Archive for the ‘Homeowner tips’ Category

My new article is up at Basking Ridge Patch – check it out!  I think it’s a great time to have your house on the market – buyers are buying, really!!  No need to wait for the snow to melt.  All the factors are in place making it a great time to buy which can only be good for sellers!  Interest rates are low, the government is funding tax credits and right now, in Basking Ridge, inventory isn’t too high.  If you are planning a move, now might be the time to do it!  Contact me and we can review your needs.

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I love Thursday afternoons – it’s the little things that make me happy and one of them is reading the Bernardsville News every week!   This week there was an article announcing free radon kits available to all residents serviced by the Bernards Township Health Department (Chester, Mendham, Long Hill, Bernardsville and Peapack-Gladstone).  This is great information and I couldn’t wait to share it with my blog-friends.  However, there are two fundamental crazy things about this particular article.  The kits are not free, they cost $10.00 and they are only available until the end of January, which means you need to get your kit before 4:00 TOMORROW….. go figure.  Anywho – here’s the information:

January is National Radon Action Month and the Bernards township health department is offering home radon kits during the month January.  If you are interested in having your home tested, visit the health department at 262 South Finley Avenue between 9:00 and 4:00 – through tomorrow. 

Bernards Township Public service announcement over. 

What is radon?  Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the decay of naturally occuring urnanium in the soil.  It is actually quite common in our area and most buyers test for it during the inspection period of the transaction.  A seller has an obligation to remediate of the results are 4.0 picocuries or greater.  It is actually very easy to remediate.  A pipe is installed in the basement – under the foundation – and snaked above the roofline.  A fan creates a vaccuum that pulls the radon out and disperses it into the air where it is diluted to a point where it is no longer harmful.  For a 3200 square foot house it typically costs about $1100.

If you are considering a move into or out of Basking Ridge, please contact me for a buyer consultation or a market analysis of your current Basking Ridge home.  Visit my site to search Basking Ridge Real homes for sale – whether you are looking for a condo, a single family home or a luxury property.  I’m happy to help!

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Originally published on 11/5/09.   Post repeated due to the following correction….

I have clients who are in attorney review for a purchase of a bank owned property.  The bank has not provided a disclosure form but the property had been listed with my firm in the past so I dug out the old disclosure form.  We discovered that an oil tank had been properly decommissioned with permits back in 1997.  My client had read my post and panic set in!  Of course, we are going to ask that the bank remove the tank, but we aren’t convinced that they will do so.  We started researching, starting with an insurance agent.  The answer from the Weichert insurance rep follows (with minor edits for anonymity): “Since the tank was properly decommissioned with inspection and permits through the town, the risk of any potential future contamination or liability exposure for your buyers is extremely slim.  They will be eligible for a standard homeowners insurance policy.”

Original post follows – still with accuracy! 

“My oil tank is underground and it has insurance; why do I need to remove it?” , ”I am negotiating a contract on a home with an underground tank, what do I need to know about it?”, “There is a decomissioned tank in the back yard, all the permits are on file at the township office.”, “Can we ask the seller to pay for the soil test?”, “We haven’t had any problems with our tank, we are not going to take it out of the ground.”

When I first started in real estate, the only thing I needed to know when selling a home with an oil tank was the number of a reputable inspection company.  We held our breath during the tank inspection and exhaled when the soil reports came back clean.  Then, during a transaction on West Oak Street in Basking Ridge, we were days away from closing and my client (a first time home buyer) called me in tears: “I just got a call from my homewoners insurance company, they have a new policy against insuring homes with underground storage tanks”.  That was the beginning of the end!!

