WATCH OUT FOR THESE MOVING SCAMS

If you’re getting ready to move to your new home, you’ve no doubt been advised to research moving companies. While it may seem like a huge inconvenience to spend time vetting movers, there are some out there that are less than honest. Keep a look out for these common moving scams and avoid them at all costs

LOW-BALL ESTIMATES

If you’ve contacted a moving company and they are willing to give you an estimate without actually inspecting your home, be wary. Most people have more possessions than they realize, and moving companies generally factor in their weight and the amount of space they take up.  You will not get an accurate cost estimate if the moving company does not inspect your belongings themselves.

Also be on the lookout for moving companies who only do a cursory glance at your belongings without asking specific questions about what you intend to take with you and what you’ll leave behind. You may likely get a low quote that doesn’t accurately reflect what you actually have. You may find yourself in a pickle on moving day when the cost rises dramatically. Or worse, the company could hold your belongings hostage until you pay the difference.

ASKING FOR A LARGE DEPOSIT

Good moving companies will not request a large deposit up front for their services. Most reputable companies expect payment upon delivery. Those that collect deposits are often the same ones who don’t show up on moving day, or who take much longer to deliver your items to their final destination.

DIFFERENT NAMES

If a company has received complaints to the Better Business Bureau, they will often get around them by changing their name. When researching movers, make sure they answer the phone with the full name of the company. Ask for local references and follow up with them. Get all the names the company does business as and find out their license numbers and if they are properly insured. Research the company online to see if there are any complaints or bad reviews posted.

HIDDEN FEES

Some moving companies inflate the final bill by tacking on hidden fees. Be sure to request an itemized bill and look for charges that weren’t discussed beforehand. You could be billed for living in a two-story house, living on a narrow street that won’t fit the truck, or having to park the truck more than a certain distance from the front door.

INCOMPLETE CONTRACTS

If a moving company asks you to sign a blank or partially completed contract that they’ll fill in later, decline and find another company. You want all the details spelled out from the beginning, including the delivery date, price and under what conditions additional fees may be incurred.

While it may seem a little daunting to research and hire a moving company, doing your due diligence will ensure that your move goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. The peace of mind you’ll gain is more than worth the extra time to find the best and most reputable company for your budget.

REINVENT A ROOM FOR STAGING

You’re ready to sell, but you know that your home could use some updates to attract serious buyers. But you don’t want to invest significant time or money, which is understandable. Major remodels don’t always bring a desired return on investment when you’re selling. So what do you do?

Here are some great suggestions to spruce up the rooms in your house when you’re staging for a sale. These ideas require minimal time and effort and will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Turn the office into a bedroom

Does your home have an extra room you’ve been using as an office, an exercise room, or even a storage space? Turn that extra room into a bedroom. Having another bedroom can be a selling point for prospective buyers with growing families. Remove clutter and replace it with a simple bed, or even a set of twin beds. Add simple touches with colorful comforters, throw pillows and art.

Turn the basement into living space

If you’re lucky enough to have a basement, turn that unused space into viable living space. If your basement is unfinished, take time to clean, de-clutter and paint. Then use your imagination to transform the extra space into something buyers can appreciate. This could include a game room, an office space, a home gym, a man cave or even living quarters for an elderly parent or teen.

Turn the back entry into a mudroom

Do you have extra space near your back door? Then why not turn it into a mudroom of sorts? Every family needs a place that’s a catchall for coats, boots, backpacks and mail. Create a space for that with hooks, a bench and some cubbies for baskets.

Create a laundry room

If your washer and dryer are tucked away in a corner, a closet or the basement, invest time in making that space more inviting. After all, there’s no doubt that most families spend hours a week on laundry chores. First clean and de-clutter the space. Apply a fresh coat of paint to make the space light and bright. Install shelves around the washer and dryer for laundry supplies. Add some personality with stylish baskets and wall art. You want to create a dedicated space that is welcoming and that prospective buyers will actually want to spend time in.

