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| "Is It Done Yet?" Home Remodeling with Kids |
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Spring home improvements can be stressful, especially when you're living in the middle of it. Add children to the mix, and the tension increases.
But you don't need to take a vacation while your home is being remodeled - even if walls are coming down. Here are some tips on how to continue to live as a family during a major renovation.
Your children's space - and their routines - will be disrupted. To avoid comments like "When can we use the kitchen again?" share the construction schedule with them.
Prepare for disruptions: Kitchens and bathrooms are often the rooms being remodeled; unfortunately, they're also the most used. If possible, consider completing one room at a time. Set up a temporary kitchen in another room and prepare meals in advance that can be quickly reheated. Get the kids to help you devise a bathroom schedule; they may be more inclined
to follow it if they're involved.
Make safety a priority: Know where your kids are during work hours. Make sure they understand the safety risks, and put lots of space between them and the work. Also ensure your contractor stores tools away safely at the end of the day.
Dust can be hazardous for anyone with allergies. Plastic sheeting should be used to seal off the area under construction from your temporary living space, but you also may want to consider closing the heating and cooling vents. As well, your contractor should use nontoxic paints and stains.
Choose your contractor wisely. Make sure the company has a reputation for completing jobs safely, and be prepared to pay more for contractors who are properly insured and follow regulations. Ask them how comfortable they are with children on site and make sure everyone agrees to and obeys the safety rules.
Finally, when it's finished, have fun together in the new space. After all,
you - and the kids - deserve it. |
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| Housing Market to Get More Competitive This Spring |
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Spring is in the air and with it, the housing market is expected to heat up as buyers compete to get maximum value from a limited inventory of available homes, according to the Redfin Real-time Housing Market Tracker released by online real estate brokers, Redfi, on Thursday.
This monthly analysis indicated that home prices increased 7.8 percent year over year and even though sales were down 7.9 percent annually in January, a low inventory and slightly above average days to sell compared to last year meant that the stage was set for a spring market that was even more competitive than 2017.
In January, the median sale price for a home was $280,500 across the markets serviced by Redfin. The inventory shortage continued through the month with the number of homes available for sale dropping by 14.4 percent, indicating the largest year-over-year decline in 28 consecutive months of falling supply, the report said.
On a month over month basis, the median sale price of homes fell by 2 percent in January, as did the number of homes sold, which showed a dip of 29.4 percent over December 2017
On the upside, the report indicated, listed homes that sold in January found a buyer after 53 days on the market, six days faster than January 2017. Homes sold above list price and the average sales to list price also showed a slight increase over last year by 0.5 percent and 0.1 percent respectively. According to data from the report, 19.2 percent homes sold above list price.
The uncertainty among buyers over the effects of the Tax bill on property prices and taxes was another reason for the slight dip in home sales in the December to January period. "Redfin agents in high-tax states reported that some buyers were hesitant in November and December given the uncertainty around tax reform, which passed in late December. This uncertainty contributed to the drop in January home sales," said Taylor Marr, Senior Economist at Redfin.
In terms of price rise, Memphis, Tennessee saw the highest price growth across the U.S. with home prices rising 24.6 percent to $162,000. Memphis was followed by San Francisco and San Jose, California; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Seattle, Washington. Milwaukee, Wisconsin led the cities that showed a decline in prices with home prices falling 2.7 percent, followed by Camden, New Jersey; Birmingham, Alabama; and Baltimore, Maryland.
MReport Feb. 15 2018
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| Hold the Small Talk at Parties: Connect with Authenticity |
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It's easy to get trapped in boring small talk at parties or events. But don't let your conversation stop there; you may be missing an opportunity to connect in a meaningful way with others.
Small talk produces small rewards. It's easy, but generally of little value. It may fill silences, but it's unlikely to establish a human connection. On the other hand, meaningful conversation has an emotional component. And that may have a positive impact on your health.
