Articles to Share – Page 15 – The Real Estate Beat

Are Low Mortgage Rates to Blame for High Home Prices?

Double-digit price increases for homes are not exactly what most people in real estate predicted to occur in a recession. But could low mortgage rates—the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record-low average of 2.81% last week—be partially to blame?

“The combination of what could be the lowest mortgage rates of our lifetimes, a paucity of inventory, and a desperate rush of buyers has resulted in median home list prices hitting new records,” realtor.com® reports.

Home prices were 12.2% higher for the week ending Oct. 10 than they were a year ago, realtor.com® data shows.

“It’s unprecedented for us to get a massive run-up in home prices during a recession,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “It’s clear that [mortgage] rates matter even more than unemployment rates.”

Low mortgage rates are helping buyers afford higher home prices, and they’re creating a buying frenzy in the housing market to lock in such low rates. Home buyers purchasing a median-priced home at about $350,000 still pay about $80 less than if they purchased a median-priced home of $315,000 last year at a higher interest rate average of 3.69%, a realtor.com® analysis shows.

Affordability goes up with low mortgage rates. However, home buyers do need a higher down payment as prices rise.

High home prices with high mortgage rates, on the other hand, is not a good combo, housing analysts point out. Ali Wolf, chief economist of Zonda, told realtor.com® that if mortgage rates go up by even a half-point, hundreds of thousands of buyers may no longer be able to purchase a home. First-time buyers, who tend to have smaller budgets, likely would experience the biggest repercussion.

But many economists are predicting mortgage rates to stay low in 2021. In the meantime, home prices likely will remain elevated because buyer demand remains high and inventories remain stretched thin.

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I read this article HERE

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Germs, Be Gone! 7 Simple Renovations To Coronavirus-Proof Your Home

Germs, Be Gone! 7 Simple Renovations To Coronavirus-Proof Your Home

By Lauren Sieben | Oct 15, 2020

As much as we all wish we could go back to a time when social distancing was a foreign concept and masks were just something you wore with a Halloween costume, it’s clear by now that COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere. At least, not anytime soon.

One consequence of the pandemic is that our collective concern over cleanliness remains at an all-time high.

A recent survey found that 47% of Americans are pining to upgrade their bathrooms during the pandemic, and 44% want to redesign the kitchen.

The study was conducted by the New York City–based Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, and according to Adrianne Russell, its showroom manager, the kitchen and bathroom are “two rooms where a lot can be done for hygiene.”

Here are a few ideas on how to enhance your home and reduce the transfer of germs during the era of COVID-19.

1. Install touchless faucets

This isn’t just a feature for public bathrooms anymore. Installing a touchless faucet is a quick and easy project that you can take on in your own home.

“No handles or knobs means less surfaces touched and less of a chance of cross-contamination occurring after hand-washing or handling messy foods,” Russell says.

Touchless faucets aren’t just for the bathroom: You can install one in the kitchen—or even a utility sink.

2. Switch to automatic soap dispensers

After you’ve upgraded to a new contact-free faucet, why not take the cleanliness to the next level?

“Since the best way to fight germs is hand-washing, homeowners may also want to consider installing sensor-operated soap dispensers,” Russell says.

“Like touchless faucets, touchless dispensers also help eliminate most surface contact during the hand-washing process,” she says.

You can opt for a sleek, commercial-grade dispenser that requires some installation, or choose a battery-operated stand-alone model if you’re on a budget.

3. Upgrade to a bidet or touchless toilet

Worried about another toilet paper shortage? Install a bidet in your bathroom. No toilet paper, no problem!

“During the pandemic, toilets with integrated bidet functionality soared in popularity,” Russell says. “They are a hygienic alternative to toilet paper, using water-jet cleaning.”

You can purchase a stand-alone bidet or a bidet toilet-seat attachment that works with your current toilet. You can also purchase a smart toilet with or without a built-in bidet.