Give the kitchen and bathroom a facelift

Kitchens and bathrooms are big selling points for buyers. They are also expensive to renovate. Consider giving these rooms extra attention with a cosmetic facelift that is much less expensive than a complete overhaul. Paint walls and cabinets with a fresh coat of neutral colored paint. Switch out hardware to something simple and contemporary. If countertops and floors are damaged or outdated, consider replacing with something clean and modern. Enhance the lighting by switching out fixtures. You can even update appliances with paint that is specifically formulated for them.

If you’re getting ready to sell and want to refresh your home without spending a fortune, consider one or all of the options above. That little bit of extra time and energy could pay off big in the end!

Buying a Home? Don’t Forget the Inspection!

You’ve finally found the home that is just right, made an offer and it was accepted. Now you just wait for escrow to close, right?  Wrong!  Your work is just beginning.

Now is the time to have the home inspected, if it hasn’t been, to make sure you are aware of any possible issues in the home before it’s too late and the deed has been transferred. An independent inspector can evaluate your potential home on a structural and functional level and give you a full report, generally in under two to three hours, depending on the size of the home. This report can help you feel at ease with your purchase and alert you to any areas of concern.

If there is a swimming pool or spa or unusual home appliance or fixture, you may want to have that inspected individually by a reputable repairman in that field. Questions and concerns relating to asbestos, lead or chemicals, mold and mildew, or pests will need to be directed to an inspector licensed in those specific areas of expertise.

Generally speaking, a home inspection on a property for sale will cover the following areas:

• An evaluation of the walls, ceiling, floor, roof, firewall, windows, foundation and slab.
• Inspection of the landscaping, looking particularly at grading and drainage, although drives and walkways, fencing, trim, doors, windows, and outlets will be checked as well.
• General framing as seen in exposed beams or attics, ventilation, duct and plumbing systems, and the condition of roofing materials, plumbing and rain gutters will be noted, too. Water heaters, fireplaces and the sprinkler system should be evaluated.
• Earthquake structural safety and whether it is bolted to the foundation or needs to be to prevent major damage during earthquakes.
• The electrical sources and wiring in the home will be inspected, from circuit breakers and grounding systems to exhaust fans and receptacles.
• All appliances, including the garbage disposal, alarm system (if needed) and all smoke detectors.

Every city in San Diego County has different regulations in regards to home inspections, so it it best to use a local inspector recommended by your Realtor. If the inspection uncovers issues in the home regarding health and safety issues, a need for the roof or ventilation system to be replaced, a problem in the home’s foundation or significant drainage concerns, you will want to further explore the problem at the seller’s expense.

In some counties in California, it is customary to have the inspection done prior to the property being listed.  When you are ready to make an offer on the home you ask for the Disclosure Package that will include inspections.  Should you see something in the inspection you are concerned with, you should have an additional inspection of the item as most sellers do not include roof, chimney, pool or foundation inspections in their package unless there are major issues and they wish to sell the property “As-Is”, meaning they have disclosed everything that they can find wrong with the property and you are aware of all of it prior to buying the home.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Foreclosed Home

If you’re in the market for a new home, perhaps you’ve browsed listings and come across a foreclosure or two that you like. Maybe you’ve even noticed that some of these homes have listing prices that are below the typical market value in your area.

Buying a foreclosed home can be a great investment – but it also comes with its own set of risks and challenges. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about purchasing a foreclosure.

What is a foreclosure?

First, it makes sense to understand exactly what a foreclosure is. A foreclosure is a property that has been repossessed by a lender because of nonpayment. These lenders, typically banks, then sell off the property to recoup their losses.

Pros of buying a foreclosure

One of the biggest reasons that homebuyers purchase foreclosures is the potential to score a great home at a discounted price. Generally, banks are eager to get these properties off their books and are willing to let the home go for a price below comps in the area. Other potential advantages to buying a foreclosure include:

• Potential to get a better house for the price – Since lenders often price foreclosures for a quick sale, buyers may be able to score a larger or nicer house than they otherwise would be able to afford. Foreclosures can be found at every price point, from starter homes to luxury mansions.
• Upgrades can pay off big – If you’re willing to put some sweat equity into your foreclosure, the return you’ll see on the property’s value could be significant.

