Long Island Real Estate Podcast with Jeff Mistretta: Recent Episodes
Jeff Mistretta
If you are looking to buy or sell a home, get all the information and the latest updates, tips, and tricks from Jeff Mistretta - your professional Long Island Real Estate Agent.
Fixing up a new home is inevitable in many home purchases, but so many materials are often overlooked. There are a handful of on-trend items right now that homeowners may be forgetting when they're redesigning their new home. Take a look at these-- sometimes unconventional --choices:CountertopsConcreteThese countertops do stain easily and require maintenance, but they can provide an amazing industrial look.Synthetic Solid SurfaceSynthetic or manufactured solid surface countertops are often composed of acrylic or polyester resins combined with other materials such as marble dust. They have a particularly high environmental impact and are not recyclable, though they’re often sought after for being less expensive than granite or marble, and are non-porous. Paper CompositePaper composite surfaces are made from recycled paper fibers which are combined with resin to create a smooth, matte surface that is stain and heat-proof, as well as easy to install. Butcher Block These more affordable tops are usually best bought through sustainably managed sources to avoid tipping the environmental impact scale, and can be made in a variety of hardwoods, finished with waxes or drying/nondrying oils. End grain butcher block tops get their unique look with fused pieces of wood rails. It’s important to remember that these should be maintained with sanding and oiling, and should never be directly cut on or scraped. Backsplashes and WallsMirrorMirrors make all spaces look larger while reflecting light, so they’re a good backsplash choice for a smaller kitchen. Fishscale Tiles This is a particularly trendy look for coastal-themed homes. Also called scallop or fan tiles, these are an amazing backsplash look, but they also work amazingly well on an entire wall or even the floor! FlooringCarpet tile You’ve probably seen them in many a public place, like your child’s daycare— and for good reason! Coming in square sheets instead of an entire roll that requires measuring, cutting, and the ever-painful kicking is easy to install and to clean or replace. This is a great material for a basement, a home gym, or a playroom. Rubber FlooringThis one has the opportunity to be extremely eco-friendly! That is of course if it’s made from recycled tires that would otherwise be sitting in a landfill. The texture of this flooring surface can be either bumpy or smooth and naturally gives a good feeling underfoot while acting as a great sound insulator.Terrazzo TilesTerrazzo Tiles are another popular choice for public places but they're now becoming a favorable material in the home. As a cost-effective material made up of recycled mirror and marble, these allow minimal maintenance and strong durability.
And BeyondSteel-Framed ShowersSomewhere between industrial modern and stylish vintage, dark, steel frames are popping up bathrooms. The window-like quality if often played up in larger standing showers, and almost gives a conservatory look indoors. Vintage FurnitureAntiques can often be repurposed to fit aspects of your new home that need a reimagining. Bathroom vanities or kitchen islands are great spots to use vintage tables and cabinets.Regardless of your material preference, a great home starts with a great agent. Give me a call today!Jeff Mistretta 631-484-0133 | LongIslandAreaRealtor@gmail.com
The beginning of 2017 may be the best time to get a house on the market for anyone considering a change of scenery, but there are two major questions stopping them, “Why,” and “How?” There are plenty of reasons why this could be your best bet, the first: 2016 being named the year of low inventory. Trulia’s research concluded that hitting the market before other houses do this year is more than likely to get you sold as soon as possible. The beginning of the year is also an important period of time for different reasons depending on the climate you’re selling in. Houses in warmer areas may be more desirable in the winter, and colder areas are less appealing to those looking to browse. For cold-weather climates, a sense of urgency in buying is often fueled by the desire to not waste any time checking out every yard of every available house in the neighborhood. In addition, the probability that interests rates will be climbing in the next few years is higher, considering how low they’ve been in the past. If a potential interest rate spike is on its way, now is the time to move!If you’ve already gotten started on the selling process, but haven’t received many bites, you may have trouble finding out how to up the appeal of your property. Taking the same approach to your own home that you would to a flipped house may be worth attempting, though it’s often overwhelming to figure out how to start. For high-energy sellers, this could be a great way to get better bids. Before you start to think about upping curb appeal and staging decor for an open house, consider these areas to start with:- The Basement This is oftentimes an area with no surface-level appeal. If you’ve already fixed the windows, plumbing, flooring, and the like, you may want to start sprucing the place up. It doesn’t have to be a completely finished basement (though that couldn’t hurt!) but establishing a sense of utility and desirability to be down there could be a major selling point. - The Bathroom(s) Adding a half bath to have the minimum desired number of 1.5 bathrooms may be an in-depth investment, but for a flipper, it’s a necessity! Changing the fixtures and even updating the toilet are all less-expensive upgrades that won’t take up too much of your time.- Cooking and Eating Areas Is a kitchen island or a breakfast bar a feature that would compliment the space? Are there any walls that can be knocked out? How versatile is the area for both modern and traditional buyers, and how easily can you refinish the cabinets? - The Living Room This one is a no-brainer. Changing or removing the wallpaper or getting a fresh coat of paint on the walls can make a huge difference in the feel of the space. If it’s the most commonly used room in the house, it’s time to fix up any chips in the molding and holes in the walls from previously hung frames or decor. Remember, if you can DIY it, you should! Most high-end looking features ranging from lighting to storage can be replicated at a less expensive cost. Play around with things like wainscoting or shelving to get an expensive look for half the price. Have you flipped a house before? How many ways can you update and refinish your home within a budget? Let’s get started today!Jeff Mistretta 631-484-0133 | LongIslandAreaRealtor@gmail.com
The new year is almost here, and you may be thinking about all of the things you didn’t get done in 2016. Rather than mourning the time you missed, why not start a list of all the things you can do in 2017? This is a great opportunity for new or soon-to-be homeowners to gather their thoughts on all the possibilities they may have for their space. How many projects will you start?The 2017 Home Bucket List:* Refresh (or add to) what’s hanging on your walls. * Paint your ceiling. * Remodel and rethink your closet situation. * Build a home theater. * Put in a skylight. * Add a kitchen island. * Install new flooring. * Build a sun porch. * Make space for a home office that you love to work in. * Install a garbage disposal. * Add a rec-room. * Build a library. * Hang a hammock. * Install surround-sound. * Turn your basement into a wine cellar. * Add an outdoor fire pit. * Make use of unconventional—but thoughtful—storage solutions. * Build a walk-in pantry. * Clear out your garage to park in it. * Add a fireplace. * Install solar panels. * Create a mudroom. * Add a bar outdoors, indoors, or combine with accordion glass windows. * Turn your attic into a hideaway. * Build a breakfast nook. * Add a balcony. * Install a tub that you can fit in comfortably. * Make space for a real garden. * Add an in-ground pool (even just a small one).
