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Archive for the ‘Mixed Bag’ Category

Bathrooms – What to Look For When Buying a Home

July 5th, 2010

If you are looking to purchase a home in the near future and are looking at all of the variables to consider, then check out what to look for in bathrooms of a home during the purchasing process.

The first thing you want to look for when buying a home is the amount of bathrooms. The more bathrooms a home has the higher the price of the home, but the more appealing it is to a buyer. There is also the difference between a full bath and a half bath that needs to be noted. A full bath is one that contains a toilet, sink, and a full sized bathtub. A half bath on the other hand is one that still contains the toilet and sink, but has a shower instead of a full sized tub.

After looking at the amount of bathrooms and whether they are full or half sized you want to look at the design and materials used in the home. A more modern design with granite or high quality stone countertops inside a bathroom is much more fashionable design that is the first thing that is noted in a bathroom. Aside from the countertops, the sink being a double his and hers as opposed to a single sink brings up the value of the home. Then the faucets and the hardware used to control the water flow is the next thing you want to look for in a bathroom, as hardware can be as simple as a ten dollar knob, to as ornate and pricey as a couple hundred per piece.

With all of the design and hardware taken into account you want to next assure that the bathroom is fully functional in terms of space and allowing storage. Side storage units or under the sink cabinets are a great plus to a bathroom and should be noted when looking to buy a home.

Overall if you are looking to purchase a home in the near future and are checking into the bathrooms, see that the bathroom goes through the above listed checklist to determine its base value for the home.

Kitchen – What to Look For When Buying a Home

July 1st, 2010

photo credit: mescon

If you are looking to buy a home in the near future and are dividing the home into areas of interest and are now looking at the kitchen, then check out the below items you should look for when buying a home with its kitchen.

The first thing you want to look at when buying a home in its kitchen is the size of the kitchen. The size of the kitchen should be appropriate for a person of your size to move around comfortable and be able to access all appliances and storage areas. Once you have looked at the size and accessed that you can check into the reality of you cooking in this kitchen. Going about and testing your reach to ascertain that you can reach all high storage areas, and that moving from counter top to oven is a simple one step move.

With the size and basic logistics of the kitchen accessed you can begin taking a look at the hardware and countertops. Granite and high quality stone are much better off than any kind of linoleum or plastic based counter top, and will bring about a higher retail value of the house. The hardware of the kitchen, mostly located in the sink, can be the difference between a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollar, so be sure to have the countertops and hardware identified by the seller to help determine quality and price.

After the hardware and countertops you next want to look at appliances and if the house will come stocked with them. If your house has them stocked and ready you want to check into the quality of the appliances and determine whether they will need any fixing up or replacing. If you are not receiving stocked appliances you want to check and make measurements to assure the ones you do end up purchasing fit well in the new homes kitchen.

Overall if you are looking at buying a home and are looking into the kitchen, check out the above items to look for before you make a final bid.

Bedroom – What to Look For When Buying a Home

June 28th, 2010

photo credit: yanivba

If you are looking to purchase a new home in the near future and are contemplating the face value of the home by fractioning off areas into parts and are currently looking at the bedroom, then check out the things you need to look for in set bedroom when buying a home.

The first thing you want to look for in a bedroom of a home is the size of the room. Taking measurements from corner to corner to determine the length and width then total area of a room can help you determine if there will be enough space for all of your bedroom items and furniture. After a size evaluation has been taken care of, you want to next take a look at the carpeting of the bedroom. Having a base look at the floors and even taking a quick look at possible stains can help you determine if the carpeting will need to be replaced or changed out.

With the carpet taken care of you want to next look at the walls and note any dings and dents in the siding and check into whether you will need to replace any section of the drywall. Also when looking at the walls you want to determine if the wall’s coloring or wallpaper will suit you, or if it will need to be repainted or papered.

With the outline of the room taken care of you want to finish off your evaluation with a look at windows and air vents. Checking to make sure the windows are in tact and are fully functional, as well as ample at providing a pleasant view are key items in determining price. The air vents and ceiling fans also need to be checked for functionality and that they maximize air flow potential.

Overall if you are looking to get the most out of your next home purchase and are looking into bedroom evaluation, check out the above items to run through before making a final bid.

Best Places to Visit in San Diego

June 25th, 2010

When one thinks of Southern California one probably think of Los Angeles, or even Orange County. But what would you get if you were to make a hybrid of the two? The answer is San Diego, a big city that’s not quite as urban as Los Angeles, nor as suburban as Orange County. San Diego is a city of parks, and a “best kept secret” for many international tourists. It hosts one of the most famous conventions in the world, let alone some of the most famous zoos. There are countless reasons to visit San Diego, let alone sites to see. Below you’ll find just a few of them. (more…)

Living Rooms – What to Look For When Buying a Home

June 24th, 2010

photo credit: JAGwired

When you buy a home there are so many things to consider. One of the most important of these is what you want in a living room.

