Build and Buy

What Do I Ask My Contractor?

2010-09-10T00:18:00.000-05:00

When National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) contractors were asked what questions homeowners asked most frequently, the group unanimously agreed that their most popular queries were:

When can you start?
When will you be finished?
What time will you knock on my door each morning?
What time will you quit for the day?
Are you going to work every day?
Can you finish before (insert any major holiday or significant family event)?
How much will it cost per square foot?

Unfortunately, these are not the type of questions that are going to tell you much about a particular remodeling contractor.

Better, instead are questions such as:

Here are some questions NARI members recommend you ask before signing a remodeling contract:

How long have you been in business?
Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?
Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance? (Always verify this information by calling the agency. A copy of an insurance certificate does not let you know if the policy is still current. Even if the certificate has an expiration date, you cannot tell if the insurance has been canceled by either party. If licensing is required in your state also ask if the contractor is licensed and call to verify compliance with the law. Not all states offer or require licensing. Check with your local or state government agencies.)
What is your approach to a project such as this?
How many projects like mine have you completed?
What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
Have you or your employees been certified in remodeling or had any special training or education?

You'll be better prepared to secure a good quality remodeling contractor.

Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.SouthlakeRR.com

Planning a New Kitchen? Read This Before You Start (III)

2010-08-24T13:19:00.021-05:00

Part 3

* Get estimates from two or three different professionals. Be clear about what you want done and ask for a written specification and quotation.
* Ask for references and talk to previous customers. A good remodeler will provide you with credentials and references. Seek jobs similar to your own.

   * If the builder is a member of a trade association, check the membership criteria – and make sure they really are. Some disreputable handymen have been known to inflate their credentials by falsely claiming membership.
   * Avoid adding to the job or changing your mind halfway through – it will usually cost more and cause delays. Confirm any changes you do make in writing.
   * Use a contract – plain English agreements, in writing, work fine for small building work.
   * Agree on staged and final payments before work starts.
   * Avoid dealing in cash.
   * If any problems arise while work is in progress, or you are unhappy about anything, talk to your remodeler right away. A good one will work to make it right -- and want to -- before the project is finished.

Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.SouthlakeRR.com

Planning a New Kitchen? Read This Before You Start (II)

2010-08-20T12:48:00.002-05:00

For some, a new kitchen is simply a case of updating cabinets and equipment, but for the discerning homeowner, it’s an opportunity to completely re-plan the room -- to increase its size or capabilities.

Part 2

Last time we began discussing how to approach a kitchen redesign. We left off with the important issue of safety and competence.

Safety and Competence
Moving or changing utility points (water, gas and electrical) will add to the cost of the project, but this is the time to make sure that you have a good supply of well-placed electrical outlets.

Lend Your Support
If you are renewing an existing kitchen, your remodeler can help you with plans and drawings, but major alterations to the existing layout – for example taking out a wall or building an extension – will almost certainly require additional supports to the existing structure. Be sure you discuss that and get the right professional advice.

Check Out the Rules
Planning permission is not always necessary for small extensions but you should ask if the work can be done within permitted development. All extensions must, however, meet Building Regulations. An informed professional can help get this done.

Are You Floored?
Think about flooring – can you overlay your chosen material on to your existing floor? Make sure whatever you choose is suitable for kitchen spills and water leaks which are inevitable. Some laminate flooring, for example, does not cope too well with leaks.

Use the Pros
Finding a professional company to transform your kitchen won't be a problem. A good place to start is to ask friends and relatives who have had similar work done to recommend someone – they are only likely to do so if they had a good experience.

Lastly, during the construction work think about how you are going to cope without kitchen facilities. Most remodelers will work around your family needs but the hot water and cooking facilities will inevitably need moving at some point so get your contingency plan in place.

Next up: Top Tips for a Successful Kitchen Remodel

Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.SouthlakeRR.com

Planning a new kitchen? Read this before you start

2010-08-16T12:33:00.029-05:00

Counters, cabinets, tiling, lighting and more.

For some, a new kitchen is simply a case of updating cabinets and equipment, but for the discerning homeowner, it’s an opportunity to completely re-plan the room -- to increase its size or capabilities.

Part 1

Decisions, Decisions
Whether you are increasing the available space or not, do some ground work before you start. Before you consult a remodeling expert take some time to think about how you will use the room. Are you going to be eating in the kitchen? Do you want it as a family gathering space? Will you need an informal seating area? Are you a passionate cook who needs lots of work space, or a quick and ready cook that needs a couple of microwaves?

Where Are Your Drains?
One of the most important considerations when you start planning your kitchen is drainage. If you start moving pipes about to accommodate layout this can prove expensive and may not be in line with building regulations. If you are changing things it is always advisable to check out your ideas before you start.

The Eternal Triangle
When you are planning the preparation area, remember the working triangle theory linking the oven, fridge and sink. Make sure they are close together and incorporate worktops between then wherever possible to allow food preparation and somewhere to place pots before the next operation in the cooking procedure. Finally, think about storage and how much is needed for cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils as well as groceries.

Next up: Safety and Competence

Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.SouthlakeRR.com

To Cover Your Walls: It Ain't Just Paint

2010-08-12T05:06:00.002-05:00

We just recently built a new room that left the homeowner with several new walls to decorate. The homeowner didn't find anything she liked in the multitude of collections of wallpapers at several area design centers. I suggested she browse the following online collection and ureka! She fell in love!

She even added this to the boy's room.

Design Your Wall (designyourwall.com) turns images into custom sheets of wallpaper. An array of materials is available, including Terralon, polyester and natural fiber that contains more than 30 percent recycled materials, plus heavyweight vinyl and more textured materials like grass cloth. Prices are by the square foot, from $7.95 for heavy artist canvas to $9.25 for Mylar or foil.

Stylish and unique wallpaper and murals designed in-house or licensed from artists all over the world.

"One of a kind" wall decor products
Getting an image to a wall is a longer process, with considerable back and forth between customer and company, which makes sense since your final product is far more permanent than, say, hanging a canvas on the wall. A company representative works with a customer to discuss the best material for the image, and scaled-down versions of an order are printed on the materials under consideration for $5 each.

If you're looking for wall coverings, and know what you want, or are having a hard time finding something that clicks with your inner designer, you may want to look here.

Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.southlakerr.com

Bathe Yourself in Comfort --Part 2

2010-08-08T18:05:00.001-05:00

Bathrooms are those warm and private rooms in your house where you can go to take a soothing

shower or luxurious bubble bath and let go of all the day's stresses. You spend more time in your bathroom then you may realize. It tends to be the first and last room you use each day and it's the room most often seen and used by any visitors to your home.

Getting Wet

Luxury, fashion and beauty combined.

If you're the type of person who likes to take long soaks in the tub, a classic clawfoot bathtub might be a good choice for you. They can add a real sense of charm to your bathroom while providing you with a comfortable place to relax your bones and they have a timeless charm to them. A lot of upmarket hotels are starting to use the clawfoot style tub in their suites these days - it would be great to have that luxury in your own home.

At the other end of luxury, there are jet-powered and spa tubs which provide a great way to relax after a hard days work or a tough afternoons workout. Have your own hydrotherapy system in your own bathroom.

Shower Yourself with Power

You can also install a jet-powered shower with multiple heads and even steam options. Jet-powered or multiple-head showers and tubs are especially nice if you've got achy muscles from work, sports or daily stresses with the kids and home.

Lighting is also an important, and most often overlooked element of a beautiful bathroom. Recessed lighting creates a soft visual effect, but keep in mind that you won't get a really clear look in the mirror unless you place additional lighting features over or around your mirror. There is an abundance of lighting options available in antique, casual and contemporary designs and finishes.

Your flooring and walls need consideration, too. Ceramic tiles add a beautiful accent to any room and floor tiles can be heate d for those cold winter mornings. A bathroom remodeling can be pretty messy and stressful, but remember to focus on the result of the project, and how rewarding it will be for you and your family for a long time to come. (And remodeling a bathroom always adds to the overall value of your home.)

Bathe Yourself....in Comfort

2010-08-04T01:34:00.002-05:00

Bathrooms are those warm and private rooms in your house where you can go to take a soothing
shower or luxurious bubble bath and let go of all the day's stresses. You spend more time in your bathroom then you may realize. It tends to be the first and last room you use each day and it's the room most often seen and used by any visitors to your home.

You can dream, can't you?

Over time though your bathroom that was once lfresh and bright can start to look a bit dingy and run down. When your bathroom stops being a pleasurable environment for you to appreciate, it's probably time for a new bathroom design. (If you don't care for your bathroom, someone considering buying your home likely will not either.)

The hardest part of remodeling a room can be finding some ideas. A good remodeler will always have suggestions -- probably many you would never have imagined. If you have ideas, put them down on paper first so you can sahre them with your professional of choice.

Start Windowshopping
You're going to be spoiled by the choices you find when browsing for new things for your bathroom; there is sooooo much to choose from.

Next: We go Shopping!

Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.SouthlakeRR.com

Making A First Impression - Your Door

2010-07-30T01:16:00.029-05:00

Every home needs a door. A fine home needs a fine door. But entry doors must be tough enough to withstand wind, rain, scorching sun, and would-be intruders, yet handsome enough to make a good first impression. Meeting those needs is a tall order for many front doors. Most older ones are made of wood or wood veneer, both of which warp, crack, and delaminate after years of exposure to the elements. Metal doors don't last forever, either — the surface on some older steel doors can peel.

You Have Options

Whether that describes your front door or you just want to trade a solid door for one with glass panels that offer more light, you'll find plenty of options available. There are new wood doors that resist the elements better than earlier versions, as well as metal and fiberglass ones that look like wood but provide greater security and often cost less.

The front door is the gateway to a home. Style-wise, the front door should be an indication of what's to come on the inside. It should compliment the style of the home and give guests and visitors a sneak peek of what's to come. Essentially, it's the job of the front door to make a great first impression.

Custom Doors

You front door is a focal point of your home.

Most manufacturers offer dozens of door styles, and you'll find a broad selection at lumberyards, home centers, and door dealers. Or, design your own door. Some manufacturers let you specify the types of panels and glass options you want. But these doors have to be specially ordered and take two to eight weeks for delivery. A third option is to have a local woodworker or millwork shop build a wood door according to your specifications. Again, the drawbacks are time and money.

A Material Decision
Perhaps the most important decision is what your door is made of. Most combine several materials; for example, many fiberglass and steel doors have wood frames. But it's the surface material that most affects appearance, durability, security, and price.

Wood doors are the most common. Versatility and beauty are their strong suit. Natural-finish stock and custom wood doors come in oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany, maple, fir, and pine. You'll also find paint-grade doors in several softwood varieties, such as pine and western hemlock.

Most steel doors are coated with a baked-on polyester finish that requires periodic repainting. Premium versions get a vinyl coating similar to the one on vinyl-clad windows for greater weather resistance. Some even have a stainable wood-fiber coating or, on really high-end versions, a laminated-wood veneer.

Also, if you choose an embossed wood grain, make sure it runs horizontally on the rails and vertically on the stiles. Finally, check the warranty. Some manufacturers will void it if you install an aluminum storm door with the steel door. The reason: Heat buildup between the doors might cause the finish to peel.

Decide what you want, then discuss it with a professional remodeler or door manufacturer/installer. Your front door is your first impression to all who enter your home.

Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.southlakeRR.com

Reader Mail: Build or Buy a House?

2010-07-25T23:09:00.003-05:00

Gary,
My wife and I would really like to build our own next home. My concern is the price of land. Where we live a quarter acre lot is anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000. Would we realistically save money by building a house rather than buying one already built? Homes we like are selling for $400,000 to 450,000. Thank you for the help.

D. Turby, Austin, TX

Mr. Turby
The decision to build or buy a home is always difficult. Building a new house isn't always the best option. It depends on the situation and situations are like snowflakes, no two alike.

New homes sell for more than older homes. If they didn't, no one would buy an older home. But when you build your own, you are (in theory) building for much less than what new homes sell for, all things being equal, such as, location, location, and location. I hope this helps.

Gary Rae
SouthlakeRR.com

(Send your questions to Gary@RaeWaldmanhomes.com)

To Build a Home

2010-07-23T22:56:00.001-05:00

There is a house built out of stone
Wooden floors, walls and window sills...
Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust...
This is a place where I don't feel alone
This is a place where I feel at home...

Cause, I built a home
for you
for me

Southlake Restoration and Remodeling builds, renovates and remodels custom kitchens (and homes) for discriminating clients. Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, Forney, Frisco and Dallas/Fort Worth. www.southlakerr.com

Kitchen Trends in 2010 -- The Blue and The Gray

2010-07-18T22:53:00.001-05:00

Kitchens can be a tricky room to update or decorate because it can be expensive getting new counter tops, flooring, appliances and accessories. Of course, not all kitchen decorating projects need to be all-inclusive. Approach a kitchen decorating project with a reasonable budget and a good foundation of knowledge in kitchen trends. Knowing what is cutting edge trendy versus last year’s trendy can stretch a kitchen decorating budget much further and keep the kitchen looking fresh and new much longer.

For 2010 the color grey is really gaining popularity in kitchens. For decades brown was the neutral for kitchen cabinets and often expressed in different woods but a pickled wood look is gaining momentum and grays are being seen throughout the kitchen. It’s a bit of a surprising color trend but often plays nice with other kitchen accessories.

Blue is also finding its place in the home again. For a long time blue has sort of been the left out child of the color spectrum, especially when decorating a kitchen but blue making a comeback and gaining momentum in the kitchen. And we’re not talking about washed out faded blues and light blues but blues that fit more into the country blue of the 80’s category or denim shades.

Find out more about what we at SouthlakeRR.com are seeing in kitchen trends. Drop me a note: Gary@raewaldmanhomes.com

Buy Low -- Sell High

2010-07-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

Demand for home mortgages -- at a 13-year low

Refinancing -- near record-low mortgage rates (Mortgage Bankers Association)

These rock-bottom borrowing scenarios are perfect for buyers/borrowers with pristine credit to build and buy (and those who still have equity in their homes to refinance.)

Worries that prices could dip further are keeping some potential buyers on the sidelines, but waiting too long at this point is more of a gamble than acting now.

The April 30 expiration of homebuyer tax credits sapped summer purchasing activity. Loans to buy homes have fallen in nine out of the 10 weeks since the credit expired.

Prices have toppled about 30 percent, on average, from their peaks four years ago, according to Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller indexes.

The time to buy, build or remodel your home is now, before the rush begins.

We're happy to discuss your particular situation. Drop me a note: gary@raewaldman.com

Remodeling Your Home? Adjust Your Homeowners Insurance

2010-07-12T23:31:00.000-05:00

As soon as you're ready to remodel that kitchen or renovate that bathroom, you should remember to notify your homeowners insurance agent or company about their renovations.

