Pools, trampolines, and other features that can spike insurance costs

When shopping for a new home, some of the same features that lure you in could end up costing you extra in insurance premiums.

If you’re like the many buyers who wait until after going into contract to get insurance quotes on a property, you could be faced with some serious sticker shock. Check out these five seemingly desirable home features that might end up costing you more than you realize in the long run:

1. Swimming pools

Because of both the high rate of drowning and the severity of water-related injuries, insurance companies consider swimming pools one of their biggest liabilities. Consider the possibility of a neighborhood kid accidentally falling into your pool and sustaining an injury. You could be held liable for the high cost of their hospital bills, and if they choose to sue, you could also rack up considerable lawyer fees and other court expenses.

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include a minimum liability coverage limit of $100,000 in order to help protect you financially in the event of such a lawsuit. However, if your home includes a swimming pool, the Insurance Information Institute recommends increasing your limit to at least $300,000 or even investing in an umbrella policy to increase your liability coverage.
Your insurer will also likely require you to build and maintain a self-locking fence around the pool to keep others – especially children – out. Additionally, if the pool itself is expensive, you may need to increase coverage limits on your policy in the event it’s damaged by a storm or other covered peril.

2. Trampolines

Nearly 100,000 trampoline-related incidents are reported every year, according to a survey by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. While the kids may love it, a new trampoline almost certainly won’t play well with your insurance company. Depending on your state and your specific carrier, trampoline-related claims may be excluded from your policy. That means if someone is injured on a trampoline on your property and decides to sue, you might be paying the legal costs out of your own pocket.

Even if there are no specific exclusions from your carrier or in your state, it’s still important to notify your agent any time you introduce a “high-risk” item – such as a trampoline, tree house or a swimming pool – to your property to make sure you’ll be properly covered in the event of an accident.

3. Water view

The value of a waterfront property can be substantially higher than comparable inland properties, whether you live by an ocean, lake, river or some other body of water. However, a beautiful water view often comes with a higher risk for flooding and therefore more extensive insurance coverage.

Although most standard homeowners and renters insurance policies include coverage against water damage, they exclude any damage resulting from flood/rising water. For that reason, most residents who live in high-risk flood zones with a water view typically need to invest in separate flood policies in order to protect their properties from the elements. If you have a mortgage on your home, a flood insurance policy will likely be required by your lender. You can check the flood risk of any property by visiting the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program.

4. Vintage charm

Some older homes have maintained original features for decades or even longer, and discovering a well-preserved historical property can be a real estate dream come true. Unfortunately, if key features such as the home’s plumbing system, electrical system or the roof haven’t been updated since poodle skirts were in style, it’s likely an insurance nightmare.

If your electrical system hasn’t been updated in more than 10 years, it’s more likely to malfunction and contribute to a damaging fire than one that’s brand new. Similarly, out-of-date plumbing systems could lead to devastating water damage and an older roof is more susceptible to storm damage and other costly damages. With the combined average cost of claims topping $40,000 for these perils, according to the Insurance Information Institute, it’s not surprising insurance carriers charge more to insure these properties.

5. Square footage

Bigger is not always better. The larger your home, the more it will likely cost to replace if it’s ever damaged or destroyed in a covered peril. That means you’ll require a higher amount of dwelling coverage, which is the coverage provided under your homeowners policy to rebuild the structural elements of your home in the event of a claim.

To get a rough idea of how much dwelling coverage you’d need to completely rebuild your home from the ground up after a total loss, insurance companies multiply the total square footage of the property by local construction costs. Keep in mind, building with more expensive construction materials will impact your coverage needs, so upgrades such as granite countertops also should be reported to your insurance company.

Of course, none of this should dissuade you from buying a waterfront home or installing a swimming pool. Just be sure you enter into the home buying experience with some knowledge about which types of homes carry higher risk — and therefore larger insurance price tags — than others.

