Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Top 6 "Big-Bang For Your Buck" Remodeling Projects
Every year, the National Association puts out a survey of projects the provide a good and not so good investment into your home. The goal is to provide insight and optimum use of space inside and outside your home that will not only attract buyers but also provide the best return for your investment.
Since these numbers are national, not local in nature, one or more of these projects may not apply to your situation. In our neighborhoods of Long Beach, the tendancy to provide great curb appeal coupled with upgraded kitchens and bathrooms. On the other hand, many first time buyers look to jump head first into fixer homes that provide an opportunity that allows them to mold their vision. So, remodelling may put a stamp on your vision but turn off potential buyers willing to pay top dollar to do it themselves. The best advice I can give is to consult your inner circle of firends and your Realtor to get insight and advice on best plan of action.
Here are the top 6 "Big-Bang" return for your dollar remodeling projects:
Siding Replacement
Cost = $ 13,431
Return = $ 10,493
ROI = 78.0%
Entry Door Replacement
Cost = $ 1,238
Return = $ 903
ROI = 73.0%
Attic Bedroom Addition
Cost = $ 50,148
Return = $ 36,346
ROI = 72.5%
Kitchen: Minor Remodel
Cost = $ 19,588
Return = $ 14,120
ROI = 72.1%
Low-End Garage Door Replacement
Cost = $ 1,512
Return = $ 1,087
ROI = 71.9%
High-End Garage Door Replace
Cost = $ 2,994
Return = $ 2,129
ROI = 71.1%
These estimated costs and returns were derived from a survay of more than 3,000 Realtors conducted June-Sept 2011.
There are plenty of projects that will help you increase the value of your home. Making the "right" choices however, will get you the MOST money over time.
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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: Belmont Heights, home improvements, Long Beach, Park Estates, remodel, Remodeling projects, Repairs, Return on Investment
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 6:20 AM
Friday, April 6, 2012
Pesky Insects, Termites and other bugs. What to Do!
I recently helped a client close on a property right near the beach. Everything was going smooth until it came down to the termite work. The seller, who leased the property to a couple with a young child, was posed with a delimma. The couple was really concerned about toxic chemicals being used for the work. They refused access to the property for quite some time.
This was new to me. I had never had a problem having termite work done before. It certainly peaked my interest and set me on a path to have alternatives ready for future
I did a little digging and came across some information and insight that definitely makes it easier to understand.
There is a buzzword being used these days to address those pesky pests — Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It is a uniquely powerful combination of prevention, conventional pesticides, and green alternatives.
For years (decades maybe) the traditional path spray using approved poisons. This could be done as a spot treatment or in the case of termite infestation, the home could be "tented" or enclosed. Today however, due to a growing concerns about the dangers of toxins buyers and sellers are looking for alternatives. The industry is also looking for ways to reduce the amount of pesticides used by incorporating solutions that are proven to be less toxic but still effective. The result — IPM.
Although a work in progress, this approach is quickly catching the eye of sellers and buyers alike. I think IPM will grow in popularity and move termite and bug protection to another level.
The Difference Between Conventional treatment and IPM
The convential approach is extermination (shoot-to-kill) with chemicals. This process often starts by toxic pesticides, then reapplying them on a regular schedule to prevent future infestations. In truth, the homeowner is paying for treatment whether insects are there or not.
The biggest challenge with the conventional approach is the risk of unnecessary exposure to toxic pesticides. Although proven to be effective in the short-term, pesticides can be linked to long-term adverse effects on the endocrine, reproductive, and nervous systems of people and animals. Smaller children can be more sensitive to the toxins found in many pesticides because their immune systems, organs, brains, and nervous systems are still developing.
Even with Environmental Protection regulating all pesticides, they remain potentially deadly to humans and harmful to the environment - especially if misapplied.
An alternative is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM uses a combination of strategies to control pests and includes homeowners as partners in the process. IPM consists of three basic steps:
- Identifying Pests
Knowledge of the termites/pests is key to drawing up a plan to combat them. Any termite/pest control rep should be able to tell different insects/termites apart and understand everything -- their habits and habitats and how to best neutralize them
- Preventing Pests from gestation and spreading
This strategy stresses prevention by denying food, water and access to livable habitats. However, immediate action to treat an existing infestation may include call for low toxic or natural (but effective) alternatives to neutralize the bugs/termite
- Continual Treatment
No matter what the circumstances, active continual treatment is almost always recommended. The exterminator should consider using low toxic products - applying as little as possible and treat the smallest area possible (i.e. cracks and crevices)
If you are not comfortable with even low toxic sprays, gels or grandule pesticides, there are several natural substances (i.e. boric acid) that have active ingredients to stop infestation. Although slower than chemical pesticides, there are products made from natural substances can be very effective.