Cons of buying a foreclosure

While scoring a great house at a low price seems like enough motivation to buy a foreclosure, there are certainly some disadvantages you should consider. These include:

• You may have to pay cash – Some foreclosures are sold at auction to the highest bidder. If you want to guarantee you win the bid, be prepared to pay all cash on the spot.
• You may not get to inspect the house – Most foreclosures are sold as-is, meaning that the buyer absorbs any responsibility for repairs, liens or back payments on utilities. You may not have an opportunity to inspect the home before the purchase, so you will assume the risk for whatever you may find once you get inside.
• You may not qualify for a loan – Some lenders have restrictions on distressed properties, making financing a foreclosure a challenge.
• The property may need serious repair – If the home has been vacant for any period of time, serious issues could have occurred. It’s possible that the property has been vandalized or looted. The previous owner may not have kept up maintenance because of financial hardship. With the utilities shut off, pipes could have frozen, pests could have invaded and cracks may have formed in the walls and foundation.

Is a foreclosure right for you?

The pros and cons listed above are just some of the issues you should consider when buying a foreclosure. If you’re serious about purchasing a distressed property, make sure to do your research and prepare for a closing process that can be more stressful and complex than a traditional sale.

HOW TO WIN A BIDDING WAR

Buying a home is an emotional, complex and often stressful process. This is doubly so if you’re buying in one of the country’s hottest real estate markets, where there are more buyers than there are houses available. It’s quite likely in these situations that you’ll find yourself in a bidding war with other buyers. If you want to ensure your bid is the winning offer, follow these strategies.

Pay with cash

This won’t be possible for everyone, but if you have the cash, make an all-cash offer. In a particularly hot market, cash will always win out. Sellers prefer buyers who pay cash because the deal will not be dependent on whether or not the buyer can secure financing.

Get preapproved for a mortgage

If paying all cash is not an option, you must get preapproved for a mortgage before making an offer. You’ll get a letter to submit with your offer that shows the seller how much money you qualify to borrow. In a scenario where a seller receives multiple bids, you’ll automatically count yourself out if you are not pre-approved.

Study the market

Before you begin your search in earnest with the intent to make an offer, spend some time researching online listings for the neighborhood. Know what kinds of houses are available, what the inventory is like, and what the prices tend to be.

Submit the first and best offer

In a tight market, it pays to be aggressive. When you find a house you like, be the first to make an offer. Not only that, but make sure your offer is the best. If the seller has listed the home at an appropriate price, be prepared to offer what they are asking.

Include an escalation clause

If you’re willing to go higher with your offer, consider including an escalation clause. This gives you the option to increase your offer should another buyer bid more than you. It also signals to the seller that you are serious about your offer. However, you should know what your price ceiling is, and stick to it. Otherwise you run the risk of the appraisal coming in for less than your offer, which could affect your ability to secure a loan.

Limit contingencies

Contingencies let a buyer out of a contract if certain issues aren’t addressed. Sometimes buyers want to include a contingency that the sale only goes through if their own house sells first, or if certain items are repaired. If you know a house is going to net multiple offers, you must limit the number of contingencies if you hope to win a bidding war. Sellers will generally choose offers with the fewest contingencies.

Get personal

Do you really love the home? Can you imagine your kids enjoying that backyard tree house, or see your dog loving the enormous backyard? Then write a letter to the seller explaining your reasons for wanting the house. Appealing to a seller’s emotions can be incredibly persuasive, and you may be rewarded with the winning bid.

HANGING CURTAINS 101

Hanging curtains seems like a no-brainer, right? Install the curtain rods, pop on the window treatments, and you’re done.

While it really can be that easy, there are some tricks and tips to keep in mind if you want your curtains to go from average to amazing. Keep reading to find out what you need to know.

Determine their purpose

Are the curtains going to be decorative or more functional? If you just want to add a little pizzazz to the room without worrying about filtering the light or maintaining privacy, then lightweight, unlined curtains will do the trick. However, if you want to block out the light or create privacy, you’ll need heavier or lined curtains.

Measure, measure, measure

Before you rush out and buy your new curtains, be sure to measure the windows, taking into account how you want the curtains to hang. There’s nothing more frustrating than having your project stalled by having to return curtains and rods that are the wrong size.