How many ideas of your own should be added to this list? If you’re still searching for your dream home, get in touch with us today!
Jeff Mistretta 631-484-0133 | LongIslandAreaRealtor@gmail.com
- In 2005, 9% of new homes were 1,400 square feet or smaller.
- In 2015, 4% of new homes sold were 1,400 square feet or smaller.
- In 2005, 7% of new home sales were for houses 4,000 square feet and up.
- In 2015, 11% of new home sales were for houses 4,000 square feet and up.
For years, developers had been building larger houses, as wealthier buyers who wanted grander homes were the only people who would qualify under tougher mortgage standards. Recently, lot availability has declined and become more expensive, causing builder profit margins to become tighter, so builders have more of an incentive to build large homes that will sell for a higher price. Distressed sales rates are still over double what they were in the year 2000, many featuring medium to smaller-sized homes— giving developers even less of an incentive to build small homes. However, this doesn’t speak to the rate at which modest houses are being purchased. Odds are, those who aren’t buying brand new homes are taking advantage of the availability of more affordable, smaller ones.
After World War II, financial struggles gave birth to the modern midcentury homes that so many people know and love; a style returning to the tiny house movement and newer postmodern styles. The beauty of some of these great homes is what can be done to fully take advantage of the space by combining midcentury storage design and visuals with fresher ideas. One great style to turn to is the open floor plan, which should be executed thoughtfully; it’s important to consider the level of privacy needed for each space of the home, be it bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, etc.
Playing with blurred layering and zone separation are important concepts to consider when remodeling a smaller space in order to keep your open area from feeling stale. Features like floor level, islands, furniture placement, and lighting can have a major impact on the feeling of space within a home. Utilize natural light and highlight areas of importance with a skylight or angled light. Allow the different areas of your home to be viewed from multiple angles by occasionally blurring the boundaries between two— like the kitchen and the dining area. Selecting the right furniture will also make a major difference in creating a great sense of space, like layering different heights to break up uniformity, as will utilizing smart storage practices.
For houses of any size and budget, contact the Mistretta Group today!
Jeff Mistretta 631-484-0133 LongIslandAreaRealtor@gmail.com
The Scandinavian look has been a popular design trend in past years, especially in the fall and winter due to its appeal to the chilly seasons. In the past, real and faux-fur accents and cold metals have been the focal points of minimalist, organic features of homes. Currently, gray flooring is making a major comeback to add to an already calm color scheme; unlike the stained concrete which became particularly trendy in the recent past, grey-stained wood floors could become a major staple to compliment homes. This could majorly increase homeowners’ freedom in decorating and painting, as well as maintaining a unique, modern appearance to update any house. Warm and cool subdued tones and moody hues are predicted by paint and decor companies to dominate in the new year, compared to the louder, brighter colors of 2016. Jewel tones and baby pastels are sure to take a backseat this time around. Especially appealing in the coziness of your warm home in the winter, 2017 brings soft neutrals that will easily transition into the following seasons. Sherwin-Williams introduces Poised Taupe as a counterpoint to the cool gray that has become popular recently, as does Olympic’s purple-hued Cloudberry and Glidden’s Byzantine Blue. Industry experts cite mindfulness, harmony, coziness, and meditation as their prime focus for each new color; this might be an especially beneficial switch for homeowners who might need a visual refresher in their homes. For new homeowners, these hues could be a great solution to assembling fresh spaces after their move. For a major punch of color, a nostalgic warm gold— Honey Glow from Dunn-Edwards—can become a great accent color or could be used in an entire room for a serious mood boost, and the complex and contemporary Shadow 2117-30 by Benjamin Moore is a weighty choice for anyone looking for a unique pick. Whatever 2017 brings design-wise, the one thing you can always count on in putting together your new home is a great real estate agent! Jeff Mistretta 631-484-0133
LongIslandAreaRealtor@gmail.com
Want to sell* your home? Get a FREE home value report.Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.
Real estate professionals can help you earn more money on your home sale. They can also make the process less painful and more enjoyable. Honestly, when most people try to sell homes on their own, they fail and miss out on top dollar. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a professional when selling on Long Island.
1. A professional understands the local market. The market changes from day to day and from neighborhood to neighborhood.
2. You need an expert negotiator to get you the best deal possible. You also need to create a barrier between the buyer and the seller. Plus, we already have relationships with a lot of other Realtors, so negotiations are even easier.
3. Real estate is a practice, just like law or medicine. You need someone that is experienced and capable of getting the job done quickly and easily.
4. Realtors handle all the paperwork. Our industry is now tightly regulated, and we know exactly how to handle the array of documents that will be necessary when you’re selling your home. This will save you a lot of time and frustration as a consumer.
5. Real estate agents have the ability to price your home properly,* and this will bring you the best price possible. A pro can position your home’s price to start a bidding war and get top dollar on the property.
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We can sell your home more quickly and for a better price.
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These are five reasons why you need to hire a professional, but there are plenty more if you’d like to speak about them. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the surrounding area, contact me by phone or email. I look forward to continuing this conversation with you!
Want to sell* your home? Get a FREE home value report.Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.
