Green Real Estate Appraiser

Big Budget Renovations Come With Added Risk

Posted on March 20, 2012 | Leave a comment

Renovating used to be relatively simple. If the house was getting cramped, you would tack on another room, if the apartment kitchen was a bit dated, you might give it a lick of paint or maybe some new cupboard doors. Not these days.

Contact the appraisers at www.socalappraisalserv.com to help you determine if your renovation will add the value you are seeking.

Today nothing escapes the eyes of the renovator. Egged on by television shows and the high price of moving, they seem to think everything about a house or an apartment needs to change: ripping out walls, moving kitchens, putting in attic storage, opening up the back to add more light. Nothing, it seems, is off limits. Even fixtures, fittings and building materials now have to be top-notch. Just think of what gets a mention in a real estate advertisement: European appliances, specific types of timber floorboards or a computer-controlled lighting system.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Home Alone House Sells for a Third Off

Posted on March 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

One of the most iconic movie homes – the Home Alone house, which helped propel Macaulay Culkin to stardom, has finally found a new owner.

Contact the appraisers at www.socalappraisalserv.com to determine the value of your home before listing.

First listed back in May for $2.4 million, the 4,250-square-foot, 4 bedroom, 3+ bathroom home sits on a half acre lot in the well to do Chicago suburb of Winnetka. The 3 story house has taken a bit of time and price slashing – last list price before it went into contract was $1.95 million. The new owner got further concessions and the final price paid was $1.585 million.

The sellers, John and Cynthia Abendshien, had only lived in the house for a year and a half when they were approached by the director of Home Alone to use their house.

See more photos at: http://blog.sfgate.com/ontheblock/2012/03/12/almost-1-year-later-home-alone-house-sells-for-a-third-off/

DIY: New Windows

Posted on March 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

For the experienced DIYer, installing a new window should be a comfortable weekend project.

Keep in mind they are heavy objects to haul and lift, so you’ll need to enlist a burly helper to assist.

And pay particular attention to correct waterproofing.

Will putting in new windows add value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.socalappraisalserv.com for value questions.

Check with your local council first to see if you require approval for the window. If it’s going into an entirely new spot or is significantly larger than the one being replaced, chances are you’ll need to put in a development application (DA).

Getting started

There are many different windows to choose from: bifolds, sash windows, sliding windows, louvres, casement windows etc.

Browsing a few window supplier websites or showrooms will give you a good indication of the type of window best suited to your application.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Big Budget Renovations Come With Added Risk

Home Alone House Sells for a Third Off

DIY: New Windows

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