While there is no law against the transfer of property with an underground oil tank, it is increasingly difficult to do so.  Especially in a buyers’ market!  Even properly decommissioned tanks run the risk of having leaked at some point in time.  The clean up of contaminated soil is the responsibility of the homeowner – regardless of when the leak occured.  In other words, if you buy a house with an underground tank and a year later you pull the tank to convert to natural gas and there is a leak, then YOU are responsible for the clean up.  There will be no going back to the prior owner for help with the clean up and there will be nobody to blame!  So, as a buyer, it is in your best interest to include a clause in the contract stipulating that the tank be removed.  It also makes sense, if the seller claims that there never was a tank, for a buyer to sweep the property to ensure that there aren’t any tanks hiding under ground!  As a seller, the impetus for pulling the tank prior to listing the property or at the very least prior to contract/closing is the fact that buyers know that it is in their best interest to include a clause in the contract stipulating that the tank be removed.  Removing it before listing the house eliminates the issue completely.  In today’s market that is the best thing to do!  Eliminate any issues or potential issues before opening the door to any buyer who has the upper had to begin with.

If you are a homeowner with an underground tank, it may not be necessary to remove it – contact your insurance company for more information.  I just did my homeowner’s policy renewal.  I do not have a tank, but if I did, as of January, 1, 2009 I would have had to purchase an endorsement to cover us in the event of a leak.  AND this renewal year is the only time that my company is offering this endorsement; once it is applied it can be renewed, but once withdrawn, it cannot be reapplied. 

Bottom line: if you have a tank, take it out or make sure you are properly insured!

The cleanup process can be long, costly and complicated, even with a small fuel leak.  Your insurance policy and municipal, state and federal regulations will dictate how the cleanup must proceed and the combination of these rules can uniquely affect individual properties. 

There is funding available from the state for removal costs as well as for costs associated with clean up.  For more information on NJDEP funding, go to www.nj.gov/dep/srp/finance/ustfund/, or call 609-777-0101.  Another resourceful website is www.NJEDA.com (under the “Applications” tab, click on “Underground Storage Tank Funding Programs”.

If you have any questions about the information in this post, or if you are considering a move into or out of Basking Ridge, contact me here or call 908-432-0318 as I’m sure I can help!

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I fielded a question today about whether open houses work and if they should be held weekly.  I absolutely believe in open houses! They capture buyers who wouldn’t otherwise see your home – either buyers not yet working with a Realtor, or buyers who have their agents looking for something so specific that they may not recommend your property. A person might walk through your home and call their sister or their best friend to tell them about it. You never know where your buyer may come from, so I think it is important to use every tool possible to get the word out about your house and all it has to offer! 

It is very hard to predict how the foot traffic will be - I’ve hosted open houses with only directional signs and internet advertising and have had ten parties through – I’ve hosted open houses with signs and internet advertising and nobody came.  We blame the weather for good traffic (it’s a nice day, people are out!) and for low traffic (it’s a nice day, people are enjoying it doing other things!).  Rain and snow are detractors for all but the serious shopper – and you DO want those serious buyers to walk through, right?  So why not have an open house on a grey day? 

Bottom line – open houses never hurt, and while they aren’t a silver bullet, they are a great tool! 

Weichert, Realtors reported today that this past weekend was a busy one for consumers excited about the extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit.  The number of people attending Weichert Open Houses was up 13% compared to the same weekend in 2008.  In addition, the average number of attendees at each Weichert Open House was 32% greater than last year! This was the 10th straight week where average attendance was better than the prior year!

If you are thinking of putting your Basking Ridge home on the market, let me know, I’m happy to provide a no-obligation market analysis for you.  Just starting your search for your next home?  Click here for information on houses for sale in Basking Ridge.

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There’s nothing worse than having a major appliance break, especially since most people depend heavily on their dish washer and laundry machines. Then, there is the inevitable choice that must be made: whether to repair it or just get a new one.

Of course, the primary factor to consider when making a decision is the cost of the repair versus the cost of replacing the appliance, factoring in such things as tax, installation, and removal and disposal of the broken unit. According to Angie’s List, a national consumer ratings company, these things should also be considered:

• Age/History – Older appliances may require ongoing service, which could cost more over time than simply buying something new. On the other hand, if you have not had trouble with the appliance in the past, it might be worth fixing it.
• Energy Efficiency – New appliances could save you considerably when it comes to energy costs. Determine if the energy savings will offset the cost of a new appliance. In addition, tax credits may be available on energy-efficient units.
• Features/Performance – As technology advances, appliances have more and more features and can do more things. Putting cost aside, purchasing a new appliance might be the right choice simply because it improves your quality of life.