Update your Homeowners Insurance Policy

A recent survey revealed that nearly 40 percent of homeowners who had significantly remodeled their homes, had not updated their homeowners insurance policies to reflect these changes. Remodeling quickly adds to a home's value, though many homeowners fail to increase their insurance coverage to match. Many homeowners only insure their homes based on their lender's requirements, purchasing only enough insurance to cover their mortgage balance. This leads experts to estimate that nearly two-thirds of all U.S. homes are underinsured, many significantly so.

Upgrades Could Lead to Homeowners Insurance Savings
Plus, if you do not have a homeowners insurance policy that automatically raises your coverage on an annual basis due to increasing home values in your area, make sure you adjust your level of coverage to match your home's value. It's a good idea to report any renovations to your insurance company or agent as soon as you begin, or at least right after completion. It's a good idea to take before and after pictures in case your insurance company requests them. Many times, we do this as a service to our clients, using the pictures as case studies for future customers, too.

Making Way for a New Kitchen: Part 2, Dallas TX / Park Cities Area

2010-06-30T15:22:00.002-05:00

Welcome to OUR TWO MINUTES.

Part 2 of Southlake Restoration and Remodeling's latest project: -- a new kitchen for an old home in the University Park area of Dallas, Texas. Remodeling this kitchen in the Park Cities area of Dallas TX included everything from lead paint removel to new custom cabinet installation. This is the latest of our current jobs restoring Dallas, Southlake, Trophy Club, Colleyville, Keller, Grapevine, Frisco, McKinney and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Can't view? Try: Southlake Restoration and Remodeling - Dallas Kitchen

Despite Natonal Building Slump, New Homes Still Shooting Up

2010-06-24T01:34:00.007-05:00

There are always two sides to every story.

Commerce Department data showed new-home sales hit a record low in May, down from April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 300,000 homes, mainly because buyers faced a lackluster job market without a housing tax credit. Economists expected a drop to 400,000.

However, the Walt Disney Co. is launching an ambitious effort to woo some of the nation's most affluent travelers, building multimillion dollar homes in a new gated community it's creating at its famous Florida resort.

And meanwhile, north of Dallas and Fort Worth, in Southlake, one of the most prominent and desirable areas in all of Texas, new homes are the small shoots signaling the slow but steady regrowth of the nation's economy. While the numbers buying new homes are still lower that hoped for, many are investing instead in their existing home, remodeling or renovating their homes up and down, inside and out.

For those looking to buy a new residence, the timing could not be better. For those content to wait a bit, the opportunity to renovate now with materials and labor both very available should not be ignored. Then you can go to Disney.

Making Way for a New Kitchen: Dallas TX - Park Cities Area

2010-06-17T14:02:00.001-05:00

Welcome to OUR TWO MINUTES...
Southlake Restoration and Remodeling's latest project: -- a new kitchen for an old home in the University Park area of Dallas, Texas.

Remodeling this kitchen in the Park Cities area of Dallas TX included everything from lead paint removel to new custom cabinet installation. This is the latest of our current jobs restoring Dallas, Southlake, Trophy Club, Colleyville, Keller, Grapevine, Frisco, McKinney and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Beat the Summer Heat with Green Thinking, Planning

2010-06-14T06:31:00.002-05:00

Energy efficiency measures can pay for themselves through savings on utility bills. When you get more efficient about how you use energy, you automatically consume less. When you remodel or build a home, we strongly recommend thinking efficiently; despite the added cost of an energy-efficient upgrade, the resulting energy savings can be quite attractive.

This is a good time for an enrgy audit. We partner with Green Leaf Energy to help you reduce your energy consumption by analyzing your current energy usage. Together, we take a whole house approach by inspecting your attic insulation levels, air infiltration and air loss from leaky ducts, windows, and doors. We also assess the amount of direct sunlight your home recieves to help lower the cost of homeowners energy bills

Whether you are here in the are of Southlake, Keller, Grapevine...the DFW metroplex in general, or anywhere else in the country, the summer is the right time to be thinking and planning your remodel/energy upgrade. Contact a professional to learn how you can improve your home, and your energy efficiency -- make one pay for the other. You'll wind up with a better, more attractive and more pleasurable home.

Architect Michell Kaufman in San Francisco is an architect, designer and advocate for smarter ways to design, build and live. I'm pleased to share Michell with you here:

If you'd like to discuss a home energy audit or improvement, Southlake Restoration and Remodeling is ready to help.
And if you are looking to buid or buy a home, Rae-Waldman Homes can deliver what you are looking for.

Boomers Plan to Age In Place

2010-06-09T21:58:00.000-05:00

North Texas continues to grow as more people discover the delights of living in towns of Trophy Club, Southlake, Colleyville, Grapevine, Keller, Frisco, McKinney and Dallas/Fort Worth. While the Metroplex continues to attract businesses and gird the population from around the country, the quality of life in these fair cities does much to keep people "at home" even after they become "empty nesters" or simply retire.

However, even for people who appreciate "there's no place like home", sometimes homes need to change. As families and individuals grow and age, they will continue to have to deal with modifying their home for accessibility and ease of use, for themselves, and for parents or siblings etc. who may be living or need to move in with them.

Even caregivers may need to be permanently accommodated. To appropriately accommodate these changes and the needs of multiple family (and non-family) members, careful planning and preparation -- including home remodeling-- needs to be seriously considered. The time to think and plan is in advance of the need.

Everyone could benefit by family meetings to discuss future accommodations of their family and other loved ones.

Read more about aging-in-place.

Your Luxurious Bathroom

2010-06-03T16:42:00.001-05:00

One of the great joys of being a homeowner is to be able to customize your bathroom experience. From sinks to showers to tubs, making the bathroom your own and turning it into something special is part of the very definition of homeowner.

Modern technology has graced us with many new luxuries, not the least of them include the various shower heads that are available when you are replacing or remodeling a bath. In fact, Elle Decor devoted an entire section to showcasing showerheads recently. You can see it here.

Now, I've seen and tested a lot of these, and and their are many excellent ones from which to choose; it's all about your personal taste and style. One of the most refreshing to me was the Water Tile Rain, by Kohler. 54-nozzles, and fully-adjustable sprayheads. Gentle, yet volumunous enough; it's a perfect combination, I think, for men and women. Check out the video below, and then go take a shower and think about your new bathroom.

Home Is A Place

2010-05-24T21:10:00.004-05:00

So often we think of our homes as a thing, an object, or even an investment; a collection of wood and plaster and rock, with wires and pipes and portals. But it is more than that, more than a collection of material, more than a residence for your belongings. To those who live there, it is a place, -- a place to go to and come from. A place to be. A place where your story begins each day. Something that reminded me very much of just what a home represents, is this beautiful music video.

Home is a place. Make it your place.

Paperthin Music Video from Hettie Griffiths on Vimeo.

(Can't view? Try http://vimeo.com/11338063)

Grapevine's Palace - Restored, Remodeled, Redeemed

2010-05-20T03:43:00.001-05:00

In Grapevine, Texas, James Kirby Buckner built the Palace Theatre in 1940 for $25,000. The building fell into disrepair in the l960's and was renovated in 1975 and rechristened The Grapevine Opry. Then country music icon Johnnie High and a partner bought the theatre in 1974 and remodeled it again for his use.

The Grapevine Heritage Foundation purchased the building in 1991 and spent $5 million refurbishing it beginning in 2000. It now operates as a center of cultural and civic activity for Grapevine and all Northeast Tarrant County,

Over the years, this 'home' to its various owners --and publics-- has been transformed, updated, modernized -- changed to fit the needs and desires of the current owner. We do that with many important public spaces. And we do it to our more private spaces -- our homes.

As our families grow, our needs change. We need more, or differently apportioned space. We need rooms altered, kitchens and baths updated, outside spaces designed, and sometimes, we just need a new look. Changes don't have to be drastic; they can honor the past -- or create a new future-- with anything from modest revitalizing to complete refurbishing.

When you think about your home, consider how it could benefit, like the Palace Theatre has -- from a restoration or remodeling effort. If you have trouble seeing how things could be any better, contact a professional and have them point out some improvements to fit your lifestyle.

You can make your home Your Palace.

Building Your Own Home Booms Again

2010-05-18T01:56:00.001-05:00

A great time to build, or buy, your own home.

Home prices are now so low that US houses are now actually undervalued. By the end of 2009, the US was 8.9% undervalued when weighted by market value, and 10.3% undervalued when weighted by housing units, according to IHS Global Insight, an international financial analysis and consultancy firm.

A 9% undervaluation implies that on the average a buyer will pay $455,000 for a property worth US$500,000 based on housing fundamentals. The analysis was based on a study of actual house prices in 300 metropolitan areas from 1985 to 2009. The fundamental house price was based on the area’s population density, average household income, accessibility, and other factors. The undervaluation was in sharp contrast to the 16.6% overvaluation in Q4 2005 near the peak of the house price boom

Yet builders are putting up thousands of homes, and they are frantically buying lots for more.

People are buying again. From the recession's lows, construction has nearly doubled in major metro areas. It is up 74 percent in Southern California and soaring in Florida.

Some of the demand is coming from families that are getting shut out of the bidding for foreclosures by syndicates that pay in cash, and some is from investors who are back on the prowl.

Land and labor costs have fallen significantly, so the newest homes are competitively priced, according to Case Schiller (The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices measures the residential housing market, tracking changes in the value of the residential real estate market in 20 metropolitan regions across the United States.)

New-home sales in March rose 27 percent. One major Southwest builder has bought up more than 700 lots and is on the verge of starting a new community. Why? Because they are selling. New homes sell.

Many buyers are not interested in foreclosures even at a reduced price. They want to build their own.

I Like to Tell People Where to Go

2010-05-11T15:44:00.012-05:00

...only when they ask, of course.

A lot of the work we do at Southlake Restoration & Remodeling is confined to one area of the home; redesigning a kitchen, making over a master bathroom, converting or expanding existing space. Occassionally, we remake an entire house. On those occassions, and a few of the others, the homeowner may decide to leave the home for the time we are working. In almost all cases we can work around the schedules and family needs to accomodate even the most demanding calendars. Nevertheless, some homeowners find it a convenient excuse to go visit family, or better yet, to take a short vacation.

Beleive it or not, a lot of those customers ask me where they should go. While I am not a licensed travel agent, I love vacations and I always have an opinion, so today I'll offer a few of the places to think about going...When your house is being remodeled:

Far from the routine trip on the mega-cruise ship, the Yachts of Seabourn explore ports rarely visited by larger ships, guaranteeing you'll meet people who are happy to show you around their hidden corner of the globe.
For the family cruise, it's hard to beat the expereince Disney provides. There's always something for everyone. It's an active vaction, for sure.
Or, if you are inspired by nature, how about going for a swim with dolphins?

(Sometimes, when my wife and kids remind me often enough, even I take time to go on vacation.) But wherever you go, and whatever you do, imagine how nice it will be coming home to your remodeled kitchen, bathroom or new addition!

DIYers Should Beware, Take Special Care in Older Homes

2010-05-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

If your home was built before 1978, it likely has lead-based paint. When you work on lead-painted surfaces, you can be exposed to lead. Dry sanding, scraping or blasting can produce large amounts of poisonous dust and chips. Burning lead paint with a torch gives off lead fumes which are especially dangerous.

The dust and chips from lead-based paint are dangerous when swallowed or inhaled. The smallest lead dust particles cannot be seen, but they can get into the body. They are especially dangerous to young children and pregnant women. Lead can affect children’s developing nervous system, causing lower IQ and learning disabilities.

Beginning April 2010, contractors, remodelers, painters, plumbers, even neighborhood handymen who remodel and repair homes built before 1978, when leaded paint was banned, must be certified in safe removal practices and follow specific steps to prevent work site contamination. (Southlake Restoration and Remodeling has received its certification.)

More than half of the nation’s homes could contain paint with lead, which once was used to boost durability and brighten color, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which issued the new regulations. New lead safe rules have been designed protect children and adults from the devastating effects of lead poisoning.

Where the economy goes, housing follows.

2010-05-06T22:19:00.003-05:00

Things Are Looking Up

Signs of recovery are mounting. Despite worries that American consumers might hunker down for years, thriftiness has given way to the outlines of a new shopping spree: households are replacing cars, upgrading homes and amassing gadgets.

Many economists estimate that consumer spending — which makes up some 70 percent of American economic activity — swelled by 4 percent during the first three months of the year, more than the double the pace once anticipated. Some have nudged upward their estimates for economic growth to more than 3 percent this year.

There’s a lot of pent-up demand out there that is now being unleashed. The whole supply chain system is now being revitalized.

After a decade of painful decline, manufacturing is tentatively adding jobs. Retail sales increased by 9.1 percent in March at established stores compared with a year earlier, according to Thomson Reuters, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth. Exports swelled in the first two months of the year by nearly 15 percent compared with a year earlier, according to the Commerce Department.

If you have been waiting to begin upgrading yor home, the time may be now.

Tech Toolbox - Solar, Celing Fans and Calculators for the Homeowner

2010-05-04T06:51:00.002-05:00

Solar Technology, Celing Fans Galore and Financial Calculators, all for the benefit of you, the Homeowner.

I'm always looking for ways to make homeowners, and their homes, better, simpler, safer and more efficient. Today we have a few helpful items that can save you money, and add comfort to your life.

There is a handy Finance Calulator on Realtor.com that provides an estimate of the home price you can afford. It's easy, and a little fun to play with the numbers. Keep it handy, or share with a friend you think might like it.

Whether you are building a new home, or renovating an existing home, energy efficiency is always a consideration. Within the energy industry, new solar technology is finding new and better ways to get us all using solar energy. Check out this idea: solar lease. Now homeowners can go solar without any upfront cost and save money from day one. Go Solar for $0? Solar City says it's so --solar without the high initial cost of installing a system. Instead of buying the equipment, you simply lease it. Thet got me interested enough for a closer look.

One reason that lots of people are turning to ceiling fans these days is to reduce their energy usage. Therefore, it's important to get the most efficient ceiling fan possible. And if you are in the market for a ceiling fan, one of the best collections or ceiling fan ratings and reviews )including energy star listings) is at Ceiling Fan Wizard. No matter what your needs are for ceiling fans, you may find your answer on this site.

Tell me what you think. I'm always interested in. And keep those questions coming!

Thanks

Pool and Patio Hardscaping:

2010-04-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

When building, repairing, or upgrading your pool area, patio, sidewalk or driveway, concrete is often the material of choice. That is when I turn to my concrete slab professionals to help get the job done.