Rent prices continue to rise in New Jersey. If you’re not careful you could become trapped in a cycle where you cannot save enough money to put towards a home purchase. Rent rates rise every year, but when you lock in a 30-year loan, your monthly payment stays the same.*
The average landlord raises the rental payment 3% per year. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but when you rent for an extended period of time, you’re throwing away so much money. If rental units are in low demand, prices can rise as much as 20% per year. For example, in 2006 my friend had a 2-bedroom rental that cost $1,250 per month. That same property now costs more than $2,000 per month. That’s a 75% increase in 10 years!
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Stop putting money into another person’s savings.
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When you pay rent, you are essentially throwing away money. When you pay your mortgage, you’re basically putting that money into savings. Renting does not allow you to build wealth, and you could spend hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of 30 years. Wouldn’t you rather have that money in your bank account, rather than someone else’s?
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of homeownership, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Want to sell* your home? Get a FREE home value report.Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.*
Lots of people are always asking me, “How exactly do property taxes of a home I’m going to be purchasing affect me and my monthly payment?” Basically, your bank will collect 1/12 of the property taxes within your mortgage payment once you close on your new home. This can affect you in several ways.
First, they can determine how much the bank gives you for your mortgage. When the bank is approving you for a mortgage, they determine how much they’re willing to lend you per month, which has to include principal and interest (the actual mortgage payment), 1/12 of your taxes, and 1/12 of your homeowner’s insurance.
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Property taxes determine your buying power and your mortgage rate.
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Here on Long Island, where the taxes are typically above $6,000 and somewhere below $15,000, they also have a huge impact on your buying power. What do I mean by that? Let’s just assume that the bank approves you for a mortgage of $300,000, with taxes of $10,000 a year. That equates to a monthly number we won’t discuss here. However, if you were to find a home with a tax of $8,800 a year instead of $10,000, that would equate to $1,200 a month less, which would give you an additional $100 a month to spend on your mortgage payment. $100 a month on today’s interest rates is approximately $20,000 more you can spend on a home!
So, property taxes also determine your buying power. When you’re searching with your Realtor, make sure that you pay attention to the property taxes because that definitely affects how much you can spend on your home.
If you’re searching for a home or know someone who is, please contact me by phone or email.
Want to sell* your home? Get a FREE home value report.Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.*
Is it too late in the summer to find a home and get into the school district that you want your children to be in?
Maybe you've been searching for the perfect home and haven't been able to find it, or maybe the idea of moving just came to you. My first suggestion is to find a professional Realtor like myself who can explain the process and find the perfect house for you and your family.
There are a few options.
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Contact the school district for the exact details about registration.
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The first is to move into a home that is vacant. However, to find the perfect home that's also vacant is maybe a 50-50 shot. Maybe you find one that is vacant, though, and you have an amazing lender who can close the loan in 30 to 45 days and have you in the home in time for the school year to start.
I recommend starting by contacting the school district to find out everything that's necessary to register your children for that school. Most schools only require a contract to be signed to register your children at the school district of your choice.
If you have more questions or you need the help of a professional to find a home in an area you want, contact me. Let's go get your perfect home!
November and December aren’t the easiest possible months to move into a new house, but they’re oftentimes the most inexpensive! With the busiest and most expensive moving season behind you, moving in the late fall may be a smart choice of yours or a last resort, but it doesn’t have to be nightmare. Here are some easy tips and tricks that you can keep in mind while you prepare your move whether it’s sometime soon around Thanksgiving, or throughout the December holiday season. * Send out a Change of Address card. + This can kill two birds with one stone: Announce your new address while also sending out a lovely holiday card to your friends and family!
- Pack early.
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As difficult as this one sounds, it’ll be a lot easier with all of your spring and summer gear already packed up (hopefully) for the winter.
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Pack and label based on necessity.
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As you’re packing, try to keep everything in boxes that have a theme, or at least that feature items used at a similar frequency.
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Choose the right movers
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Call a few different providers to compare rates and make sure to check the reviews. Movers are usually less expensive around this time, but many often run holiday hours that could delay your move!
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Pack decorations that can be opened and set up easily, or wait to buy until you’re in your new home.
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It might be a good time to part ways with older decorations that take a little more effort to set up outside.
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Ship gifts and cards ahead of time.
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Sending out holiday cards and gifts a little early is a whole lot better than trying to send them out late. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about while you’re setting up your new home.
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Keep old traditions, but try to introduce a few new ones.
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Especially for kids! Leaving home during the holidays might be a little traumatic if some of your family members are taking the move harder than you expected. Try to distract them with a new tradition.
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Set up your utilities in advance and make dinner arrangements ahead of time.
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You and your family will thank yourself later.
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Prepare with snow gear.
- If it’s already starting to get frosty, you’ll be prepared with shovels and salt!
Of course, another wise decision for making your holiday relocation a breeze is to use the right real estate agent. My clients are everything to me, and providing them with help for their move, no matter what time of year, is my policy. Get in touch with me today for any of your real estate needs. Jeff Mistretta (631) 484-0133 LongIslandAreaRealtor@gmail.com
The weekend is approaching, Halloween is over, and hopefully your busy schedule has calmed down a bit. If you’re lacking plans, you might want to spend a little time updating, reorganizing, cleaning, and taking care of those little tasks you didn’t get to this week (or even in the past few months). We’ve compiled a list of tasks that you might have been meaning to get to, and maybe a few you never thought of! Try to tackle at least one a day for a productive weekend: * Despite these occasional bursts of warmth, winter is coming. Put away most of the summer items you won’t be needing come mid-November, especially anything you’ve been meaning to throw out! You can also donate whatever you don’t want anymore. You’ll thank yourself in May when you’re doing your spring cleaning! * Get the patio furniture and the cushions that go with them clean and put away or covered, as well as giving the grill a good cleaning. * Clean your room a little more intensely than you normally would while you break out your cold weather linens. * Flip and rotate your mattresses. * Get your outdoor plants used to the temperatures indoors while the weather is still mild enough not to shock them. * Take out and put away your window AC unit. * Give your lamps and shades a quick dusting to rid them of pollen and dust before you spend the next few months sealed up for winter. * Switch up your decor, without going shopping! Rearranging furniture, gallery walls, and decor you already have on hand can create a fresh look for the changing seasons.
