Monday, March 19, 2012
How Much Is A New Roof Worth in Today's Market
I had a client talk to me about their roof the other day. They plan to put their home on the market soon and they wanted recommendations as to what they should do - New Roof or not. As a Realtor representing them, my job would be a lot easier selling their home with a new roof. However, what really needs to be asked -- "Is the investment going to turn into top dollar for their home?"
Here are a few things, in my opinion, that should consider:
- It's a Buyer's Market
We have been in a buyer's market for quite some time. Good Realtors will guide their buyers to properties that provide the most home for the money. I always tell my clients the two most important things to look at when considering buying a home is foundation and roof. After all, these can be the most costly if not in the best condition. Third and forth on the list would be plumbing and electrical.
- State of the Roof
The roof sheathing and outer roof over 20+ years of age most likely has experienced deterioration regardless of type of roof (composition, tile, wood shake, even metal). The cost of replacing your roof may provide a worthwhile investment to conscious buyers who are looking to get the most for their money in addition to "peace-of-mind" knowing the cost of replacing the roof will not be out-of-pocket. In my experience that lenders also put more positive weight on a new roofs than ones at the end of their life.
Before any decision is made, have more than one roofing professional out to take a look at your roof and provide a detailed report of the state of your roof and recommendations (have them include photos if possible).
- Competitive Market Analysis
Today, you not only have to convince buyers that the price they are paying for your home is worth it. You also have to convince the Bank! Homes that are priced quite a bit higher than others in the neighborhood, regardless of upgrades and updates, may not be able to capture the value they deserve. Banks are much more conservative than in the past and appraisers have tightened up their practices as well.
 There are several situations in my recent past where, when asked, I recommended against a new roof and my clients opted for roof repair. The recommendation I would make is to know the state of the homes that have sold in your neighborhood, have intimate knowledge of the state of your roof (where there are leaks, drainage issues and deterioration) and have your Realtor or trusted Real Estate professional provide their view of value with and without a new roof. An informed seller is always more powerful these days!
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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
--- Labels: Craftsman, Dave, edison, Future of Real Estate, Home Seller, Long Beach Architecture, Long Beach Bungalow, Long Beach Heritage, Long Beach Seller, Naples, roof, Virginia Country Club
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 10:24 AM
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Quintessential California Bungalow in Virginia Country Club
Last week I was driving through Virginia Country Club on my way to meet a client to preview a home. On the corner of Pacific and Country Club Drive I stumbled on a beautiful California Bungalow that looked absolutely fabulous.
 Eager to find out more, I scoured the internet and found a treasure trove of information anoub the home. The Jennie A Reeve House as it is referred to by the Long Beach Historical Society, was originally a 4 bedroom two story bungalow built for an activist and progressive woman's movement in the Long Beach and LA basin. The original architect, Greene & Greene, set out to build a home that incorporated a multi-gable design with deep, overhanging
eaves that threw strong shadows across the planes of the house. Originally built with a modest
landscape plan, the property evidently incorporated a simple post-and-rail fence and low gate at the path from the sidewalk. In the entry, there was a square entry hall gave
access to the living room on the right, and to a short passage at the foot of
the stairway, which led to the dining room on the left.
Alot has changed since 1902 when the original home was built and Ms. Reeves lived there. Last sold in 2004 it was listed as having 7 bedrooms, 3 baths, a huge 60 ft. living room with two fireplaces overlooking the grounds including pool & meandering stream. Spacious formal
dining room, St.Charles kitchen with center island and custom cabinetry.
Hardwood floors throughout, rich handcrafted wood paneling and french doors.
Absolutely Stunning!!!
I have not had an opportunity to walk through the home but will definitely put it my bucket list.
If you want to explore more about the Jennie Reeves home. Visit the following web sites and see for yourself:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jennie_A._Reeve_House.jpg
http://www.usc.edu/dept/architecture/greeneandgreene/232a.html
http://www.gamblehouse.org/nnb/object/415.html
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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
--- Labels: Bungalow, Craftsman, Historical Landmark, Jennie Reeves, Long Beach Architecture, Long Beach Bungalow, Long Beach Heritage, Long beach Historical
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 3:16 PM
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Ready to Add on to Your Home?
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
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Bembridge House - Quintessential Victorian
 I was driving down Magnolia Avenue in the Long Beach yesterday and decided to detour on 10th. I had heard about this exquisite victorian home near Drake Park. I wasn't disappointed. Born and raised in outside of Buffalo, NY, I had the chance beautiful victorian homes every day. In my home town, Main Street was lined with big, old, impeccably kept Victorians with gabled tops, patterned shingles and stained glass windows. Right in the heart of the city of Buffalo, on Delaware Avenue near Casanovia park, these homes abound. As I stopped to have a look, it brought back memories of home and days gone by. I know little about the Bembridge home located at 953 Park Circle Drive. It was built in 1906 by Josephine and Stephen Green. In 1918, the parents of Dorothy Bembridge bought the home. Dorothy would live in the home for the next 80 years -- hence the Bembridge House. It is currently owned by the Long Beach Heritage Organization, a great local nonprofit group dedicated to the knowledge and preservation of historical architecture in Long Beach. http://www.lbheritage.org/. If you ever get the opportunity take a drive down 10th, past Magnolia. You'll run right into it...on the right hand side. Labels: Bembridge Home, Buffalo NY, Future of Real Estate, lbc, Long Beach Architecture, Long Beach Heritage, Victorian
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 5:38 PM
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