arcata california real estate: Replacing an outside stairway? - 09/27/11 05:20 AM
If the replacement of an outside stairway is in your future plans, and the stairs do not have a 'landing', think about adding one.  A landing is just an area to stand in as you open the door and enter the home.  It makes entering the home much simpler.
I have viewed several older homes recently that had steps to a secondary entrance built without a landing.  The lack of a landing makes it very difficult for people under six feet tall to unlock the door with a key.
Before you replace the steps, give some thought to spending a … (4 comments)

arcata california real estate: Attics in older homes in Humboldt County, California - 09/27/11 05:12 AM
One area of older homes in this area that is often overlooked is the attic.  If you will be listing your home for sale it is important that the attic be available for inspection.  Both the buyers and the inspectors will want to see it.
Get started now getting your attic cleaned out if it has been used for storage.  In many cases the attic is the final resting place for unused items.  Get them out, they may be great items for your first yard sale. 
Make sure that vents are secure and that the light bulbs are working.  Making it easy to … (1 comments)

arcata california real estate: "Accessory Dwelling Units" Financing? - 09/27/11 04:55 AM
The question; is anyone aware of any financing program for "Accessory Dwelling Units"?
In this area of California, there is a shortage of rental housing.  Most of the local governments allow and promote "Accessory Dwelling Units".  This type of unit would best be described as an additional unit to an existing home or a second unit built with a new home.  The local governments will in some cases provide approved plans for these types of units at no cost to the property owner.  They may be free standing, built over an existing garage etc.  There are several choices.
The problem we … (4 comments)

arcata california real estate: Squatters and REO's - 09/27/11 04:47 AM
In this area we have had several cases of 'squatters' being found in REO listings. 
Non owner occupied properties present many safety hazards.  I have made it a habit to announce myself as I open the door even if it is shown as a vacant REO on the MLS sheet.  I then stop and listen to see if I hear any movement before letting in my clients.  If I hear anything strange I move my clients back away from the door.  Then I enter alone to make sure there are no squatters.
Most important!  I never put myself in the … (1 comments)

arcata california real estate: Use common sense when "hanging" plants from your ceiling! - 09/27/11 04:21 AM
During an earthquake, hanging plants can quickly become 'flying plants'.  If you live in earthquake country and you want to keep your hanging plants; make sure they are securely attached with a screw in 'eye hook' (not a 'J Hook') that is attached to a ceiling joist.  In a severe earthquake the plant may swing enough to slip off a 'J Hook'.
An expansion type ceiling anchor will quickly 'tear out' the drywall it is attached to during an earthquake and the plant will fall.  It will not only be a 'falling' hazard, it will also become a tripping hazard.  This is one … (5 comments)

arcata california real estate: Hank 3 (Hank Williams III at the Mateel Community Center) - 09/26/11 09:30 PM
Hank Williams III
His first visit to Humboldt is the stuff of legend. An off-the-radar show deep in the outlaw hills of Southern Humboldt County, by invite only, although anyone who showed up at the end of the long dirt road was welcome to the party.
This visit to Humboldt County, California will be a bit different. Diamondback has rented the Mateel for two nights, Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 27 and 28, so the show will be indoors, without the fire-roasted meat, but probably no more sedate. The current tour comes on the heels of the simultaneous release four different Hank3 albums … (3 comments)

arcata california real estate: Redwood Coast Belly Dance Festival, Arcata, California - 09/25/11 10:42 PM
Redwood Coast Belly Dance Festival, Arcata, California
Shoshanna & Mosaic Productions presents the 7th annual Redwood Coast Belly Dance Festival on October 1st and 2nd, 2011at the Arcata Community Center.  11AM to 8PM  Saturday and  10AM to 5PM Sunday.
Admission is $5.00 and kids under 12 are FREE.
All day performances, shopping, henna, food, free drumming workshop and onstage drum circle, live music by local international folk band Musaic, and more! Fun for dance fans of all ages, featuring local and out of area guest performers.
For information: call 616-6876 or visit www.redwoodcoastbellydance.com
Our superstar special guest workshop instructors for 2011 include AVA FLEMING … (6 comments)