Concrete slab construction presents many variables that must be considered before a concrete pour begins. Because of concrete's setting time, a slab pour requires efficient planning so that all of the elements required to place a good slab are done in time and done correctly. Some of the issues to consider include proper subgrade preparation for concrete slabs, calculating proper water-to-cement ratio in the concrete mix, placing control joints, allowing proper curing time, and much more.

Once we've poured the slab, as you see in the video, we smooth the surface with a wood float. Pushing and pulling the float across the wet concrete to smooth the surface thoroughly and to put a sheen of water on the top.

When the surface is smooth and even, we let the concrete stand -- as little as 10 to 20 minutes in hot, windy weather, up to 4 to 5 hours in cool weather.

After we finish the surface, we'll sometimes cover it with plastic sheet film and weight the plastic down. The concrete needs to "cure".

Depending on what part of the country you are in, you can expect to pay somewhere between $2.50 and $3.50 a square foot for some concrete hardscape. A specific finish, color, curves etc. will all add to cost. Ask around; get a recommendation.

When Housing Starts, Good News Follows

2010-04-20T08:49:00.001-05:00

While the overall news of the economy and hoome buying has been mixed at best in recent times, there is increasing reason for optimism.

While average U.S. housing starts since 1971 have been 1.6 million per year, demographers estimate new home demand of 1.7-1.9 million units per year going forward.

Prior cycles all showed housing start troughs of at least 1 million units per year (1975, 1982, 1991), compared with about half that level in 2009, indicating an over-correction during this current housing cycle.

Housing starts per capita have hit the 7th lowest level on record, with the prior six lows occurring during World War I, World War II, and the Great Depression.

Now, one of the reasons we are seeing this correction in housing starts is the huge number of foreclosed properties coming onto the market. Foreclosure filings are running at about 300,000 per month right now, which equates to more than 3.5 million foreclosed properties per year. As long as foreclosures are at such a high level, it is probably unlikely that housing starts could rebound to a more historically normal level.

However, as the economy continues to improve and unemployment slowly drops, foreclosures will decline as well. At that point, there appears to be nothing in the demographic data that suggests that housing starts should not rebound to a level of at least 1.5 million annually over time, which is nearly three times greater than today’s annual run rate.

That is good news for everybody.

Restore, Repair, or Rebuild Your Own History

2010-04-14T07:45:00.001-05:00

I'm often asked about whether it is better to rennovate, restore or rebuild. Each, of course, has their advantages, and each their costs. For the individual homeowner, you have to weigh the benefits of restoration or rennovation (retaining some or all of the original material, charm, characteristics, etc, of the project), against the desire to have something new and fresh, freed from many of the restrictions that come with bringing something back to life, or improving its original use.

Off the shores of New Jersey right now is a wonderful restoration project. Save Ellis Island is in the process of preserving and re-purposing twenty-nine unrestored buildings on Ellis Island. But of course, the project is not just about rehabilitating and restoring abandoned buildings. It is about the ways those buildings will bring new life, providing a powerful symbol of America’s national ethos of freedom and opportunity.

Ellis Island is about our national immigration experience, a narrative shared by millions more than those who can trace a relative directly through Ellis Island. The new structure of Ellis Island, opened on January 1, 1892. Annie Moore, a 15 year-old Irish girl, accompanied by her two brothers, was the very first immigrant to be processed at Ellis Island.

Throughout the decades, immigrants brought their talent and diversity to our country; Irving Berlin, Charles Atlas, Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel (of Laurel and Hardy), Rudolph Valentino, Johnny Weissmuller, Bob Hope, Cary Grant, Bela Lugosi (Dracula), magician Harry Houdini, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, George Gershwin, the fathers of Fred Astaire and Yogi Berra as well as the mothers and fathers of many, many others who would eventually, a generation or two, or three or four later, would make huge contributions to our nation. (The Ellis Island museum houses the American Family History Center, providing computerized access to passenger manifests from all the ships that came into New York harbor from 1892 to 1924. If your family may have come through Ellis Island at this time, you can access those records for free online at http://www.ellisisland.org/.)

As the United States entered World War I, immigration to the United States decreased. Numerous suspected enemy aliens throughout the United States were brought to Ellis Island under custody. After 1924, Ellis Island was no longer primarily an inspection station but rather a detention facility, whereby many persons were brought and detained for various periods of time.

Although Ellis Island still remained open for many years and served a multitude of purposes, it served primarily as a detention center during World War II. By 1946, approximately 7000 aliens and citizens were detained at Ellis Island, with German, Italian, and Japanese people comprising the largest groups. The United States Coast Guard also trained about 60,000 servicemen there. In November of 1954 the last detainee, a Norwegian merchant seaman named Arne Peterssen was released, and Ellis Island officially closed. Changes in immigration laws and modes of transportation as well as the cost effectiveness of operating the island all played a role in its closure.

Since then, through major renovation efforts, all the buildings have been stabilized, two have been completely restored, and the Ferry Building is now open to the public. Once completed, these buildings will house the Ellis Island Institute, dedicated to the issues of global migration and world health.

Like the millions who started their American story at Ellis Island, your home is where your story begins each day, and where your children are beginning their life story. It deserves your attention. Some things are very much worth saving, renovating or improving. I'm very proud to be in a business where I can help an indivudual family restore or renovate their past, or build their future.

Save Ellis Island: The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island National Monument represents our liberties, the courage of our ancestors, their struggles and victories in building this great land, and our nation’s continuing commitment to liberty and opportunity for all.

Start Me Up! DFW Home Starts See Big Gain

2010-04-08T07:44:00.001-05:00

Single-family housing starts in Dallas-Fort Worth took their largest quarterly jump since 1983 according to Metrostudy, a real estate market researcher that surveyed Tarrant, Dallas, Collin, Denton, Parker, Rockwall and Kaufman counties and small parts of Johnson, Wise and Hunt counties.

In the first three months of 2010, builders started 3,460 houses in North Texas, a 59 percent increase over the same period in 2009.

My home building company is responding by starting several new projects, and home builders in general are helping to up the inventory of homes available to the market.

It's no secret that demand picked up after the first-time home buyer tax credit was offered.

But I expect home starts to increase again in the second quarter, still spurred in part by the April 30 deadline on the home buyer tax credits. Beyond that, it'll all depend on job growth, you know.

Up, Down, Sideways.... Homebuilders, Buyers, Renovations

2010-03-31T09:09:00.001-05:00

A recent Wall Street Journal report reveals that Texas has six of the top 15 cities for job growth through the Great Recession. The economic stability is based in large part on the stability of the area's real estate market.

While home sales in North Texas are down a bit in this first quarter over 2009, home prices are up. That is a good sign. And listings are down, which could mean that it starting to become a bit of a level playing field for buyers and sellers.

Of course, the listings and total sales figures may not include all the sales of distressed or foreclosed homes in the area. By some recent measures, these lender sales account for almost 40 percent of the home purchases in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

But homebuilders are reporting an increase in buyer traffic in recent weeks, according to Dallas-based Residential Strategies Inc.

Like homebuilding, owners are taking the money they have kept safe on the sidelines and are beginning to put it into their homes: fix-ups, add-ons, alterations, renovations and restoration. These smart investors have the long-term in mind. And when it comes their time to sell, that kind of investment will pay off. Meanwhile, they will enjoy the rewards of a finer, more comforable and luxurious home.

Build Your Dream

2010-03-24T09:33:00.000-05:00

Building Your Dream.
For the last five years, eVolo Magazine has hosted a futuristic skyscraper design competition. The most impressive entry in this year's competition wasn’t a typical building at all. It was a floating skyscraper…well, more of a sea-scraper. This floating building would generate its own electricity and food, house thousands, and plunge deep beneath the waves.

Designed by Sarly Adre bin Sarkum of Malaysia, the waterscraper would be about as tall as the Empire State Building, but with only a couple of stories exposed above the surface. The whole building would be a self-sufficient, floating, arcology. Wind, solar, and wave power would provide energy, hydroponics and the green space at the top would provide food and oxygen, and the structure would provide housing, work spaces, and areas for recreation. Ballast tanks would keep the structure level, like in a submarine, as would the tentacles. The tentacles would also move around in the ocean tides, generating electricity from kinetic energy.

Adre bin Sarkum deliberately designed this building to contrast with the skyscrapers that dominate the rest of the competition, and to highlight sustainable architecture. Now neither you nor I are likely to ever live in or build anything this extreme. However, what you home is, what it can be, is up to you. You can dream it; you can build it; you can renovate it.

Build your dream.

Building A Home? Let's Go To The Movies

2010-03-18T08:59:00.001-05:00

Walls, windows, doors and floors.

There's a lot more than that that goes into imagining, creating and building that house of your dreams than many people think.

This musical adaptation of a drawing program to sketch out a home for a buyer is entertaining, informative and eye-opening. Enjoy!

Click to watch.

Are Homebuyers Staying Put or Surging? That Is Not the Question.

2010-03-16T08:36:00.001-05:00

Are homebuyers waiting for prices to drop further, or are they snatching up deals now? It's a heated discussion with evidence on both side of the balance sheet.

Whether or not potential buyers are truly sidelined waiting for prices to drop as more houses enter the market might be irrelevant. Assuming there is a larger pool of potential buyers out there, buyers must still qualify under today's stricter credit rules.

So even with government support in the form of tax credits, the market appears stalled: sellers are resisting dropping prices further while buyers are looking for lower prices and underwater homeowners lucky enough to buck the foreclosure trend are stuck in a holding pattern.

Further evidence shows that refinance applications recently dropped, suggesting a slowing down in home refi’s. (The average contract rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages was 5.01 percent last week, up 6 basis points from 4.95% for the prior week).

Your Home is Your Castle -- to Renovate and Repair II

2010-03-11T08:57:00.001-06:00

Last time we tipped our hat to the land o' the Irish with Saint Patrick's Day in mind, and urged you to consider your castle and how to make it ready for purchase in a market environment that promises to be the best in four years. So plant some 4-leaf clovers and put down the drawbridge. Spring is here and there is work to do on that moat and more to get your castle ready for sale.

6. Warrant your big ticket appliances. Home warranties, which cover repair and replacement costs for many home appliances, are available from several different companies. It's one more objection to remove from a potential buyer's mind.

7. Energy-efficient castle improvements. Increasing your home's energy efficiency is another good way to make your property more attractive to buyers. New windows and improved insulation can provide you with federal tax benefits. Again, a contractor or renovation expert will conduct a free energy audit free to find chinks in your castle.

8. Make light of things. Replacing older light fixtures can add value, visual appeal and be used to highlight your home's best features. Create an inviting feeling in your interior entryway to get home buyers interested. Dark castles are morbid.

9. New kitchen. With a new kitchen, a great deal of other imperfections may be overlooked. Have a good look at yours, and invite a contractor or two by to give you some thoughts -- and estimates-- on making your kitchen the heart and soul of your castle.

10. And while you are at it, overhaul those bathrooms. Castles never had this issue, but mildew stains, old appliances, and dark or oddly colored bathrooms can disquiet any buyer. Spruce them up. Modernize. Freshen. You'll secure your castle's value with this perhaps most important move.

Your home is your castle and you should be as proud as any King or Queen. That's no blarney. But don't delay getting it back into its legendary conditon. No need to do it alone; hire a professional.

May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends. (Irish saying)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Your Home Is Your Castle - to Renovate and Repair

2010-03-08T08:40:00.001-06:00

Your home is your castle. That sentiment feels especailly true around Saint Patrick's Day. But many a fine castle fell into disrepair, even as the King or Queen reveled in its majesty. Don't let any self-induced blarney keep you from facing the facts about what you need to do.

After more than three years of a painful housing swoon, it appears that lower prices, attractive morgage rates and a continued tax break from Uncle Sam may well create the most vibrant spring home-selling season in the last four or five years.

But even as the market perks up, buyers are likely to retain the upper hand throughout 2010. Now is the time to boost your home's sales price with a few simple remodeling and renovation efforts:

1. The Castle Walls. If your exterior isn't appealing, you start with a big negative. Fix up the front-entry portion of the house and make your entire property more inviting. The outside of your home oi the first signal that buyers have about the way you care for you home. They will interpret it strongly. Pay it the sam attention.

2. The Royal Garden: Make sure your lawn, trees, hedges and plantings are maintained to make your home more alluring to prospective buyers. Adding a little color to the flower beds is a plus, too.

3. Paint the Walls: A fresh coat of paint on your home's interior is a cost-effective way to make your castle more appealing. Be conservative with color of the paint, but splurge on the quality. Better paint covers more thoroughly, more quickly and saves money in the long run.

4. Flooring. Look closely. Does your home need new carpeting, new or refinished flooring? Buyers notice the floors. Large open areas get the buyer's attention. Make sure those areas have yours.

5. Repairs: Homebuyers aren't interested in fixing anything in your castle. Make your home perfect for a buyer by fixing all existing problems— a leaky roof, weathered or cracked patio, a pool that needs relining — before you put the property on the market. It may be worth calling in a home inspector or renovation expert to consult with on what's important to address.

Next time: five more tips to ready your castle for sale.

I am grateful for the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and floors that need waxing because it means I have a home. (Irish saying)

A Landscape for the Future: Xeriscapes

2010-03-04T07:45:00.001-06:00

As we were discussing in the last blog on The Challenges of Landscaping, the modern conceptual xeriscape can help you reduce yard maintenance, use less chemicals and synthetic fertilizer, and allow you to spend more time enjoying your yard. And the value of your home will increase as well.

What does it take to get started? The Seven Simple Steps to Success:

1. Plan. Devloping a plan is the first and most important step in a successful xeriscape. Consider the regional, climatic conditions and conside how you intend to use your landscape; and the zoning or grouping of plants by their water needs.

2. Soil Analysis. Soils will vary from site to site and even within a given site. Consult with a professional and have you soil tested.

3. Plant Selection. Design will determine the effect of the landscape. You selection of plants should come from species native or adaptive to your yard. Choosing otherwise creates a strain on you and your yard: more soil additives, extra maintenance, and additional watering. “Natural” should not require a lot of maintenance.

4. Limit Grass. Everyone uses lawn grass far more than is necessary for entertaining or recreation. Using turf as a fill-in plant will give you a more interesting and manageable yard. Decks, porous paving, paths, and mulched planting beds will reduce the amount of turf needed. And while you are at it, select drought-tolerant grass in the sunny lawn areas.

5. Deep Soak. Water infrequently, but when you do, water deeply. Plants and grasses develop deeper, drought-tolerant roots when forced to find deeper moisture. Frequent, light watering results in shallow roots, leading to water stress during periods of drought.

6. Mulch Pays. A 3"-4" layer of organic material over exposed soil areas, twice a year, helps retain moisture, controls soil temperature, discourages weeds, and prevents erosion.