According to research conducted by the University of Arizona and noted in an article by the Wall Street Journal: "People who have more substantive conversations with others report a greater sense of well-being than those who engage in small talk." The study found that "the happy life is social rather than solitary and conversationally deep rather than superficial."
It's never easy, suggests Sue Shellenbarger in the article; it must be learned: "The ability to draw others into
meaningful conversations can determine whether people want to get to know you, or remember you at all."
To be meaningful to your conversational partner, you need to show warmth and sincere interest. Above all, you should be authentic.
For example, instead of talking about the weather or asking tedious questions about the wine, you might begin with a probing question such as, "What are you working on that excites you?" or, "What do you love most about your work?" Yes, it may fall flat, Shellenbarger warns, but it's worth the risk. Long-term friendships can start here! |
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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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| Why Americans Are Now Buying into the Small Home Trend |
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Call it the tiny house effect, or perhaps it might be considered a change in attitudes after the 2008 housing crash. Whatever the reason, small houses are continuing to gain in popularity with home buyers. As pointed out in a recent article by real estate industry news site RISMedia, some in the industry see smaller houses beginning to sell faster than larger properties. They're not just a fad. Small houses are an increasingly attractive option for many buyers. Here's why:
Affordability
In many hot markets with rocketing prices, prospective homeowners have had to reevaluate what they can afford. Other buyers have decided it's not worth it to go house poor, and have sacrificed space for cash in their bank accounts. Many consider a small home a smart investment.
Less maintenance
The upkeep of a larger home can result in
stress, especially for young families or aging owners. A smaller footprint requires less upkeep and outdoor maintenance, reducing stress and freeing up time.
Location vs. square footage
Location, not square footage, has become the marker of desirability in many of today's real estate markets. Homebuyers now would rather buy a smaller house in a hip, vibrant, well-served neighborhood than go bigger in a less desirable part of town.
Trends
TV design shows where well-functioning and beautiful small spaces are created have become just as popular as those on multimillion-dollar properties. Maybe more so. Instead of thinking of a house as cramped, buyers are now just as likely to see the creative possibilities of a smaller property. |
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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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| Are You Selling Your Home? Get My Free Guide |
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First impressions count. So if your home isn't looking its best, you could fail to get the best price for it.
Put that problem right by requesting the free report "Great Ideas for Quick, Easy Fixes That Will Help Your Home Sell." |
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| Just reply to this email and I'll send it right out to you. |
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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.
How many planets are in our solar system? |
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| Chocolate Strawberry Panna Cotta |
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| Great anytime dessert |
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| Serves 6 |
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3 cups frozen strawberries thawed in a strainer |
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3 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin |
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Store-bought chocolate sauce to taste |
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| Directions |
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Blend together strawberries, buttermilk, and sugar until smooth, then pour through a fine sieve into a medium bowl.
In a separate small bowl, add gelatin to the whole milk and let stand.
Bring the cream to a simmer, remove from heat, and add the gelatin mixture. Stir until dissolved.
Whisk together cream and buttermilk mixtures, then pour evenly into 6 small stemmed glasses. Chill for at least 8 hours.
Serve with a fresh strawberry and drizzle chocolate sauce on top. |
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| Ask the Agent: This Month's Question |
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Everyone says I should get a home inspection. Is an inspection really worth it?
Too often, buyers forgo a home inspection in an effort to save time and money. This is not the place to skimp. A home inspection is a crucial step in the home-buying process. Keep in mind the option to perform a home inspection is included in all standard real estate contracts. This should be a clue to buyers that it's important.
A home inspection reveals any issues that are a safety concern or affect the value of the property. It allows the buyer to discover what items need to be replaced, serviced, or repaired immediately, as well as those that may require attention in the near future.
Buyers can use the information to decide if they should walk away from a lemon or negotiate further with the seller for repairs or credit. They can also learn a great
deal about the home, including what potential repair costs to expect down the line. |
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