Keep in mind, that even natural solutions have the capacity to kill living organisms. Therefore, these solutions may be harmful to you and those around you. The best advice I can give is to have a full understanding of the products being used regardless of their toxicity.
Lastly, make sure the company you align with is licensed and a member of the local, state, and/or national pest management association. The association participation provides you the peace-of-mind that they are held accountable to the highest professional standards and ethics.
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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
--- www.espn.comLabels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, bugs, extermination, insects, Long Beach, Park Estates, pesticides, tenting, Termite, toxic, wood destroying
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 1:29 PM
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
It's Spring. Time to Address Your Curb Appeal and Landscaping
 Although the nation has experienced unusually warm winter, we in Long Beach have had quite a chilly few months. There were a few warm days from January through March, but on the whole, it was colder than in past years.
Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it's time to do a little spring cleaning. Not only inside your home, but outside too.
Here are a few things you may want to consider doing this spring to the outside of your home.
- CLEAN UP THE WINTER MESS
Put a day or two aside on the weekend to clean up your yard and garage prior to even thinking about addressing your lawn and landscaping vision. Trim back any trees, shrubs and other plants that have grown unruly during the past 4 months. Start with a clean slate before you tackle the tough stuff...
- PUT TOGETHER A VISION AND ACTION PLAN
Like many, I like to dive-in and get my hands dirty right away when it comes to making the landscaping and appeal of my home the best it can be. But, going at it without some sort of plan is costly in both dollars and sense. Before you do anything, plan out your vision. Know what you will need from patio furniture, to shrubbery, flowers and plants. Don't be afraid to develope a whole design theme for the outside of your home. And always search out the best deals so that you can rest assured your big (and small) landscaping projects are cost effective and up to your standards.
- IT'S THE SMALL THINGS YOU DO THAT CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
Things are still tight out there. So, if you are on a budget is small but your vision for your lawn and landscaping is quite large, look to the simple fixes first. Ones that may take a bit more time but not as much expense. Like trimming bushes and hedges, planting seasonal plants, painting the fence or outdoor fixtures. Taking a little more time can be a major cost saver.
- DON'T TRY TO DO TOO MUCH YOURSELF
DIYers are great. I consider myself one. However, trying to cut corners on the big projects can end up costing you a lot more money and time. Look to the professionals to do the jobs you don't have the time or tools to accomplish. Things like re-sodding, mulching, cutting and exterior painting are two examples. Remember, time is money...even on the weekends. There's nothing wrong about being confident in your abilities. But being wise is also a valued asset.
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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Main Street Realtors
(562) 618-9770
---
Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
--- Labels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Bush, Cleaning, Craftsman, Curb Appeal, Long Beach, Painting, Park Estates, Sod, Spring, Trim
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 9:12 AM
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Real Estate Sales Will Soar in 2014? It's Already Started In Long Beach!
Not much good news has passed by our ears or eyes the past 5 years. Our economy and resolve has certainly been tested. And will probably continue to be tested for the forseeable future.
During the time, I've seen our Realtor ranks diminish greatly (my estimate is 30%), the number of houses sold decrease by >25% from the market high and home values decrease by as much 30%+ in certain areas of Long Beach. It's been quite a ride. (I can't imagine the roller coaster Florida, Nevada and places like Riverside, CA have gone through. And I don't think it is fully over. The ride will continue, but at a much steadier even-keeled pace...and upward.
A really positive article appeared in a Real Estate Directory newspaper I read periodically. Backed by reputable sources (38 of the nation's leading Real Estate Economists).
They predict:
- Housing starts will nearly double
- Overall home prices will stop declining this year and increase by 2% and 3.5% in 2013 and 2014 respectively
- Rents are expected to increase for all property types
- Vacancy rates are expected to drop for office, retail and industrial properties
- With an improving economy, interest rates will rise as will inflation
 All of this, of course, is predicated on (at least) steady economic growth and a stronger world economic outlook. Any major event can turn this recovery in to double (possibly triple) dip recession.
By all indications, the turnaround is going to be a slow and certainly not like the meteoric rise we experienced in the early part of the last decade. I, for one, am looking forward to more positive indications that we are back on the right track.
