Jim Cloud - Blog

Article: Increasing Your Homes Value

Jim Cloud — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:23:00 GMT

8 Quick Fixes to Increase Value

Sellers must up the ante to convince buyers that their property offers what many want most - top value for dollar expended. Here are eight fast fixes:

1. Buff up curb appeal. You've heard it before, but it's critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside. Be objective. View listings from the street. Check the condition of the landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, knocker, windows, house number, and even how window treatments look from the outside. Add something special-such as big flower pots or an antique bench - to help viewers remember house A from B.

2. Enrich with color.Paint's cheap, but forget the adage that it must be white or neutral. Just don't let sellers get too avant-garde with jarring pinks, oranges, and purples. Recommend soft colors that say "welcome," lead the eye from room to room, and flatter skin tones. Think soft yellows and pale greens. Tint ceilings a lighter shade.

3. Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom. These make-or-break rooms can spur a sale. But besides making each squeaky clean and clutter-free, update the pulls, sinks, and faucets. In a kitchen, add one cool appliance, such as an espresso maker. In the bathroom, hang a flat-screen TV to mimic a hotel. Room service, anyone?

4. Add old-world patina. Make Andrea Palladio proud. Install crown molding at least six to nine inches in depth, proportional to the room's size, and architecturally compatible. For ceilings nine feet high or higher, add dentil detailing, small tooth-shaped blocks used as a repeating ornament. It's all in the details, after all.

5. Screen hardwood floors. Buyers favor wood over carpet, but refinishing is costly and time-consuming. Screening cuts dust, time, and expense. What it entails: a light sanding, not a full stripping of color or polyurethane, then a coat of finish.

6. Clean out, organize closets. Get sorting-organize your piles into "don't need," "haven't worn," and "keep." Closets must be only half-full so buyers can visualize fitting their stuff in.

7. Update window treatments.Buyers want light and views, not dated, fancy-schmancy drapes that darken. To diffuse light and add privacy, consider energy-efficient shades and blinds.

8. Hire a home inspector. Do a preemptive strike, since busy home owners seek maintenance-free living. Fix problems before you list the home and then display receipts and wait for buyers to offer kudos to sellers for being so responsible.

Sources:Ernie Roth, Roth Interiors, Los Angeles; Angel Petragallo, abr, Group One, Boise, Idaho; Melissa Galt, Galt Interiors, Atlanta; Steve Kleiman, CEO, Oakington Realty, Houston; Sid Davis, Sid Davis & Associates, Farmington, Utah, and author of First-Time Homeowners' Survival Guide (Amacom, 2007); Steve Hochman, Friendly Note Buyers, Roxbury, N.Y.; Margi Kyle, designer and spokesperson for Hunter Douglas.

Article: Understanding Roofing

Jim Cloud — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:13:00 GMT

Architecture Coach By Leslie Banker

The Roof: Topping It All Off
Every roofing material has its unique perks and drawbacks. Here's a look at some of the most popular materials, and what you need to know to speak knowledgeably with clients.

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Never underestimate how much a roof can impact a sale.

If it's not up to par, some buyers will walk away or turn the roof into a major sticking point of negotiations. On the other hand, a beautiful roof can give potential buyers all the reason they need to make a competitive offer. And that's precisely why you must grow your knowledge of this essential home feature.

In addition to the shape of the roof - whether it's a gambrel, a gable, or a Mansard - the material used for roofing can make an enormous impact on the look and style of a house. Let's take a look at the various types of roof materials and the pros and cons of each.

All Roofs Not Created Equal

The longevity of a roofing material is somewhat dependent on the climate, so estimates of lifespan are approximate and also depend on whether the material is properly installed.
Here are six commonly used roofing materials that you should be able to identify and discuss with clients.

Slate roofs: Pretty and pricey. This is one of the best, most beautiful, and architecturally significant roofing materials. It's a beautiful blue-grey stone that lasts anywhere from 70 to 100 years or more. Slate is very expensive and the prospect of having to replace a slate roof will surely be something a buyer will want to keep in mind when negotiating a price for the property. But since these roofs are known for their longevity, they're often worth the investment because a roofing material with a shorter lifespan will have to be replaced many times (at increasing prices) in the period that a slate roof will hold up. Not to mention, it's also environmentally friendlier to use materials that last a long time. Artificial slate is also available, but it typically doesn't have as long of a life span as real slate. However, it still lasts for a few decades or more. Slate is heavy, so a building must be constructed to support the weight.

Metal roofs: Gaining popularity. These come in a variety of forms, from corrugated metal with ridges to a roof that looks like it is made of shingles. Metal roofs are often chosen in green design because they last a relatively long time (a couple of decades or more) and can be made with recycled materials. Also, metal reflects heat, which can cut down on energy costs in hot climates. However, this roofing material is expensive - and rain or hail can be very noisy.

Wood shakes or shingles: Natural look. These roofs are usually made with cedar and can last up to 30 or 40 years, depending on the climate. The difference between a shake and a shingle is that shakes are split from a block of wood whereas shingles are sawn from a block of wood. Typically a shake is thicker and more rustic looking than a shingle. In shingle style architecture, wood shingles (or shakes) used as the siding and roof material on a house have a great natural look that weathers well over time.

Clay tile: Long life span. You can often see these roofs in Mission, Spanish Colonial, and Mediterranean styles of architecture especially in conjunction with stucco siding. Places like California and Florida would be prime places to spot such a roof. The tiles are made with clay or concrete, are fire resistant, and typically last a relatively long time - a few decades or more. The tile is heavy, so that a house must be built to hold up the weight. It's possible to find salvaged tile roofs, which would be a very environmentally friendly way to re-roof.

Asphalt shingles: Functional, affordable. This is perhaps the most ubiquitous and least expensive roofing material. These roofs come in a variety of colors and shades, from black to greenish to reddish hues. They don't have the architectural substance of other roofing materials, but they are also perfectly functional and widely used. They typically last about 15 to 20 years, a shorter time than other materials mentioned above.

Vegetated roofs: Green design. Also known as green roofs, vegetated roofs are a staple in green design. Grasses and plants, such as wild strawberries, grow on the roof over a water-tight layer. The soil and plants help to keep the roof cool (which reduces energy costs), help to mitigate water run-off from rain, and generally make the house blend in with its surroundings. This is a new take on a very old idea, seen on buildings for many centuries. The building needs to be able to sustain the weight, and the pitch of the roof has to accommodate the plants.

Talking About the Roof

When discussing any roofing material, you should ask an expert how long a particular product will last in a specific climate. For example, if a slate roof needs to be replaced and the cost is prohibitive, a contractor can advise about switching to another material. This is information that is good to have on hand whether you're working for a buyer or a seller.

Preservationists, however, will often argue that the original roof material in an older building should be kept.

A licensed home inspector or an engineer should attest to the condition of the roof during a routine inspection. This will give the buyer an idea of how soon the roof will need to be replaced.

Bottom line: By educating yourself about the different types of roofs and potential roof problems, you'll be able to help your buyers foresee any problems and help buyers know the house from top to bottom.

Video: Credit & Debt Help

Jim Cloud — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:51:00 GMT

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Video: Stopping Identity Theft

Jim Cloud — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:49:00 GMT

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