...especially if you’re doing it alone. The stress of remembering to check every aspect of your possible new home can often make you forget about vital areas of the space that need inspection. Refresh your memory on the sometimes overlooked—but necessary— spots you should check.
1. Check the Roof ⁃ How old is it? Newer roofs have a life expectancy of only 15-20 years, and a replacement is a very expensive process. If the property has roof that is more flat than sloped, ask about the material used to seal it. 2. How is the attic? ⁃ Used mostly as a storage space, it’s a generally overlooked area, though an important one. How much space is up there? What is the condition of the floor? Where can you access it and how easily? Is there insulation? Would it be useful to convert it to another room? 3. Inspect the plumbing ⁃ This seems like a no-brainer, but buyers sometimes forget to run through all the steps of checking this part of the house, aside from asking simple questions. Run all of the taps to check the quality of the water, as well as the pressure. How old are the pipes? Are they insulated? How old is the boiler? Are there any lead pipes which haven’t been replaced yet? 4. Which direction does the house face? ⁃ This will affect not only your heating and cooling bills, but also your mentality. Knowing whether a house will be warm and sunny or cool and dark can make all the difference. Take a look at the surrounding foliage and other structures, and don’t be afraid to use that compass feature on your phone! 5. Turn On The Heating and cooling systems ⁃ This might feel like the most important step you might have missed when you’re sweating on hot summer days or struggling to keep warm in the winter. 6. Look under the carpet ⁃ Are there hardwood floors under there? Is there mildew? Is it obvious that the sellers were pet-owners? Check the closets to see if the flooring was originally wood!
You don’t have to completely renovate your property; there are three simple things you can do that will make your home feel brand new.
Want to sell* your home? Get a FREE home value report.Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.*
Let’s be honest — a lot of the time, life gets in the way and our homes take the brunt of the abuse. Whether you’re selling your home or not, it may be time to upgrade your property. Here are a few ways to upgrade your home:
1. Get rid of the clutter. Everyone says that you need to declutter your home, but what exactly does that mean? I recommend getting three or four large plastic bins for things that you haven’t used in the last couple of years. If you plan on storing these items, make a list of everything in each box before you put the boxes in your garage or attic. That way, if you do need something before you move, you will know exactly which box it is in. You can also donate things you don’t need anymore.
2. Paint your home. Make sure you are cutting in and making those edges perfect. Consider taking a painting class ahead of time to learn better techniques and which colors complement each other.
3. Upgrade the hardware. Replacing the kitchen hardware, doorknobs, or bathroom fixtures is an easy way to upgrade your home. Whether you go with an antique brass look or a brushed bronze, whatever you choose will really clean up the look of the house.
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Changing the doorknobs or kitchen hardware is a great way to update your home.
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These are just a few ways to make your home stand out from the competition. Even if you’re not selling your home, you can enjoy these new changes and the updated look of your property.
If you can’t do these jobs on your own and you need a recommendation, please let me know. I can put you in touch with a painter, electrician, or plumber who will do a wonderful job. Also, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions. I would be happy to help you!
In the super-hot market we’re in right now, lots of people are calling me asking, “Hey Jeff, how do I sell my home and actually buy another home without being homeless?” That’s definitely a fair question. There are three ways to accomplish this:
1. Purchase a new home first and take your time selling the old one. Since lots of folks either aren’t able to carry two mortgages or don’t want the stress of doing so, this is the least common way to accomplish that.
2. Obtain a buyer on your current property to the point of contract and start aggressively searching for your next home. Go to contract on your next home so hopefully both contracts can be scheduled to close at the same time. With this option, I always suggest that my clients have a plan B just in case the two don’t line up. This may be renting an apartment or moving in with friends and family for a short period of time until both closings can happen.
3. Just plan on selling your home and temporarily move in with friends/family. Marketing your home completely, selling it, and having it close takes between 45 to 90 days on Long Island. With this option, you can take your time in purchasing the dream home you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for more details on any of these three options, just contact me by phone or email. I'd be happy to help you!
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I always suggest that my clients have a plan B in case things don’t line up.
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Want to sell* your home? Get a FREE home value report.Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale.*
I’m asked quite often about short sales, so I’d like to discuss them with you today.
A short sale is what happens when a homeowner or a seller owes more money on the home they are selling than what a buyer would potentially pay for it.
If, for instance, a seller owes $400,000 on their home but is looking to sell it for around $300,000, they would be considered upside-down on the property. A short sale would take place when they notify a Realtor that they’re looking sell, the house hits the market, and the seller is fully aware that they will have to negotiate with their current mortgage company to allow them to move on from the property after they find a buyer willing to pay fair market value.
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A short sale happens when a seller owes more on their home than what it’s worth.
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This is a very brief summary of a short sale, so if you’re finding yourself interested in the idea of a short sale while you’re searching for a home, please give me a call or send me an email for a more in-depth explanation about what kinds of control you do and do not have as a purchaser. I hope to talk to you soon!
I wanted to talk today about what exactly a market analysis is. You may also hear it referred to as a CMA (current market analysis).
It really consists of all the data from your neighborhood related to homes selling, failing to sell, or going under contract which affect the value of your home. Be warned, though; while this information is very useful, it should only be interpreted by professional Realtors who are very familiar with marketing, market analysis on home trends, and what's going on in your specific neighborhood.
I personally don't like using the term "comp," which is short for comparable, for a home that's similar to yours that recently sold. Every homeowner is really specific with the upgrades they have made and the individual care they take of their home. It's really difficult to say that a home nearby is "just like yours." I try to avoid doing that.
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I always suggest that my clients have a plan B in case things don’t line up.
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The most important thing in understanding market trends and market value is to really zero in on the buyer behavior. Track what buyers are looking for in a particular area or neighborhood like layout, spacing, the yard, or the school district.
That's why it's so important to hire a Realtor who understands what buyers are willing to spend for your home today. Feel free to contact me for a more in-depth look at your home and neighborhood if you're looking to sell.