To learn more about what to expect in the future. Go to Real Estate Will Rock In 2014! by www.RISMedia.com
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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Coastal Alliance
(562) 494-4600 ext 2281
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Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
--- Labels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Bungalow, Home Value, Housing Market, Housing Recovery, Long Beach Homes, Park Estates
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 12:39 PM
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Kitchen Remodel - Done on a Budget
I talk to a lot of clients these days about what they can do to improve their homes. The first thing they bring up is a Remodel of their Kitchen. The cost of a kitchen remodel is always the key in deciding whether or not to do it. So I pulled a very interesting bit of information from an article written by Jamie Goldberg - A renowned National Kitchen & Bath Association-certified designer, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, & a contributor to Kitchens.com and Fine Homebuilding. If you don't know much about her now. You will soon. Okay, here we go with some great trends:
A new focus on moderation and value has entered the remodeling mind-set. Trends that are likely to show up in your kitchen next year include: You’ll repair your existing appliances instead of replacing them, extending their life with good maintenance and care. If you’re replacing cabinets, you’re likely to build around your current appliances rather than choosing new models. You’re scaling back your cabinetry purchases, with an increased emphasis on kitchen storage and functionality over elaborate decoration. For example, rather than stacked crown moldings throughout the kitchen, you’ll put your money into practical roll-out trays and drawer organizers. Small-scale kitchen projects are big news. Changing out cabinet hardware, replacing a faucet, and refacing your cabinets upgrades your kitchen without major expense. Trend #2: Simpler, warmer styles dominateFussiness and excess have faded away in favor of pared-back looks that present a more timeless, value-conscious style. Cabinet decoration continues to streamline. For example, massive corbels, once fashionable as undercounter supports, will give way to sleeker countertop supports and cantelivered countertop edges. Stacked moldings will pare back or disappear entirely. Elaborately glazed finishes will yield to simpler paints and stains.
Kitchen finishes will continue to get warmer and darker, and feature natural and stained woods. Walnut especially is growing in popularity. Laminate countertops will continue to surge in popularity, especially in contemporary design. The latest European-inspired laminates offer more textured and naturalistic finishes than ever before. While exotic wood kitchen cabinets are out of reach for most home owners, glossy, look-alike laminate versions can be had for about one-third the price. Trend #3: Technology expands its kitchen presenceMany of the techno products and trends that relate to your smartphones and tablets have just started making their way into your local showrooms and home centers. Appliances will be equipped with USB ports and digital screens so you can display your family photographs and kids’ artwork. Smart, induction built-in cooktops ($500-$3,000) remember your temperature settings as you move your pans across their entire surface. One light finger touch is all it takes to open the electronically controlled sliding doors of your kitchen cabinets — a boon to people with limited mobilities. You’ll pay 40% to 70% more for cabinets with electronically controlled doors than standard models. You’ll be able to use your smart phones and tablets to control lights and appliance settings from anywhere you have a wi-fi connection, as well as to shop for appliances from major manufacturers. You’ll be opting for LEDs for your recessed lights, under-cabinet task lighting and color-changing accent lighting. You’ll see more LED-powered pendants and chandeliers from major manufacturers as inefficient incandescent bulbs continue their march toward extinction.
A wide selection of affordable microwave ovens with convection and even steam features gives owners of smaller kitchen spaces more high-end cooking power.
Want to know more about Jamie? click this link. She is quite an accomplished professional. AND she has her first kitchen design book coming out later this year (2012) http://www.houselogic.com/authors/Jamie-Goldberg/#ixzz1qRUL5YzP
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Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Main Street Realtors
(562) 618-9770
---
Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
--- Labels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shorts, California Bungalow, Craftsman, Kitchen Remodel, Long Beach, Park Estates, Real Estate
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 1:59 PM
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Attracting Birds Can Attract Buyers
 I've been intrigued at how many different aspects of a home hits home with perspebuyers. Recently, there have been several buyers that have previewed my listings and mentioned that they asked about birds. Yes Birds! I'm surprised to find out how big bird watching is. It seems to be a popular past time shared by many...And the the back yard is a great place to enjoy it. Thanks to a few landscaping techniques, you can trade your binoculars for a lawn char and enjoy bird watching from the convenience and comfort of your own home. Attracting Birds of A Feather If you want to attract local birds to your backyard, you have to make it a place that they will be drawn to. One way of doing this is by studying the feeding and/or nesting habits of the local birds that you want to attract. Birds have unique characteristics that are specific to their type and knowing what they enjoy will be your first step toward inviting them to your home. Bird Basics Birds need three basic things - food, shelter and water. By planting familiar foliage, you will be providing a protective covering for birds. Flowers, inviting nesting areas and a birdbath will provide additional comfort. Bird food, which is commonly available at just about any retail store, is often specific to certain bird types. For instance, black oil sunflower seeds will attract goldfinches and chickadees, while millet seeds are appealing to doves and sparrows. If you want to attract hummingbirds, you will need to include a sugar-water feeder in your backyard landscaping. A bird feeder, which is used to house seeds and food for your backyard birds, should be cleaned regularly. The Beautiful Bird Bath Birdbaths are a great addition to your landscape if you want native birds to feel welcome. the single feature offers birds a way to bathe and drink, which makes your backyard very inviting to visiting birds. Adding fresh water and keep it clean and free of bacteria buildup always works to provide an inviting habitat for birds.  The Birdhouse The cornerstone of attracting birds, is a birdhouse. These structures provide a safe environment and a way to feel secure. When choosing a birdhouse, consider the size of bird that you want to attract -- the size of the entrance is key. A quality birdhouse will have proper ventilation and drainage are also import. And by all means, keep the bird's nest dry and free of any water buildup. Labels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, birdhouse, Birds, Buyers, Future of Real Estate, Long Beach, Park Estates, Sellers
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 6:22 AM
Thursday, February 24, 2011
What Are Luxury Home Owners doing in Long Beach?