7. Care…means maintenance. You can't eliminate maintenance, but you can reduce time spent on maintaining your yard. Once established, xeriscapes require less… less fertilizer, less chemical additivess, and less water.

There is no reason not to have a landscape that is beautiful, efficient AND that is friendly to the environment. Responsible landscape choices, such as xeriscaping, will help insure our children will have a cleaner, greener planet. The future depends on all of us to think practically and efficiently.

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The Challenges of Landscaping

2010-03-01T07:38:00.000-06:00

Your landscape should enhance your home's beauty, add value to your home, and be easy to maintain. By making good choices when you plant, you can save time, money and protect the beautiful natural environment. During the decade of 1980's, the word xeriscape was coined. from the Greek word "xeros" for dry. Xeriscape is defined as "quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment." It is not a style of gardening, but a method of gardening. Native and adaptive plants thrive the best and are low maintenance.

Each homesite should be evaluated for the dominant soil type, not by its location on a map. Your site may be slightly different from your neighbor, both in soil and climate. If you are unsure about the type of soil, consider getting a soil analysis. This is a free service at some area nurseries, or contact your county Agricultural Extension Service.

A while back, I had recommended to me a must-have book for my region, Native Texas Plants - Landscaping Region by Region. Look for something similar for your area. It will have you looking closely at your soil with the goal of creating zones in your landscape similar to existing soils, or even improving upon them.

Among the basics: group plants that have similar soil and water needs together. Keep high water use plants to a minimum and group these together to make a miniature oasis. Small distinct areas can be easily maintained if they are near the front or back door.

Microclimates exist throughout your property. For example, warmer temperatures will result from reflected heat of walls or patios; this will support more tender plants. On the other hand, plants exposed to cold winds need to be able to tolerate colder winter temperatures.

Next time: More on xeriscapes

Order of Battle

2010-02-25T09:10:00.005-06:00

In modern day warfare, creating a list of military units, equipment, and their location is called preparing your Order of Batttle. In earlier times, this also included the 'order' in which the units attacked.

Planning your attack on your home for renovation purposes requires the same kind of preparation and attention to detail. If you are plotting more than a weekend skirmish or two with your home, and in fact are planning a major assault, allow me to recommend an Order of Battle that will help:

I. Roof, Foundation, Windows

Protect your future and tackle these fundementals first.

• Secure the foundation.

• Make major structural repairs to weakened walls, joists, and carrying beams.

• Repair or replace roof.

• Replace seriously damaged windows that threaten future remodeling. (If not seriously damaged, leave it for later.)

II. Demolition

Depending on the scale of your renovations, some demolition might be the first step.

• Rent a large container for waste and carefully demolish the areas of the house that will be renovated. (Exercise caution when demolishing surfaces coated with lead-based paint.)

III. Carpentry

Call in the carpenters for major carpentry projects like moving or building walls, enlarging window openings, adding beams to support a greater weight upstairs, punching in new doors or removing existing doors, or adding new construction windows.

IV. HVAC Ductwork, Electrical, and Plumbing

With walls and ceiling open, it's time to install ductwork for central heating and air conditioning, run new electrical and plumbing systems. (Electrical and plumbing inspectors will visit at this time, too.)

V. Insulation

The last thing to do with the walls open is to install insulation in the walls, crawl spaces and attic.

VI. Drywall

Your second inspection from the electrical inspector (and perhaps plumbing inspector) should earn you the go-ahead to close up the walls. Then 'drywallers' hang sheets of drywall, and sand it smooth for a seamless surface.

VII. Flooring

Installing the flooring late in the renovation process saves your flooring surface from significant damage.

VIII. Windows

Install replacement windows.

IX. Fine Carpentry

Here's where you introduce carpentry that doesn't involve structural issues. Install baseboards, molding, trim around windows and doors, built-in elements (bookcases, breakfast nooks, etc.).

X. Interior Painting, Wallpaper, and Other Surface Finishes

Painting interior walls, hanging wallpaper, painting molding and trim, staining and sealing trim: all of these detail-oriented surface finishes should be the last items you do indoors.

XI. External Elements

With the house mostly finished, it's safe to attach gutters, leaders and other external elements.

XII. Major Auxiliary Building

Last, do major auxiliary building projects like additions, sunrooms, swimming pools. Large building projects like additions should come last so you don't deplete all of your money and energy on projects not related to renovating the house itself. However, you could reverse this-- build your addition very early in the process so that you don't ruin any work you do in the main part of the house.

Now that you have your Order of Battle, it is up to you to decide when to attack!

Timing Is Everything; So When to Renovate?

2010-02-22T08:40:00.001-06:00

If you're looking to remodel any part of your home this year, now is a good time. Contractors may not be as busy these days both because of seasonality and because many homeowners have either already finalized their homes preparing for a sale or making life more comfortable for themselves.

So if you are ready to go, give one of them , or me, a call and let's get started.

A good contractor will remind you of the important tennants of renovating:

to get the most bang for your revo buck, you should look to the kitchen and the bathroom. Remodeling these rooms can give you a 98 to 100% return on your money.

avoid "trends" that tend to come and go like trash compactors or avocado green appliances.

think 'neighborhood'. When you remodel, consider what your neighbors homes are like. Standing out can work both ways. You may love a fish pond, an expanded garage or a big porch/patio addition, but be careful--you don't want your house to look out of place. On the other hand, if you're the only house on the block without a swimming pool, or your landscaping is bare, you may want to consider adding features that make your home more attractive to buyers, or yourself.

get the best contractor you can afford. Get references; see past work. And while you should always get at least three bids, don't jump at the lowest rate. Consumer Reports warns that people who did generally got poorer work. ALWAYS ask for proper licensing and insurance. Don't mess around with amateurs or weekend warriors.

As mentioned. now is the time to get started, and you can enjoy your improvements for the rest of the year, the rest of your life, or enjoy the return on your investment when you sell. Any way you look at it, it's smart.

Steeling Home

2010-02-18T08:40:00.000-06:00

We are remodeling our kitchen and are trying to decide on a color scheme. We have a few things planned that all seem to work against our appliance color choices. We dont want to give up our ideas altogether. Any suggestions? (BTW, I HATE white appliances.)
R. Koch, TX

Well, if you are remodeling your kitchen, don't "settle" for anything. One thing you might consider is stainless steel. I have it my own home. Stainless steel is a hardworking surface that is both beautiful and easy to maintain. The reflective qualities of stainless stell make it the universal neutral, able to work with anything you place around it -- reflecting both natural and artifical light as well as any color hues existing in your kitchen.

Ranges, refrigerators, islands, venthoods, bartops and more. In fact, a stainless steel countertop can extend up the wall and act as a backsplash, even covering an entire wall. Stainless steel is functional, and provides a clean and elegant look. Easy to clean, heat resistant, stain resistant, -- it also affords any homeowner the most hygenic, antibacterial surface for food preparation.

Give stainless steel some strong consideration for your designer kitchen. And send me your thoughts on stainless steel, or what you chose for your kitchen remodel.

The Time to Buy --or Build --is Now.

2010-02-16T10:02:00.012-06:00

Buy, build, --do it now.

Have you been looking for a new home? Have you settled on what or where your next is? Act now. Going to build? Get started today. Houses typically take between four and six months to build, so the window to start new construction is closing. We are all watching the calendar.

The extended – and expanded – tax credit applies to contracts inked by April 30 and closed in June. After that, all bets are off.

There isn't much reason to stay put and wait for your home value to rise. According to the S&P/Case-Shiller report in November 2009, average home prices across the United States are similar to levels that were seen in 2003. So if you bought your house after that time, it likely is worth less than the day you bought it.

On balance, while these data do show that home prices are far more stable than they were a year ago, there is no clear sign of a sustained, broad-based recovery. For many homeowners, the only good news for 2010 is that their homes' values will likely fall less than they did in the previous two years.

Build...buy...the time is now.
___________________________________________________
If you are searching in the Dallas-Ft.Worth area, maybe we can help.

Remodeling Pays..Two Ways

2010-02-11T08:33:00.001-06:00

Earlier this week, we discussed remodeling projects and how they might be beneficial to a homeowner looking to sell their home. Well, in its latest annual cost vs. value report, Remodeling magazine calculated that the average cost recouped for a remodeling project is roughly 64 percent. So on top of making your home more marketable, you will get up to two-thirds of your investment back. Nice.

Smart homeowners are spending on projects that improve their daily lives today and make their homes more appealing long-term. The Remodeling survey also found that curb-appeal projects and renovations that make better use of existing space provide some of the best values. Homeowners understand the advantages to customizing a home in a neighborhood they loved rather than building from scratch in the far suburbs. Improvements such as:

Kitchens and bathrooms --they help sell houses. Some homeowners are opting to reface rather than replace kitchen cabinets. Others are choosing between standard upgrades and top-of-the-line materials.
Anything that makes a home more energy-efficient is also potentially a good project. Installing high-efficiency windows and doors, replacing an inefficient, worn roof, increasing insulation and sealing air leaks are all projects that make property more desirable while also lowering energy costs.
Outdoor spaces --Covered patios, outdoor kitchens and comfortable outdoor living areas are also popular additions. Installing awnings or shade sails or extending a roof over a patio not only makes outdoor spaces more livable in summer months, but also can lower energy costs by protecting doors and windows from direct sun. Adding a large patio and an outdoor kitchen can make any home feel more spacious.

Next time: that outdoor kitchen.

Improve, Then Sell

2010-02-08T09:26:00.001-06:00

If you have selling your home in mind, you may want to try to wait a bit; but not for a recovery. Home values aren't likely to rebound to previous highs for several years; perhaps much longer. If you must sell, you may face a loss by selling now, but that negative figure may only be a paper loss, particularly if you've owned your home for some time.

What you can do is make improvements to increase your home's value. If you have access to any credit, consider improving and repairing your home before placing it on the market, rather than trying to go for a quick as-is sale. Fixing up your home is more affordable now, with reduced construction materials costs and lower contractor charges. Upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms, especially, yield the highest returns.

Hire professionals, not friends or relatives, to repair, upgrade and sell the biggest investment you'll likely own. Your real estate agent should be well connected with other agents, lenders and industry professionals. Or look for some at your local home show. Ask for credentials, references and a history of recent performance. Get three estimates from contractors and add another 10% for unexpected costs.

It's a great time (and the perfect season) to rennovate, repair or restore your home -- before you put it on the market.

Ya Gotta Have Heart....All You Really Need is Heart

2010-02-04T08:42:00.001-06:00

So, February is American Heart Month, and becase it is, I am taking this opportunity to remind all my readers a few things about the heart.

1. Home is where the heart is. My business is homes. Building them, selling them, remodeling them. But while it is a labor, it is also a love. There are few pleasures in my life that equal that of showing a client their new or remodeled home; it is a far different thrill than getting the newest tech gadget, or even heading on a pleasure trip. A home is special. It is where your story begins; where a family grows and leaves and comes back to. I see that in every home I touch. It touches me back. That is why I love my buiness; it fills my heart.

2. “The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” I believe that is probably equally true for women, but don’t let me digress. Within a home, the most important room is the kitchen, by far. With February here, the winter holidays in the rear view mirror, and Spring around the corner, this is the perfect time to consider how you might like to expand or renovate your kitchen. Find a spot in your kitchen that lets you take a long quiet view. Contemplate the possibilities. Let your imagination run. Make your kitchen something that warms your heart and your family’s. The time is right.

3. And speaking of food, this month, why not have a heart? Many people are struggling with unemployment, and making difficult choices between food and other basic necessities, including the pressures of skyrocketing healthcare costs. The recent Hunger in America study revealed increasing numbers of people around the country that have to choose between buying food and paying for utilities, their rent or a mortgage, or their medical bills. Clearly, many are hurting. We can all help, at least a little. Make a meal for a down-and-out friend, an unemployed family, an elderly neighbor. Nothing feeds the soul like a home-cooked meal (and it doesn’t hurt the stomach either).

If you can’t cook – donate. Food, money, time. In my own county, the Tarrant Area Food Bank serves as a central clearinghouse for a 13-county area to hundreds of partner agencies serving abuse victims, children, the elderly, the chronically ill, the unemployed, the working poor, the homeless and other Texans in need. (If you now someone that needs food, they can call them at 817-258-8100.)

For those of you around the country, find a food bank in your own area and make a donation this month. Then write me about it. Love to hear what people are doing out there.

Make your heart feel good.

Tech Toolbox - Real Estate Podcasts and Videos Deliver the Goods

2010-02-01T13:40:00.001-06:00

If you are reading this blog then you have succumbed to at least some of the technology that can help deliver the information you need to make profitable decisions regarding your house and your real estate investments. Congratulations. Well, if you have not sallied forth any further, do move on! Expand your horizons. Discover, as I have, podcasts and videos just waiting to enlighten you. Here's a few you can check out. (Send me your favorites and I'll have a look. Maybe we'll even post the best of them here, if they pass muster.)

Real Estate Today with Gil Gross. All-things real estate from RETradio. Experts, interviews, call-ins, field reports, and timely market conditions From buying and selling to improving your home... even the current state of the market. It's a weekly show broadcast around the world, so its topics are very broad based and apply to most anyone.

Not to be confused with the previous podcast, Real Estate Today Podcast is hosted by Tom Kelly, a former real estate editor and professional journalist. His real estate column is published nationally and this podcast, too, offers issues of national scope and interest.

Meanwhile, closer to home, in my home state of Texas, the Real Estate Center produced by Texas A&M University has information regarding happenings in Texas housing, office, industrial and retail markets. The Center is the nation's largest publicly funded organization devoted to real estate research.

And for those who keep asking me about my why I think anyone should invest in Texas, I'd like to share with you a wonderful presentation about just that. Its called the Texaplex. Enjoy...and share it with your friends.

Your Home, Your Schools, Your Taxes

2010-01-28T09:01:00.001-06:00

In the spirit of civic awareness, in the shadow of last night's State of the Union address, I have a bi-partisan message for all homeowners: Get involved with your school board, and vote.

If you have children, you will be influencing their education and the future of our country. Even if you do not, you will be playing a role in how your tax dollars are spent.

In most states, citizens control their public schools and their own property taxes in part by electing a school board -- three, five or seven members who must be residents of the school district. What does the School Board do? The most important thing is to establish a vision for the community's schools that reflects a consensus of the board, community and district staff. But the board has a wide variety of additional responsibilities, such as adopting a balanced annual budget and issuing interim financial reports, adopting the school calendar, negotiating contracts with employee unions, approving curriculum materials and closing or constructing schools.

School board meetings must be open to the public with the agenda publicly posted in advance. You can learn a lot about your district's policies and challenges by attending a meeting. In most cases, board meetings are also structured to give you a chance to express your opinions to the board and the community.

