arcata california real estate: ‘Property Characteristics'
- 06/15/11 02:28 AM
My buyers and I were standing in the back yard of a home they were interested in. They had been through the home and although it did need some work they were excited about it. We had looked at several other homes and you could tell the difference. The home my clients were viewing had been built in 1955. Its location was ideal, close to everything. The clients were the first to notice a slight depression in the back yard about ten feet from the rear of the home and they called my attention to it. As I walked toward it … (11 comments)
arcata california real estate: Considering the Purchase of an REO, neighbors are your best source of information!
- 06/14/11 03:11 AM
If you are considering the purchase of an REO, in other words a bank owned property, your best source of information on the property could be your potential neighbors! It goes without saying that inspections come first! A pest inspection, a home inspection, a roof inspection, both a water well and septic system system inspection if the property has those systems. Second comes a review of all the public records of the property; the Building and Planning Depart, the Health Department, the Police Department etc. Then, if you still have an interest in the property, go meet your potential neighbors and ask some … (8 comments)
arcata california real estate: 'Roof Moss' may be deceiving
- 06/13/11 08:47 AM
My clients were in the market for rental property and their preference was single family. We looked at one listing that met their needs but the roof appeared to be in very poor condition. It was shake with a lot of moss growing on it. The roof had not been maintained for years. The listing agent understood my concern for the roof but presented that the sellers would not pay for any inspections. The clients wanted my opinion of the cost to replace the roof, I suggested $7,000.00. My clients wrote an offer, agreeing to pay for inspections but lowered their offered price … (7 comments)
arcata california real estate: Redwoods and Real Estate
- 06/13/11 08:08 AM
Living in the Redwoods presents some unique challenges for the real estate professional. Many homes here are surrounded by second growth Redwood Trees. Although second growth Redwoods are not near as large as old growth Redwoods in most cases, they do reach 150 plus feet and in many cases are five feet in diameter. These Redwoods present a unique problem for area real estate professionals. When a client makes an offer on a home with Redwoods on the property the agent representing them needs to take a close look at the trees. Are they healthy? Are there any loose limbs in … (3 comments)
arcata california real estate: 'Ask For Help'!
- 06/13/11 07:01 AM
If you are involved in projects for your home, don't be afraid to ask for help! There are many sources of help with your questions, in my opinion one of the best is the local lumberyard. Get to know the employee's and let them assist you with their suggestions. In many cases they are aware of products or procedures that will make you project easier and more cost effective. Having been a licensed general contractor for several years and with 25 years experienced as an electrical contractor, I still ask! I am not afraid to walk in and say, "I have a … (6 comments)
arcata california real estate: Replacing an electrical outlet
- 06/13/11 06:45 AM
In many cases replacing an outlet in a newer home is a simple procedure. If you will be replacing outlets in an older home in this area, be careful! In some cases the outlet boxes were also used as junction boxes to save money by the builder. If you remove an outlet cover and the outlet box contains a 'mass' of wires, replace the cover and call an electrician. If you open an outlet box and there are additional conductors in the box that are taped together, call an electrician. If you open an outlet box and the wiring connections are … (6 comments)
arcata california real estate: Thinking about 'Re-Locating' to another area?
- 06/13/11 06:14 AM
Are you considering purchase real estate out of this area? If so, contact me before you start your search! No, I am not going to sell you property in an area I am not familiar with. There are several things I can do to assist you however. 1. Research agents in the area that interests you. 2. Check the agent's license history at the Department of Real Estate. 3. Make sure an agent is available and has the time to properly assist you. 4. Make sure the agent is qualified in the area of real estate that interests you. 5. Answer … (3 comments)
arcata california real estate: If your home is not in "Perfect Condition"
- 06/13/11 05:36 AM
If you will be placing your home on the market in the near future and it is not in 'perfect' condition, you may want to consider financing the purchase for the buyer. To do so would require that you own the property 'free and clear' or have a significant amount of equity. Providing owner financing for a period of three years would give the buyer the time to make necessary repairs that would be required for a conventional loan. You would want a significant down payment from the buyer to provide owner financing. You would receive interest on the financing you … (3 comments)
arcata california real estate: Abandoned Water Wells are a Hazard!
- 06/13/11 04:51 AM
If you are considering selling your home in the future and there is an abandoned well on your property, the time to take care of it is now. An abandoned well will be identified as a safety hazard by most appraisers and the buyers loan underwriters will want that hazard removed prior to the close of escrow. Getting it done now will save you from a delayed escrow closing. There are various methods to fill an abandoned well. Before you start you want to contact your building and planning department for guidance in the project. Permits may be required as well … (8 comments)
arcata california real estate: Thinking of' building' in a rural area of Northern California?
- 06/13/11 04:19 AM
In the rural areas of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, California septic systems are quite common. In order to install a septic system for your new home and in some cases to replace a defective one in your current home a "perc test" will be required. The 'Peculation Test' determines what type of system is allowed to be used on your property. Read the report carefully and do not hesitate to contact the engineer who conducted the test if you have any questions. If you are building a home or replacing a system on a property that also has Redwood Trees, remember … (1 comments)
arcata california real estate: Fence repairs this summer?