Living in Long Beach, CA, I am not exposed to as many grand homes as those Realtors in Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Manhattan Beach, Santa Barbara, Rancho Palos Verdes or other select parts of Southern California. Don't get me wrong, our city has a great number of places, on the water, and inland that hold you breathless. To me, Long Beach is a hidden gem -- a secret place situated between Los Angeles and Orange County that provides a lifestyle that is a mixture of bustling east coast and laid back west coast. Naples, Belmont Shore, Park Estates, Lakewood Country Club and Virgina Country club are places that most resemble the lifestyle synonymous with what everyone perceives as California luxury. It is, but at a fraction of the cost of other areas. In the past 10 years, a great many of the homes in this area have been remodelled or totally rebuilt to reflect the changing face of expectation in luxury. After doing a little digging, I've uncovered a number observations about the upper-tier housing market in Long Beach -- that align very closely with other areas in the whole of California: - Professional Landscaping is a must
- Upgraded the kitchen. In the luxury market there is a great number of homes in Long Beach that have "Designer" kitchens
- Wine cellars are becoming more popular as available room, especially in Naples, Belmont Shore and Belmont Heights is becoming more of a premium
- Wet Bars are starting to make a come back
- In-ground swimming pools with spas have long been popular and are even making a splash in smaller lots in Belmont Heights
- Installed Security systems are the norm rather than the exception
- Surround sound systems with the latest wireless capabilities
I can only speak for myself, but luxury in Long Beach is more than design. Add taste, style, convenience, flowing floorplans and timeless individuality and what you see will be incredible. Any chance you get to view a home that peaks your interest. Do it! --- Dave HarbisonLong Beach REALTOR®Main Street Realtors (562)618-9770--- Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate AgentLong Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment PropertiesLong Beach Relocation Expert--- Labels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Dave, Long Beach Real Estate, Luxury Homes, Naples, Park Estates, Real Estate, Realtor, Virginia Country Club
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 10:02 AM
Monday, January 17, 2011
Buyer's Approach to A Home That Needs TLC
 Today, there are more homes on the market that would be considered "Distress sales" - the majority of which are short sale or a bank owned properties. In California, properties are sold "As Is"... And believe me, many need work. The questions you need to ask yourself as a buyer should drive you to a clear conclusion as to whether you should consider presenting an offer. Here is a list of, what I like call, "areas of clarity" that may help you gain peace-of-mind during the highly stressful and anxious home search experience: 1. Can you envision the end result? 2. What are the priorities of your purchase and how does the home rank? (Location, neighborhood, access, size, lot size, bedrooms, bathrooms, curb appeal, potential etc...) 3. What do you need to do to make the home "live-able"...to your standards? 4. What projects take priority and what things can be done down the road? 5. Is the list price at market value or quite a bit above or below? 6. Is there any "wiggle-room" or flexibility in the list price?  If there is anything I have learned in my years in Real Estate -- One family's "teardown" home is another's castle. If it feels right, 9 times out of 10, it is right!! Labels: Bank Owned, Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Long Beach, Park Estates, Real Estate, Realtor, Short Sale
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 9:05 PM
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Mystery of the Short Sale In Long Beach, CA
 I'm sure you've been inundated with ongoing news about the state of Real Estate. Not much of it has been good. In fact, CNN reports that this year, foreclosures across the United States will peak. The experts go on to predict that interest rates will stay steady for the first part of the year then start to creep up into the 5.5% range or higher. So, when a foreclosed home or short sale comes to your attention, you may automatically think "DEAL". Especially in the first few months of 2011 while the rates are still low. The "Short Sale" may seem like a simple transaction. It's not. The owners owe more on the home than it is worth. Often times 25-30% more. They're looking for a way out. The lienholder(s) are looking for their money...Then you enter as the "Eager Buyer". It can get pretty sticky. Here are some things I've noticed and experienced as a Realtor doing short sales.