The environment of your home has a lot to do with the way you feel on a day-to-day basis. For example, if your home is cluttered, you will tend to feel lazy, tired, or frustrated. If your home’s interior paint is black, you will possibly feel slow or depressed. Much of our idea of a home is represented in who we are. The reverse is true as well. So, if you are looking to turn your life around, or simply feel more stress-free, then there are a few simple changes you can make to your home to help out. SmellsSmells have one of the biggest influences on us. Don’t believe me? Walk into a house that smells like someone just removed chocolate chip cookies from the oven. I dare you not to feel happy. Other scents, such as, citrus (orange, lemon, and grapefruit), jasmine, lavender, vanilla, and if you need a more robust scent, fresh bread or coffee. Scent can help relieve depression, soothe our spirit, wake us up, or provide a variety of other sensations. You can always purchase items like candles and plug-in air fresheners, but I prefer the al natural way with fresh ingredients. So, pull out that baking pan before guests arrive or fill a pot of boiling water with a sliced orange and a couple rich spices such as cinnamon and vanilla. Feng ShuiFeng Shui is the belief that your home, or the area around you is a mirror-representation of who you are on the inside. By utilizing the energy of what you bring in (and everything has energy), you can better manage how that energy flows through your home. For example, on furniture, your couch should be against a wall, leaving a few inches between the wall and couch to allow energy to flow. There should be open pathways through the room, and into other rooms. Round coffee tables are more inviting than rectangular ones. However, your living room should have a variety of shapes: Squares represent earth; rectangles, wood; triangles, fire; round and oval, metal. Feng Shui also covers color, clutter, seating, and how arrangements mingle with each other, as well as represent the home. ColorThe color of your home can also influence how you feel. This doesn’t mean you need to paint your entire home, but adding a splash of color utilizing accent colors is a great way to brighten-up or soothe your home, or in some cases make your home appear larger such as with blues, greens, and purples. Whereas reds, oranges, and yellows will help your rooms feel vibrant.Shades and tones can also liven, or tone down a room. Understanding a color-wheel and how it works is one way to balance out varying complimentary colors of your home and pick out accent wall colors. An accent wall is great because of the overall affect it has on a room, with a small amount of work to paint that wall, or section of wall. SimplifySimplifying a room is essentially de-cluttering a room of excess furniture, trinkets, and unnecessary items. For example, have you ever walked into a house where one or all of the tables had magazines strewn about? The home owner may have felt like they were representing who they are by what they read, but in fact they were distracting the mind to think the home was messy. A few tricks to keep a home simple, is to use bins for items you would like in the room, and would otherwise leave them lingering about where you leave them. The idea of “everything has a place” is very effective when it comes to keeping a clean and simple home. Your remotes, car keys, and magazines should all have a location that is orderly, and near point of use.
Simplifying may also mean removing too much furniture. Do you have six chairs around a small dining table that has only ever held four people? Do you have one too many lounge chairs in your living room? Are your kitchen counter-tops filled with nifty small appliances? These are all signs that your home is too busy and distracting. The more items you have strewn about, the more cluttered, and small your home feels.
Much like buying organically, many people feel that having a “green” home means they will need to throw away a lot of money to participate. However, as technology has grown, it is much easier, and often cheaper to own an environmentally-friendly home. Waste reduction for many green homes can reach 30% or higher savings on utility and water bills. In addition, many of the changes such as replacing a water heater with a tank-less water heater, will not only save you money in efficiency, but also has less maintenance over time, and can last up to 20 years, as opposed to 5-10 years of a standard water heater. In addition to saving water during your showers, you can save money and water with smart irrigation systems that download current weather statistics for your area, such as humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and precipitation, to determine when and how long your lawn and garden should be watered for optimum performance. These are systems that can save you up to 50% on your water bill.Insulating your home, or I should say a lack of efficient insulation costs many homeowners hundreds, or even thousands of dollars a year in energy bills. This is often a problem with older homes that haven’t had window updated, have poor insulation in walls, and don’t have all of the cracks in areas such as the attic filled in. While the initial cost of replacing all of your windows can be spendy, this is something that pays off in the first 1-2 years of installation. Using gas filled windows, will save you even more money. Gas filled windows are typically filled with an inert, odorless, gas such as argon. These windows prevent build-up of frost in winter, air-flow, and keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter by allowing your heating and AC to operate at higher efficiency levels since they are not fighting a constantly changing climate within your home. Solar panels are another feature that is now much more affordable. There are actually many local and federal incentives that make solar usage cheaper to install, which in return pays back in less expensive energy costs. Manufacturing and technology can also produce solar panels faster, with less expensive materials, and easier installation that drives the cost down. New technologies are soon to introduce transparent solar panels in windows, as well as solar energy drawn from building and construction material.Living green in the 21st century is more than recycling and composting, although those are still great ways to leave your mark on protecting the environment. Living green in the 21st century is about reusing renewable and sustainable energy, which not only protects the world around you, but also helps reduce your energy spending.
Buying a home is already one of the most stressful things you will do in your life. However, buying a home with hidden problems can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and more stress than imaginable. The good thing is that by spending a few extra minutes while looking at homes you can find many of the issues that will cause you trouble in the future. AtticThe attic is one of the most commonly overlooked places by potential homeowners. There are several reasons for this from it being a difficult place to get to, as well as an out-of-the-way location house seekers don’t even think about. Yet, the attic can provide you with a wealth of knowledge about hidden house problems. So, if you are seriously considering making an offer on a home ask to see the attic and look for problems such as:* Rodent or insect infestation or damage. This can be significant droppings, nests, or random food spread across the floor. * Rotting, buckling, or damaged wood * Mold * Signs of water damage or roof leaks
BasementMost potential home buyers will go into the basement to, if anything, take a look around and see what they can do with it. However, as a huge part of the structure for a home many basements take on the full weight of the house, as well as manages the interior utilities linking the home to sewers. Basements are prone to sewer back-ups, foundation problems, and plumbing or water damage. Things to look for:* Mold * Water stains on carpet * Bending, bubbling, or buckling wood * Curling, or displaced flooring, especially adhesive backed flooring like linoleum. * Cracks in walls * Water damage around windows. * Dry “streams” of water residue * Look in corners and edges for signs of material left from sewer backup.