3 Tips for Being a Smart Seller

For the past five years or so, millions of homeowners have been stuck in their homes, unable to refinance or sell because they were underwater. That situation began to change in 2013 when the housing market finally began to show signs of life. Buyers across the country were back in the game and home prices rose in many communities.
For many sellers this meant they could finally move out of a small house, cut down on their commute time, or simply go on with their lives. Almost 2 million homeowners came out from negative equity positions in 2013.
If you plan to sell your home in 2014, be aware that buyers have changed since the economic downturn. They’re savvier than ever, and they’re not desperate. Many of today’s buyers are Millennials (also known as Generation Y) who’ve come of age with access to endless information via the Internet. It’s in their DNA to search, and they love photographs and sharing.
Here are three bits of advice that will make you a smart seller in 2014:

Take your photo shoot seriously

Today, many buyers get their first impression of your home online. Too often, listings go online with photos of a dark room, lights off or blinds closed. Even worse? A new listing without photos or that has only one. If your real agent isn’t hiring a professional photographer to take high resolution photos, then you should invest the few hundred dollars to do so. Have them taken at the best time of day. Clean the home in advance and put away clutter. Prepare for the photo shoot just as you would for an open house. If buyers don’t like what they see online, you may never get them in the door.

Have your home inspected before listing 

Nothing is worse than waiting months or even years for an offer, only to have potential buyers discover that your HVAC system is on the fritz or that there is dry rot. When that happens, you’re forced to reduce the price or give credits.
Even worse, you may scare off the buyer and be forced to go back on the market. Often when this occurs, buyers and agents think there’s a problem with your property—which can make it tough to sell. That’s why a few hundred dollars on a pre-sales inspection is the best investment you can make. If there are issues, you can price the home accordingly. More importantly, you’re providing the buyers with more information. You’ll be in their good graces from the start.

Throw buyers a bone

Receive an offer on your home at a good price? Have you been one of the lucky ones who received more than one offer over a short period of time? Good for you; you’re in the driver’s seat. Even so, you still want to be in the buyer’s good graces during escrow and even after the sale. If you have the opportunity, throw the buyer a bone. If they ask for an early closing and you can do it, give it to them. Negotiate to buy them a one-year home warranty or give them a small credit. These little offerings will go a long way toward a speedy and hassle-free escrow.
The most important thing to remember is that to be a smart seller, you need to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Remember that today’s buyers lived through one of the biggest housing and credit crises in generations. They’re motivated but cautious, and they have a wealth of information available to them online. Don’t take anything for granted.

Real Estate Market Report for Dousman

What's Happening in Real Estate in Dousman? WI Realtor, Remax Realty Center, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Dousman, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County

Dousman is a great place to live, work and relax in the beautiful Kettle Moraine area of southeastern Wisconsin.  We are a growing community with a mix of multigenerational families and new arrivals.

 

My name is Lisa Bear of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Dousman for the last 30 days. 

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment! The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 2/13/14 to 3/13/14. Lisa Bear Gives You The Real Estate Activity for Dousman, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County.

In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market 2 homes sold; 1 was list and sold by the same company, and 1 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 3 new listing.
In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate there was 4 pending listing.
In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.

In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 1 expired listing.
In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 0 back on market listings.
In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 4 extended listings.

In the Dousman, Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 36 currently active listings.

The average price for a home SOLD was $728,500.

10 ways to spruce up your side yard

By Scot Meyer of SwitchYard Media

The front yard faces the street, and the backyard is a private green space. But the side yard is too often an afterthought.
Many people treat the strips on the sides of their homes as nothing more than grassy alleys leading to their backyards, or as suburban demilitarized zones providing some buffer between their house and those of their neighbors. But with a little planning and design savvy, the humble side yard can become a garden spot or be put to a variety of other productive uses. Here are 10 ideas.

Let it go to the dogs

If you have pooches, why not give them a nice place to play? A fenced-in side yard can be a perfect dog run, giving your pets a place to romp while keeping your front and back yards free of droppings and the unsightly brown spots that can result from the nitrogen and salts in canine urine.

Doug Del Gandio of Four Seasons Landscaping & Nursery in Maryland says synthetic grass can be a good choice for a dog run. It looks natural but is durable and low-maintenance. Although you'll still have to scoop the poop, urine runs right through the turf to the ground below without causing any damage.
Del Gandio, whose company installs artificial grass at residences and commercial properties, says that two of his biggest clients are kennels.