Many smart toilets come fully equipped with digital controls, touchless flushing, and Bluetooth connectivity, plus self-cleaning features to relieve you of your toilet-scrubbing duties.

“Some options may also include special cleaning solutions, hydrophobic or hydrophilic glazes, advanced flushing technology, and specially designed rims,” Russell says.

4. Use smart lighting for touchless illumination

Think of how often you touch the light switches around your house—then think of how many germs could be lurking there.

“One of the dirtiest surfaces in a home are light switches, with homeowners having to touch them multiple times a day, every day,” Russell says.

Switching to a smart lighting system can help reduce the transmission of germs. You control the lights from your phone, and with a smart system, you can control the lighting even when you’re away. This not only helps with home security, but also cuts down on your energy costs.

5. Eliminate contact with smart door locks

Just like light switches, door locks can be a breeding ground for germs as people go in and out of the house.

Digital keypad and smart door locks (e.g., the Google Nest Smart Lock with Nest Connect) can help reduce human surface contact, Russell says. Their features often include keyless options, voice activation, and biometric identifiers.

6. Take it outside year-round with space heaters

In some parts of the country, outdoor hangouts have traditionally been limited to the summer months. But keeping your activities outside doesn’t have to be out of reach, even on cooler days—and it can help minimize the risk of transmitting the virus. The solution? Pick up an outdoor patio heater, for as little as $100.

“Heaters are great if you want to have guests on your patio,” says Suzi Dailey, a Realtor® with One Luxe by Realty One Group International. “I think heater sales are going to go through the roof.”

7. Try a sanitizing closet on for size

These days, it’s not just the Roomba that’s helping us keep our homes clean. From hands-free trash cans to refrigerators with sensors for touchless opening, tech tools and gadgets are making it easier than ever to keep our homes clean.

One product that has exploded in popularity in recent months, according to John Romito, founder and licensed real estate agent at Heart & Home Real Estate, is sanitizing closets, which use ultraviolet light to sanitize garments.

“The technology has been very popular among retail clothing stores, to minimize the spread of pathogens after people try on or return apparel,” he says. “It’s now being purchased for home use.”

You can even recruit help from robots to turn your mudroom into a disinfection station where you and your guests can thoroughly sanitize each time you enter.

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Spring Lawn Care After Snow, Rain, or Drought

Well – since we’re all home…. let’s work on the house!!! (If you don’t have a house to work on – great time to plan and budget)… back to the house – let’s talk about that yard….

Winter can bring extremes to many areas of the country. Shelter in Place even more so. If’ you’re stuck at home – what better time to work on the house…

No matter what this winter was like where you live, your lawn is probably in need of a little TLC. Here is how to bring your yard back from the dead after rain, snow, or drought.

After Rain

If your area had a rainy winter, your lawn may be in very good shape. However, there is a point where there may have been too much rain and lawns can become waterlogged, especially if you have clay or heavily compacted soil. Waterlogging is caused when water sits on the soil surface and drains slowly, or fails to drain at all.

The Problems

Algae, lichens and liverworts
Moss
Clumps of rush may seed themselves, forming tussocks
Dry patches

The Solution

Sweep off any excess water.
Aerate your lawn with 1-inch deep holes for mild waterlogged lawns and 4-6 inches for more severe cases. This can be done by hand, or with power tools like a hollow tiner.
Fill the holes with a free-draining material, such as lawn top dressings or horticultural sand which will allow the water to flow from the surface to deeper, less compacted layers.
Remove moss and algae and spray with moss killer.
Fertilize.