Your property taxes are imposed by counties, municipalities, and school districts, where the rate is usually determined by county commissioners, city council members, and school board members, respectively. (See where your state property taxes rank.) The taxes fund budgets for schools, police, fire stations, hospitals, garbage disposal, sewers, road and sidewalk maintenance, parks, libraries, and miscellaneous expenditures. In Texas, property taxes are used to fund public school districts.

Find your state's School Board Association here.

Your Home, Your School, Your Taxes.... Your Future.

Don't Talk to Strangers...or Neighbors.

2010-01-25T06:32:00.002-06:00

Dear Gary

My wife and I are planning to have our kitchen redone and we have always loved the look of cherry. Several friends have given us funny looks and even suggested that Cherry wood is old fashioned and out of date. We don't think so, and wanted an expert opinion. What say you?
Steve S., San Antonio

Far from being old fashioned, I consider cherry kitchens "traditional"; a wood that has graced formal American homes since the 18th century. Today, cherry kitchen cabinets are equally at home with casual interiors including the popular rustic design motif.

I love cherry wood for its natural luster, rich coloring, and grain pattern characteristics that make each project unique and literally, one of a kind. Cherry wood cabinets provide warmth, beauty and a great variety of choices in color as well as regular and knotty grains.

So where does the negative reaction come from? Many times, people associate cherry wood with reddish stains applied to other woods such as maple, fir, and other common hardwoods. And cherry, like all solid hardwoods products, are influenced by natural forces and may display a variety of markings. (see the American Hardwood Information Center).

To my way of thinking, fine furniture grade cabinetry made from solid cherry wood never goes out of style. Bottom line --It is your kitchen; not your neighbor's or friends'. If you like cherry, you should have it. Good Luck!

Tech Toolbox - New Phone Apps for Househunters

2010-01-21T09:23:00.001-06:00

Realtor.com released a free iPhone app that it says has relationships with 933 multiple listing services, giving it more than four million total listings. The app also claims to have the most up-to-date listings by refreshing data every 15 minutes. The app lets you search for nearby homes and open houses, saves listings that you may want to look at later, and keeps a record of those you’ve recently viewed.

You can search for homes on a street map, or use satellite view or see it as a list. The list is valuable because if there is a high-rise with several open condos, the map will show only a single listing while the list view shows several.

Searches can be refined to include houses within a specified distance of where you are, by price range, number of bedrooms and baths, size, age of home and other parameters. When you choose a property, you can see any pictures that have been posted or read a list of particulars like square footage, acreage, year built, type of heating and so forth.

Like any modern app, there is a social component. You can e-mail listings to friends or post them to Twitter and Facebook. Android released a new free app called HotPads. It not only searches for homes for sale, but also for apartments, rentals properties and hotels.

It also has map and list search, saves favorites and searches, and lets you post your favorite properties to Facebook or e-mail them to friends. Along with basic information and pictures of the properties is a statistics box showing the property’s price compared with other homes in the same ZIP code, neighborhood, city, county and state.

Both are nice additions to your tech toolbox.

Products That Love You Back

2010-01-18T09:15:00.001-06:00

I am always on the lookout for products that add a unique quality during a remodel. I recently stumbled upon something that has tremendous promise for the average homeowner. (They love it on gizmos for geeks).

How would you like to never use plungers or chemicals in your kitchen or bathroom sinks again? There is a plumbing accessory, a "trap", called the PermaFlow Never-Clog Drain that provides a permanent way to eliminate drain clogs. It features an innovative, self-cleaning design and integrated wiper that removes blockage; no more eed for chemical drain cleaners, plungers, and pipe repairs again. This smart alternative to traditional traps installs in seconds and, as a bonus, allows for easy retrieval of accidentally lost jewelry and other items. (See news video)

It's a simple installation that fits standard kitchen and bath plumbing, and the little dial on the side will allow you to break apart any debris caught in the drain of your sink. You can easily unclog drains by turning the lever; the easy-turn wiper acts as a drain cleaner and clears the clog. Cooler still -- capture and retreive items like jewelry that fall down the drain.

The transparent design is a nice touch --just look to determine if the drain has developed buildup and turn the wiper to see if the clog is gone. You can even see items dropped down the drain, such as wedding rings or small toys. Turn the wiper to elevate the item and then retrieve it with a coat hanger, hook, or other household tool. Just think--you'll be able to diagnose and troubleshoot drain problems without a plumber.

So far I have not used the PermaFlow, but I am looking forward to my first opportunity to install one (maybe I'll start with my own house, and let you know).

Turn Your Bathroom Into an Everyday Spa Experience

2010-01-14T08:04:00.001-06:00

Your bathroom can be just what you need it to be – a blend of form and fashion and comfort/luxury. It’s an important room for you and your family. Make it special; give it some attention. Here are some of the things to consider for your bathroom remodel -- no matter the size.

Steam showers: It's no wonder these are becoming so popular. More than just a shower, a steambath or sauna will open the pores of your skin, helping to rid your body of toxins, while people with arthritis or sore joints enjoy relief from their discomfort. Steam can also help heal dry skin by enveloping it in moisture. See some examples here.

Towel Warmers: Is there anything nicer than getting out of the shower or bath and wrapping yourself in a prewarmed towel? Everyone redesigning a bathroom wants one of these.

Toilet: One of the finest is the Neorest by Toto; a tankless, one-piece toilet. Sensors lift the lid automatically, opening as you approach, then closing and automatically flushing as you walk away. The seat warms up with an adjustable temperature control. The glazed finish helps to keep it clean with every flush.

Details: And don’t overlook the little things; they can make the difference. Take for example your showerhead. Why shouldn’t it be a piece of art? Look at what VADO offers.

A small redesign, or a large remodel -- either way, your new bathroom deserves the best.

Getting the Kitsch Out of Your Kitchen

2010-01-11T09:45:00.004-06:00

With the new year, many homeowners start to reach out to companies like mine with the idea of remodeling some part of their home – usually a kitchen or bathroom. But whomever you contact, do yourself a favor and do some thinking before you call. Before you get started on any project, a good professional will ask you a variety of questions about what you intend. Doing some thinking ahead of time will give you the advantage of being able to put a voice to just what you want to accomplish.

If you are considering redoing your kitchen, consider the current layout, and how you would like to change it.

How cook-friendly do you feel your kitchen is?
How many hours am I going to spend in the kitchen daily?
How important is the kitchen for me?
Will I have enough space to cook when someone else is in the kitchen?
Will I have room to store all my cooking pots and ingredients?
Will I be able to easily rinse dishes and load them into the dishwasher?
Do I prefer a range or a separate cook top and oven?
Do I want separate sinks; one for prep sink and another for cleanup?
Do I want an eating area in the kitchen?
Do I prefer a modern, industrial look or a more traditional, conservative look?
How many times in my life are we going to remodel the kitchen?

Of course, the structure of your existing home will limit your layout options. But most remodeling experts can help, especially if you are clear about your wants and needs. Having these answers already thought through will help. Good Luck.

Holiday Gift Giving -- To You

2009-12-11T09:12:00.002-06:00

It’s the holiday season and many of us are busy gathering or making gifts for those near and dear to us. So, in that spirit, I’d like to give something to you, dear reader. Just as Scrooge was visited by the three ghosts –of Christmas past, present and future – I’d like to share with you three valuable web sites that may bring you comfort and success whenever you are next ready to build or buy a home. Consider it an early gift you can open now.

Past

Trulia.com. Not a broker or agent site, Trulia is not looking to turn you into a lead. They are on of the best real estate search sites on the Web. You can look up homes for sale, sure, but it is more than that. They make lots of important information easily available, -- like current stats and trends on foreclosures, how to find the best mortgage from hundreds of lenders, and a great big ol’ list of guides, FAQs and blogs to search through. A treasure chest indeed. Even estimate your credit score instantly and for free.

Present

Is where you are living today as good as you think? Take a look at at the Best Places to Live – 2009 edition from U.S. News.

U.S. News looked at areas with strong economies, low living costs, and plenty of fun things to do. In the face of a terrifying banking crisis, a historic housing crash, and a grueling recession, relocating to a new city isn't exactly on everyone’s to-do list. But it can be fun and educational to find out how where you live, where you moved from, or where you may be interested in moving to, ranked nationally. This list presents an enviable menu of great places to find work, retire, or just change your scene.

Future

So when you finally decide to move, and build or or buy that new home across town or across the country, get help at Zillow.com.

This free site has become the de facto standard for looking up, comparing, and finding out as much about a home as possible. It collects data from infinte sources to deliver you a "Zestimate" about a home's value, rather than relying on simply tax records or proprietary databases. There is also some outstanding real estate analysis. Zillow's probably the best place to start any search or hint of real estate interest.

Hope you like the gifts and get a lot of use out of them. Enjoy the holidays, From all of us at BuildAndBuy.

We'll see you in 2010!

Scrooge Needed A Renovation

2009-12-08T13:26:00.000-06:00

The holiday season is upon us and for many, well, at least for me, nothing prepares me for the holiday spirit like a rereading of the Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. (The New York Times has posted images of the original transcript in Dickens own hand. ) For me, I have always paid particular attention to the home that poor old Scrooge lives in. Can you remember it? It was not a pleasant environment – anymore:

He lived in chambers which had once belonged to his deceased partner. They were a gloomy suite of rooms, in a lowering pile of building up a yard, where it had so little business to be, that one could scarcely help fancying it must have run there when it was a young house, playing at hide-and-seek with other houses, and forgotten the way out again. It was old enough now, and dreary enough, for nobody lived in it but Scrooge, the other rooms being all let out as offices. The yard was so dark that even Scrooge, who knew its every stone, was fain to grope with his hands.

Even Dickens recognized back then how much a home said about an individual; what it projected about the person that lived there, and how it affected the mood and well-being of the soul who inhabited the home.

Scrooge spent nothing on the upkeep of his home. As modest and unassuming as it may have been to begin with, like all else, he decided it was not worth his investing in. This became a reflection of his soul. Those who do not care about their surroundings, may also not care about those people who surround them; and by extension, may care even less about themselves. Such was Scrooge, until his transformation.

For the same reason that we decorate our homes for the holidays, – though some take it to the extreme -- and for the same reason we dress in our best for parties and church, we owe it to ourselves, our neighbors and on some level even our own souls to show our pride; to keep our homes -- like ourselves-- not only clean, but well-maintained and up-to-date. Our homes are a mirror that reflect back to us each day what we think of ourselves; telling each of us that 'this is how I have determined to live'.

When the holidays have passed and things have settled down to their normal everyday frantic pace, take a moment to look at your own home and yard, and see what it says about you and your life – and what you might like to “transform”. (Even if it is just to change that nasty old door-knocker.)

Dickens himself made an upgrade to his home life, leaving behind the home on the left for a brighter, cleaner version on the right.

Improve YOUR Economy: A Home is Your Best Investment

2009-12-03T08:48:00.012-06:00

...
What are your top financial priorities for the year ahead? A recent MONEY Magazine poll (Dec. 2009) revealed that just 4% of you listed “buying a home or investment property” as a priority. No doubt, money is tight for many, and investors and homeowners alike are looking for their best deal; the biggest bang for their buck. But what made me curious was the top response: 50% of you were focused on rebuilding your portfolio. At the same time, when listing your biggest financial worry, the top response was that “my investments will get clobbered” (37%).

So the logic is this: I want to focus on building my portfolio, and I am worried that I will lose money. At this time, there may be no better investment than real estate. Values are down across the board and it’s a buyer’s market just about everywhere. No, you won’t get rich overnight, but whether it is a home you live in and develop and improve, or an investment property you fix up and sell, you can look to gain a better return than most markets give you historically over almost any period of time. As the saying goes, the one thing they aren’t making any more of is land. Buy smart, and you will make money.

A MONEY Magazine article agrees...

Buyers: Make your move now. Have you been on the sidelines waiting for prices to go lower before house shopping and bidding in earnest? Don't hold off much longer.

Here in Southlake, Texas, Rae-Waldman Homes is developing two lots situated within the most highly-desired school district in the area. When completed, these two homes will offer a homebuyer an excellent value, a great home and a lifestyle within one of the most prominent and desirable areas in all of Texas. How could you go wrong?

Even if you aren’t in the market to buy, investing in your own home-- improving it; expanding it, modernizing it – will pay you back when you sell; in part by the value you have instilled, and in part that by making it a ‘better’ home, you will have more buyers more anxious to make you an offer.

Investing in your home, --buying one or improving one—is all good.

Is a Buyer’s Market Bad News for Sellers?

2009-11-30T08:00:00.005-06:00

...Not if the price is right.

A buyer’s market means that sellers have to be realistic with pricing if they want to sell. A buyers market simply means that there are more sellers (more inventory) than buyers, so buyers can be more selective. The seller who refuses to acknowledge the drop in the market is going to have a tough time selling the home. The market is starting to make a slow recovery, which simply means that buyers are buying again, though at lower prices.

Buyers who are making offers are getting noticed. Sellers that are tired of waiting for their property to sell will negotiate on price. The issue of price is of course only one part of any deal, but the one you probably have the most control over.

If you really want to sell then make sure your pricing is right so you can attract the motivated buyers.

You can ascertain the real value by talking to a local agent and looking at recent prices for homes that you know are very similar to yours. If you want to be more scientific and don't mind paying a few hundred dollars, hire a professional appraiser.

It is -- and Promises to Continue to Be-- a Buyer’s Market for Homes

2009-11-23T14:31:00.002-06:00

Almost 9 ½ percent of America’s homeowners are delinquent on their mortgages.

But a built-up inventory of homes listed at prices well below previous years has created a buyers’ market. Pair that with the government-funded homebuyer tax credit (having extended the $8,000 credit through April 30, 2010) and a recession that appears to be waning, and you have recipe for looking for that new home.

Foreclures are driving the availability. 3.4 % of US households are 120+ days overdue on their mortgage – but not yet in foreclosure. That is up from 1.5% one year ago. That means more homes will be hitting the market in 2010. Almost 10 percent of Texans were behind in their home loan payments during the third quarter. And about 2 percent of the state's mortgage holders were in foreclosure at the end of September. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, more than 61,000 homes were threatened with foreclosure this year – up 23 percent from 2008.

According to TransUnion, mortgage delinquencies remain highest in the four states where the crisis has hit the worst:

- Nevada, @ 14.5 percent, is up from 7.7 percent a year ago.

- Florida, @ 13.3 percent, is up from 7.8 percent last year.

- Arizona, @ 10.4 percent, is up from 5.5 percent in 2008.

- California, @ 10.2 percent, jumped from 5.8 percent last year.

North Dakota remains the state where mortgage holders most often paid on time, with just 1.7 percent delinquency, up from 1.4 percent last year.

