So you’re planning a few home updates, improvements or repairs, maybe an entire remodel, you have a plumbing headache or an electrical predicament, maybe your home needs painting inside or out, perhaps your family could use some extra space and an addition is in your future. You need a contractor, so where do you start?… Read More
A large percentage of the homes I’ve listed or sold have some sort of security system. With or without monitoring, with or without cameras, security systems can be simple or complicated- they’re almost always a good idea. Many have lighting features, smoke, CO or water alerts. Some are integrated with other smart-home systems and need… Read More
Has a fireplace always been on your home buying wish list? The article below relates to any fireplace anywhere, but I’ve included a few specific tips for homeowners in our region as well. If you’re shopping for a home in Arizona your REALTOR® should make you aware of air quality restrictions and exemptions before you… Read More
Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Virtually undetectable by humans, it is highly toxic. Most builders are required to install carbon monoxide alarms in residential new construction. I might argue that every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector. The most likely culprits? Gas appliances, hot water heaters, fireplaces, coal, pellet and… Read More
Most home owners consider both lifestyle enhancement and the value of their home when deciding which upgrades or improvements to undertake, but few take into account the affect those renovations might have on their homeowners insurance. For instance, installing a home security system does little to increase your home’s value. An appraiser will give limited… Read More
This post from RIS Media with information provided by the Insurance Information Institute, is truly educational. Homeowners insurance is an often overlooked detail in the home buying process, usually only considered in passing as relates to its inclusion in monthly mortgage payments. As a Realtor, and indeed a fellow home owner I can assure you,… Read More
Did you know, that something called a CLUE report can be critical when you’re buying a home? CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange and might also be known as a Letter of Experience or simply Property Insurance History. This report details all insurance claims made against a specific property, typically within the past 7… Read More
Home buyers are frequently surprised to learn that they need to have a title insurance policy in place in order to close on their home loan. In fact, if you’re using a mortgage to buy your home, a lender’s title insurance policy will be required. In addition to protecting the mortgage company, home buyers should… Read More
Certainly we’re all aware of smart security systems and thermostats that can be managed remotely through apps on our phones, tablets and laptops. But there are so many other things that can go wrong when we’re away from home, and Murphy’s Law, the original Murphy’s Law, states that “things will go wrong in any given… Read More
Besides closing costs, what expenses do I need to plan for when buying or selling my home? In the excitement of moving to a new home, don’t forget to budget for the little hidden moving expenses… they add up. Not all moving costs are as obvious as renting a truck or employing a moving van…. Read More
