How Do Bed Bugs Affect Real Estate? - 09/21/10 12:01 PM
     I am working with an investor client who is interested in low cost condo and townhome properties.  We are, of course, considering location to public transportation, changing neighborhood demographics, etc.  A new component of the due diligence for these properties is checking the Bed Bug Registry.
      In our high income, ultra educated area there are already four confirmed cases of bed bugs.  This may affect the property value for some time and will no doubt affect cash flow short term.
      When showing properties where you consider there may be a possibility of bedbugs, fleas, etc. wear light colored … (0 comments)

Solar Power Knowledge Should Be Part of the Skill Set for Realtors Today - 09/20/10 02:09 PM
 
This weekend I attended a two day workshop in Pittsboro on solar power.  We discussed the pros and cons of grid tied systems (about 95% of systems), hybrid grid tied systems (more complicated but useful in areas that have frequent power outages) and off grid systems. 
Other topics and exercises included:
·         Using a multi meter to measure volts and current in various pv modules (panels)
·         Finding the amount of sunlight a site would receive year round by measuring with a solar pathfinder (such a cool tool and great for gardeners, too!)
·         Measuring temperature of the panel … (1 comments)

Mail in Carroboro NC and Bingham Township - 09/17/10 11:06 AM

The holiday season is fast approaching.  If fighting the crowds, the long lines and the parking lot at the Carrboro Post Office hold no appeal to you, drive on down 54 west to Harry's Market.
The have a contract post office with friendly staff and rarely a wait.  In addition, you can shop for gifts, vitamins, grass fed beef, yummy baked goods and there is always a surprise.
During fall (if we ever GET fall) there is music on Friday and Satruday evenings.  Wood fired baked pizza is available.  Bring your folding chairs and relax!
 
… (0 comments)

Improvement vs. Repair - 09/16/10 04:40 PM
Planning to make improvements to your home?  You can include them in the cost basis of your house and thus reduce your capital gains tax if you ever sell ( be sure to keep the receipts). If you're making repairs, however, there is no tax benefit.
What's the difference?
According to the IRS, an improvement "adds to the value of your home or prolongs its life," whereas a repair keeps it in "ordinary, efficient operating condition."  There is a fine line between the two, but here are some general guidelines:
Improvements:
Wallpapering Installing tile floors Replacing lighting fixtures Paving your driveway … (2 comments)

Be Prepared for Repairs - 09/15/10 05:51 PM
When things break, they always break at the worst time.  You know, on the weekend, during a party, etc.  When our well pump stopped working it was in mid shower on the weekend.  After a tirade of colorful language, my husband did the smart thing.  He turned off the well pump. We had enough hot water stored in the tank for the necessities until morning. 
Happily, we had the phone number to the repair person on a magnetic business card on our hot water tank and he came right away.  Even though I have numberous resource numbers in my database, it … (0 comments)

Title Insurance and Surveys - 09/15/10 11:42 AM
Many lenders no longer require a survey.  While most Realtors and closing attorneys recommend them, cash strapped buyers often opt not to purchase a survey. 
Here is another reason to get a survey: The title insurance you buy will cover only the lender and excempt the buyer.  In other words....if there is a title dispute you are on your own.
Please get a survey when purchasing property!
… (0 comments)

Home for Sale in Hillsborough NC - 09/09/10 04:25 PM
Bike to Weaver St. Market in Hillsborough!  This home has two and half baths, the master on the main and two additional bedrooms upstairs.  The marble surround fireplace is the focal point in open concept living space downstairs.  
    The charming wood fenced backyard provides entertaining and family space on the deck, in the gardens and on the playset.  A large site built wooden shed is nestled among the trees.
    The location is fabulous!  UNC and DUKE are a 20 minute commute.   The home itself is on a dead end street at the cul-de-sac.
   Come see this like new home for … (0 comments)

Duct Work - 09/08/10 07:30 PM
At a recent Green Builders meeting the following stats were relayed:
Most newer homes lose up to 10% of the heat in the duct work. 
Homes 15 years and older lose about 40% in the duct work.
 THAT got my attention. And energy prices are expected to increase by 50% in the next 7 years. 
Now. while it is cooling down but before it gets too cold, is the perfect time to make sure the seals to the heat registers are secure, the ducts are sealed and the returns are sealed. 
One inspector told me he has noticed a higher incidence of … (1 comments)

Don't Make the Cut When Landscaping - 09/08/10 04:24 PM
 
Fall is the perfect time for planting shrubs and trees.
 
Planting shrubs and trees is the perfect time to accidentally cut the underground power lines. 
 
 
To prevent meeting your neighbors in this manner, call The One Call Center at 1.800.632.4949 a few days before you plan on planting.  They will send the phone, gas and electric folks to mark the lines for you.  This will also help protect you from any liability if the  lines are cut.
 
 
… (0 comments)

Farm Insurance - 09/08/10 10:09 AM
Business Insurance and Homeowners Insurance are two distinct types of insurance products requiring different types of coverage.
 
A Farmowners Policy is a package policy that resembles a homeowner policy and is flexible enough to meet the unique needs of the farm business.
 
Farmowners Can Cover:
 
Dwelling
Other structures-a detached garage (not a barn)
Personal property –contents of the home
Additional Living Expenses- Motel to live in if the residence burns down.
Barns, Buildings, additional dwellings on the premises
Scheduled or unscheduled equipment-tractors, farm equipment, livestock, hay in the open, portable buildings or structures, silos, anything farm related.
 
… (0 comments)

Livestock Owners: Be Prepared for Emergency Evacuations - 09/07/10 08:25 PM
 
   Make a disaster plan to protect your property, your facilities, and your animals. Create a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those of your employees, neighbors, veterinarian, poison control, county extension service and  trailering resources. Include a contact person outside the disaster area. Make sure all this information is written down and that everyone has a copy.
 
 Most important: Make sure every animal has durable and visible identification.
Evacuation Planning
The leading causes of death of large animals in hurricanes and similar events are collapsed barns, dehydration, electrocution, and accidents resulting from fencing failure. If you own … (3 comments)

A Simple Preventative Maintenance Task to Save Hundreds - 09/07/10 03:33 PM
 
Turn the water knobs under sinks off and back on at least once a year, preferably every six months.  When the shut-off valves beneath sinks and toilets go untouched for years, mineral deposits can cause them to seize up and the valves can’t be opened or closed.  Often the only recourse is to hire a plumber to cut the valves out and replace them, at a cost of hundreds of dollars. 
 
Add this to the list of things to do when the time changes....check fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, etc.   Five minutes or less could save you money AND … (4 comments)

 
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Mari Trosclair

Pittsboro, NC

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Grapevine Realty Services

Cell Phone: (919) 619-2236

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This blog will include my musings on Chapel Hill NC and Pittsboro NC real estate, live music, sustainable building, sustainable farming, green building, equine activities, hobby farms, food...yes...everything that interests me...and hopefully, you too!


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