Prevention

Spiking it every few years in autumn
Feeding in autumn with a lawn feed, rich in phosphorus
Install a drainage system
Replace your lawn using turf laid on a bed of sharp sand

After Snow

After the snow melts, you may find that your lawn is not in the best shape. To help your lawn return to the lush green it once was, here’s what you need to know:

The Problems

Dead foliage
Snow mold
Dry patches
Compacted soil
Frozen sections

The Solution

Wait for your lawn to completely thaw. Raking or mowing your grass before it thaws is likely to tear out grass and leave open patches in your lawn where weeds will find a home.
Rake using a thatching rake to clear debris and thatch.
Check for grey or pink snow mold; a cottony fungus which grows 6-12 inches in diameter. Though there isn’t a product you can spray to rid your lawn of snow mold, a deep raking will cure most mild cases.
For lawns with compacted soil, aerate and fill holes with free-draining materials.
Don’t water right away. Grass roots need to chase the water from the melting snow and spring rains. This will encourage deeper root growth to make your lawn healthier.
Fertilize.

Prevention

Preventing your lawn from dying after the winter starts with your watering method. To help your lawn stay healthy year round, you should water:

Deep
Less frequently – don’t water every day
In the early morning, never in the afternoon due to evaporation or evening due to fungus.

After/During Drought

Many areas in California, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Oklahoma are experiencing severe drought conditions. Keeping a lawn healthy in these areas can be a challenge.

The Problems

Lack of water
Unbalanced soil
Unseasonably hot temperatures

The Solution

Before you start treating your lawn during a drought, make sure you know if any drought water laws or regulations exist in your area and comply with them.

Aerate and fill holes with nutrient rich fertilizer.
Water deep, evenly, and infrequently with a garden hose or professionally-installed irrigation system instead of hose sprinklers.
Overseed or “seed and feed” to increase moisture retention and restore soil balance.
Reduce mowing frequency and opt for a push mower instead of a ride-on one as heavy equipment can damage the fragile blades. Don’t mow your lawn until it gets to 3 inches to allow for maximum nutrient absorption into grass blades, and don’t cut off more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.

Prevention

The best prevention for a drought-ridden lawn is a wet winter and sufficient water supplies. Until Mother Nature cooperates, you can:

Install a deep irrigation system if you don’t already have one
Keep a watering schedule

I read this article at: HERE

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The Importance of a Health Care Directive

Hello Caton Team Friends,

A few friends have recently me asked about Health Care Directives. Though as Realtors we cannot advise on matters beyond Real Estate – I am reposting this article from the Mayo Clinic.

Real Estate means homes and home is where the heart is. I thought I would share this article and one on the importance of Trusts from Bankrate HERE.

Creating Your Advance Directive

Imagine if you were too sick or injured to express your health care wishes. Who would you want to make those decisions and guide your care? An advance directive is a legal document that allows you to express your end of life, health care wishes ahead of time.

Everyone over the age of 18 should have an advance directive on file. People often think they are too healthy to have an advance directive. The reality is that none of us know the future and at any moment, something could happen to us where we become incapable of making decisions for ourselves.

An advance directive has two parts. Since this is your document, you can complete the form in its entirety or you can complete only certain questions. The most important section to be completed is the first part in which you name an agent. This section of the document allows you to designate a person or persons whom you trust and who would be willing to represent your wishes in the event you need someone to make decisions on your behalf. This person(s) is called your health care power of attorney (POA).

The second part of the document is called the living will. It allows individuals to express their thoughts relating to care intended to prolong life. People can choose to accept or refuse medical care commonly related to dialysis, resuscitation, breathing machines and tube feedings. It is also possible to express your wishes related to organ and tissue donation. This part of the form is the most difficult because it causes people to really reflect on their values and beliefs on end-of-life treatment. Some people find it difficult to think about how they would like to die. Therefore, this part of the form often poses the biggest barrier in completing the advance directive.

Once you have completed your advance directive, it must be made legal. This can be done by having it notarized or having it signed by two witnesses, who are not your power of attorney. After it is legal, you should give a copy to your doctor, power of attorney and family.

This document is an important part of your medical record. Some of the choices you may put in your directive are:

The person you want to be your health agent and make decisions about your health care for you.
Your goals, values and preferences about health care.
The types of medical treatment you want or don’t want.
Where you would like to receive care.
Instructions about treatments such as artificial nutrition and hydration, CPR, and dialysis.
Donation of organs, tissues and eyes.
Funeral arrangements.