Thinking of buying a distressed home?

2009-11-20T11:47:00.000-06:00

At first blush, buying a distressed home could seem like a great bargain, but there are hidden costs that can make these unconventional purchases questionable investments. Is that really very surprising, considering that the definition of distress is something that brings great pain, trouble, danger or sorrow? Nevertheless, bargain-hunters continue trolling through sites such as RealtyTrac.com, Foreclosure.com,Trulia.com and Zillow.com, along with various bank Web sites.

According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly a third of overall housing sales in August were distress sales, and so far this year, there have been more than 400,000 sales of U.S. properties in some stage of foreclosure, according to RealtyTrac.

Remember, distressed-property buyers will often have to deal with the fallout from the ruined lives of previous owners. Properties could be vandalized, and there may be liens from second mortgages, taxes, unpaid water bills, homeowner-association dues or court judgments. With all that, the sale prices you would pay is not likely to be significantly lower than average in some areas; property prices have fallen overall, driving down prices for sellers who aren't in default.

Overall, distressed properties may not be worth all the —distress—you have to put up with. There are plenty of good deals available that won’t expose you to all those potential headaches.

Going Rogue? Think Twice.

2009-11-16T12:35:00.001-06:00

Rogue has become a somewhat romanticized term of late, implying taking a path that is different and therefore better than the traditional or expected. Unfortunately, pop culture often blurs the true meaning of words and phrases. The definition of the word ‘rogue’ is a vagrant, a tramp; a dishonest or mischievous person; a person who deceives or swindles.

When you are hiring someone to build or fix your home, the last thing you want is a rogue. But what are the best ways to avoid hiring a rogue?

Check Out Your Contractor. If the contractor is reluctant to give you information, consider doing business with another company; ask for an unsigned copy of the contract to review, along with a copy of the estimate; get the contractor’s name, street address (no P.O. Box), telephone Number.
Recommendations. Successful work is the best proof. Try to see for yourself examples of the contractor's previous work. Let the contractor know you are following up on his references.
Three quotes. It is good practice to obtain at least three quotes or estimates. Make sure you understand the terms, any technical details and any aspects that could change such as material prices that vary, additional labor, or deadlines you impose.

"Going Rogue" may sound exciting, but taking chances with home improvement projects leaves you at greater risk than necessary.

Take a Second Chance at Being a First-Time Home Buyer

2009-11-12T16:06:00.008-06:00

The “first-time homebuyer credit” was the real estate world’s Cash for Clunkers. And the Fed is making a further attempt to be helpful to would-be home-buyers these days.

First-time home buyers, (you have not owned a home during the three-years prior to purchase) may be eligible for a tax credit of 10% of the home purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. But more interestingly, current homeowners (you’ve been in the house for five straight years out of the last eight and are buying a principal residence) may well also be eligible for a tax credit of 10% of the home purchase price, up to a maximum of $6,500. All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate in the program.

Income Limits
The just-passed credit welcomes a whole new income bracket to the closing table. Home buyers who file as single or head-of-household taxpayers can claim the full credit ($8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers) if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $125,000. For married couples filing a joint return, the combined income limit is $225,000. Single or head-of-household taxpayers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000, and married couples who earn between $225,000 and $245,000 are eligible to receive a partial credit. (The credit is not available for single taxpayers whose MAGI is greater than $145,000 and married couples with a MAGI that exceeds $245,000.)

Buy Now and Save
The eligibility period for the tax credit is for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010. However, home purchases subject to a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010, will qualify for the tax credit provided closing occurs prior to July 1, 2010.

All homes with a purchase price of less than $800,000 qualify, including newly-constructed or resale, and single-family detached, townhomes or condominiums, provided that the home will be used as their principal residence. (Vacation home and rental property purchases do NOT qualify. )

The tax credit is refundable, which means that if the amount of income taxes you owe is less than the credit amount you qualify for, the government will send you a check for the difference. The tax credit is a true credit. It does not have to be repaid unless the home owner sells or stops using the home as their principal residence within three years after the purchase.

For more information, go to: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

Are you a Champion Home Owner?

2009-11-06T14:13:00.007-06:00

The Yankees won the World Series this week, their 27th world championship overall, but, more importantly, their seventh in the three-plus decades that the Steinbrenner family has owned and operated them. They, along with other far-sighted owners of teams such as the Cowboys, the Lakers and a very few others have adopted a philosophy over the years of putting money into their investment rather than taking money out of it. Yes, a lot of money.

Over the years, the Yankees (and others like them) have been criticized for “spending” on their team (albeit sometimes foolishly). But look more closely at the business wisdom beyond the buying of players. The value of the Yankee franchise has increased from $10 million in 1972 to somewhere in the neighborhood of $1 billion today. That is a heck of a return. How was that achieved? Well, over those years, the partners have not taken a profit; instead they've plowed earnings back into their investment -- players, scouts, infrastructure, marketing, their own t.v. network, etc. They now are in for quite a windfall when they finally do sell the team – as long as they continue to keep up their investment. Meanwhile, other teams have simply "maintained" their franchises, taking profits one year, losing a little the next year, then making a little the next, then a little more, up and down year-to-year. And the value of their franchise is perhaps inching upward along with the rest, while all the time they are pocketing some "winnings" as they go. They feel good about that, regularly making money from their investment (even while they plead poverty). But few --if any-- have ever won a championship with that approach.

So, what does this have to do with your home? Nothing…except for the underlying philosophy. Take stock of your attitude toward your home. Would you prefer to “maintain” your home, hoping it keeps its value and increases (or decreases) along with the general market over any period of time? Or do you want a championship home, the finest you can afford, make, design; one to treasure, be proud of , and enjoy every minute you live in it?

Each year or so Remodeling magazine publishes a Cost vs.Value Report estimating the cost of various home improvement projects, such as remodeling a kitchen or bath or replacing windows, in different areas of the country. The magazine then polls real estate agents to see how much value each improvement would likely add to the house at resale.

Year after year, you'll see that the percentage of the cost you can expect to get back at sale for most home improvement projects is typically 80%, or 70% or lower. Based on that alone, you may be dissuaded from doing anything to improve your home; it ain’t broke, so don’t fix it.

But the payback figures don't reflect another aspect of the return you get on your money -- i.e., the pleasure you get from living in a roomier house, or making dinners for friends and family in a top line kitchen, or enjoying a dedicated family room or media space to bring everyone together more often. That would be a winning idea; a championship home.

Purely as an investment, home improvements seldom pay off one-for-one. But when your home is a championship home, you enjoy it more, appreciate it more, live a better life, and when it comes time to sell it, you’re likely to have more buyers interested at a higher price, all things considered.

For some, squeezing the life out of a home, letting it become dated, confining, or worst of all, falling into disrepair, is a way to control costs. This is the mindset of teams that never win. They simply play not to lose too much.

The championship home stays fresh, appealing, new and desirable. The championship house is, like any successful individual, always improving itself.

So whether or not you are planning on selling your home, you are going to be living in it. Would you rather simply admire the others who are champions, or make your home a champion, too?

###

A Good Roof Over Your Head

2009-11-03T19:29:00.003-06:00

What is up with your roof? Have you given it a close look lately? A checkup of your roof each fall and spring will help you head off any potential problems early.

While the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends you hire a professional roofing contractor to assist you with checking your roof, you may want to give it a look yourself from time to time. Here is what you should look for:

any shingles that are buckling, curling or blistering; this indicates the end of the shingles' life expectancy.
any loose material or wear around chimneys, pipes and other penetrations or protrusions.
excessive amounts of shingle granules in your gutters; granules give shingles added weight and protect them from ultraviolet rays.

If you decide you need a professional's eye, or would like an estimate to repair or replace your roof, there are a few things you should do:

get the contractor's permanent place of business, telephone number and tax identification number.
ask for, get and check references from prior customers.
get a copy, or a look at the proof of insurance Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job. Many building and home owners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors. Also, if a contractor is not properly insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.
insist on a detailed, written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures.
ask the contractor about their warranties for their material and workmanship.
finally, keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many fly-by-night contractors' below-cost bids seem attractive, but these contractors often are uninsured and perform substandard work. Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism, experience and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily in your decision.

Safe At Home: Protecting Your Castle

2009-10-29T09:20:00.002-05:00

Your home is new, or upgraded, or remodeled. It's just the way you like it and it doesn't need another thing. Or does it? Are you cetain there is nothing more you need? How secure is your home? Making your home as safe as possible is more important than making it beautiful or even comfortable. You want you family safe. Have you done all you need to?

Many experts advise the your home should have deadbolts with full one-inch bolts on all entry doors. That means they should be installed on your front, back, and side doors in addition to existing locksets. And, if your doors have conventional glass panels, you may wish to consider replacing the glass with shatterproof glass or a polycarbonate material to foil intruders. Even with installation costs, deadbolts may be the cheapest home insurance you can buy.

New Products make security easier

Forget about lost keys forever. The more convenient, more controllable keyless entry deadbolt requires you to use your own personal code -- enter your home with just a few simple pushes of a button and lock it with just one. And you get full control over who has access to your home by assigning a temporary code to whoever may need one and then delete it when you want. It totally eliminates the need for keys. These are easy to install, program and use and can work with a lever or handleset

2009-10-26T09:44:00.004-05:00

Gary

Why would I go through the hassle of renovating my home? I bought a nice house six years ago and everything works and generally looks alright. Even if I plan on moving when the kids leave in a few years, I don't see what rewards I would realize other than shiny new appliances. Where is the value?
-Dave K., Lakewood, Tx.

Thanks for your question, Dave. You may very well not want or need any changes for your current house. But there are a wide range of benefits you can achieve from improving and remodeling your home. Consider, for example:

Higher market value and increased equity

Creating a healthier living environment

A fresh new look to your house

Improved comfort in your home

Increasing your living space

Added convenience in the design of your home

More aesthetic appeal to your house

Improving the safety in your house

Greater privacy

Improving your home's energy-efficiency

In general, renovations like those above fall into three categories: lifestyle, retrofit, and maintenance/repair:

Lifestyle renovations improve your home and your way of life. You may wish to make use of unused attic space by converting it into a home office or additional family room.

Retrofit projects will usually focus on your home's shell or mechanical systems. You may be upgrading or replacing you insulation or even putting in a new furnace into you home.

Maintenance and repair renovations protect the investment you have made in your house. This type of renovation may include reshingling your roof, or replacing your sidewalk or other hardscape.

Giving it some thought, you can probably think of a few things you want or need for your house. When you feel the time is right and you have identified a want or need, you should speak with a professional contractor, builder, designer or renovation specialist. They can help you with your ideas and maybe give you a few more. Good Luck, and let me know if you do undertake a project and how it went for you.

Holiday Shopping? Tools Rule!

2009-10-23T21:35:00.004-05:00

The holidays may not be just around the corner, --maybe two corners and a bit of a stretch -- but if your spouse is anything like mine, she is already on the prowl for holiday gifts; dropping hints she wants to know what you want,...and maybe letting you know what she would like too.

Anyway, it's a great time to ask for tools. Now you may not be the King of Fixes, but every homeowner needs to have a few items handy to help them get through a few times when you just don't want to call the handyman or professional. The money you save on the little things can go into new appliances for the kitchen or bath, a renovation of the family room (including a bigger better t.v.) or whatever else you have in mind.

So, without any more fanfare, here are my Top Ten Tools you should have in your toolbox:

Electronic stud finder: You need this to find the studs behind your walls to support shelves or other fixtures, frames etc. This device will locate them for you quickly and accurately.

Hammer: Choose a steel-shaft version with a vibration-dampening rubber grip or a 16-ounce steel- or fiberglass-shaft hammer with a smooth head to avoid unnecessary marring. With a straight or "rip" claw, not a curved claw; they're much more useful for demolition.

Vise Grips or Locking Pliers: The pit bull of your toolbox: Adjust the screw drive in the handle, clamp it on to anything that needs vise-like stabilizing, (like metal or PVC pipes)

Needle-Nose Pliers: Particularly useful in electrical work where spaces can get tight. Get a pair with a wire-cutting blade near the hinge.

Screwdrivers (mixed set): Get a good-quality mixed set that includes 1/4- and 3/8-inch flat heads and No. 1 and No. 2 Phillips head drivers. Magnetic heads come in handy, too.

Reversible drill with bit set: A 3/8th-inch reversible drill is the only electrical tool that you have to have. Stick with a corded model: They're lighter, cheaper and never run out of juice.

Utility knife: A utility knife with replaceable blades comes in handy.

Torpedo level: These nine-inch, palm-size levels with the bubble that floats to center are essential to leveling everything from picture frames to that trophy shelf. To level something long, simply add a board to the level.

Carpenter's square: You use it to measure and mark a straight line at a right (90-degree) angle from any straight edge.

Staple gun: A staple gun is essential for a variety of home projects that require fast tacking, such as upholstering.

The whole kit and kaboodle above shouldn't cost you $200, but you'll everything you need for those quick fixes and weekend projects. If you have better list, drop me a note. Happy Holidays.

To Buy or to Build Your Own Home?

2009-10-20T21:48:00.000-05:00

　
I have discussions almost everyday with people who are trying to decide whether to buy or build their next home.The decision to build or buy takes a lot of careful consideration. Building a new house isn't always the best option. Like many financial decisions, it generally depends on the individual situation.Here is the quandary in brief: new homes sell for more than older homes, but when you build your own, you are (in theory) building for much less than what new homes sell for -- all things being equal (location).

Speaking of location, do you know what kind of neighborhood you would like to live in? Close to schools? Near your work or easy transportation access? Quiet? Active? Urban or rural?

So how do you know if you should buy or build a new house?

When you build your own, you can tailor your home for your needs and tastes, and potentially afford property in pricier neighborhoods. You may have to buy undeveloped property at a premium (or a bargain) or you may have to tear down an old home to build your new dream (added cost).

On the other hand, buying an existing home allows you to move in quickly, and you still get to choose the architectural and aesthetic features you like by modifying the house (at additional expense) without waiting weeks or months on construction.

Time is quite a big factor in any determination. If you need to move quickly, building your own home may be out of the question. But if you are planning far enough ahead, you may be able to give the building option more serious consideration.

Making the decision to buy or build is a personal and lifestyle choice. Consult a builder; talk to a licensed real estate agent. Get the facts, ask your questions and the right answer should present itself to you. Good Luck.

I'm Spending This Week in Your Bathroom, Part II

2009-10-13T21:01:00.000-05:00

Form and Function Follow You Around Your Bathroom, too.

