Many homeowners often overlook easy and relatively inexpensive fixes that can add real value to a home’s selling price. While major remodeling is costly and may not address the needs and tastes of prospective buyers, these repairs and maintenance suggestions have universal appeal and may help a home sell more quickly – and for more.

• Bathrooms and the kitchen should be given a deep cleaning. Homeowners should consider hiring a cleaning company that offers “move in / move out” cleaning services to do the job.
• If kitchen cabinet surfaces are in bad shape, refacing may be an option. Far less expensive than new cabinetry, refacing can give old and worn cabinets new life and can visually update a kitchen.
• Consider replacing kitchen or bathroom counters with a neutral colored laminate surface if the current material is badly worn or stained. This gives everything a fresh look and prevents buyers from focusing on an eyesore. 
• Fresh paint on the walls and ceilings will do wonders for all rooms in the house. Stick to neutral colors so that buyers aren’t distracted by the color. They’ll be able to imagine themselves and their furniture in the space much more easily.
• If carpet is covering hardwood floors, consider having the carpet removed to expose the hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors are desirable, so they should be shown off. If carpet is to remain, it should be thoroughly cleaned.

• If the entire exterior needs painting, it should be done. Buyers notice if paint is faded and peeling. If the paint is in good shape overall, renew the doors and trim with a fresh coat.
• Clean the windows inside and out so they sparkle. It’s amazing what a difference this can make in a home’s appearance. Hiring a professional window cleaning company is the easiest and safest way to get the job done on a multi-story home.
• Clear clutter from the yard, keep the lawn mowed, and trim any overgrown shrubs that are detracting from the home’s appearance. The home should look well maintained even at first glance.
• Plant some bright, colorful flowers along an entry path and doorway to add a welcoming touch.

Homeowners should save their major remodeling projects (and budget) for their new home, not the one they are about to sell, but implementing some of the steps above can increase the appeal to prospective buyers without a huge investment of time or money.

Michael Almeida
888-800-8086
michael.almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

Whether you are making an addition to your home or remodeling your bathroom cabinets, eco-friendly choices can help you conserve resources and reduce your impact on the environment. As the demand for green building materials grows, major manufactures are expanding their affordable sustainable options, so the green choice may also be the less expensive one. Here are some green guidelines to consider during your next remodeling project.

• Consider renewable sources for cabinetry. Choose wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which will be harvested from sustainably managed forests. Spruce, eucalyptus or reclaimed wood are durable, sustainable options from sources that rapidly replenish.

• Use eco-friendly paint. Most paints release toxic fumes called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be inhaled even after the paint is dry. They are potentially carcinogenic and contribute to indoor air pollution. But now low- or no-VOC paint is readily available for use. Most paints rely on petroleum based solvents, but eco-friendly paints are water based and are offered in all forms including primer, finish, sealer, wax and stain. 

• Opt for durable sustainable materials when replacing your floors. Linoleum is made from all natural ingredients (linseed oil) and has a life span of thirty to forty years. It resists damage and is easy to clean. Other popular choices include concrete, which can be decoratively embellished, and bamboo and cork flooring, which are both FCS endorsed.  Recycled-content carpet not only produces fewer emissions during manufacturing and less off-gassing in the home, it can also be recycled when its useful life is up.

• When replacing appliances, select models that exhibit the Energy Star label. This means the item meets or exceeds international guidelines for energy efficiency. The more efficient the appliance, the more energy and cost savings you will have over the long run. You may get a rebate on your purchase as well; check with your utility company.

• The less material in our landfills the better, so consider what to do with your remodeling waste. Can any of the materials be reused in another project? Can items be donated or sold?  Consider donating your deconstructed material to industrial recyclers so it can be reused in the product stream.

For additional resources, please contact your local Pillar To Post office.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
michael.almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

You’ve been in your new home now for all four of the seasons; you may have learned about a leak in the basement during the winter or a sticky window during the spring, but what other issues might you have missed? New homes are often plagued with structural defects and flaws in construction – both minor and major – that slowly come to light during the first year of occupancy. A professional inspection of your new home while it is still under warranty can help you find and address many of these issues at a minimal cost to you. At Pillar To Post, we recommend you have an inspection done after eleven months to ensure you have enough time to bring any flaws or defects to your builder’s attention before your warranty expires.