arcata california real estate: 37th Annual San Francisco Comedy Competition - 09/25/11 12:51 AM
37th Annual San Francisco Comedy Competition
AS Presents the 37*th* annualSan Francisco Comedy Competition: Semi-Final Round on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 8 p.m. in the Depot, Humboldt State University.
Robin Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, Dana Carvey and Dane Cook have all competed in the annual San Francisco Comedy Competition. Don’t miss your chance to see the next generation of comedians compete head-to-head in a laugh off!
Tickets are $5 general and FREE for Humboldt State University students.
Tickets are available at the University Ticket Office, and at humboldt.edu/aspresents.
(10 comments)

arcata california real estate: 46th Annual Humboldt Sponsors Rummage Sale - 09/24/11 01:52 AM
46th Annual Humboldt Sponsors Rummage Sale
Saturday,  October 1, 2011 from 9:00 AM TO 3 PM at the REDWOOD ACRES FAIRGROUNDS, in EUREKA, California
Spread out over three buildings, the sale features great bargains on housewares, furniture, electronics, tools, books, clothing, jewelry, toys and sporting goods, including many new items donated by local merchants.
Humboldt Sponsors is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds solely to benefit Humboldt County youth. Earlier this year, Humboldt Sponsors awarded grants totaling nearly $70,000, and, since 1973, has granted more than $1,600,000 to local programs serving our youth.
This is always a great sale to attend … (8 comments)

arcata california real estate: Constitution Day Quiz Bowl at Humboldt State University - 09/23/11 01:41 AM
Constitution Day Quiz Bowl at Humboldt State University!  Looking for something interesting and educational to do today?
In honor of Constitution Day (commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787), students and faculty from the Politics and History departments of Humboldt State University face off in an epic battle of Constitution trivia knowledge. Politics faculty contestants William “Kickimus Maximus Butticus” Daniel and Stephanie “Cobra Clutch” Burkhalter will take on History faculty contestants Paul “Full Nelson” Geck and Tom “The Hammer” Mays in this historic event. (Student contestants to be announced at the event.)
Come cheer on your … (7 comments)

arcata california real estate: Excalibur Medieval Tournament and Market Faire - 09/22/11 03:02 AM
Excalibur Medieval Tournament and Market Faire
Bring the entire family to the annual Excalibur Medieval Tournament and Market Faire to be held Saturday and Sunday, September 24th & 25th at Mad River Community Hospital Festival Field in Arcata.  Witness the clash of steel as armored knights joust for honor and glory.  Celebrate the fall harvest with music, dancing, period games and entertainment for all ages.  Sample a variety of fine foods and noble drinks.  Stroll the streets of our market town and inspect the wares of over 60 artisans and craftsmen.  Learn the latest in 13th century technology from costumed re-enactors … (5 comments)

arcata california real estate: "Planning Your Retirement" at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center - 09/21/11 01:58 AM
"Planning Your Retirement" at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center
Worried about your retirement?
Premier Financial Group, Inc. invites you to a free seminar to help you gain clarity and confidence around your retirement. Whether you are just starting to save or a recent retiree, all are welcome!
Please RSVP due to limited seats.  Arrival and Greetings begin at 5:15 p.m.
This will be an excellent event to attend if you are just starting to plan for your retirement.  The presentation will be gin at 5:30 PM and will last until 7:30 PM.
(7 comments)

arcata california real estate: 'Matt the Electrician' at Humboldt State University, Arcata, California - 09/19/11 11:39 PM
Matt the Electrician will perform at 'The Depot' at Humboldt State University, Arcata, California on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 9:00 pm. 
Ticket prices are $2 for HSU Students and $5 General Admission
This should be an excellent performance for a very reasonable admission fee.
'Once upon a time, there was a young man named Matt Sever. He lived in Austin, TX, and he worked as a journeyman electrician. Every morning, when it was still dark outside, he would go to work and wire houses all day long in the blistering Texas heat. When he would come home, again, it was dark outside. … (7 comments)