FoundationCracks in the foundation of a home can be costly to fix, especially if you need to replace sections, or the entire foundation. All foundations deteriorate over time, so if you are looking for an older home you will have to have some understanding of what to expect. However, you should not settle for a house with major cracks and chipping on the inside, or outside of the home. That is unless you are getting a great deal and understand the problems that exist. Use Your SensesAs you walk through the home use more than just your eyes. If something doesn’t smell right, you may want to explore further. This is especially true in areas such as storage, out of the way rooms, basements, and attics. If the area has an organic or moldy scent you will want to inquire as to the cause. This is a good indication a mold problem may exist, which can cause thousands in mold cleanup and management. The Utility RoomUtility rooms are another, often passed by part of the home that can give you a good indication of potential hidden problems. Along with the common culprits, mold and cracks, the utility room can provide you with a more intimate look at features such as water heater, plumbing, and electrical work in the electrical cabinets. Look for:* Unintelligible or half-hazard electrical cabinet * Random dry water-residue streams * Cracks near the water heater of furnace * Damage around windows * Signs of rodents
Under Sink Cabinets
The cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks are interesting. Most potential buyers will look inside the cabinets, but for reasons other than looking for damage. Often, people are simply looking to see how much space is available, or if there are storage alternatives. However, don’t be afraid to move over the current homeowners cleaning fluids to look for buckling or bending cabinet wood, water stains, or leaking plumbing. While these signs could be a quick fix, they could also be a sign of a much bigger plumbing problem.
Every home owner has their own take on what neighborhood is right for them. Some homeowners may want historic charm, while others want a family-oriented, and some may want both. Depending on your interests, you likely want to find a neighborhood that appeals to you and holds your personal values and tastes. For many people, the neighborhood is as important, if not more important than the home itself. However, choosing the right neighborhood can be more difficult than actually choosing the home. While many of the neighborhoods highlights can be found out with a simple drive-around, other aspects will require a bit of digging. Here are some tips to help you make the most of choosing a neighborhood:You and your interestsEvery neighborhood is different and there are literally hundreds of options in the Long Island area to choose from. So, when you are searching it only benefits you to choose a neighborhood that offers amenities based on your family’s needs and interests.* Children: Children play a big role in where you live. So, making decisions based on schools in the area. How close do you want to be to an elementary school or high school? Do the schools offer courses or extra-curricular activities for your children? * Types of homes: For many people the type of home makes a difference. Do you prefer a home that is 100+ years old, or do you prefer to live in a newer development? * Like-minded neighbors; Do you want a quiet retirement neighborhood, one that is family-oriented, or a younger neighborhood, more vibrant neighborhood? * Parks and trails: If being outdoors means a lot to you, then a neighborhood with several parks, and hiking or biking trails may be something you want to look for. In addition, are waterways, lakes, and rivers. * Special Interest Amenities: Another factor to consider is, does the area have interests more specific to your taste. For example, if you play tennis, is there a tennis club nearby? Do you enjoy going to the theater, or museum? Are you looking for a neighborhood with art galleries?
Neighborhood dataAll cities publish information on each neighborhood and community. It is illegal for your real estate agent to offer advice, information, or suggestions on each neighborhood, or offer advice on what neighborhood would be better for you. However, this information is public and accessible to all home-buyers. Some data and statistics you may want to review are: * School information * Crime statistics * Park and recreational areas * Neighborhood associations * Tourist attractions, local attractions, and restaurants
The drive-thruWhat was your first impression when you drove through the neighborhood and can you see yourself in the neighborhood. You may need to use your imagination a bit to visualize what living there would be like. Does the neighborhood offer unique restaurants and services you would use? Do rush-hours affect the neighborhood? Do people smile and wave? Is it more congested than you expected, or is it too quiet for you?Few things can help you determine a potentially new neighborhood better than driving through it at different times of the day. ProximityYou will likely have to travel outside your neighborhood for a variety of reasons. Work, visiting family and friends, or recreational activities. How does the location fit with all these activities and are the neighborhood’s amenities good enough that you are willing to forego close proximity, if need be? AffordabilityLastly is affordability. Simply, can you afford to live in the neighborhood you want to live in, or are looking at houses in. You should look at not only home prices, but also travel time, local taxes, utilities, and everyday prices. For example, depending on what grocery store you shop at, you may be paying a premium of 30% or more for the same item you might buy at a less expensive grocery store. You are more likely to shop at the closest store to you, than drive twenty minutes down the road. These smaller purchases may not seem like something to look at now, but in a few months when you realize you are more willing to spend money than sit in traffic to get your food, you might second guess your initial thought on where you purchased your home.
Have you ever asked your real estate agent specific questions about a neighborhood, or perhaps asked which neighborhood is better, only to be met with an awkward glance before you were directed to go to the community’s website?There is a very good reason your real estate agent didn’t answer your questions, and it isn’t because they were being rude, or didn’t know. The reason your real estate agent didn’t answer your questions and won’t answer them is because of the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act was put in place to prevent “steering” of home buyers to certain areas and neighborhoods. All real estate agents will be well-versed in what steering is, ad all real estate agents should take the Fair Housing Act very seriously. What your agent cannot tell youWhile many people think steering is solely directed at race, there are many more protected classes involved, and agents should be forthright in saying what they cannot advise you on. Whether the information would be based on opinion of factual data, it is up to the home-buyer to seek out the information on their own. An agent cannot inform, advise, or suggest to you on any of the following:* Race * Color * National Origin * Religious Preference * Sex * Familial Status * Handicaps
In addition, and subject material which can allude to or possibly broach on the subject should be avoided. This would include almost any demographics available. The agent will also not provide information on preference of areas or neighborhoods. What your agent can tell youThe laws are in place to ensure that all home buyers have the ability to make a reasonable and conscious decision, without the bias of a third-party swaying them in any direction. Most subjective questions will not be answered by your agent. However, a good agent is not only fully aware of their limitations, but will have done their own homework and can provide you with links, information, and suggestions on where you can find out the statistics yourself.