A Pillar To Post new home warranty inspection will cover up to 1,600 points on a typical home, and include a thorough investigation of its structural and material adequacy. Here are a few examples of the kinds of issues that a new home warranty inspection will address: 

• Has the builder correctly installed attic framing components and proper insulation?
  If an attic has not been built with proper ventilation, there is potential for moisture buildup and rot. Proper air flow in your attic reduces humidity and heat, which are elements that can compromise the energy efficiency of your home and the life expectancy of your roof.

• Is the water heater installed per the manufacturer’s warranty requirements?
  Are there missing furnace vent caps? This could potentially allow water to enter the heat exchanger and cause premature rust and failure.

• Are doors sagging and windows no longer easy to open or to lock?
  An out-of-square window can also be an indication of a greater structural problem.

• Are any of the roof tiles broken or cracked?
  It’s typical to discover problems in the flashing details, where the chimney meets the roof, or where the roof changes directions.

• Has water penetrated into the basement through foundation walls?
  If the ground of the backyard is graded so that it slopes toward the house, it is very likely that water is collecting and may find its way into your home.

• Are there any areas of the floor that are “soft”? Are any of the floor joists cut improperly?
  These could be indications of damaged or defective framing and may compromise the structural integrity of the floor.

For additional resources, please contact your local Pillar To Post office.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
michael.almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

The daylight is still short, the temperatures are down, and spring seems a long way away, but winter doesn’t mean your home needs to feel drab for months on end. Here are some easy ideas to bring some springtime into your home and life right now.

• Invest in full spectrum lights.   Available at most hardware stores, full spectrum lights provide a clear, brilliant, white light, simulating the exact color of sunlight at noon.  These brilliant bulbs will not only lift your spirits, they’ll also lighten your wallet by consuming 1/3-1/4 the energy of standard incandescent bulbs.

• Let the sun shine in.  Smog, soot, smoke and grime can built up on windows in the colder months, preventing sunlight from entering.  Washing your windows mid-way through winter will not only brighten your home, it will also make cleaning them in spring a more manageable task. 

• Bring some color into your world.  Give your powder room or laundry area a lift with a fresh coat of paint in a fun new color. Painting a small space can be a great winter project that won’t mean a big investment of time or money.

• Cultivate an indoor garden. Many of us compromise our indoor air-quality by spending more time cooped up inside during the winter. Instantly improve your view and the quality of the air you breathe and by investing in a few common house plants.

• Fresh flowers are also a quick pick-me-up that will instantly lift your mood and brighten any space in your home. Choose a bouquet of brightly colored blooms to display in the kitchen, family room, wherever you spend a lot of time.

• If you live in a mild climate, put a pot or two of bright flowering plants outside your front door for instant cheer. You’ll improve your home’s curb appeal and your neighbors (and the mail carrier) will appreciate it, too!

• Be a quick change artist. Try new throw pillows or pillow covers in bright, fun fabrics to add a punch of color to your sofa and chairs. There so are many great-looking, inexpensive options available that you don’t have to splurge to give your room a fresh look.

Your local Pillar To Post office looks forward to serving homeowners and real estate professionals all year round.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
michael.almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

Homeowners are continually exposed to the latest and greatest in remodeling and renovation trends on TV programs, in magazines, and on home improvement web sites. It seems there isn’t any place in the house that’s off-limits to improvement, expansion, or updating. If a homeowner is planning to remain in their home for many years to come, they should consider projects that genuinely suit their own needs – the custom kitchen, a fabulous master suite, a new home office. But if the plan is to sell the home in the not-too-distant future, homeowners should focus on projects that will have the best chance of getting the highest return on their investment. Let’s take a look at the 3 rooms that rise to the top of the ROI list of midrange projects (our list does not include home additions or necessary repairs):

Even within a particular room, project costs can vary widely depending on the extent of the improvements. A major kitchen remodel –custom cabinetry, expensive surfaces, high-end appliances, and engaging a designer – may cost upward of $100,000 and, on average, get a return on investment of about 78%. A minor kitchen “facelift”, on the other hand, averages a similar ROI in percentage terms, but will cost far less. This more-modest project may entail cabinet refinishing, replacement of countertops and flooring, and perhaps swapping out dated appliances for new but inexpensive models that improve the room’s appearance.

Bathroom remodels consistently rank at or near the top in term of return on investment. Whether it’s a powder room or a master bath, beautiful, updated surfaces, water-saving fixtures, and neutral tones are the minimal improvements that should be considered. Taking another step up, enlarging the room itself and adding luxurious “spa” elements such as a deep soaking tub, heated floors, and a double shower will obviously increase the budget and, likely, the appeal of a master bath.