arcata california real estate: Have you "Looked" at your mailbox? - 09/19/11 04:39 PM
When was the last time you 'really' looked at your mail box?
The buyers of your home may be looking for it!
Before listing your home for sale, take the time to 'check' your mailbox.  It should be 'neat and tidy', it should be in a very visible location and the numbers should be LARGE and reflective and on BOTH sides of the mailbox (and also on the front if your mail box is located with other mailboxes)!
Buyers looking for your address may be watching the numbers on the mailboxes.  Don't make it a big secret where your home is … (10 comments)

arcata california real estate: Considering a "Tankless Hot Water Heater"? - 09/19/11 04:20 PM
If you are considering a 'Tankless Hot Water Heater' and you have an older home, there may be additional expense in having it installed.
That expense would be the replacement of the gas line to the system.  Many older homes that have conventional gas hot water heaters have gas lines feeding it that are smaller than 1-inch.  Most 'Tankless' units require a 1-inch line to feed it. 
The reason? Tankless units use a lot of natural gas in a very short period of time. If the gas line feeding the unit is too small you may have problems with the … (8 comments)

arcata california real estate: Exterior door to "no where" - 09/19/11 03:59 PM
Do you have a door to "nowhere"?
In other words, do you have an exterior door that does not have a landing and steps?  I see many when I 'walk thru' homes.  In years past the appraisers have just 'overlooked' them. 
In the current market with the current appraisal standards, a non-usable exterior door with out a landing and steps will be considered a health and safety issue and the lender will request repairs.  The door will be assumed to provide access. That means a landing and steps will need to be installed according to the current building code.
(5 comments)

arcata california real estate: Highest and Best - 09/19/11 03:51 PM
On several recent occasions I have received a request for a "Highest and Best" offer from my clients.
This was in reply to very reasonable offers submitted on REO properties, they were not a low-ball offer.  In all cases they were almost 'full-price' or were 'full price".
When I receive the request for "Highest and Best" I have taken the time to explain to my clients that a bidding war was not in their best interest.  In addition, I present that we have no actual knowledge of any other offer and that banks do want to obtain the highest offer possible in order … (6 comments)

arcata california real estate: Save 5% on 'Building Materials' - 09/19/11 03:46 PM
A Discount at your local Lumber Yard?  Yes, in some cases they are available. 
In Humboldt County, California, at least one of the local lumber yards offers a discount to people who have an account with them even when they are paying cash.  Yes, you do have to open the account and have reasonable credit, but you do not have to use the account.
The discount in most cases is 5%, all you have to do is tell the cashier you have an account when you check out.  The additional 5% off already decreasing lumber prices in this area make for a … (3 comments)

arcata california real estate: Do you have a 'Garage'? Consider adding one if you do not. - 09/19/11 01:56 PM
Adding a garage to the home that does not have one is the easiest way to add value to your property.
Yes, you do have to have room for it but most lots have space for one.  Garages are relatively easy to permit and easy to have built.  Or you can do most of it yourself.
The cost per square foot to have one built is much lower than the cost of a home per square foot.  By doing a little contractor shopping, you may locate a good contractor who will use the project as a fill in to their other projects.  … (3 comments)

arcata california real estate: Get a 'Pest Inspection' before listing your home for sale! - 09/19/11 12:39 PM
Before listing your property for sale, it is a good idea to have both a Structural Pest Inspection completed and a Roof Inspection completed (if your roof is more than a few years old).  In addition, if your home has a private well and/or a septic system they should also be inspected.
Why?  The Structural Pest Inspection will provide information on the cost of any needed repairs.
The Roof Inspection will determine if the roof is in acceptable condition for a lender.
The Well and Septic Inspections will determine if they are in acceptable condition.
In the case of repairs being … (3 comments)

 
Dan Edward Phillips, Realtor and Broker/Owner (Dan Edward Phillips)

Dan Edward Phillips

Realtor and Broker/Owner

Eureka, CA

More about me…

Dan Edward Phillips

Address: Eureka, CA, 95503

Office: (707) 407-5150

Mobile: (707) 407-5150



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