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Putting Off These Home Repairs Could Be Dangerous – Have You Addressed Them?

May 23, 2017 By ctaylor Leave a Comment

For all homeowners, adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and making repairs as soon as they are needed are effective ways to avoid costly disasters. When your home is on the market, however, it is particularly important to resolve problems before they escalate. Damage to the appearance or structural integrity of the property is every home seller’s worst nightmare.

Although there are some fixes – like updating appliances or adding a fresh coat of paint – that are not urgent, other maintenance issues could become dangerous if not addressed. Here are a few home repairs that you need to deal with as soon as possible:

    • A leaky roof. If you’ve noticed your ceiling leaking when it rains, your roof is most likely in need of repair. Not only is a leaky roof a nuisance, but it can cause mold growth and structural damage, and could even start a fire if water makes contact with electrical wiring. At the very least, you could face water stains on the ceiling or walls when trying to show your house – a glaring red flag for buyers. Even if your roof is not yet leaking, it may be a good idea to have it inspected for problems like damaged or missing shingles. Storms and wind can compromise shingles, causing leaks and other problems in the future.
    • Faulty electrical wiring. Seemingly harmless problems like flickering lights or outlets that are warm to the touch may indicate serious threats to your home. If you notice these signs, it may mean that your electrical system is overtaxed or the home is wired improperly – which could cause an electrical fire. Call an electrician immediately.
    • Clogged gutters. Keeping your gutters clean may seem overwhelming, particularly if your home is surrounded by trees. However, if the gutters become full of leaves and other debris, they will be unable to serve their intended purpose of directing rainwater away from the home and preventing damage to the walls and foundation. In addition, prospective buyers may notice the clogged gutters and assume that your home is not properly maintained. Avoid these problems by cleaning out gutters twice a year, and then using a hose to ensure that water properly flows down the drainpipes and away from your home.
    • Pest invasions. Common insects and other pests can cause significant damage to your home. For example, insects like termites can devour wood framing, while rodents can chew through insulation or even wires, creating a risk of fire. Furthermore, the waste left behind by pests may be hazardous to the health of the home’s occupants. If you see, hear, or find damage from critters, assume that you may have an infestation and contact a pest control company.
    • Gas leaks. A gas leak is an imminent emergency, since it could lead to fire or an explosion. If you notice a rotten egg-like odor – particularly in the lowest level of your home – get out of the house and call your gas company immediately.

Filed Under: Buyers, Properties, Sellers, Uncategorized Tagged With: Arizona, Arizona real estate, Buyers, buying, buying Phoenix homes, decorating, Home Sales, House for sale, projects, re-models, real estate, repairs, sales, sell your home, Sellers, selling

New Year, New Styles: The Hottest Home Design Trends Expected in 2017

January 9, 2017 By ctaylor Leave a Comment

 

New Year, New Styles: The Hottest Home Design Trends Expected in 2017

By the end of any year, interior designers are already buzzing about which trends will be the most in-demand in the coming year. From coveted colors to architectural features, homeowners on the cutting edge begin to favor new styles as the seasons change. If your home is for sale, finding ways to incorporate the latest design trends may help you catch buyers’ attention and distinguish your property from the competition.

As 2017 begins, here are a few home design trends that industry experts believe will dominate this year:

  • Marble. Many top designers agree that marble is surging in popularity. Its appeal is amplified when paired with wood and metal, making it an excellent choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. However, marble tends to be expensive and difficult to maintain. Fortunately, quartz and faux marble are gaining acceptance among high-end homeowners. These materials can create the luxurious appearance of real marble but are less costly and require less maintenance. If you are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom to improve your home’s appeal, consider alternative materials that look like marble—at a more affordable price.
  • Bold and bright colors. Each year, Pantone—an internationally respected authority on color in the design industry—announces a “color of the year” that is bound to be popular in a variety of applications, ranging from fashion to home decor. Although the official color of 2017 has not yet been announced, Pantone recently released a list of contenders. While 2016’s colors—Rose Quartz and Serenity—were soft, calming pastels, the Pantone experts anticipate that 2017 will be the year of bold and bright hues inspired by nature. For instance, some of the selections that have caught designers’ attention include an earthy green called Kale, a vibrant coral shade called Flame, and a bright but tranquil aqua called Island Paradise. If you are selling your home, it is not necessary to repaint entire rooms in order to feature these colors; consider using accent pieces, such as blankets or small pieces of furniture, that incorporate them.
  • Metals with warm-colored finishes. In past years, brushed metals with an industrial vibe have been the leading choice for fixtures. However, designers are reporting that homeowners are beginning to favor metals with rich finishes, such as rose gold and brass. These hues add a sense of charm and elegance to any space, and the popular look can easily be achieved by spray painting fixtures if you do not want to replace them.
  • Subway tiles. Although the trend of using subway tiles as backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms is not new for 2017, its consistent popularity in recent years has led designers to believe that it will maintain its appeal this year. In addition to being affordable, subway tiles offer the benefit of a creating a clean and versatile palette for a variety of styles and finishes.
  • Smart features. Over the years, technology has seeped into every aspect of daily life, including the home. In 2017, high-tech features ranging from built-in device charging docks and programmable thermostats to full automation systems will become increasingly commonplace. As a growing number of homebuyers hail from the tech-savvy Millennial generation, the “smart” home trend is expected to skyrocket.