Replacing windows may not rank high on the glamour scale, but buyers appreciate the appearance and improved energy efficiency of new windows and are willing to pay for them. Insulated windows are a smart improvement for homes in any climate, and will make the house look better both inside and out.

Regional differences – While the above figures are average, what’s most in demand in one geographical area may differ elsewhere. Do your homework before committing to a project.

Aim for universal appeal – Avoid highly unusual designs, strong colors, and unique custom components that can be polarizing to potential buyers. Remodeled spaces should look great to the widest possible audience.

Don’t over-improve – Homeowners should be careful to keep upgrades and improvements within the range of similar homes in their neighborhood. The most expensive home in the area, however attractive, is rarely the easiest to sell.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
michael.almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

KNOW THE FACTS AND AVOID COSTLY SURPRISES WITH A PRE-LISTING HOME INSPECTION.

As a real estate professional, you invest a great deal of time, money, and energy to market your listings. Between advertising, open houses, and meeting with clients, you need to get a good return on that investment. Don't be caught unaware of problems that could seriously undermine your dedicated efforts to sell a home. Having a home inspected before you list is more important than ever in this buyer's market, so make the most of your time and effort by getting a Pillar To Post home inspection prior to listing.

A pre-listing home inspection can uncover previously unknown problems - major and minor - allowing sellers the opportunity to make repairs or replacements as needed. By addressing these issues before the home goes on the market, you can list a home with confidence in its condition and will have a better chance of maximizing its value. Being aware of issues in advance will also allow for disclosure of problems when selling, which can result in cleaner offers and a smoother transaction for both parties.

WHY PILLAR TO POST?

• The Pillar To Post Inspection Report is generated on site at the completion of the inspection, so there's no waiting for results
• Our inspection reports are also available online, providing easy access for clients out of the area
• All Pillar To Post home inspectors are required to carry E&O insurance, which protects the referring agent against legal claims brought by the client

As North America's leading home inspection company, Pillar To Post is committed to provide the highest quality service to real estate professionals and their clients. You can always refer Pillar To Post to your sellers with confidence that their pre-listing inspection will be thorough, unbiased, and professionally conducted.

For more information about home inspection or to schedule a home inspection, click here to find your local Pillar To Post office.

Click here to find a New Jersey Licensed home inspector providing New Jersey Home Inspections.

Michael Almeida
888-800-8086
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

BRIGTHEN UP YOUR LIVING SPACE IN WINTER

The daylight is still short, the temperatures are down, and spring seems a long way away, but winter doesn't mean your home needs to feel drab for months on end. Here are some easy ideas to bring some springtime into your home and life right now.

• Invest in full spectrum lights.   Available at most hardware stores, full spectrum lights provide a clear, brilliant, white light, simulating the exact color of sunlight at noon.  These brilliant bulbs will not only lift your spirits, they'll also lighten your wallet by consuming 1/3-1/4 the energy of standard incandescent bulbs.

• Let the sun shine in.  Smog, soot, smoke and grime can built up on windows in the colder months, preventing sunlight from entering.  Washing your windows mid-way through winter will not only brighten your home, it will also make cleaning them in spring a more manageable task. 

• Bring some color into your world.  Give your powder room or laundry area a lift with a fresh coat of paint in a fun new color. Painting a small space can be a great winter project that won't mean a big investment of time or money.

• Cultivate an indoor garden. Many of us compromise our indoor air-quality by spending more time cooped up inside during the winter. Instantly improve your view and the quality of the air you breathe and by investing in a few common house plants.

• Fresh flowers are also a quick pick-me-up that will instantly lift your mood and brighten any space in your home. Choose a bouquet of brightly colored blooms to display in the kitchen, family room, wherever you spend a lot of time.

• If you live in a mild climate, put a pot or two of bright flowering plants outside your front door for instant cheer. You'll improve your home's curb appeal and your neighbors (and the mail carrier) will appreciate it, too!

• Be a quick change artist. Try new throw pillows or pillow covers in bright, fun fabrics to add a punch of color to your sofa and chairs. There so are many great-looking, inexpensive options available that you don't have to splurge to give your room a fresh look.

Your local Pillar To Post office servicing Southern Bergen County, Essex County, and Hudson County - looks forward to serving homeowners and real estate professionals all year round with professional home inspections.

Michael Almeida
888-800-8086 
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

http://www.ptpnj.com