Jan. 31, 2007 - Why Are They Selling?

When viewing a potential home with a buyer, I am asked 99.9% of the time, "why are they selling?" I am 99.9% sure that their motivation in asking the question is pure.  They are not trying to gain a negotiating advantage if, say, the homeowner must sell the house quickly due to an imminent relocation.  Perhaps they are worried about buying a home that is in need of major repairs. Let me put your mind at ease.

In these days of full disclosure when buying a home, the seller almost always completes a four-page Property Disclosure Statement giving potential buyers information about the age of the roof and furnace, presence of wetlands, and various other property data.  And I always advise buyers to get a home inspection. Home Inspectors in New York State are required to be licensed and will check the structure, electrical system, plumbing system, roof, appliances, additional structures, and more.

If you are buying a fixer upper or an historic or simply older home, you will most likely know you will be putting money into renovations, but you will also most likely have a good idea of how much it will cost.

Buyer's and seller's agents are required to disclose material and latent defects if they are aware of them. Not only is it a requirement, I WANT my buyers to know of any areas in need of renovation or repair. A portion of my business comes from referrals by satisfied clients. Why wouldn't I want my buyers to be happy? Armed with all of this information, the buyer in most cases can feel fairly confident about the soundness of the home they are purchasing.

Please contact me if you would like to receive a quick checklist of due diligence items when purchasing a new home. I would be happy to help!

Jan. 15, 2007 - It's Time to Get Your Home Listed!

The spring market has come early this year and is now upon us! It could be that the mild winter weather has home buyers searching for their new house earlier than usual. Whatever the reason, now is the time to get your home ready to list so you do not miss the peak selling season. After an offer is put in on your house, it takes approximately 8 weeks to go to closing, so it is time to contact your real estate agent to assist you in putting your house on the market. If you are not already working with another realtor, please contact me and I would be happy to assist you!

Jan. 9, 2007 - Buying in a "Good Neighborhood"

What makes a "good neighborhood" for one person is not necessarily what makes a "good neighborhood" to another home buyer. And before I go any further, you should know that it would be unethical and unlawful for me to steer home buyers to what I deem a good neighborhood. In fact, I could and most likely would, lose my license to buy and sell real estate if I were to steer buyers to or away from neighborhoods with characteristics protected by the Federal Fair Housing Act. I cannot and will not tell you if I think a neighborhood is safe, is in a good school district, or if the residents of a particular neighborhood are primarily of a partiular political, ethnic or religious persuasion - nor would I want to.

Have you ever recommended a doctor or attorney that you thought was exceptional to a friend, only to have that friend get the exact opposite impression? Homebuyers should start with the statistics, not well meaning advice from a friend. The Community Reports section of my website will give you statistics on demographics, school systems, crime rates and statistics on area schools. I can also send you a useful school report guide put out by The Ithaca Journal each year called, Grading our Schools. Simply email me and request a copy of that report.

Other resources are county and city websites, such as sites for the Town Of Dryden , the Village of Lansing the Village of Groton , Trumansburg, an interactive Cayuga Heights web site maintained by Beth Carlson Ganem, and various law enforcement sites such as the Tompkins County Sheriff site.

Before you buy, make your own assessment of the property and neighborhood based on your research and how those results mesh with what you value.

Jan. 3, 2007 - New Year's Resolution for Your Home

Whether you are planning to sell your home in the near future, are a new homeowner, or just want to keep your house well maintained, make 2007 the year that you get your house in top shape! Doing so will help to avoid larger problems in the future, and help you to get the most money for your home when you sell. Here are some general tips.

• Attic - Make sure you have good ventilation to prevent ice dams, moisture and heat build-up. Check for signs of leaking or rodent or insect infestation.
• Basement - Make sure you have adequate exterior surface and roof drainage. Water can be the number one enemy of your home. Check for any signs of leaking, dampness, and mold.
• Bathrooms - Again, moisture can cause damage so be sure the fans vent to the outside. If there isn't a fan, install one. For increased protection, install GFCI outlets if they are not already present.
• Water - Turn on faucets and check for water pressure, volume, and recovery rate (if on a well). Look for leaky, dripping faucets. Wrap pipes with heating tape in the winter if they are in an area such as the garage where they are exposed.
• Water Heater - Check for leaks or rust. Once a year, drain water out of the tank and inspect water for mineral deposits and bacteria.
• Electrical - Any maintenance and repairs should be performed with the power shut off. Check electrical system's load center (fuses or circuit breakers) for signs of wear or exposed wires.
• Energy Conservation Measures - Does your home have sufficient insulation, weatherstripping, double-glazed windows? If you don't have the newer, programmable thermostats, consider installing them.
• Heating - Check your heating system for leaks and cracks in the heat exchanger. Have your furnace serviced and cleaned yearly. Dust and vacuum vents and baseboard heaters.
• Exterior - Clean gutters and inspect the roof for worn shingles and flashing.