- The Price listed by the "listing agent" is often not the price the bank will accept, but one that the realtor will put in order to get an offer to submit to the bank so they can see where the bank falls. The rule of thumb
- The property may be listed for sale, yet already have an offer at the bank...which puts your offer behind (in back up) to the one submitted. All too often my clients get really jazzed about a property only to find that an offer was submitted to the bank months ago.
- I've heard of short sales taking 8-10 months to complete (although the one I'm working on now should only take 5 months...fingers crossed). It can take exponentially longer than the standard sale.
- If your offer is approved, there is a good chance you will get the property "AS IS". In other words, the bank or current title holders will not make any repairs. This often frustrates buyers as they feel they are entitled to the same courtesies normally extended to a standard sales transaction. The difference is twofold:
The title holders (owners) owe more than the property is worth and are taking a hit on their credit and most likely in in their pocketbook in order to get out of the property. They, in their own minds, have already walked away from the property and don't want to do anything more.
The bank (lienholder) is not in the business of losing money. They have not written the property off and want to keep the "bleeding" to as little as possible.
- Realtors that list short sales and are not educated in the process get frustrated quickly, making the process more difficult and time consuming to complete
Yes, a short sale can be a great buy! But be prepared to walk a windy road as statistically, most short sales do not close. And, before you start identifying short sale properties, be sure to quiz your Realtor as to their knowledge about short sales:
- Have they ever done a short sale?
- How many have they done?
- What is the process?
- Will there be a nogotiator involved?
- How do they investigate a short sale? What types of questions do they ask the listing agent?
- Typically, how long, in their experience, will it take to close a short sale
There is always opportunity in Real Estate...Have your Realtor map out the best strategies for you to achieve your goals. ---Dave HarbisonLong Beach REALTOR®Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770---Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate AgentLong Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment PropertiesLong Beach Relocation Expert--- Labels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Long Beach, Naples, Park Estates, Real Estate, Sales, Short Sale
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 7:24 AM
Saturday, July 18, 2009
5 Quick Tips -- Get Ready to Sell Your Home!
 When the time comes to sell your home, prioritizing projects to get top dollar will undoubtedly help drive the net amount of money you will pocket at the close of escrow . There are a number of important things to consider. I'd like to focus on 5 important aspects of selling your house. More can be found in a great Seller's Guide to selling your home. If these five tips interest you, give me an e-mail and I'll mail you one.
- Curb Appeal - This is often overlooked by the seller when they first consider selling their home. Yet it's so important. Your front yard, afterall, is where buyers form their first and strongest opinions. Make sure your home, from the street, is immaculate, clean, well cared for and inviting. It will bring more buyers that are serious about making an offer on your home.
- Don't Lose Sight of the Minor Details - Buyers in this market are (and can be) picky. Make sure to walk through your home and see that even the smallest of things (i.e. electrical covers, chipped paint, worn varnish, brass plates, etc) are in tip-top shape. Give buyers fewer reasons not to fall in love with your home.
- Clean, Clean, Clean - Understand that you are trying to sell your home for TOP DOLLAR. In order to do this, you need to make sure that your home is clean, there is no dust, all the floors shine, the kids rooms are immaculate and the walk way to your front door is clear of any leaves, weeds and cut grass. You'd be surprised how many homes lose buyers because they don't tidy up on a daily or weekly basis.
- Paint - This is probably one of the least expensive ways to breathe new life into your home. A fresh coat of paint, preferably in a neutral color, allows buyers to visualize how they would change the room and make it their own without creating opportunity for them to put a negative check mark next to the room because of the paint color. And, be very wary of "the wall paper syndrome". If it's there, it probably shouldn't be. Wall paper in this marketplace is not the most desirable attributes for buyers.
- Be Realistic - Over-improving may sound like the right thing to do, especially when you talk to buyers, but it can negatively effect your net proceeds. Take the time to talk with your realtor and discuss what improvements should be done, and what shouldn't. Be mindful of costs and return on investment. In a buyer's market, you will see buyers expecting more for much less.
Small improvements can provide a wealth of value to your bottom line. The right approach to planning your sale can make a huge difference. Labels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, California, Homes for Sale, Long Beach, Park Estates, Real Estate, Selling
# posted by Dave Harbison @ 9:46 PM
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