Misconception: You don’t need a real estate agent to buy a home now that all the information is online

Oh yeah you do!

Today it’s more important than ever to have a wonderful local real estate agent working with you.  Remember, there is no cost to you because the SELLER pays the commission fees, so why not get an experienced pro on your side?

Yes, it is easy to find all the information you need online on such sites as Trulia and Zillow. It’s all out there. Not only do Real Estate Agents have market knowledge, but they have access to much of this information before sites such as Trulia and Zillow.  In the market today, time is of the essence. There are fantastic properties selling before they even hit the open market.  Agents are also able to give you advice on realistic purchase and listing prices. Plus, they can provide you with a report of comparable homes for sale and historic market data, so that you can ensure you’re getting the most for your money.

Since buying a home is such an infrequent transaction in your life, you really do need someone along on your journey who knows and studies the market, understands the process and can act as a guide for you and answer any questions you may have along the way. And buying a home is not just a financial transaction. It’s incredibly emotional, and you’ll want a teammate to help diffuse the feelings, navigate the ups and downs, and steer you in the right direction.

They negotiate for you. One of the most difficult tasks whether buying or selling a home, is handling the negotiations. Many times, real estate agents can help you to get creative with your offers, so that you end up with a deal that has your best interests in mind.

They will help you negotiate inspections. During the home buying process, it is not uncommon for your inspector to find a few things that may need to be fixed before closing. Your real estate agent will help you wade through your inspection report and decide which items should fixed prior to closing and which items may be addressed as a credit to you.

And finally, a good Real estate agent will connect you with trusted partners. You may need to hire additional professional services, including: inspectors, lawyers, moving companies, plumbers, contractors, and more. Let your real estate agent recommend people that they have a good reputation in your community.

I am a Real Estate agent that also provides design services. I can assist with such things as space planning and remodels. There aren’t many agents out there certified to do that. I will help you maximize the value of your home. That, in itself, is a good reason to look for a great agent. wink wink.

Here Comes El Niño!

As we all prepare for El Nino and the coming of the torrential rains, we must all make sure to have our ark building plans accessible. Beyond that, preparing your house, your yard/patio, your car and making sure your insurance is current- NOW- can be the best way to be ready for the impending doom.

Here are some things you can do to get your house prepared:

1. Fix your roof leaks before it rains. The dry air can cause shrinkage of the wood structures under the flashing and create expansion joints, which, in turn, can cause leaking. Make sure there is no debris under the flashing. The flashing should be directing the water down to the gutters.
2. While you are checking the roof, clean out those gutters. run a hose through them to make sure they aren’t leaking and are free of debris. You can spray the roof as well to make sure the flashing is doing its job. Make sure the gutters are tight up against the house.
3. Paint the exterior wood trim on your home. Cracks can allow water to penetrate the wood, causing dry rot and termite infestation.
4. Caulk around your windows as needed. Don’t want water getting into the cracks there either.  
5. If you are in a neighborhood susceptible to power outages, invest in a generator that kicks in when the power goes out. I mean, really, what would we do if we can’t charge our smart phones?
6. Back up all your electronics on a hard drive or the cloud. Those power surges can be nasty.
7. Do you need a sump pump? with enough rain, water can invade below grade areas such as basements and garages.
8. check your balconies and porches, make sure water is being directed AWAY from your home.
9. Make sure you have some emergency repair materials available such as tarps and sand bags. Store them somewhere dry.
10. Turn off your irrigation systems. No need to water. And if you do your neighbors will think you are a jerk.
11. Consider installing rain barrels to catch water from the downspouts of your gutters. You can use this water later. Your neighbors will think you are so clever.
12. Loosen the soil in your garden. It will absorb the moisture better. If you are a locavore and plant your own food, consider planting in raised beds so they don’t flood.
13. Make sure all your outdoor furniture is either stored, covered or secure. you can put planks under furniture to get them off the ground.
14. And lastly, remember that doing these things before the fact will be alot easier because the toughest time to deal with rain related issues is during the rainstorm. Not to mention that everyone else will be trying to find solutions at the same time. Pandemonium.

Stay dry and let’s hope that the drought is washed away this winter! That would be a helluvalotta rain but, hey, arks aren’t so bad. Let me know if you need a DIY plan for one.