Next steps:

Review and complete the Advance Health Care Planning: Making Your Wishes Known Booklet.
Complete An Advance Health Care Directive Form. Have it notarized or signed by two witnesses who are not your power of attorney.
Give a copy to your doctor, power of attorney and family.
If necessary, complete a Provider Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form. For more information about this form, visit the POLST page.
Visit our Community Resources page for contact information if you have any questions along the way.

I read this article from The Mayo Clinic HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

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NO FOOLING – Forgivable Small Business Loans to Bring Relief

Forgivable Small Business Loans to Bring Relief

The U.S. Small Business Administration is gearing up for what’s being called an “unprecedented” level of funding soon to be available under the new Paycheck Protection Program.

Sole proprietors, independent contractors, gig economy workers, and self-employed individuals who are struggling to pay their bills due to the shutdowns and stay-in-place orders aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus are all eligible for a small-business loan. The $350 billion program is part of the $2 trillion economic stimulus package passed by Congress last week and signed into law by President Donald Trump on Friday. However, it is still unclear when the program will begin accepting applications.

“We haven’t seen this level of funding and money being pushed out of the SBA in such an extremely narrow window of time. It’s going to be difficult logistically,” said David Pommerehn, Consumer Bankers Association general counsel, in a Politico article. “The industry as a whole, including the SBA and partner lenders, really needs to work very tightly to make sure as much goes out as possible, as quickly as possible.”

Small businesses and independently owned franchises that are approved by the SBA and that employ 500 employees or fewer can qualify. The amount any small business is eligible to borrow is 250% of their average monthly payroll expenses (with individual salaries capped at $100,000 per year), up to a total of $10 million. The amount of the loan is intended to cover eight weeks of payroll expenses and any additional amounts for making payments towards debt obligations. The eight-week period may be applied to any time frame between Feb. 15, 2020 and June 30, 2020.

The goal of the program is to help business owners retain their employees at their current base pay. If all employees are retained and the business maintains at least 75% of their average salary levels during the 8-weeks, the entirety of the loan will be forgiven. If any employees are laid off or salary levels go below 75%, the forgiveness will be reduced by the percent decrease in the number of employees.

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program will also offer up to $2 million for working capital costs, with a possible $10,000 advance grant that will be forgiven if applied to a permissible use, including payroll, paid time off, mortgage, rent, utilities, and debts from prior to Feb. 15, 2020. If the loan is used for other purposes, the borrower will have 30 years to pay it off at an interest rate of no more than 3.75%, with the first month’s payment deferred a full year from the date of the promissory note.

Business owners can get both loans, but they cannot use them for the same purposes. In addition, if the borrower receives a $10,000 EIDL advance grant and PPP loan, the advance grant will not be forgiven.

For more information, visit the National Association of REALTORS®’ coronavirus advocacy frequently asked questions page and click on “Independent Contractor/Small Business Concerns.”

Source: “Banks press administration to unleash $350B in small business loans,” Politico (March 31, 2020)

I read this article HERE

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7 Easy DIY Living Room Projects You Can Tackle While You’re Social Distancing By Jennifer Kelly Geddes

7 Easy DIY Living Room Projects You Can Tackle While You’re Social Distancing

Cooped up inside because of the coronavirus? In this unsettling time, doing your part to maintain social distance means you’ve been spending a lot of time indoors. And while movie marathons and board games can occupy part of your day, they might start to get old after a while. One can enjoy only so many games of Scrabble, right?

If you’re feeling a little stir-crazy (and other forms of entertainment just aren’t cutting it), try taking on a home project that’ll make you feel productive.

“In general, now is a great time to spring-clean, declutter, and organize—so try something simple,” says Julie Coraccio, an organizing professional and author of “Got Clutter? 365 Journal Prompts.”

In between school lessons and work-from-home office duty, consider ticking off a few of these easy-to-handle living room chores from the list below. You’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and emerge with a room that’s clean and organized. After all, a tidy home equals a tidy mind.