Outdoor shower

Outdoor showers are great amenities for beach houses, but their appeal doesn't stop there. If you have a pool or hot tub in your back yard, an outdoor shower in your side yard can be a great place to rinse off the chlorine before you head into the house.
Options range from inexpensive and portable fixtures fed by garden hoses – perfect for washing muddy children or dogs before they come inside – to more elaborate setups designed to offer a spalike experience for grown-ups.
You'll want fences or other kinds of screening for privacy, even if you're planning to keep your bathing suit on, and you should check with local building codes and a plumber before connecting the shower to your home's water lines or drainage system.

Sports space for adults

Side yards often make good places to hone your sports skills. In California, JPM Landscape has turned side spaces into soccer fields for children and bocce courts for the older set. In Maryland, Four Seasons Landscaping & Nursery specializes in installing putting greens in such spaces.

Del Gandio says the side yard can easily be turned into a play area for soccer or other sports if it is level enough, and even the tighter spaces in older or urban neighborhoods can be ideal for Sport Court basketball or volleyball courts.

Outdoor kitchen

Making the best use of your side yard is often a matter of determining how your house fits on your property. Del Gandio says that some houses, particularly in older neighborhoods, have kitchens with side entries. When that's the case, turning a side yard into an outdoor kitchen or dining area can be a good idea. It can create an appealing space for entertaining and for cooking out.

Options available through some online suppliers go beyond simple barbecue grills to include smokers, wood-fired ovens, griddles and even outdoor refrigerators and cabinetry.

Grow your own food

Even if your side yard isn't suitable as a place to cook or eat your food, it might make a great place to grow some of it.
Some side yards are damp and shady places, shielded from the sun for most of the day by the houses on both sides. But if yours gets plenty of sunlight, you might consider using it for a vegetable garden.
Even tiny gardens can be surprisingly productive, yielding a steady supply of tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, peppers and other produce from a plot as small as 4 by 4 feet. Raised beds can offer better drainage and some protection from weeds and pests. Check the Department of Agriculture's Plant Hardiness Zone Map to get an idea of what will grow, and when, in your area.

Outdoor living room

A side yard that is only a mediocre venue for watching the grass grow can be turned into an appealing outdoor living room with some paving stones and the right furniture. This space can be an extension of the home, providing an extra room where you can relax or entertain guests. And accessories such as portable heaters, fireplaces or fire pits, and even mosquito-repellent systems, can make the outdoors as comfortable a place to hang out as the inside of your house.

Practical and pretty

Sometimes, it works best to use a skinny side yard as a place devoted to a homeowner's less glamorous needs. In the Sun Belt, the side yard is often the default site for a home's central air-conditioning unit – and in many cases, it makes sense to keep garbage cans, recycling bins and garden tools there, as well. But utilitarian doesn't have to mean ugly.
This side-yard remodel by JPM Landscape of San Jose and Pleasanton, Calif., corrals the clutter behind fences and plantings, leaving room for an attractive walkway and a neat lawn.

A place to exercise your green thumb

Because it can be inexpensive to fence a side yard, given its smaller square footage and the fact that the house's outer wall can be one side of the enclosure, the space can be converted from a public showcase into a private workspace.

One practical option is to use a side yard screened by a fence or shrubs to do your gardening. The area can house a potting bench or a nursery. You can plant seedlings there and raise them until they are sturdy enough to be transplanted to the more public parts of your yard or garden.

Here's your moment of Zen

Because they are relatively small and secluded, an enclosed side yard can offer the perfect place for restful solitude, where you can meditate or relax with a good book.
A Japanese rock garden, or karesansui, also known as a Zen garden, can be a nice addition to such a space. They are easy to construct and mainly consist of rocks, gravel and sand. Some designers add fire pits or plants, but all that's really needed is the garden itself and a place to sit and contemplate it.
Traditionally, the sand in a Japanese rock garden is raked to create ripples designed to resemble water. But if you prefer the sight and sound of the real thing, a fountain or similar water feature may be a good alternative for the space.