Elements of today’s global issues continue to change the way in which we wash. Manufacturers such as Toto and Kohler are producing great new products, They, and others, have created remarkable products to liven up the bathroom, such as light-up sinks, multi-function showerheads, faucets, streamlined and easy-to-clean toilets, and -- well, just about anything you can imagine. Toto showed off their Luminist collection LED-lit sinks, while Kohler introduced a four-function showerhead called Flipside, as well as non-glossy sinks and toilets in their Honed White collection. You can view some great video from the 2009 Kitchen and Bath Show.

Eco-friendly

Many individuals understand that eco-friendly products in the bath are about the easiest and most impactful statement they can make in the new or remodeled home. Walk-in Showers may have completely eclipsed traditional baths. The added advantage? It's environmentally friendly . Newer shower heads offer further advantages include using even less water than standard showers and improved control features, and the newest toilets coming to market can reduce water consumption by 60%. Despite the modern attention to eco-efficiency and the retro-inspired design elements, one thing that is never out of fashion is LUXURY: towel warmers, in-floor heating, automated lighting and shade control systems. Even heated toilet seats with special washing and drying features have entered this personal spa-like space. We are all looking for and finding more ways to relax in our home.

Television in Your Bathroom

But designing a luxurious bathroom does not have to stop at the grand shower, detailed towel rail or the marble flooring. Have you imagined enjoying a lavish tub or primping in the master bath while watching your favorite television shows and movies? The Television Mirror offers a discreet and elegant addition to any fine home, preserving the integrity of a decor, while providing instant enjoyment and value, along with a good return on the investment. Major manufacturers such as Philips, Sony, Hitachi and Sharp have all recognized the potential (and growing demand) for this luxurious "need." You can have a flawless HD quality picture s right in your bathroom, mounted on the wall , or recessed into the wall for a seamless appearance. And you can customize the frame color and style to blend in with the decor of your room.

See some great examples of this next wave of luxury:
Evervue from Lammensco
A vanishing tv?
Learn more about TV Mirrors

I'm Spending This Week in Your Bathroom

2009-10-12T17:43:00.000-05:00

That's right. It's time to talk about the most neglected room in the house. This week's blogs are devoted to your bathroom.

All over the country, homeowners are becoming aware of --even demanding-- luxury bathroom products like towel warmers, in-floor heating, automated lighting and shade control systems. Even heated toilet seats with special washing and drying features have entered this personal spa-like space. Consumers are looking for more ways to relax in the home, and they want it all

But it all starts with design, doesn't it? A "look".

What's The New Look?

If the latest shows are any indication, traditional white bathroom suites are a thing of the past, with basic black blazing a new trail for the future. Combined with other colors to contrast vibrantly, they are making vibrant backgrounds that recall a 1950's retro style.

Experts are predicting extravagant edginess mixed with sophisticated glamour for the bathroom of the coming decade. Just combining retro decor with modern products is simple; the difficulty comes in striking the correct balance.

Black bathroom suites provide for a sophisticated finish, stepping away from the cold, clinical look. Already popularized in fashion clothing, black is edgy and creative and becoming a trend worth considering in any fine home.

Creating the look of the room is dependant on the materials used to construct it. Natural materials are again popular; natural stone and limestone always give a sophisticated finish. Tile is as popular as ever, the bigger the better, as they create a colorful canvas in any bathroom.

Marble
The timeless look of marble has proven that it is here to stay. Marble is being used in the bathroom from the vanity, onto the wall, down to the floor. Subway tile in the form of marble is a great look and the demand continues to grow more and more. Showers lined with this type of tile adds a distinctive look. Each piece of marble is unique in its own way, with no two pieces of marble being exactly the same. Marble adds a sleek, clean, yet traditional look to your bathroom.

Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are a great way to add your own style to the bathroom. A simple glass tile border can add a lot of personality to your shower stall or floor. Combining small glass tile throughout your floor can add a custom look to any bathroom. From recycled to iridescent, glass tiles have entered the market place at a rapid rate and have become a current trend.

There's plenty more to choose from. It's fun to shop for your new look.

Next: How Did I Live Without These Amenities?

Clean Energy Getting Cleaner Look; Solar Gets Sexy

2009-10-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

More energy from the sun hits our planet in an hour than humans use in an entire year. With the price of solar panels falling, is now the right time to install solar in your home?

Since the middle of 2008, the price of solar panels has dropped about 40 percent. And while prices may continue to fall in the future, for anyone even thinking about installing solar panels on your roof, know this: there has never been a better time.

The next new thing in solar energy could be rooftop shingles that convert sunlight into electricity, and that blend in seamlessly with the standard asphalt shingles that top most houses.

As reported in the Dallas Morning News this summer, northern suburb Southlake joined the growing list of commuinites getting on board with solar, adopting an ordinance that allows residents to install ground- or roof-mounted solar panels if they obtain building and specific use permits. Ground-mounted systems can't be in front of the house or less than 10 feet from any side or rear property. Of course, homeowner associations may have their own regulations.

The main way for homes to harness solar power today is through bulky panels added to the rooftop or mounted on the ground. But companies are now offering alternatives to these fixed installations, in the less conspicuous form of shingles, tiles and other building materials that have photovoltaic cells sealed within them. The new materials become part of the building itself.

There are no location requirements for roof-mounted systems, but Ken Baker, Southlake's director of planning and development services, said the permitting process will go through the City Council, which may impose more restrictions.

Companies are creating solar tiles and shingles in colors and shapes that fit in, for example, with the terra cotta tile roofing popular in the Southwest, or with the gray shingles of coastal saltbox cottages. And installation is being made easier as well. Wholesale Solar in California is manufacturing plug-and-play solar systems.

For more information, visit dsireusa.org, a comprehensive source of state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Remodeling Your Home? You're In Control

2009-10-05T17:31:00.001-05:00

I am somewhat reluctant to start the remodeling process because I am afraid I will lose control when the 'experts' come in and take over. How can I be sure the "pros" don't hijack my home in the process? - V.C., Carollton

This is a question I come across often. Well, you are in control -- it is important to always remember that. When it comes to creating or improving your ideal living space, nobody knows better what you want than you. Now of course, part of what you hire professionals for is their advice, so listening to their opinions and suggestions is smart, but ultimately, the decision always rests with you. Good professionals know this too, and will respect your choices.

Part of what you depend on is this good advice, and so it is important that you select someone you can trust to work with. From a contractor to a designer, to an architect or builder/remodeler, be sure you choose a qualified professional to work with.

To keep things nice and simple, a general contractor is often the best way to go. General contractors, often listed as "Builders", will manage your entire project and oversee any subcontractors.

Before your actually sit down with your builder (or other professional), you should get yourself prepared; develop a clear idea of what you want and consider a budget. By doing your homework, you'll find it easier to work with the professionals you hire.

Are You Going AIP?

2009-10-02T13:44:00.000-05:00

So, you have settled into your home and you aren’t moving. The kids are going to grow here and you are going to retire here and you are happy with the space and the accommodations you have. You’re done right?

Well, maybe.

Or maybe you have reason to think about Aging In Place (AIP).

Aging in place (also known as independent living) principles are sweeping the country as families choose to stay put and accommodate their changing needs as opposed to selling and relocating to a new area and a new home with new realtionships and adpating to new routines, etc.

For maturing individuals, aging-in-place means living in your home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. It addresses the need to remodel existing homes (as well as design new homes) so you can “age-in-place” and not feel forced to have to move to assisted living facilities. Because most of the homes we live in are not designed for this, it requires some special attention.

And before you dismiss AIP design as not for you, because you are a long way from getting old, perhaps you have an aging parent or relative who is facing the kinds of challenges that could best be served by moving in with you. And how would they get along in your current home layout? Consider, too, how many people struggle with arthritis at an early age; and if someone in the house broke a leg, how easy would it be to get upstairs and down?

But what about the cost, I hear you asking? Adapt my home rather than put Aunt Sue in the assisted living place. Isn't that expensive? The good news is the economics of doing aging-in-place modifications are a no-brainer as compared to housing a relative remotely. Moving (yourself or a loved one) to a typical assisted living facility can cost upwards of $60,000...per year …every year, (plus the cost of moving and all that goes with it). The cost to widen the bathroom door, put in safety bars and a roll-in shower might be $6,000 to $8,000… one-time; not a yearly drain on your finances. That might be all you need to start.

The affordability of aging-in-place remodeling is enhanced by the fact that medically necessary changes (such as wider doorways or a roll-in shower) are deductible on your taxes, if backed up by a letter from a physician.

So what kind of AIP changes are there to consider? Well, the overall goal is to make the home safer, more barrier-free and with less maintenance. The more typical changes include:

•Safe and secure home access.
•Improved outdoor lighting to assist getting from car to the door.
•Attractive ramps or a “zero step entrance” for the home.
•Handrails at existing steps and porches.
•Changes to the kitchen for easier meal preparation and eating.
•Lever-handle faucets.
•Raised dishwasher to avoid back strain (a good idea for front-loading washers and dryers, too).
•Lower, side-opening oven.
•Pull-out cutting board.
•Adjustable height sink.
•Larger, friendlier cabinet and drawer pulls.
•Curbless showers – nothing to step over, and can be rolled into if a wheelchair becomes necessary later.
•Tub and Shower controls moved closer to entry point.
•Anti-scald, temperature and pressure balanced tub shower valves for safer bathing.
•Widen entry doors to at least 32”.
•Improve lighting with recessed fixtures in common areas and hallways.
•Lever handles on doors and windows.
•Lower light switches and thermostats; raise outlets.
•Planning for future elevator, by stacking closets.
•Wider doors that accommodate wheel chairs and walkers.

If you see yourself staying in your home for the next twenty years, envision yourself twenty years older and take a look around. Virtually all rooms of your house can be improved, from closets to garages. Then consider going AIP with your changes.

When You Decide to Remodel, Watch Out For....

2009-09-29T08:04:00.000-05:00

Once you have made the decision on what part(s) of your home you wish to upgrade/remodel, you will be selecting a contractor to work with. We'd like to offer some general advice on selecting a contractor to deal with:

Be wary of contractors who uses "scare tactics." If someone tells you that your roof is about to cave in or your furnace/stove is about to blow up, get a second opinion (quickly). Don't ignore or dismiss this advice, but be sure before you authorize repairs.

Be aware of advertisements that bait and switch you to a more expensive job by changing from cheaply priced repairs or materials to a more expensive job later. Get your plan and materials outlined on paper and signed by both parties to insure clarity and pricing.

Don't put any credence in a contractor's offer of "We're going to use your home as a model, so we're giving you a special discount." This "model home" pitch is used frequently by sellers of aluminum siding, swimming pools, storm windows and fencing. You aren't interested in becoming an ad. You want a quality job done.

You don't need to pay a contractor a large sum of money in advance. A reasonable down payment should suffice; and reserve final payment until the job is completed. Be sure to get a receipt for partial payments or deposits.

Forget about the offer of a discount from a contractor in exchange for names of other potential buyers. If they do a good job, word gets around. Plus, your likely to refer people anyway if the job is quality.

Don't bother with the contractor who is "working in the neighborhood and has extra materials and time to offer you a deal". This rarely turns out to be a bargain.

Don't let this advice keep you from getting started on that job you want or need done. There are many reputable home remodeling services and builders throughout your area. Ask your friends and neighbors whom they like.

The Joy of Shopping...for Your New Kitchen

2009-09-24T22:45:00.000-05:00

Once you have taken the steps to decide on the redesign of your kitchen, the fun really begins. There are so many new products to make you cooking space more beautiful and functional thst you're likely to find yourself overwhelmed with bright, shiny wonderful choices. There are worse things to suffer, of course, but we'll take a look at some of the "hottest" new kitchen items hear from time to time so that you can ask about them when you remodel your kitchen. And then choose the one that's right for you.

How about a vent hood that knows its place? Out of sight. The new Miele DA 5000 D island hood is a 48-in. hood with a motorized expansion mechanism that opens when turned on and quietly closes when turned off. Think of a flower in bloom. The expansion feature conceals the hood's ventilation capabilities and also gives the cook more headroom. The vent offers four speeds, center touch controls and an indicator that shows when it’s time to clean the filters (which are dishwasher-safe). Top it off with integrated direct and indirect halogen lighting, and a dimmer function, and you have one sleek, shiny option.

Your cooking can become even easier with Fagor America's new 24-inch side-opening convection oven. The unit features left and right side opening doors, which accommodate most kitchen configurations. The very affordable convection system boasts a third heating element that circulates pre-heated air for even distribution and enables faster cooking. And get this: it comes with eight cooking programs, retractable controls, a ventilated steam outlet, and a child safety lock. Nice.

So what's up with everybody's darling, Viking? Well, their newly restyled Custom Series range offers enhanced features and a very streamlined look. Colors? 24! And a large capacity oven, a powerful Gourmet-Glo broiler, and four 15,000-BTU burners to boot. Like to watch? A larger oven window allows users to easily view their meals as they cook.

You can view these producs along with the companies' other lines at the following sites:
fagor
miele
viking

Is Your Kitchen a Bit Stale? Perhaps its Time to Spice It Up.

2009-09-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

The kitchen is and has always been the center of family life in most households.

But thast doesn't mean everyone is happy with this important part of their home. The reasons for dissatisfaction with a kitchen are as varied as the households that want to change them, but most solutions fall into just a couple of categories.

Rearranging counters, doors and windows in your kitchen can many times be a simple solution. But if the wish is to use it for more than preparing meals, that is when families decide to go "bigger". Now the easiest way to add space is to "borrow" it from the dining room or living room next to it. Other times, it is better to relocate the kitchen; that is more involved, but still less expensive than adding new space.

When you do decide on the complete remodel, it is important to keep in mind how the kitchen relates to the rest of the house. That is what a good designer will do for you.

So whether you want a large eat-in kitchen/family room, or just want to modify the rooms atdjacent to the kitchen, you'll want good advice on maintaining the integrity of your home's overall look and feel, while adding your own personal flair to the new space.

Remember, too, that even while you are spending to improve your interior, you should give some consideration to the exterior. Even a minor change such as painting the windows and doors a bright color will improve the curb appeal of your home, for you and all else who view or visit.

Financial Considerations for Buying a Home in Foreclosure

2009-09-16T11:20:00.000-05:00

"you know, it don't come easy..."

If you are considering buying a home that's gone into foreclosure, there are a number of financial considerations that have nothing to do with the property itself, but which require your thought and attention.

For example:

• At auction, you may need a letter from either a bank or lender stating that you have sufficient funds to buy the property.

• Many banks and lenders may refuse to even give you a mortgage on a property being sold "as is" because their appraiser can't inspect it.

• Some states have redemption periods where the original homeowner can buy back the property by paying whatever money he or she still owed. As the buyer, you could lose your investment as well as any money spent on repairs or upgrades. You may be able to have this redemption right waived, so be sure to check before you pull the trigger on a foreclosure in auction.