Speaking of size…

A great trick if you want your windows to appear larger than they really are is to hang the rod higher and wider than the window. Hang the rod at least four inches from the frame, but consider hanging it as close to the ceiling as possible. Just make sure the curtains reach the floor or even puddle a little. If you’re hanging cafe curtains they should skim the sill.

Go for fullness

Curtains should be hung so that they extend between 8 – 12 inches wider than the window. Choose panels that give you the most fullness, especially when completely closed. A good rule of thumb is to buy panels that are 2.5 times the width of the window.

Consider the hardware

The curtains are the main attraction, but don’t forget about the supporting players – the hardware. If you’re buying heavy curtains, make sure to purchase a rod that can handle the weight. Also think about the style of the room and choose finials and tiebacks that complement.

Get creative

Don’t feel you have to limit yourself to the selection of curtains you find in the store. There are many items you have around your home that make excellent curtains when repurposed. Vintage tea towels, silk scarves and even sheets can all take on a second life as curtains. You can even skip the sewing machine by purchasing curtain hooks that clip onto the fabric.

Don’t forget the iron

Now that you’ve put all this time and effort into making sure your curtains do your room justice, don’t diminish the effect by hanging them wrinkled or dirty. Wrinkled curtains look like an afterthought and can take away from an otherwise beautiful window treatment. Before you hang them, be sure to bust out the iron and give them a good once over. Also be sure to iron anytime you take them down to have them cleaned.

While hanging curtains may seem a little daunting, by following these tips you’ll turn otherwise boring window treatments into brilliant additions to your room!

HOW TO LOAD YOUR MOVING TRUCK

If you’ve decided to save some money on your move by packing the moving truck yourself, you’ll want to make sure you maximize the space available while minimizing the damage to your belongings. Take these tips from the pros to pack your truck the right way.

Items you’ll need

Before you even begin loading those boxes onto the truck, gather all the supplies you’ll need. These include:

• Moving blankets or paper padding for furniture
• A dolly
• Plastic stretch wrap
• Plastic sheets or tarps
• Packing tape
• Tie downs like bungee cords, rope or ratchet straps
• Gloves
• Step ladder

Before you load the truck

If you take a little time to make a game plan before you start loading, you’ll save yourself time and more than one headache.

• Make sure all your boxes are properly packed to safeguard against damage during the move.
• Defrost refrigerators and freezers at least 24 hours ahead of time.
• Prepare washing machines.
• Label all your boxes with what’s inside and where they go in the new place.
• Disassemble furniture that can be taken apart.
• Wrap furniture and other unboxed items with plastic wrap, paper padding or furniture pads.
• Pack an overnight bag.
• Take very fragile items and electronics like computers in the cab or car with you.

Packing the truck

There is a strategy to packing a truck, and following these steps will make the job much easier.

• Park the truck as close to the entrance as possible and make a clear path to it.
• Lay the tarp or plastic sheets on the bottom of the truck to keep items clean.
• One person should stay on the truck to organize all the items, while the others bring the items from the house to the truck.
• Move as much furniture as possible outside so you can better see what order it should go into the truck.
• The first things onto the truck should be the heaviest and largest items like appliances, mattresses and couches. Start with the appliances, then load sofas, chairs and entertainment units.
• Don’t place an item with sharp edges against a fabric piece, as it could cause damage.
• Place wrapped mirrors or glass in between mattresses or cushions.
• After all the furniture and appliances are loaded, then load the heaviest boxes.
• Stack items floor to ceiling, using every available space.
• Pack the truck in tiers, and tie down each tier with ropes or ratchet straps.
• Think of packing like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Pack items tightly into every crack. This will help ensure that items don’t shift while en route.
• Make sure heavier boxes are on the bottom and lighter boxes are on the top.
• The lightest boxes, awkwardly shaped items and fragile pieces should go on last. Rolled up rugs and other odds and ends can be placed on top.
• Don’t forget to tie down the last tier to prevent the whole load from shifting backwards while driving. Make sure you leave enough room for the door to open and close.

While moving can be a real pain, if you take some time to plan ahead, packing your moving truck won’t be as difficult. Happy moving!