Since the early part of this decade, on-line emergence of Real Estate tools and technology used to evaluate, analyze and scrutinize homes for sale, have changed how Realtors and Buyers alike, approach home-buying. At first, my colleagues and I were a bit skeptical about on-line searching and even fearful it would take business out of our pockets. However, over the past few years, I've not only embraced the digital and on-line world, I have become somewhat addicted to it.
With resources available on Realtor.com, Zillow.com, Homes.com, Yahoo.com, Trulia.com and others, the home buyer has an opportunity to be more informed and in-control of the home buying experience than ever before. And with all the insight available across the internet , the home buying experience can be more precise, less time consuming and much less stressful.
Here are just a few tips I'd gathered over time to help home buyers as they begin the process:
1. Make a list of everything you MUST have for your home. From location, school district, size, number of bedrooms, number of bathroms, layout and type of garage. Then put together a wish list of amenities such as flooring, kitchen shelving, fireplace and storage. Don't forget to also list things you absolutely don't want in a home. You may not end up getting everything on this list, but it will provide a great start and vision for the search
2. Find a lender that can pre-approve you for a loan in the price range that will put you in position to get the home of your dreams...or provide you with a good idea of what you can be approved for
3. Research homes on the internet so you get a feel for what is out there. I can help you sort through the properties within your price range and help you pinpoint homes that fit your criteria. By reviewing the photos and videos on your computer, you can get a good idea of what the property will look like...HOWEVER, just as the internet has revolutionized the home search, ADOBE PHOTOSHOP has made it possible to make interiors and exteriors of homes look much different in the photos than in person. So keep this in mind when looking at photos or virtual home tours
4. Focus on the big picture. I recommend to all my clients not to get stuck on the aesthetics that can be changed out easily -- carpet, paint colors, bad decor and old/faded/cracked (or just plain funky) fixtures
5. Find a professional Buyer's REALTOR like myself that can be your mentor throughout the process. They represent you, and only you -- always looking out for your best interest. And, in almost all cases, they would be paid by the seller, not by you. I always recommend against using the Realtor that lists the property that interests you or has their name on the property sign. They have signed a contract with the seller and have a responsibility to bring the seller the most money they can for their home. Which can end up costing you more for the home. It is a negotiation process in which the focus should be on you. Not on the seller. Especially in a "Buyer's Market".
There are plenty of tips, you as a buyer, should consider. Give me an e-mail or call and I can send you a copy of my special report "GREAT TIPS TO GET MORE HOME FOR YOUR MONEY."
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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Main Street Realtors
(562) 618-9770
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Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
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Labels: edison, huntington, millikan, poly, rogers, school district, tips, wilson
# posted by
Dave Harbison @ 5:07 PM
Now that Thanksgiving is over, Bayshore and Naples is teaming with excitement. The cool, crisp air and holiday lights help bring the community together. Setting the stage for the "Locally Famous" Belmont Shore X-Mas Parade.
Thousands lined 2nd Street this past Saturday evening (December 3rd). Children smiling and delighting in the cadence of numerous school marching bands and cheerleaders, drum corps and local High School ROTC. Fire trucks, Colorful floats with smiling faces waving at the crowds. And last but not least, the featured guest of the evening...Ole St Nick!
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| Santa Makes an Appearance |
Close friends and I enjoyed the holiday cheer and reveled in the mood all those around us. We look forward to next year...
Now, we are "gear-in" up for the beautiful lights of Naples on December 17th! See ya there!
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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770
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Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
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# posted by
Dave Harbison @ 5:13 PM
These days, more and more of my clients
have come to the realization that making a move to a new home may not be their best interest, finanicially. In a topsy-turvey real estate market, the more prudent solution is to add a second floor or addition to their existing home.
No matter what you choose to do, planning, preparation and coordination will make the difference to you and your pocketbook.
First of all, adding an addition to your home, if done well, will enhance your property's value in addition to helping you gain a considerable amount of living space. If done with "NO" consideration about resale value, the time and investment you put into the project may end up costing you!
Before you consider anything, I recommend involving a design professional and remodeling contractor, it will also be important for you to become familiar with building codes, structural issues. Having a clear understanding of the process will allow you to be on top of all phases of project and ensure that work is done correctly and runs smoothly without costly delays.
Here are some steps to take prior to making any move to remodel or add on to your home
1. Take a Look at Your Neighborhood
I recommend you walk your immediate neighborhood, take pictures and notes to get a clear understanding of homes nearby that are similar to yours in terms of appearance, size and features. This will help you understanding if adding on to your home is within the neighborhood norm. If your vision much larger than what is acceptable for area, the investment may not pay off as much as you invest. (Having a 5,000 sq. ft. add-on to a home in an area where 1,500 sq. ft homes are the norm, may not yield the return when you decide to move. It may be considerably harder to convince potential buyers and Realtors that your home should be valued exponentially higher than those around it.)
2. Hire Professionals
The complexity of any addition to layout and future value of a home dictates that you engage the services of an architect and reputable contractor. An architect will prepare code-compliant plans and will provide you experience you can't get anywhere else, at a cost of only 5-20% of the total project cost.
A reputable general contractor will coordinate workflow, source materials, schedule delivery and help you with valuable insight during the construction process.
Ask your nieghbors that have done similar renovations who'd they recommend and don't be shy about asking 3-4 companies to bid on the whole project and go with the one you feel most comfortable with -- even though they may not be the lowest cost.
And, always ask for an itemized bid!
Hiring professionals with experience allows you to focus on making the right decisions about your home renovation/addition and is ideal to minimize stress and coordination.
3. Understand the Building Codes and Restrictions for Your Area
Not adhering to building codes and ordinances can result in major setbacks to any project you propose for your property. Leaning on your architect and/or general contractor to make assurances does not provide 100% safety from the inspector. You should have a checklist of all the acceptable and expected requirements of building.
Certain codes, ordinances and association rules might stipulate building height and historical parameters with the goal to preserve continuity and established environment. Also, don't be surprised if there are codes that dictate maximium percentage of your lot that can be covered by built structures. Even the trees and fences allowed, color of paint and roof materials you can use for the structure.
Start by gathering basi
c information about your home. Lot dimensions, property lines and any surveys can be available through The City or municipal property office or building department. In addition, get as clear as you can about the what permits will be needed and any pitfalls you need to be aware of.
Being proactive about your remodel/add-on will save you time and MONEY in the short term. And make you lots of $$$$ down the road.
Labels: home add-on, Long Beach Architecture, Long Beach Heritage, remodel, second story
# posted by
Dave Harbison @ 9:37 PM