If the decision is to purchase a new appliance, remember that quality products tend to last longer, and that proper care will help prevent problems and reduce the need for repairs.

Contact me if you are considering a move into or out of Basking Ridge, NJ; I am happy to help you determine the value of your Basking Ridge home, or you can search what’s for sale in Basking Ridge (and many other areas as well!)

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Did you know that you should NOT use flourescent light bulbs with dimmer switches?  Not only does it burn them out faster (three bulbs in one week – according to the homeowner who called the Liberty Corner Fire Company this evening)…but it is a potential fire hazard!  My husband, a firefighter with the Liberty Corner Volunteer Fire Company in Bernards Township, came home from a call and said, blog it: Energy saving flourscent bulbs (the energy efficient curly ones as well as the straight tube ones) can be a fire hazard when used with dimmer switches.

Contact me for more information on fire safety or Basking Ridge Real Estate!  

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home visit my website to search what is currently for sale in and around Basking Ridge, NJ.

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When selling a home, it helps to make the property as appealing as possible given the current season.  The summer is no exception.  Spending a little extra time and effort to create a summer-friendly atmosphere might be just what is needed to help potential buyers envision living in the home and ultimately make an offer.

Here are some tips to help your home shine during the summer:

• Go Green.  There is no escaping the fact that your yard will always make the first impression. To start off right with potential buyers, keep your lawn well maintained. Make sure shrub beds are free of weeds and full of mulch.
• Let the sun shine.  While keeping window coverings closed might keep energy costs down, it also creates a more depressing atmosphere. Sunlight makes a home feel bright and makes people feel happy. Open the window coverings for any window that doesn’t have a bad view.
• Set the scene.  Stage your yard in a way that buyers can see the potential it has as an outdoor living space. Put out a few lounge chairs. Rearrange the patio furniture. Add some potted plants. Clean up any clutter.  Make your yard a place buyers want to spend time in.

I am happy to help you understand the value of your home in today’s market.  No obligations, just information!  Contact me today.

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Some rules to follow when selling your home

1. Hire a good agent - A professional who knows your neighborhood and has a good track record in the community.  Don’t hesitate to ask how many sales they handle in a year, how much of that business has been local and what percentage was representing sellers vs. buyers.  A good balance of both is important.  It’s good for a listing agent to represent buyers sometimes – it helps to understand both sides of the transaction.
2. Clean out the clutter – you are moving: start packing!  Closets count too!  Don’t just shove your stuff in a closet – those doors will be opened!!  I read somewhere that when kitchen counters are free of appliances and other clutter, the kitchen will appear 40% larger.  I’m not sure if that’s exactly true, but you get the picture!
3. Spiff things up – make any improvements that will make a a difference in how the house shows.  A fresh coat of paint goes a long way, a throw on the couch, clean windows!  Keep the front walk swept, the front door should be in good shape, the hedges trimmed and the lawn mowed.  Buyers make a decision within the first 10 seconds – not whether they’ll buy a particular house, but whether they will even consider the house.  First Impressions count for a lot!
4. Determine the worth of your home – Knowing the fair market value of your home is so important as it allows you to play the market smarter.  Contact me for information on the value of your home, and then,
5. Price it right! – I can help you be objective when pricing your home.  We need to set the price so that it is as close to market value as possible.  The price must reflect trends in the market and take into consideration what has sold in and around the neighborhood.  Visit my website for more information on what has sold in Basking Ridge.
6. Have a plan; and share this plan with your realtor.  Are you set on your price or eager to move?  Have you already purchased your next home?  How low are you willing to go to make the deal happen?  Let’s run through scenarios – be prepared for when that first offer comes in.  Typically, the first offer is the best offer, even if it doesn’t appear that way initially.
7. Figure out your selling costs: understand the taxes due, attorney fees, township inspections, etc.
8. Set the stage – open the curtains, turn on the lights, put away the dog’s dishes.  Don’t cook spicy foods, put away the laundry.  Place cut flowers on the table.  A bright home is a welcoming home.   Make it easy to show – don’t require 24 hour notice unless there are extenuating circumstances.  It’s hard, but be ready to show the home even on short notice; hopefully this inconvenience will be temporary!

