lack of a crackling blaze doesn’t mean you can’t create an attractive fireplace scene. We’ve culled inspiration from four local interior designers, all of whom have addressed nonfunctioning fireplaces in their line of work. These ideas will help keep things merry and bright in your home, without releasing particulates and soot. (And Santa will appreciate not having to contend with flames!)

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

DIY or Not

Selling a Home to a Real Estate Investor

Fireplaces – Not Just for Fire

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