Remember that buying a home is a collaborative relationship between you and your real estate agent. The agent is responsible to help find a home that fits your basic house criteria, and arrange to view the home as well as purchase the home. However, they cannot offer advice or suggestions that could lead to steering you to, or away from a home or neighborhood.
Everyone needs to start somewhere, and for most people looking to purchase a home for the first time, that likely means you will be looking at a starter home. But, what exactly is a starter home? To be fair, the term “starter home” can be representative of both a vague and broad explanation of a home typical for a first time home buyer. Traditionally in real estate a starter home is 1-2 bedrooms, although 3 bedrooms are also common. The home will also likely have 1-2 bathrooms. The home is generally smaller, with fewer than 1,300 square feet. However, these are the general characteristics. What really makes a starter home a starter home is affordability for the majority of home buyers. Currently, on Long Island, a starter home would be considered around the price-point of $250,000 or less. Of, course this is highly variable according to the economy, season, and many other factors not-withstanding the home itself. However, as of the writing of this article, $250,000 is a good starting point. Starter homes can come in as many styles as you can imagine. Older parts of Long Island may offer Victorian homes, and new developments may offer townhouses or condominiums. With an economy which is becoming more stable, growth into major metropolitan areas has increased as people are trying to relocate closer to where they work, or find a home that is in what I like to call a “personal hub”. This means that the home is within a couple blocks of schools, work, and a shopping center. For a homebuyer looking at starter homes this can be both positive and negative. If you are looking at finding a starter home within the center of an urban area such as New York City, you may have difficulties, as affordable starter homes are scarce. However, a new trend within cities in the U.S. has begun to re-zone previously commercial areas into residential, specifically focused on new starter home developments. However, as a new home buyer, many opportunities exist in suburban, and older areas that offer both unique and affordable single-family starter homes. Some things you may want to think about when looking for a starter home are:· Affordability: Many people can’t wait to buy a home. However, as seen with the housing bubble, many people stepped into the role of home ownership well before they should have. Anytime you make a large purchase such as a home, make sure you are financially able to purchase a home. Getting your personal finances in order and going through the pre-approval process are two important steps. · Maintenance Costs: In addition to affordability you should look at potential maintenance costs of the home. As the home will be in the lower price-range of many homes you may find a lot of “fixer-uppers”. To many people this is appealing. You have the ability to put your personal touch on the home, as well as add some sweat equity. However, it is important to weigh how much these costs will be, and assume those costs with the overall purchase price. You don’t want to buy a home and find you don’t have the money to fix it. · Location: Location is always important. From proximity to work, resell abilities, and if the neighborhood fits your future plans. · How long you will live there: The number of years you are planning to live at the home is important. This is mostly in regards to your future. For example, if you are planning on having children in the next year, but your home has only one-bedroom, the home may not be suitable to your needs. However, if you are not planning to have children for the next five years, then that same one-bedroom home may be ideal. · Room for growth: Is the home equipped for an expanding family, or is there room to physically add onto the house to adjust for a growing family or needs. · Does it have universal appeal: As a starter home, you may not be looking at living in your home for more than five years. Having a home with universal appeal helps your home become more saleable when you are ready to sell. So the question you want to answer is: Does my home have universal appeal, or is there enough to add universal appeal while I am living here?· Investment potential: The good thing about a starter home is affordability. With that, you may want to consider turning your starter home into an investment rental property once you move to a bigger home. If this is important to you, you may want to find out current rental trends and restrictions to see if this is a possibility in the area where the home is.
Don’t wait to counter-offerResponding to counter-offers is important. This is an opportunity for you to either make or break the purchase of a home. And, I’m assuming if you have made an offer on a home you really want it. By not jumping on the counter-offer you are allowing other buyers the opportunity to sneak in with a better offer, or any offer at all that the current home owner is willing to take. You should also consider your counter-offer carefully before making it. Willing you be willing to go higher if certain criteria is met, such as repairs, or inspections. Having a contingency plan based on expected offers from the seller is good to have in your back pocket so you can respond quickly with an offer you are comfortable with. Talk to your agentYou should always remember your real estate agent when you are making an offer. Whether you have bought one home, or multiple, it is likely your agent has been through this process many times more than you and can make good recommendations on what they think the house will sell for as well as reasonable contingencies. In addition, your agent can approach the seller with any questions you have before making an offer, or in regards to a counter offer. Try to get the scoop on the sellerWhile not always possible, you may be able to find out information on the seller that is useful in making your offer. The situation of a seller can work to your favor. For example, if a seller is motivated to sell because he or she has been transferred to another city for work. Or, perhaps the house has been on the market for several months and the seller has already purchased a new home. Both of these situations may suggest that the offer can lean in your favor. That is if you are the only offer on the table. The same goes the other way. If the seller is contemplating renting out their home if they don’t get the offer they want. Perhaps, the home is a hot commodity, or only been on the market a short period of time. Maybe the seller simply isn’t in a hurry to move until they receive the offer they are looking for. Any of these circumstances may put the negotiation on the seller’s terms. However, you may be able to find better footing by leveraging a little compromise. Review what you can affordFor many buyers who have been looking at homes at several hundred thousand dollars, it can be easy to think that upping your offer by $10,000 or $20,000 isn’t that big of a deal. Yet, be careful. It is always a good idea to run the numbers through your mortgage professional. Sometimes a higher offer may not affect your monthly payments, but you may also be surprised at how much the interest, taxes, and insurance can tack on. When you talk to your mortgage professional, it is a good idea to have them run your monthly payments through several price offers, so you know what to expect, if you have to make a decision between a higher counter-offer and a lower one. Consider writing a personal letter to the sellerDon’t ever underestimate the power of the pen. You need to remember that to most people their home is an extension of who they are. People want to know their home will be left with another good family, and people who will care for what is essentially part of their self. By writing a letter to the seller on why you want the home, noting specific features, and how much it will mean to you and your family to have the home you may just give yourself an edge. When you provide a personal letter, possibly even photos of your family (and don’t forget the dog) you are putting a face to a name, and taking yourself outside the bounds of simply being another number.