1. Upgrade your lighting

You’ll need good light since you’ll be inside for a while, so consider replacing old bulbs in your living room lamps with energy-efficient LED bulbs, suggests Ana Cummings of the eponymous design firm.

LED bulbs have a longer life and don’t heat up as much as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, making them safer if accidentally touched.

And since you’re in the lamp department, take a hard look at the shades on each of your lights. If you have a similar size lamp in another room, swap the shades to give your living room a new look.

2. Hang (or rehang) a gallery wall

Redoing your wall design is a fast way to upgrade your living room’s look—and it costs just about nothing except your time and a few picture hooks and nails.

If you’ve always wanted to try a gallery wall, go for it! If you already have one, it might be time to change it up.

Either way, lay your frames on the floor to plan the arrangement. If you already have a gallery, play with the order of the grouping or add new pictures, then rehang.

3. Wash living room curtains

Washing curtains is one of those household chores we’re supposed to do every six to eight months, but it can easily fall to the wayside. It’s kind of a hassle, right? But now that you have some extra time at home, take a couple of hours to clean any curtains that are washing machine-safe.

If your curtains aren’t supposed to touch water, take them off the rod, go outside, and give them a good shake to get the dust off.

4. Wipe down baseboards

Your baseboards, crown molding, railings, and other wall details often get overlooked during regular weekly cleaning sessions. Remedy this situation by dipping a sponge in a mild wood surface cleaner diluted in warm water and gently swabbing these surfaces to get rid of grime and dust.

5. Restyle your book shelves

Another quick and easy task? Sort through all your books, magazines, and CDs, and release what you no longer watch or want to read.

“Then take the time to organize your books in a way that makes sense to you, whether by genre or author, color, or another method,” says Coraccio.

6. Rearrange your furniture

You might be in need of a furniture refresh, but home quarantine—plus the fact that most home goods stores aren’t open right now—can make that difficult. So to give your room a new perspective, and not spend a ton of money, try rearranging the furniture.

Now is a good time, after all, to evaluate what is and isn’t working for you. You might consider removing a chair or two to open the room up, or moving the couch in front of the radiator—you won’t be needing heat again until later this fall. Switch out the rug in your living room with a lighter one that has been sitting in another room.

7. Fix wall marks with paint

It takes just a few minutes with a Magic Eraser to remove those unsightly black scuff marks from living room walls.

“Or if you’re handy, repaint a wall,” suggests Cummings. “You’ll be looking at the same four walls for a long time, so make them as beautiful as possible.”

I read this article HERE, By Jennifer Kelly Geddes | Mar 23, 2020

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

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The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Daylight Saving Time Checklist

Don’t Forget to Spring Forward on Sunday March 8 2020

Home Maintenance Tasks for Spring

Unless you are in Arizona or Hawaii, it’s time to move the clocks forward one hour and gain a bit more daylight in the evening. The start of Daylight Saving time is also a great time to perform simple yet important home maintenance tasks and safety inspections.

Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide (CO) detector and replace batteries if needed. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO detectors every 5 years.
Clean out your dryer venting to reduce the risk of dryer fires and help keep your dryer working at maximum efficiency.
Inspect your fire extinguisher to ensure it is fully charged and recharge or replace as needed.
Vacuum dust from your refrigerator coils to help keep it running efficiently. Condenser coils are either located at the back of your refrigerator or across the bottom, behind a grille.
Replace filters as needed – It’s important to inspect and replace the filters in your central heat and air unit often, but are you overlooking other filters? Other items that need regular maintenance include water filters (including refrigerator water and ice dispensers), front-loading washing machine drain pump filters, air humidifier/dehumidifiers, air purifies, vacuum, and HEPA filters. Check manufacturer instructions for suggested maintenance.
Flip your mattress to help it wear more evenly. If you have a pillow top mattress you can rotate it instead of flipping it.