Child's play

An enclosed side yard can make an ideal outdoor playroom for small children, providing them with a fresh-air alternative to staying inside and watching television or playing computer games.
Permanent playhouses can help children exercise their imaginations, experts say, while slides, swing sets and other gear can help them exercise their bodies.
For safety, playground equipment should be high-quality and properly installed, and the area around it should covered with a protective surface, such as rubber mulch.
Sandboxes can also provide opportunities for free-form play, but they should be kept covered when not in use if there are cats around, to prevent them from becoming oversized litter boxes.




http://realestate.msn.com/10-ways-to-spruce-up-your-side-yard#12

Real Estate in Ixonia Market Report February 2014-March 2014

Real Estate in Ixonia Market Report February 2014-March 2014

What's Happening in Real Estate in Ixonia? WI Realtor, Lisa Bear, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Ixonia, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Jefferson County

My name is Lisa Bear of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Ixonia for the last 30 days. 

 The town of Ixonia was organized on February 12, 1841, as the town of Union. Five years later Union was divided into two new towns. The name "Ixonia" was given to one of the new towns on January 21, 1846; as the residents could not otherwise agree on a name, the name was chosen by drawing letters at random

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Jefferson County. Real Estate in Jefferson County is an excellent investment! The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 2/13/14 to 3/13/14. Lisa Bear Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Ixonia, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Jefferson County.

In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market 6 homes sold; 1 were list and sold by the same company, and 5 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Ixonia , Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 10 new listings.
In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate there were 2 pending listings.
In the  Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.

In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 expired listings.
In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 0 back on market listings.
In the  Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 4 extended listings.

In the Ixonia, Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 58 currently active listings.

The average price for a home SOLD was $167,850.

In Ixonia,  Wisconsin Real Estate it is a great time to call LISA BEAR to buy and sell!

A year-round plan for the perfect lawn

By Evan Rothman of Popular Mechanics

When asked to define a perfect lawn, Peter J. Landschoot, director of the Center for Turfgrass Science at Penn State University, speaks like a philosophy professor. "There is no perfect lawn," Landschoot says. "It depends on the user's expectations, the lawn's environment and the owner's sense of aesthetics and lifestyle. It's personal."

Nevertheless, there remains a committed breed of homeowners eager to give perfection a try. Take David Cira, a 32-year-old paramedic with the New York City Fire Department. He grew up in a condo in Queens but spent countless happy weekends at his grandfather's home nearby, where the lawn was always just so. "Nothing thrilled me more than mowing the lawn and helping in the garden," Cira says. "I was good at it from an early age, and it was a passion I never got away from."

Today, Cira maintains his parents' pristine lawn in Mineola, N.Y. He has taught summer adult-education classes on turf care, and he has consulted for a landscape designer. To his friends and neighbors, he's an oracle of lawn wisdom. "With a beautiful lawn, you get more out than you could ever put in," he says.

On the other hand, perhaps you've loved your grass but it hasn't loved you back. We understand. We've been there. Lawn enthusiasts such as Cira and Landschoot know that it's a year-round relationship, not just a summer fling. That's why we worked with them to develop a four-season guide to the perfect lawn.

Spring

1. Test the soil
For a healthy lawn, you must work your way up from the bottom. Start each spring with a soil test. Grass grows best in soil with a neutral pH — about 6.5 on the pH scale — and a region-appropriate amount of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium salts, aka potash. "If your soil isn't the greatest from the get-go, you're going to have problems all year," Cira says. You're also going to waste money on fertilizer and other soil amendments that won't work properly because the soil is too acidic or too alkaline. "I know a lot of people who put down lime annually because they feel they should," Landschoot says. "If your soil has a good pH and adequate phosphorus and potassium, all you need to do is put down nitrogen fertilizer every once in a while, which is easy to do and relatively inexpensive." Home soil tests cost around $10, but some nurseries do the test for free.

2. Wake up your lawn
There is no better way to jump-start your lawn than with a proper mowing and edging. That's a given. In the age-old debate about whether it's better to mow before trimming or trim before mowing, Cira puts himself firmly in the latter camp: "This way, you mow your trimmings. It looks neater."