• Someone who can't make mortgage payments may owe money elsewhere. Therefore, you’ll want to conduct a "title search" that should uncover any liens (a legal claim against a home). Common liens stem from unpaid taxes -- the federal, state or local government could have a claim against the foreclosed property. Other liens include unpaid contractors or loans borrowed against the property. These liens remain intact until the money is paid which means that YOU will have to pay off the liens.

And, you won't be able to get title insurance that provides protection against anyone challenging you for ownership of the property.

Here are some tips to help you with the headaches that may come with buying a home in foreclosure.

• Only consider houses owned by people who have lived there for a minimum of two years. The longer the residnecy, the more equity there will be.

• Conversely, owners who bought their home with "no money down" hurts equity. Stay away from these.

Still interested? You can get a list of foreclosures from your local office of the Real Estate Investment Association (nationalreia.com/)

For foreclosure laws in any state, and other information about foreclosures, visit realtytrac.com.

Three Ways to Buy a Foreclosure

2009-09-14T13:19:00.000-05:00

There are three ways you can buy foreclosures and each one has its unique characteristics. In no particular order, they include:

- Pre-foreclosures, where you buy directly from a homeowner before the
bank forecloses;

- At a foreclosure auction, where you will place a bid, open to competition with others;

- From a real estate company. This is called an REO.

Pre-foreclosures
With a pre-foreclosure, the owner signs a deed and gives you the property. These are appealing because they generally require the least amount of capital, and almost all the information you need is available. You can inspect the house, conduct a title search and avoid any surprises. In return, you acquire the mortgage that comes with it. Plus you have to make the mortgage current by giving the bank any back payments.

At Auction
Auctions tend to attract real estate investors seeking a bargain to quickly resell for a profit. If you're looking for a home to live in, an auction is probably not the way to go. While details of auctions vary from state to state, auctions in general carry the most risk, and can also offer the greatest reward.

In an auction, there is no opportunity to inspect in advance. Additionally, you will have to pay in cash, usually with a cashier's check, and there is always the possibility that the homeowner refuses to move out, and it becomes your responsibility to evict the previous owner.

REO
Real Estate Owned properties (REOs) represent still another opportunity. REOs may be the "safest" way to buy in foreclosure as you get to fully inspect the property, demand a clear title, and the sale can be subject to getting a mortgage. Many banks sell foreclosure properties through a broker. While they tend to be in better shape, you probably won't get as good a financial deal as you might have through an auction or buying from homeowners in pre-foreclosure.

Next: Financial Considerations in Buying a Home in Foreclosure

Buying a Home in Foreclosure

2009-09-11T09:14:00.001-05:00

Over 1,000,000 foreclosures are expected to be recorded this year.

That means a would-be homeowner could save a lot of money by buying a home that's been taken over by a bank or lender seeking to recover money still owed on the property.

Many people are losing their homes after their initial low interest rates adjusted up, sometimes to double digits. Many of these foreclosures are new homeowners who had built little or no equity in their property. Sometimes the amount the lender is trying to recover may be close to the full market value of the house or at most only a 10 percent discount.

Sounds like this may be your chance to get a real bargain, right? However, there are plenty of land mines to beware of before you dive in.

For example, you better know how to do a title search or you could end up believeing you've just bought a home by paying off a $100,000 mortgage only to find out that was just the second mortgage and you have to pay another $200,000 to take ownership.

You also need to be aware of any liens on the property because you'll be responsible for those as well.

And foreclosure homes are sold "as is" which means that the money you just saved buying the home can easily be taken by needed repairs not evident through an exterior inspection. Often, when you buy a home in foreclosure, you can't look inside, or have an inspection to detect structural problems that need attention.

Sadly, too, people who lost their home in foreclosure very likely couldn't afford to maintain their property. So be prepared to pay for problems such as electrical or plumbing repairs, leaky roofs, or even vandalism by angry homeowners who break things or punch holes in walls and doors, an unacceptable but not that uncommon way that some homeowners deal with the angst of losing their home to foreclosure.

Next Up: Several Ways to Buy A Home In Foreclosure

With Labor Day Behind Us ...

2009-09-10T19:11:00.000-05:00

We are back from a summer break and ready to get to work. How about you?

Cost-Effective Remodeling Projects

2009-07-21T20:19:00.000-05:00

More homeowners are investing in improvements to make their homes more energy-efficient, while others are splurging on hot tubs and home theaters, comfortable with the notion they will be staying put and looking to make them as comfortable as possible.

According to a recent home remodeling and repair survey*, people are looking to improve what they have, cost-effectively, rather than enlarging their homes.

Those who upgrade may well be in for a bargain because costs of materials, such as lumber and copper, have dropped recently. But the biggest price drop has been to labor costs. It is a buyer's market for labor.

Some homeowners are investing in home-energy audits for a comprehensive view of what can be done to increase efficiency. The $500 or so this may cost can transalte into quite a bit of future savings. But importantly, an audit can help homeowners prioritize projects.

By completing sealing attics and crawl spaces, installing better insulation and tuning up air conditioning systems, homes that took 60 to 80 cents per square foot to heat or cool could cost 10 to 20 cents per square foot after improvements are made, according to some sources.

Anyway you slice it, there are advantages to looking closely at what your home needs and taking care of as many of those needs as possible right now.

* 2009 ServiceMagic

Curious About Remodeling? Want to See for Yourself First? Now You Can.

2009-07-09T17:17:00.000-05:00

If you are interested in redesigning a room or more, but aren't quite redy to make the call and get started, you may gain some comfort online. There are tools that can help you get a rough (or better) look at what you could create, before commiting to the first formal steps. And best of all, they are free.

Top of the list -- HGTV.com. You will find this site filled with how-to videos tools and product suggestion helping you explore different themes for your house. And their are plenty of discussions on a wide variety of topics to read and learn.

Totally hands on -- SeeMyDesign.com lets you create a room from scratch. You can arrange furniture, decide where to put doors, and even erect walls. If you want to paint a pre-existing room, you can input its dimensions and estimate the total cost of your project with the app's built-in calculator. It's a simple tool, but it's worth trying out.

For you technology hounds, explore your digital home at Discovery Design Center - An interactive tool highlighting different ways to incorporate technology in your home. It will provide inspiration for the choices you are making about your home today...and tomorrow.

Do you want a flat-screen television in the family room? In the kitchen? Do you want surround sound? A wireless Internet connection? An Internet-enabled refrigerator? How about motorized draperies? Zoned heating and cooling? Explore your desires and see what your digital home could become.

Remodel Your Outdoors

2009-06-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

Plan before you plunge into outdoor living

Think of it as an outdoor 'room', complete with comfortable sofas, cushions, fans, a refreshment bar and a conversation pit.

Imagine gathering around a wood-burning stainless steel or masonry fireplace. Or if you want to eliminate buying and hauling wood, perhaps a gas fireplace, operated by remote control, would add the right touch to your family and other social gatherings.

Ceiling fans on patios and porches are not just decorative; the breeze they create chases and deters flying insects.

Homeowners are building and updating their outdoor spaces, modernizing by adding levels or built-in seating areas, adding pavers, a greenhouse, a meditation garden and more--anything that the imagination can dream up.

To top it all off, showcase your landscape and outdoor living area through creative outdoor lighting.

Your home reflects your style and comfort queues indoors; let that style stretch beyond your walls. Bring it out into the sunshine -- and the moonlight.

How to Buy in Today's Tough Market

2009-06-25T11:04:00.000-05:00

Real estate is always local....here's how to make it profitable.

While the times of easy money flipping properties is long gone, you still have good solid choices in how you might wish to invest in real estate these days. If you salvage an ugly duckling, transform a building for a new purpose, or chance upon a neighborhood that hasn't been discovered yet, you can still make money on your investment. The key is that in all circumstnaces, you need to add value to the property, and not just rely on market momentum to increase its price.

In a slowing market, you have to invest for the long term, not a quick flip. Ideally, your rental income should keep you ahead of your mortgage, taxes and expenses. You might be comfortable with a cash deficit that's small and temporary, but red flags should wave if you can't rent your space for enough money to put you ahead after a year or two. If that's the case, pass it up to seek out a gem in the rough.

Tips and Trends

2009-06-18T16:32:00.000-05:00

A regular look at where home remodeling is headed

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and homeowners prefer open kitchens for social interaction.

The popularity of stainless steel appliances is a continuing trend.

Adding a bedroom and bath can increase the value of the house more than the cost of the remodel in some instances. Even when adding a room that is to be a den or office, include a closet so it can be listed as a bedroom. The real estate market is very sensitive to bed and bath counts.

Minor upgrades such as new kitchen countertops, new appliances, and fresh paint have a strong payback when selling a house.

Homeowners are increasingly opting for a separate tub and shower.

Homes begining to sell nationwide

2009-06-16T19:16:00.000-05:00

Housing inventories lowering

ZIP Realty's monthly national survey of unsold housing inventories found the number of listings in 28 major markets down by 4 percent in May, and by 24 percent from year-earlier levels.

Mortgage rates climbing?

No one can predict precisely how high rates are headed, but in the past two weeks they've jumped by more than a percentage point. The Mortgage Bankers Association reports the average 30-year fixed rate jumped last week to 5.6 percent from 5.25 the week before. Some analysts project rates to hit and surpass the 6 percent mark.

In short, it is the time to buy and many people are getting into making the best deals for themselves now.

10 Ways to Boost Appeal of Your Home

2009-06-15T21:20:00.000-05:00

1. Upgrade your front door
A new front door contributes significantly to your home's appearance, and can greatly its resale value.

2. Pay attention to landscaping
Quality landscaping is stylish and speaks volumes about how much you care about your home.

3. Update inefficient windows
Modern windows, clean and well-maintained, strengthen the impression of a home looking "like-new".

4. Give the garage a facelift
The modern garage is an extension f the home, not merely a utilty anymore. Paint or stain the doors and inspect the floor for cracks and stains. Consider cabinets and better lighting hat makes the space more valuable.

5. Add a porch
Add beauty and space to your home with a custom porch. Enjoy more of the outdoors year-round.

6. Remember the details
Keep modern and up-to-date looking with a new mailbox, house numbers and such. These are some of the first details visitors will see.

7. Install outdoor lighting
The addition of outdoor lighting adds to a home's value, and provides a romantic allure to a landscape. Lights also increase safety and security all for a fairly small initial investment.

8. Declutter the doorway
Get rid of all the small planters by the door. One good-sized one is better, or try a symetrical pairing.

9. Be a tree hugger
If an old oak is obscuring the front of your home, don't cut it down. Hire an arborist to trim it instead. Nearly all Realtors will tell you that mature trees enhance the value of a home.

10. Think quality
With everything you do, take no shortcuts. Quality upgrades always add value. Anything less can ultimately detract from your home.

Is going "Pre-Fab" smart, or lazy?

2009-04-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

Lots of remodelers today are pushing "prefabricated" additions. Are these safe? What are the advantages/disadvantages of going that way as opposed to building an addition on site?

Claude K., Waco

Claude,
There are advantages to the "prefabricated” additions. You see them mainly in sunrooms, garages, bonus rooms or even whole homes. They are also known as "systems built". These aren't mobile homes or trailer park homes anymore.

The advantage to a prefabricated structure is that it is built in a factory setting allowing for potentially more exact tolerances during construction. Another advantage is potentially quicker build time, since the structure has already been assembled in the factory and only needs to be reassembled like a puzzle. This can be huge plus in areas where contract labor is scarce, or supplies are hard to get. It also eliminates some of the potential jobsite theft of loose lumber.

There are some drawbacks. Prefabs units are generally more expensive. However, that can be offset by reduced cost from shortened construction time. Another potential downside is some loss of flexibility in design. Prefabs have come a long way over the years in their designs, but still cannot compete with a site framed structure.

Ask questions to your contractor or architect and select what best fits your requirements, time line and budget. The NAHB has quite a bit of information on systems built homes.

Tax season brings welcome relief for homebuyers this year.

2009-04-03T08:30:00.000-05:00

First-time homebuyer credit. A credit worth up to $7,500 is available to those who bought a house between April 9 and Dec. 31 last year. This credit must be repaid over 15 years, making it an interest-free loan. It starts phasing out once income exceeds $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for joint filers. Originally, the credit extended into 2009, but February's stimulus act changed things.

NOW, if you buy your first home between Jan. 1 through Nov. 30 this year, you will be eligible for a credit of up to $8,000 that doesn't have to be repaid. You don't have to wait until next year to claim it. Already filed your 2008 taxes? No problem; amend your return. Don't lose out and claim only the $7,500; you can take the larger one. If you did already, cash the refund check, but make sure you amend your 2008 return so you can claim the extra $500 and let the IRS know that your credit does not have to be repaid.

On top of already depressed home prices, that is a nice bonus!

Jump in home sales, is that such a surprise?

2009-04-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

Today's news about the housing market helped stocks move higher this morning. Pending-home sales had risen a seasonally adjusted 2.1% in February to 82.1 from 80.4 in January, according to the National Association of Realtors. Economists had expected pending sales to remain unchanged.
"Pending-home sales have a way to go for there to be a meaningful increase, but recent increases in shopping activity are hopeful indicators that we'll see additional sales gains," said Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist. Their report is based on the number of contracts signed for sales for existing homes and is considered to be a leading indicator.
Some see today’s report showing pending home sales up in February as a surprise. Why a surprise? Interest rates are at their lowest level, home prices have dropped increasing affordability for many buyers.
My own business is increasing steadily. Inquiries into new homes and renovations has increased 40% from last month. Demand is building and consumer confidence is stabilizing. My partners real estate sales business is up. Her clients are looking for and buying homes, with the decision time is about the same.

And with positive housing stimulus incentives now in place, expect home sales to gain momentum in the second half of the year.

Down markets present opportunities

2009-03-30T15:09:00.000-05:00

Dear Gary:
Home and land prices have fallen through the floor and nobody seems to know where the new floor is. But I was wondering if that doesn't make it a good time to invest, long-term anyway? I mean, could there be a better time to buy land or a second home?
RN, Austin, TX

Thank you for your question. I couldn’t agree with you more, this is the time to buy. Remember the old adage, “ buy low, sell high.” Easier said than done, but the savvy investor does just that. Remember the 1980’s, bank failures, builders folding, unemployment? Along came the government and created the RTC. What the RTC did was to package the assets of failed banks and savings and loans and sell to investors. The smart ones took advantage of the situation and in many cases made a fortune.

If you have the cash or access to credit, now is your time to buy that second home or new home. As always, do your homework and check neighborhood sales for values. These can be found at the county tax records or a realtor can provide them to you. Ask your banker, if they have a foreclosure department, I’m sure they do, and ask to see what is available. Do your home work, pick a solid location and go for it.