Daylight Saving Tip

The downside of the transition to Daylight Saving time is that we lose an hour of sleep. To make the transition a little easier, make an extra effort to be well-rested the week before. Try going to bed and putting your children to bed 15 minutes earlier each night, starting several days before the change.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

How to Maintain Your Washer and Dryer

The washer and dryer are convenient home appliances that make your life easier. All you have to do is put your clothes in and they come out clean, right? Not quite. Similar to other places in your home that are meant for cleaning, such as your kitchen sink or shower, your washer and dryer are breeding grounds for bacteria that, without regular maintenance, can leave your clothes dirtier than they were before you put them in. If you’re not cleaning your machines, they may not be cleaning as efficiently or as thoroughly as you might think. Take these simple steps to get the most out of your washer and dryer.

Don’t get hosed

Washing machine hoses are prone to damage, as the rubber can dry and crack over time, leading to a burst. Check your water hoses regularly for leaks or bubbles, and keep in mind that most manufacturers recommend replacing rubber hoses every two years. Routinely check your dryer vent hose to be sure that it is not kinked or bent in a way that can restrict airflow. Not only can a bent hose limit the flow of air out of the dryer, it can increase the risk of lint building up in the hose. If your dryer vent hose is made of vinyl or plastic, replace with a rigid or flexible metal vent hose, as vinyl or plastic hoses can be a fire hazard.

Disinfect

Your standard laundry detergent is not enough to keep your washer clean and germ-free. Routinely disinfect it by running a clothes-free wash cycle with hot water and a cup of bleach. Not only will this disinfect your washer, it will help to remove soap buildup and keep your clothes smelling fresh.

This load is just right

Plan your loads carefully and aim to wash full loads without overfilling. A load that is too small will cause you to use more water to wash all of your dirty clothes and cut down on the life of your washer. However, a load that is too large means your washer will not clean as effectively and will cause your dryer to use more energy to dry everything. Aim to find that perfect balance for your machines.

Filter it out

Dryers need their lint trap cleaned after each load. When a lint trap is full, your dryer will require additional time to dry clothes and won’t be able to catch the lint from the new load. If left unattended too long, the lint buildup can be sucked into the ventilation system and may block air flow.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Home Repair No-Nos: Repair Tips for Every Homeowner

Are you a first-time homeowner? Have you purchased a new-to-you home? Either way, you have a lot to do. When you’re starting out as a new homeowner, it can be hard to know the right things to do and NOT to do when it comes to home maintenance, cleaning, and general upkeep. Here is some guidance to help you know what not to do.

New Homeowner No-Nos – Inside

Sealants

Needlessly applying sealant to surfaces can permanently discolor stone, concrete, and glass, to name a few. Never use sealant on natural materials like quartz, plastic materials like laminates, or commercial acrylic products such as Formica and Corian. Generally, most materials will not need reapplication of sealants very often. Instead, test surfaces using water to check if it’s time to reseal. For example, if water on a kitchen countertop no longer beads, it may be time to reapply.

Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners contain active ingredients that can damage plumbing. Drain cleaners may seem like easy, short-term fixes for clogs, but they can lead to long-term, costly problems. And the chemicals in drain cleaners are just plain bad for the earth. Instead, invest your money in a good plunger, a drain snake for tougher clogs, and if those plumbing tools don’t work, call a plumber.

Glass Cleaners

Here’s a little-known consequence to spraying commercial glass cleaner on mirrors: The liquid can seep into the backing on many types of mirrors, leading to discoloring around the edges of the mirror over time and irreparably damaging the backing. Instead, simply dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and immediately apply a dry cloth to remove excess water.

Bleach

Bleach is actually damaging to most elements and materials found in use in homes. Do not use bleach to clean sealants on granite and other stone surfaces, vinyl, linoleum, and laminate materials, colored grout, enamel, or acrylic surfaces in a bathtub. Never mix bleach with cleaners that contain ammonia! Doing so produces highly dangerous and toxic vapors. Instead, use a vinegar solution. Nothing is better or healthier for cleaning most surfaces in your home.

