Paint 2013!

 

By now most consumers have heard the fantastic news about the increase in real estate values throughout our neighborhood, city, state and country!  By the time this article prints, I expect a little bit of easing as well, due to one major economic factor: energy.

What are the economic factors driving the increase in real estate?  Several things have come into play in 2013: fewer homes for sale (inventory), Oil and Gas, interest rate, population growth, and job growth.  Based on data according to Greater Houston Partnership (Regional Economic Overview by Jankowski slide show available on http://www.texdotrealtors.com/market-conditions.asp).

What does this mean for our homeowners?  More money for their houses first and foremost!  The underlying reality is if you needed to sell in 2009 or 2010 you may have found yourself in a position where you could not get what you wanted for your house.  But with the increase in demand, now could be your opportunity to sell.

In older subdivisions, many have renovated over the years, but keeping a house up to date can be difficult and expensive.   Paint is one of the easiest things to change and can be a more reasonable expense.

In the past, the motto for painting was “anything goes”.  Now, it is best to keep wall, trim, doors, cabinets and flooring colors neutral:  tan, taupe, brown, etc.  In addition to using these neutral colors, it is popular to keep just one color scheme for the entire home.  So for instance, after picking a neutral color such as Kilim Beige for the family room wall, choose a similar shade for the rest of the home to keep it flowing in color.  Great choices include:  Divine White, Nomadic Desert, Latte, Hopsack, Steady Brown or Coconut Husk.  If you need help choosing a color ask Sherwin William and they will be happy to tell you the most popular color sold.

The neutral colors really allow your accent to pop!  Buy a vase, pillows, or curtains in your favorite color:  blue, orange, purple or green.  Have fun with accessories!

As a final reminder anything you do to your house today, you get to enjoy! 

Tenants without agents

News flash you are at a disadvantage, utilizing a Buyers agent to lease tells me you are ready to go. Being without an agent already puts you in the backseat. Lots of paperwork required on leases prior to signing a lease.  Therefore if the buyers agent has their tenants file together they can have information in way before you even make a call or send an email about the property.  And they know if they financially qualify.

Do us a favor be honest no one wants to waste time and a story is t going to help proof of cash does

Recently one lease listing generated 15 phone calls daily and 10 emails.

Were you disappointed you didn't get it?  Maybe you got lost in a shuffle?

PS. One of the most important things I ask an agent is how did you acquire the tenant referral Internet personal friend.

wood decking, drainage problem or luxury!

I have been thinking about the rain showers we have been having.  I hate running from house to house, cold, wet, hot, messing with umbrellas.  Sometimes clients have their kids and we are trying to keep the children dry as well.

There is a huge bonus to all the rainfall.  If you have a house under contract, take the time to go to the property in the rain, especially if you have wood decking (along or near the house).  Many times consumers install the decking because the ground doesn't have the proper drainage.  The decking allows the homeowner to come out of the house and be elevated above the water.  Why does this matter to you?  You are about to be the owner!  Any negatives or positives you clearly want to know prior to ownership.

Drainage problems I have seen over the years....
1.  Wood decking just as you step out of a back door.  Sometimes I step up to get on them, so the first step out is on a current patio poured.  The benefit of seeing this is seeing the height of the foundation. Many homes built in our area there isn't a very big drop from the foundation to where the patio starts which can allow water penetration into the bricks.
2.  Wood decking as you open the door, no step, all one level and you walk on the deck.  When I see this typically it is because the foundation is high enough to allow the wood to be adjacent to the foundation/home.
3.  If there is a wood deck along the home. I like the length of the board going with the wall so a termite person can have access to the area easily and treat if necessary.
4.  I have also seen gutters plumbed into drain lines and the lines are under the decking, not good.  How does the current owner maintain the drain? 
5.  Rainfall off roof lines, slamming into the decking and bouncing up on the exterior wall.
6.  Wood decking in the back yard several feet away from the house and the exterior.  My favorite!

When I first see a deck, the first thing I look for is drainage problems.  How about you?