You need to decide what you plan to do there and work with that. Size is always a consideration and deciding just how you plan to use it is important as well. If you plan for your family to gather there and watch TV, then you might want to think about wall space enough for a large screen TV someday. When buying you need to remember that you are going to be there for a long time. Even if you have furniture at the present, in time you may want to upgrade and you will want to think about that possibility. If you are an avid reader, you may want a living room with bookshelves built in or at least enough space to put one. You should also determine how much light there will be in the room and if you would be comfortable with it. A closet in the living room for coats and other such necessities is also a plus. Other possibilities might include a nice fireplace to sit by in the cold weather.

A living room is sometimes much more than a family room. If you entertain, this will most likely be where your guests gather as well. Deciding how you will want to decorate it will make a big difference in whether or not you are happy with it. Check wall space for room to hang any pictures that you might want to hang and make sure that there is enough floor space for everything that you want in there. Picture in your mind how your furnishings will look and where it will be placed.

People spend a lot of time in the living room and the comfort of everyone that will be there is very important. Enjoy looking and be absolutely sure that you get what you want.

10 Tips for Choosing the Right Beach Vacation House

June 23rd, 2010

photo credit: Hamed Saber

If you love the beach and you?re tired of overpaying for cramped hotel rooms, then a beach house just might be the ticket to your family?s next memorable vacation.

Beach houses can be found up and down the United States coast line, the gorgeous Dominican Republic and any number of other locations. It would be best to look for a house that pleases everyone in your family.

Refining your scope of options can serve to quicken the ?choosing? part of the process and will insure satisfaction.

Determining how close a potential beach house is to an emergency room, a grocery store, attractions Etc. is of upmost importance for keeping families safe and happy.

The point of a vacation is to enjoy your respite to the fullest so try not to settle for just any beach house.

It may take effort but exploration will assure a good time. You?ll be thankful once you find that your research got you the perfect beach house for the perfect price.

Prices will vary. Determine what your budget is and stick to it

Get an agent. He/she should be able to tell you in detail what to expect. Be sure to ask questions. Are linens and bedding provided? Is cookware included? What of appliances?

Beach houses may include amenities such as Jacuzzi spas, whirlpool baths, a high-speed internet connection and much more. Usually, the more expensive a place is, the more they tend to have.

Making a list of requirements for your agent will help to give a better idea of the houses that may best fit. It will also hurry along the process.

And then there?s hidden costs. You may not be aware of this but a deposit will be wanted for most beach houses. Fees may vary due to season and a lodging tax and cleaning fee will probably be tacked on automatically. Check with owner as payment may only be accepted in personal check or money order.

Landscaping – What to Look For When Buying a Home

June 21st, 2010

photo credit: RO/LU

If you are going to be purchasing a home in the near future and are looking to get the most out of your dollar, then check out the things you need to look for in the landscape of a home prior to purchase.

The first thing you want to do when looking at the landscape of a home is determine the square footage. The size of a landscape is a large factor into possible expansion of the home later on, or developing the land into a productive garden or flower bed. After checking out the square footage you next need to evaluate the soil type. A landscape with a fertile lawn and fresh growing vegetation is a definite plus to a homes total value. In the case you are looking at a home with a deadened landscape, there is no need to panic as you can transfer the lack of equity that the dead landscape provides into cash you can use to replace the land with fresh sod and vegetative life.

Once you have evaluated the size and outlining soil type and condition of the landscape you need to map out areas that could be expanded upon. Check with local utility companies to get a clear reference on underground power and gas lines that may impede any kind of expansion of the home and lawn. You also need to check with the previous owner to pin point the septic tank and any kind of underground items that would also impede expansion.

After a good look has been taken at the landscape and an evaluation of expansion has been done you can check into cost to change the landscape to any of your needs. If you are looking to add in a garden of some sort, or a tree or two in the front lawn, it is important to evaluate the cost of this before making an offer on the home to help secure your pocketbook when comparing other houses.

Overall if you are looking to purchase a new home in the near future, check out how a landscape evaluation can benefit you.

10 Tips for Buying A Beach House

June 18th, 2010

photo credit: antonious (www.anthonyaphoto.com)

Few things are more satisfying than a vacation spent at the beach. Thanks to the current real estate market, beach houses are more affordable than ever. Here are some tips for buying a beach house that will provide your family with great memories for years to come.