It is very easy for your home to quickly fill with clutter, and while it is easy to not see clutter, you can always feel it. In many ways, clutter works like drag off of boat or airplane, slowly keeping us back, providing a constant, “I’ll get it tomorrow” attitude that only enables the procrastinator within us. When purchasing a home, and even more so after you have moved into your new home, people often find clutter to be at its worst. You have spent weeks, perhaps even months preparing for this big move. The day comes, you work hard to move all of your worldly possessions, and invariably once everything has been transplanted you are done with the whole moving thing. You might set a plan to slowly, and methodically, unpack and put all your items in their proper place. But, once you turn on the TV, or a friend asks you out for a drink you toss your list away, leaving boxes, and a mess, that never does get cleaned up. So, this list isn’t a list of unique places to put your stuff, such as hidden drawers, special shelving, or coffee tables that second as blanket storage. I want to address the root of the problem—Your inner pack-rat. Yes, we all have this urge to keep everything. Are you still holding onto the Birthday cards from ten years ago on the off-chance Aunt Zelda comes by and asks what you did with it? Is your letterman’s jacket still in the same box it’s been in since you packed it away for college? The truth is that you don’t need these items, and if you have things packed away for years and don’t remember having them, that is a big sign to suggest eliminating them from your life. The 15 Minute Clean-upLet’s start easy. Clutter doesn’t just come and go when you are done moving, but rather lingers around for, well…forever. One way to work through this is set a room schedule. One room per day, to tackle a 15-minute clean-up every day of the week. If the room takes you 5 minutes, then awesome, you’re done. You want to look for any items that can be thought of as clutter, meaning anything that doesn’t belong. Look through mail to toss out the unimportant, dishes laying around, toys that should be put away, garbage, etc. Additionally, I suggest setting up a box or small closet where you put all those items you say, “I think I’ll need this in the future, but I just don’t know where I want it.” But, you know you likely won’t ever see it again. Storing all of these items in the same place will one keep them out of the areas they don’t belong, and two, at some point in your future make it obvious you don’t need the item. Often, a single space with a bunch of junk reminds you that the stuff you have in that closet, box, or drawer, is in fact junk you don’t need. The 6 Month RuleI know you’ve heard the rule. If you haven’t needed the item for six-months that is a good sign you should just throw it away. Now, of course, this won’t work for everything. So, before following the rule you should make an exception list. Items such as important paperwork: passports, home abstract, living wills, birth certificates, etc. Truly sentimental items, not a piece of paper and chewing gum you’ve had since high-school. Tools you will use in the future. The other caveat is that you need a legitimate place for all of these items. This can be a safe for valuable paperwork and items, a large tool box for your tools, or a display case for your sentimental items. If you do not have a location designated for these items then either get rid of them, or find a place. A Place for EverythingTalking about finding a place for items. You should always have a place for everything. Another word of advice is that drawers, cabinets, and storage units do not make the best places to store your items. The reason is that it is too easy to toss your stuff in these places to simply hide them and not deal with the items you no longer need. This is how clutter gathers. Ideally, you would arrange your home to be drawer, cabinet, and clutter free. I know this sounds a bit crazy, but many homeowners have done this. For example, mason jars to hold utensils, a knife magnet to hang your knives, pots and pans hanging above your kitchen island, open and visible baskets for your socks, and hang your clothes. It may take time, but is very doable. Go on a Selling SpreeThanks to websites and Apps such as Craigslist and Nextdoor, you have full ability to sell your unwanted, or unneeded items. I suggest a monthly browse of your home to find things you don’t think you need and post them for sale on one of these sites. You may be amazed at how many people are interested in your junk. This is also a great way to make a little extra cash for the things you do need. Throw a Clutter PartyClutter parties are gaining in popularity as they combine several tools to de-clutter your life. They can:* Offer staging advice * Bring buyers to your home * Get friends together
A clutter party is when you invite friends and family to your home for the sole purpose of getting rid of your stuff. You may want to entice with pizza and beer, or wine. Then set up several games around your clutter. Some suggested games:
- Junk, or silent, auction your stuff
- Room make-over where you let your friends make over your room
- Have friends make a list of the top five useless things in your room. Then get rid of those top five items. · When your guests arrive ask them to guess how many items will be tossed by the end of the party. Whoever guesses closest wins a prize.
Many people who first start looking for a home often neglect their future beyond 6 months or a year. The short sighted mentality is common, and can be due in part to simply not realizing where you will be in the future, or having the mindset that if your life changes you will simply move. Take for example children. If you plan on having children within the next five years of buying a home, it is probably a good idea to plan for this with the appropriate number of bedrooms, and yes, even an additional bathroom. You may want to consider a playroom, and a fully fenced in yard. What you do in the meantime with that space is entirely up to you. Another common problem is starting your own business. Again, if you plan, or even think there is a possibility of starting your own business in the next five years you should probably plan for that when looking for a home. Where that cute little nook seems like a perfect place to hang out with your laptop, that may all change when you have your own business and need to shut a door. So, plan on the additional room, or large closet where you can close the door, plant your feet, and focus on your company. While many people focus on the core rooms—bedrooms, bathrooms, and size of the kitchen, having a prepared list of those special areas that mean a lot to you will certainly help in your search and decision making process. For example, if you have always wanted a library or breakfast nook, write it down. Knowing what you want will provide you the strength to look beyond granite countertops and hardwood floors of a home that doesn’t have the rooms you are looking for. Most homes readily list the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in the house, but if you are looking for more, make sure you jot it down. It may not make a difference between the home that don’t have an area for a library or breakfast nook, but it will make a world of difference for the homes that do have them.