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| The 80s Called: Your 'Dated' Home Is Trendy Now |
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We've seen it on TV: potential buyers (PBs) horrified by dated bathrooms and kitchens, wall-to-wall carpeting, and floral wallpaper ("The '80s called; they want their rooms back...")
"It's so old-fashioned," the PBs say, "we'll have to gut it."
There must be a lot of gutting going on: according to the most recent American Housing Survey, some two-thirds of owner-occupied U.S. homes were built before 1980, and many of those considerably earlier.
But before you start to tear down walls, consider this: today's outmoded decor is yesterday's classic design-widely loved and admired in its day.
Also consider that these homes were mostly built to last-sturdy homes that celebrated a time when "ordinary" wasn't a dirty word. Call it normcore, meaning bland and unremarkable. Or call it trendy.
Who wants bland and ordinary?
Once again, we turn to millennials (the leading edge of whom are now in their mid-30s). Similar to previous generations, these market drivers are looking for something different, and just as they are dressing in normcore fashion, the millennials are turning to normcore neighborhoods and homes that reflect their own values.
They're searching for balance and normalcy, notes one real estate insider in an RISMedia article titled "Best Normcore Neighborhood to Buy an Unpretentious Home." Like the Seinfeld TV series, it's ordinariness as a lifestyle. And it's now a big trend.
So next time you're tempted to disparage wallpaper, pink and black bathrooms, and laminate countertops, think back. Remember the Formica kitchen table where you weren't afraid to do homework or spill your milk. Or the rec room with fake pine paneling and furniture you could put your feet on.
Also remember that laminate counters and linoleum floors are virtually
indestructible and are eco-friendly, and that "popcorn" and wallpaper magically cover up unsightly irregularities in ceilings and walls.
So, has your perspective on "dated" houses changed maybe just a bit? |
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| This Month's Smile: Making a Great Cat Video |
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Cat videos have the highest traffic ratings on the Internet. Maybe it's because watching cats de-stresses us. Or it could be because cats are stubborn. Whatever. But if you want to go viral, you need to remember that your cat is the star, producer, and director of the show. You're just the mildly entertaining human with a camera. To get your video, you're going to need to remember these three tips inspired by Peter Gerstenzang's How-to on catchannel.com:
- Improvise. Your story line will be what your cat wants, not the other way around.
- Forget linear time. See #1.
- Shoot now, edit later. See #1 again.
Maybe cat videos go viral because getting a cat to do anything long enough to get the camera and record it is totally newsworthy! |
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| Fighting Speeders in Your City? Traffic Calming May Work |
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Certain areas have more car accidents than usual. Why? Speed limits are too high, corners are too tight, and intersections are less visible. Short of reconstructing the city, how can officials reduce accidents in these areas? Often they'll opt for traffic-calming devices.
Traffic calming aims to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers by slowing down or reducing car traffic, with the intent of changing driver behavior. There are many different options for controlling speeding traffic within a city. Here are a few of the more widely used:
Speed bumps: These are installed humps measuring approximately 3 to 4 inches high (8 to 10 cm) and spanning almost the entire width of a traffic lane. They are effective at slowing drivers, but unfortunately they also slow emergency vehicles. Older pedestrians may find speed bumps a tripping hazard.
Road painting: Murals painted on the street at certain dangerous
intersections may slow down drivers, while at the same time beautifying the neighborhood. A form of street art, this solution is inexpensive to install, although it may not weather the test of time. Several North American cities are adopting this approach.
Chicanes and roundabouts: Chicanes are features that create extra turns in the road over short distances. A shallow S turn, for example, will cause drivers to slow down to navigate the curves. Roundabouts are circular intersections. Drivers travel around an island in the middle, yielding to other vehicles already in the intersection and slowing down in the process. |
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| Wondering How Much Your Home Is Worth? |
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How has the price of your home or rental changed in today's market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for?
If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your house or investment property, I'll be able to help.
Just give my office a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation
I won't try to push you into listing with me or waste your time.
I'll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value.
And maybe I'll also give you the "inside scoop" on what's happening in the housing market near where you live!
Just give my office a call or reply to this email to arrange an appointment. Alternatively, stop by at the office. |
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| Make Potential Buyers Happy with a Home Warranty |
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For a few hundred dollars a year, a home warranty offers protection and peace of mind. As a seller, you can increase your chances of selling quickly and at close to asking price by purchasing a home warranty. And your buyers will feel more comfortable knowing they're protected if an essential part breaks down, particularly if yours is an older home.
Sometimes called a home protection plan, a home warranty is an annual contract that provides for repair or replacement of major items, such as the heating, air-conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems. Some warranties also cover major appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, and even swimming pools.
When an item that is covered by the home warranty breaks down, the warranty company will dispatch a service provider to assess the problem. If the needed repair or
replacement is covered by the warranty, the provider completes the work. Best of all, the homeowner pays only a modest service call fee (typically around $60).
The cost of a home warranty varies depending on the type of property, the kind of plan (basic or extended), and the warranty company, but it can be a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing an essential component out of the homeowner's own pocket.
Note that a home warranty usually doesn't cover items that have not been properly maintained, so the homeowner may have to prove regular maintenance. And it's most important to ensure the home warranty company is reputable and will pay for covered repairs without hassles. |
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Judy Stringari
REALTY WORLD Golden Hills
2680 South White Road
Suite 265
San Jose CA 95148
1-408-313-9067 Cell
1-408-223-3647 Office
1-408-238-6896 Fax |
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| www.JudyStringariRealEstate.com |
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| Judy@RWnetwork.comm |
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| Want to Sell Your Home Fast? Get My Free Guide |
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Preparing your home for sale can make the difference between getting the price you want and ending up disappointed.
Discover some easy things you can do by requesting my free guide, "50 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Speedy, Top-Price Sale." |
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| Just reply to this email and I'll send it right out to you. |
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| Click here to see a web copy of this newsletter |
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| Quick Quiz |
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Each month I'll give you a new question.
Just reply to this email for the answer.
Who was dubbed, "Mr. Hockey?" |
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| Recipe: Green Beans with Red Onions and Toasted Almonds |
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| A great Thanksgiving side dish |
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| Serves 6 |
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2 tablespoons olive oil |
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1 pound green beans, ends trimmed |
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2 medium red onions, sliced |
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2 garlic cloves, sliced |
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1/2 pound cherry tomatoes, halved |
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme |
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar |
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1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted |
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1 cup bacon crumbles, optional |
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| Directions |
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Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Add green beans in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green. Remove and set aside.
Add onions and garlic to the same pan and cook until fragrant. Add tomatoes, thyme and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes or until liquid is reduced. Return green beans to skillet. Stir to combine.
Transfer to serving dish and top with almonds and bacon (if using bacon, adjust salt). |
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| Ask the Agent: This Month's Question |
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Should I put my home on the market this month?
You certainly should. Your home can sell anytime, but listing during November or even December actually puts you at an advantage; not only is your home likely to sell quickly, but it may sell at or near your listing price.
For one thing, you stand out. Your competitors may be waiting until the new year to list, making you very visible to potential buyers. And don't worry about being disturbed during the holidays; your agent can identify serious buyers and ensure they view your home according to your schedule.
Buyers may find you online during their initial research. Also many companies transfer employees all year. These buyers don't want to view several houses. Make it appealing online by creating a welcoming family-focused atmosphere, and yours may be
their first and last visit. Luckily, nothing says "welcome" quite like the sights and sounds of the holidays. |
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