1. Become familiar with the areas you are considering. Spend enough time to know whether the lifestyle and attractions fit your family’s needs.

2. Make a list of what you require in a beach house. Think about number of bedrooms, full kitchen, etc..

3. Talk to people who already live in the area. Get a feel for the locals, since they are your potential neighbors. Ask people who have lived in the area for a few years what they like and any concerns they have.

4. Speak with local real estate agents. They have the knowledge to help you find the perfect beach house.

5. Find out the costs of taxes, insurance and other additional costs, so you can make an informed choice.

6. Have any potential house inspected by someone who is familiar with the unique challenges facing a house built close to water, such as flooding.

7. If you will be using the home seasonally, plan the cost of having someone local maintain the grounds. You may also want to install a security system that contacts a local friend in the event of a problem.

8. Make sure there’s enough to do. Staying in a beach house is fun, but what about when the novelty wears off and the kids need an outlet for their excess enthusiasm?

9. If you are only planning on staying seasonally, consider the potential revenue if you rent the house when you aren’t there. Also discuss any insurance costs related to this option.

10. Make sure there’s enough room for any “toys” such as boats, jetskis, kayaks, etc.. It’s helpful to have a garage available to store these items, rather than having to pay for seasonal storage.

10 Things to Look for on Final Walk Through (when you are buying a house)

June 16th, 2010

photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design

If you are in the process of buying a house, you have to be very careful, after-all, this is one of the biggest events in your life. To make sure everything goes smoothly, here are some of the things that can be done. During your last walk through of your future house, make sure you check the following things:

EXTERIOR: Always check the exterior carefully for rotten wood and peeling paint. Make sure there are no hidden holes that are disguised. Check the exterior for rodent holes and termite dust.

ATTIC: Check the attic if accessible for storage and deficiencies.

ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: Make sure all electrical outlets work and that the outside outlets are grounded.

HEAT AND AIR: Make sure the heat and air work properly. Test them, if you have the time.

KITCHEN: The kitchen appliances should all work properly. Make sure there are no leaks under the sink.

BATHROOM: Check the drains and showers in the bathroom. Make sure all the pop-up drains work correctly. Again check for leaks under the sink.

INTERIOR: When you check the interior of the house, lift up rugs and move furniture if you think there is a problem. People like to carefully hide these things. Look for cracks in floors and walls, also any major stains on carpeting. If there is an upstairs make sure the railing is sturdy. Check for drafts around the windows.

LAND: If you have any land, make sure it is not a flood area. If necessary ask the neighbors about the drainage problems.

MOLD: Notice any discolored area near the bathrooms or basements. If basement has been newly painted, get an explanation why.

LEAD PAINT: Make sure you are satisfied with the results of your lead paint investigation, otherwise, this could be a lengthy problem to fix.

After checking out all of the above, you should be very confident your house is in good condition. You can then start thinking about decorating. Good luck!

Top Attractions Near San Diego

June 14th, 2010

photo credit: ConspiracyofHappiness

San Diego has so much to offer that it can be somewhat overwhelming to pick the perfect activities. With so many diverse options in the area, every member of the family is sure to have a different favorite spot.

1.) San Diego is home to the countries top rated zoo. Housing 4,000 of the worlds rare and exotic animals, this is a must see attraction. With many interactive exhibits and truly one of a kind view of animals, this zoo is unlike any other.
2.) Sea World is another popular attraction that the whole family can enjoy. The Shamu show is one of the most well known and popular attractions. With daily shows and exhibits, Shamu is sure to delight.
3.) Explore a retired aircraft carrier by spending the day at the USS Midway. Touring this vessel gives visitors the chance to experience life at sea as soldiers experienced it.
4.) Located fifteen miles from downtown San Diego, La Jolla has so much to offer. With beautiful scenery, museums and shopping, this is a great stop for the entire family.
5.) Legoland offers up fun especially for the kids. This amusement park offers rides and attractions in the form of giant legos.
6.) Spending the day at Coronado beach is sure to be a relaxing experience. This beach is popular among tourists and locals alike, offering activities such as volleyball, kite flying and a dog park.
7.) San Diego harbor cruises are a great way to sit back and enjoy the view of the city and the weather. 8.) For those wanting to experience great hiking or horseback riding, Mission Trails Regional Park offers 5,800 acres of valleys and hills.
9.) Catch a San Diego Padres game in the new stadium, Petco Park. This stadium offers all the fun of Major League Baseball and beautiful sights of the city.
10.) Balboa parks offers something for the entire family. This 1,200 acre park offers multiple museums, a science center and many other outdoor activities. This park is one of the best ways to learn all about San Diego?s rich history.