New Homeowner No-Nos – In and Out

Caulk

Using the wrong caulk can be damaging. That’s because there is a right caulk for the kitchen, bath, gutters, brick or concrete, mortar, and so on. The wrong caulk won’t adhere, or will breakdown, allowing moisture to seep in, or compromise the surface you’re caulking. Instead, ask your local hardware specialist for advice on buying the right caulk for your project.

Tools

Invest in well-made tools for your new home – a hammer, screwdriver set, ladder, and maybe a mower. Avoid buying inexpensive, knock-off brands even if you’re on a budget – they are not made to last. Instead, for budget-conscious homeowners, visit yard sales and look for used tools from quality brands, or start slow with a basic toolbox and build up your set over time.

New Homeowner No-Nos – Outside

Mulch

For your first landscaping project, do not over-mulch. Too much mulch can suffocate plants and prevent water from reaching roots. Instead, add mulch to no deeper than three inches.

Ivy

It may look charming, but ivy will keep growing. Eventually ivy will spread under a home’s siding or shingles, damage their integrity, and ultimately cost you, either in replacing siding, providing entry points for invading pests, or both! Instead, research how and where to thoughtfully plant ivy. A quick web search can also provide better alternatives for plants to safely grow along the base of your home. Note: Plants need to be placed two feet minimum away from the foundation.

Trees

Planting trees close to a home may look nice when the trees are young, but they grow, too! You need to consider the room that baby tree will need at maturity. Trees planted without thought to full height can grow roots that push up through your driveway, sidewalk, and foundation. Instead, plant each tree according to its height and root spread at full maturity. The Arbor Day Foundation has a handy tree spacing guide to help you ensure adequate clearance from your home, fencing, and so on.

Firewood

Do not store firewood right outside your home against exterior walls, otherwise you will invite termites and other pests into your home. Instead, keep firewood at least twenty feet from your home, or further if your property provides room to do so. Better to take a small hike out to the wood pile than let pests make an easy hike into your new home.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

8 Home Renovations That Increase Home Value

When you own a home, it seems like there is almost always something you would like to do to make it more comfortable, attractive, or eco-friendly. But, home remodeling experts tell us, if you plan to sell your home at some point, put your time and effort into one of more of these renovations proven to pay you back because they increase the value of the property:

New garage doors – Nothing says curb appeal like attractive garage doors – and you can’t beat the bang for the buck. A mid-range replacement will likely return more than 80 percent on your investment.

A wood deck – Here’s a renovation you are likely to enjoy – and a $10,000 investment will also return about 80 percent of what you spent.

Exterior siding – New siding will not only give your home a major facelift. It will return a strong 87 percent on project costs of about $14,000.

Attic conversions – Adding another bedroom or playroom upstairs give a home more usable living space without increasing its footprint. The remodel investment will likely return 84 percent of a $50,000 project cost.

Kitchen updates – No need to overhaul the entire kitchen, experts say. Upgrading the counters, and replacing cabinets and appliances will likely cost about $18,000 – and will return some 97 percent of cost. Oddly, a big-ticket total kitchen remodel costing over $100,000 may only return 63 percent of the investment.

New windows – New, energy–efficient windows throughout your home will save you money on heating and cooling bills – and you will probably get a return of 79 percent on a $10,000 investment.

Basement remodel – Another great way to add living space to a home is with a basement remodel. Adding insulation and flooring, and upgrading the walls and ceiling may cost as much as $60,000. But return on investment is estimated at 77 percent.

Back-up power generator – The unpredictable weather of the past few years has led to a surge in the popularity of this relatively inexpensive home addition. An average cost of $11,000 could net you a 67 percent return on your investment.

While not included above, as millennials continue to enter the home buying market, adding new wall-to-wall carpet ahead of a home sale does not always lead to a recoup of cost at close. Instead, consider restoring hardwood floors if your home has them. Wood floors are always a good investment and, when well-maintained, they will add value to any home.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

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