Filed Under: Buyers, Properties, Sellers Tagged With: Arizona, Buyers, buying, decorating, Home Sales, Homes, House for sale, projects, re-model, repairs, sell your home, selling

Home Maintenance

September 21, 2016 By ctaylor Leave a Comment

Here are some tips to keep your home in great shape so when the time comes to sell you aren’t scrambling to get things fixed.

• Your roof is a very important part of your home. It keeps out water, insulates your home and keeps it structurally sound. Inspecting your roof on a yearly basis can save you money later on. Checking for missing or broken tiles and inspecting the flashing is so important. Also check your interior and attic ceilings for any sign of water damage.
• Your hot water heater is something we rely on but don’t think about until we don’t have any hot water! Check for sediment at the bottom of the tank and change out the water.
• Depending on how often you use your fireplace, keeping your chimney clean and inspected is very important to keep it functional and safe.
• Trimming trees around your property often will keep them healthy and you won’t have to worry during the monsoon season of them falling over, especially on top of your house.
• Checking the caulking in your kitchen and bathrooms is important as it can lead to water damage. Also check the caulking on all your windows as well.
• Washing machines are a big source of water damage. Check your lines to be sure they are not worn or have come disconnected and are working properly. Don’t forget about your dryer and clean out your vent but also the dryer hose to be sure there is no build-up.
• Test your water sprinkler system and your drip system for leaks. This will save you money on your water bill as well.
• Maintaining the chemical balance in your pool will keep it in good working order. Clean your skimmers, brush the pool and check that your vacuum in working order.
• Change your air filters regularly for better air and will keep your AC system working properly. A yearly check-up is a must. Don’t forget your exhaust hood in the kitchen.
• Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
• Check the foundation for cracks, settling and leaks as well as repairing cracks in the driveway and sidewalks the minute you see something before it gets too big.
• Inspect door locks, hinges, latches and repair as needed.
• Make sure your garage door is in good working order and all safety features are in place.

Filed Under: Buyers, Properties, Sellers Tagged With: Arizona, Arizona real estate, buying, decorating, Home Sales, House for sale, painting, projects, re-model, re-models, real estate, rentals, repairs, sell your home, selling

Questions Often Asked About Real Estate

September 7, 2016 By ctaylor Leave a Comment

  • Is now a good time to Buy or Sell?
  • What is the housing market like in my area?
  • What do I need to do to sell my house?
  • What is my home worth?
  • Does choosing the right realtor make a difference?

The real estate market is constantly changing. I can provide the information you need to make a smart real estate decision. If you are buying or selling, I can give you expert guidance.

 

Filed Under: Buyers, Properties, Sellers Tagged With: Arizona, Arizona real estate, Buyers, buying, Forecast, guidance, housing market, interest rates, Investors, mortgage, realtor, rentals, sales, sell your home, Sellers, selling, short sale, short sales

Selling your Home – Spring Cleaning

April 9, 2013 By ctaylor Leave a Comment

Mature Landscaping

Want to sell your home and get top dollar?  Follow these simple steps for some spring cleaning that will make your home look great:

  • Landscaping:  Clean up and cut all of the dead growth off of bushes and shrubs.  This will leave the new growth showing with bright greens and vibrant colors of blooming flowers.
  • Fresh Paint:  painting the exterior can provide a nice “pop” as potential buyers pull up to your home.  As the expression goes “You only have one chance to make a first impression”.
  • Interior Paint:  if it’s been a while and you have marks and other wear and tear that shows on the interior paint, it might make sense to provide a fresh coat.  Be sure to use neutral and earth tones that would appeal to the masses.
  • Carpet and Floors:  If your carpet has plenty of wear, it may be time to step it up and buy new carpet and pad.  When buyer’s walk through your home, they will surely notice new carpet.  Tile Floors:  be sure that all stains are gone and the tile is nice and clean.  Perhaps it’s time to get the grout cleaned and make that tile look it’s best again.
  • The NOSE test:  be sure that your home smells good.  If you have pets, you may not be able to smell them, but new people walking into your home for the first time certainly will.  Be sure to have air freshners and accents that leave your home smelling fresh and clean.

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Filed Under: Sellers Tagged With: Arizona real estate, buying Phoenix homes, First Time Home Buyers, investor, sell your home

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