by cgilles | Oct 16, 2011 | a-El Segundo, Blog
When we are getting ready to sell our El Segundo home, or even if we are just wanting to update our homes we need to know which improvement has the best return in value. Obviously some updates will bring in a better return in value than others. First and foremost is kitchen remodels which is always 100%. Doing high end kitchen remodeling is not always the best way to go either. Mid range or minor remodels of kitchens most often brings in best return in value according to Remodeling Magazine.
Most potential buyers don’t care if the new refrigerator is a built in Sub Zero type or something less. The same is true with having the 8 burner stoves, under mount sink or travertine floors. Granite counters are not necessary. Simple laminates, newer faucets and sparkling sinks sell. Buyers don’t want leaky faucets or stained sinks. With regards to the cabinets; resurfacing is the best option and replacing the doors and/or hardware is the best way to go.
The national average of recouped cost is more than 100% for bathrooms. New floors, fixtures and lights payoff. Buyers will shy away from buying a home if the roof needs to be replaced. Some other suggestions: Patch cement cracks in the sidewalks, resurface asphalt driveways, plant some flowers, caulk the windows and doors, replace doorknobs and locks, repair and paint broken fences. Overall, buyers want to buy a home that has no deferred maintenance, newer appliances, updated plumbing, electrical and heating (including a/c), modern conveniences and is ready to occupy.
by cgilles | Oct 12, 2011 | a-Hermosa Beach, Blog
No amount of decorating can make a Hermosa Beach house feel like a home without using the right accessories. The correct accessories can be the icing on the cake – the touches that transform a space into a unique and personal reflection of its inhabitants.
Good planning and some basic knowledge about decorating is essential when adding any accessories, for any occasion. You can also make your own accessories. This is a fun way and a cheap way to add some style to your home. For example, things like curtains, pillows and other items made up from any fabrics will soften a room and add comfort to a home.
Many good books on the subject are available and are recommended whether you are new at this or an old pro. Books that cover floors, furniture, doors, windows, furniture arrangement, using flowers and bouquets, painting ideas, tools required, tips and many other ideas are available, as well as the going labor costs if you have to hire outside help.
by cgilles | Oct 11, 2011 | Blog
Not knowing how long to keep different things contributes to household clutter. Being very unorganized can cost you time and money also. Find out when things should be tossed out before spending time packing them for a move for example. Learn what documents you should keep and which ones should be shredded or tossed. Same with old medicines and prescriptions. Most of us keep closets and drawers full of old clothes that should have been tossed years ago. Makeup? Toss it out if its a year old or more. Same with spices in the kitchen. Toiletries usually are used up by the expiration date, but if not, use the 1 year toss out rule.
A good way to save on everything you use is to get everything organized. All clutter will cost you time and money. If you don’t know where something is, and you need it, you will go out and purchase a duplicate, costing extra money. When you have to look and look for something each time you need it, this is costing you valuable time. If you can get your items organized, your life will become much simpler and finding the things you want easier.
by cgilles | Oct 8, 2011 | Blog, Manhattan Beach
Today we all understand the importance of protecting our home and families with a quality home security alarm system. Before buying a system, however, a Manhattan Beach homeowner, along with all homeowners, should talk to several good alarm companies as ask about the...
by cgilles | Oct 6, 2011 | Blog, Torrance
Basically most condo and townhome developments will have a home owners association, or HOA, as well as some other planned single family home developments. HOAs are established to ensure that the CC&Rs are enforced and given to all of the homeowners so to maintain the quality and value of the property involved. The membership of the HOA is made up of all the homeowners who all are charged a mandatory fee. HOAs have the authority to enact and enforce certain types of rules regarding maintenance and design standards, including those established by city or county ordinances when the development was originally planned and constructed.
The CC&Rs are the Covenant, Conditions and Restrictions that apply to the development and to each of the property owners who have purchased property in the particular development.
When considering buying a property in any community or project that a potential buyer look into the CC&Rs and HOA operations along with their South Bay Realtor to get an idea of what costs are involved over and above the initial cost of buying the real estate property you are interested in.
by cgilles | Oct 3, 2011 | Blog, Torrance
Making sure that your South Bay home has the right curb appeal is important when selling. One of the first things that potential buyers look at when coming to inspect your home is the garage door and the condition of the driveway.
Many people paint the trim and the garage door thinking it will coverup any needed repairs or blemishes, but sharp home buyers will always look at the condition of the garage door, and the driveway. A greasy, oily driveway is a turnoff for buyers, as is broken concrete or asphalt in the driveway.
Spending the time and money to update or upgrade a garage door and any problem driveway will help to sell the home faster.