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Common things found during home inspections

Okay, the house is SOLD!  You have made it through attorney review, the buyers have applied for their mortgage and they have hired an inspector.  What do you do now?  I advise that you NOT be at home during the inspection.  You might think you can help, but you really can’t.  The inspector has seen tons of homes, and probably knows where everything is!  The buyers and their agent will be uncomfortable if you are there.  If you want me to be there, I certainly can – but my presence also sometimes gives the buyer a bad vibe.  Rest assured that Iwill be in touch with the buyer’s agent soon after the inspection is over.  I can typically get a preview of how it went.  We won’t hear anything official until the report comes out. And, their requests may be different than what their agent tells me.  SO, it’s a bit of “hurry up and wait”…

You can be prepared though, the following is a list of items commonly found during home inspections; especially in homes built more than 10 or 15 years ago.  These things are easily remediated – it’s not a bad idea to run through the list and nip some in the bud if you can!

1. Improperly ventilated attics; sometimes “mold” or condensation is evident. 
2. Bathroom exhaust fans ventilated into attics – the need to go outside
3. Windows: broken window seals, windows that don’t open, windows that don’t stay open
4. Furnace: have your furnace or boiler serviced prior to listing the house
5. Central air: during cooler months a central a/c unit cannot be run.  A buyer may request that money be held in escrow until such time that the system can be tested.  Alternatively, a buyer may request records that the unit has been serviced. Have the unit serviced prior to listing the house.  The compressor should be level, on a concrete slab and away from the house
6. GFI outlets – in older homes these outlets aren’t always present.  2005 building codes state that these must be present in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.  Some buyers will ask that you do that – if your home was built prior to 2005 you are not obligated to do this, but it’s an easy, inexpensive fix. And it will make things safer for you too!
7. Other electric issues: reversed polarity; issues with the electric box outside – often weather related, older outlets should be converted to three prong
8. Permits for any work that has been done; if the township requires a permit, the buyer is going to want to know that the permits were done
9. Any possible water issues such as loose tiles in the shower, or loose toilets
10. Doors from garage to living area should be fire-rated
11. Radon – radon levels must be under 4.0 picocuries.  Buyers will have this tested; if it is over 4.0, you have an obligation to remediate
12. Termites and other wood destroying insects.  Buyers will inspect for these pests and any associated damage.  If present, you have an obligation to remediate and repair any existing damage especially if structural

In Basking Ridge, carbon monoxide detectors are required on every level where there is a bedroom.  Smoke detectors are required on every level including the basement and a fire extinguisher must be mounted in the kitchen.

This is a short list of things that come up frequently during home inspections, please contact me if you have any questions.  If you are thinking of selling, I am happy to provide an estimate of your homes value in today’s market.

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It’s that time of year – houses are being painted, walkways are being paved and power washed, beds are being mulched and decks are being stained…  My husband (and sometimes real estate partner) is the 2nd Assistant Chief at Liberty Corner Fire Company in Basking Ridge.  The tones sounded just after 1:30 this morning and the team was called to fight a structure fire here in town.  I was thankful when he came home around 6:45 and said that everyone was safe and the house wasn’t completely destroyed.  I asked if he knew what caused the fire - but he didn’t.  It didn’t matter – they got it out, and that’s what was really important. 

Later in the day, we were chatting again about it and he said that he had a hunch that rags were left in the garage when they shouldn’t have been.  I guess I’m not the only one who had no idea that rags used to apply stain or to clean the brushes used to apply it, could COMBUST if not treated properly.

When working with wood stains or paints (especially linseed oil based), you need to be very careful about how you store the rags that are used… they need to be separated, soaked in water and then stored in a metal bucket full of water.  They should NOT be left in the garage or anywhere against the house.

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