- 06/13/11 03:37 AM
If a new or replacement property fence is in your plans this summer, use caution if you are going to be placing a fence near or around utility poles and utility cabinets. Utilities depend on being able to find and access utility poles and cabinets in an emergency. They also need a minimum clearance to do routine maintenance. If you obstruct their access with a property fence you may have a big surprise. In an emergency, utility companies will not wait for access to their right of way they will create it. If a fence is in their way and the gate is … (4 comments)
arcata california real estate: Septic Tank Hazards in Humboldt County, California
- 06/13/11 03:06 AM
If you live in an older home in a rural area of Humboldt County in Northern California and you have a private septic system; your Septic Tank could be a Hazard. The type of "hazard" I am referring to is; the wood top on many older septic tanks. Not all septic tanks are concrete tanks with concrete tops. Many older septic tanks were built out of Redwood and many older concrete tanks also have Redwood 'tops'. How long has it been since your tank was last pumped? Do you know where the tank is. Do you know what material the tank is constructed … (3 comments)
arcata california real estate: Listing Your Home 'For Sale'? Be a 'Good Neighbor'!
- 06/11/11 10:57 PM
If you are ready to list your home for sale, inform your neighbors before it is placed 'on the market'. Be a good neighbor! Once you have selected the agent and you are ready to list; make up a notice to deliver to your neighbors. If you have the time, a hand written notice works best. Let them know the home is going on the market and who the listing agent is before the sign goes on the property. The note will make your neighbors feel 'included' and will avoid any hurt feelings. Take the time to deliver them yourself, so … (10 comments)
arcata california real estate: 10 Reasons to use "Planters" for trees and shrubs around your home
- 06/10/11 11:25 PM
Planting your shrubs and small trees that will be located near your home in planters has many advantages. Here are 10 very good reasons. 1. You will reduce the possibility of termite infestation in your home. Keep the planters a 'safe' distance from the exterior of your home. Never let a tree or shrub come in contact with your home in this area of Coastal Northern California! 2. You will save water, the planter will help retain the moisture for the plant or shrubs use and it will not seep into the ground. 3. If the plant or shrub needs a … (14 comments)
arcata california real estate: 'Before' replacing your roof!
- 06/10/11 03:27 AM
Before you consider having your roof replaced, consider doing a "vent" survey to make sure that all vent pipes that protrude through your roof are still in use. Many older homes in this area have 'abandoned' vents that are no longer required. Ask any roofing contractor and they will tell you the biggest source of roof leaks are around vent openings. Most vents will still be required but get ride of those vents that are no longer being used. Most roofing contractors will assume they are required and "flash" around them. Take a good look at your roof and make … (10 comments)
arcata california real estate: Making 'Life in the Attic' easier!
- 06/09/11 04:04 AM
If you are considering a 'Do It Yourself' remodeling project that will require you to do work in your attic, electrical, installing a stove hood vent pipe etc., they are a few items that will make your 'experience' easier. 1. Make sure you have extra light bulbs in a convenient location in the attic for your attic lights. 2. If there are no electrical outlets in the attic, pre-run an appropriate sized extension cord with multiple outlet. Make sure to unplug them at the outlet when not in use and DO NOT forget to remove them when your project is completed! … (7 comments)
arcata california real estate: Give Consideration to "Updating" your Attic!
- 06/08/11 03:10 AM
Give Consideration to "Updating" your 'Attic' before starting a large home remodeling project or putting your home on the market for sale. The type of update I am referring to will not 'cost' a lot and it will not require a lot of your time. It will make it easier to access and work in your attic. This is important if you will be doing a large remodeling project and it will be very useful when buyers or inspectors need or want access to your attic if you place your home on the market 'For Sale'. This is especially important if … (9 comments)
arcata california real estate: "Getting a Feel" for a Neighborhood
- 06/06/11 11:31 AM
When you are shopping for a home, discovering the quality of the neighborhood you have chosen is important. One method that has worked for many of my clients is to spend some time driving by the home of your choice at different times in the evening and the early morning. What I suggest is to drive by the home and around the neighborhood at two hour intervals between six pm and two am. Go slow, look around and take notice of any activity that is out of the norm. You may want to do this on several nights. The time spent … (5 comments)
arcata california real estate: Property Taxes Too High, in Humboldt County, California?
- 06/06/11 11:07 AM
There is a 'short term' cure. California ‘Proposition 8' is a temporary reduction in property taxes in Humboldt County. If you feel that the assessed value of your home or property exceeds the ‘market value', you may contact the Assessors Office' and request a review of your assessment. If your property taxes are reduced, it is a ‘temporary reduction'. Generally for one year. Ask when you will have to apply again to maintain the reduction and do not ‘miss' that filing date to extend. … (3 comments)
arcata california real estate: Transfer Disclosure Statement in California
- 06/06/11 10:51 AM
When selling your home in Humboldt County, California, a "Transfer Disclosure Statement" will be required. This several page form will ask many questions about the history and current condition of your home. Historically, the form is filled out by the seller and presented to the buyer for their review and approval at the time an offer was accepted. There is a potential new reviewer of the "Transfer Disclosure Statement". That potential reviewer would be the buyer's loan underwriter. In my opinion it is only a matter of time before it become common practice. In order to satisfy any questions the buyers … (1 comments)
My buyers and I were standing in the back yard of a home they were interested in. They had been through the home and although it did need some work they were excited about it. We had looked at several other homes and you could tell the difference.
;)
;)
;)