Become a lawn journalist

One of Cira's most effective tools to help him keep his lawn looking pristine is a journal. In the spring, he makes notations about weather and rainfall and takes digital photos. He also chronicles the products he uses and what battles he fought and won — or lost.
You can forget a lot just a month later, and you're certainly likely to forget from one year to the next. For example, if you had a lawn problem and bought a product that didn't work, but two years later the same thing happens, you don't want to waste money on that product again. A journal may seem obsessive, but lawns respond best to obsessive behavior.

Summer

1. Water wisely
As temperatures increase, so does lawn stress. Under normal conditions, a lawn needs about an inch of water a week. But when conditions are hot and dry — or worse, hot and windy — you need to add water to replace what has evaporated. Depending on rainfall, you may need to go from watering every five or six days to every four or five days. Buy yourself a water gauge. It's especially important for homeowners served by municipal water systems, not wells. "A lot of towns have lower water pressure in the summer because of pools and carwashes," Cira says. "Just 5 psi less can equal half-inch less water per session, so increase its time to compensate."
Water has to have a chance to soak in so it reaches the roots. Each watering session should provide 1 inch of water. Avoid brief watering sessions, which contribute to shallow rooting. For the gearhead there are all manner of toys to eliminate guesswork, such as temperature-sensing weather stations that connect wirelessly to your computer. Yet Cira is partial to simple devices, such as a cup-style rain collector. "The techie stuff can be helpful, but I still like the old-school stuff the best," he says.

Autumn

1. Snatch the thatch
Thatch, a mat of yellowish dead grass that can block air and moisture, must be removed. If you slacked on the dethatching in spring, now is the time, but don't go at it too aggressively. If you set the tines too deep on a power rake, you can destroy the lawn. "You're better off making three or four shallow passes, in which you increase the depth of the tines, than going too deep in one pass," Cira says. Likewise, use small flags to mark sprinkler heads to avoid collateral damage.
Don't rent a dirty dethatcher. It's always a bad sign when rental equipment is beat up and dirty, but more so if it's lawn gear. Dirt and debris from a previous customer can spread disease and weed seed from the rental machine to your lawn. Choose your rental center carefully. Look for clean, well-maintained equipment.
2. Go to seed
True lawn lovers know that early fall is the season to reboot. If you need to reseed, Cira advises using proprietary turf-grass seed, available at nurseries, online and from landscape-supply houses. Turf-grass breeders constantly improve their seed, and many produce specific regional types. Although this seed is more expensive than what's sold at home centers, it's also more vigorous. Cira quotes the adage that a cheap tool is an expensive tool. "You might pay a few dollars more for a proprietary seed, but the results are tremendous, and you don't have to keep constantly reseeding," he says.

Pick up sticks

Autumn would be easier if leaves were all that fell, but it's also the season of seed pods, branches, nutshells, husks and rotten, unpicked fruit that has fallen out of the trees. Careful tree pruning can reduce the problem but not eliminate it. You're going to need something more powerful than your handheld leaf blower to deal with this bulky, prickly mess. Backpack and walk-behind leaf blowers are far better than handheld blowers for moving difficult debris off the lawn or at least into piles that can be gathered. If you can afford it, consider a pro-quality lawn vacuum, which typically costs $900 to $1,500.

Winter

1. Hit the books
You finally have a little breather. Take some final notes and start poring over your journal. It's as important to study what went wrong as what went right. Visit sources online. "Look for information based on research, and try to stay with local sources," Landschoot says. "Grasses are managed differently in different parts of the country. I'm obviously a biased source, but university websites are a good place to start."

Universities with turf-care and horticulture programs and cooperative extension services often post weed-identification pictures online. If you know your enemy, what prompts its growth and to what it's vulnerable, the battle is halfway won.

2. Prepare for spring
Now is the time to clean and repair equipment. Remove grass clippings and dirt that hold moisture, which can cause rust. Cira even disinfects under the mower deck using a dilute 10:1 water-bleach solution, followed by a rinse.

Next, remove the spark plug and air filter on four-cycle and two-stroke machines. Drain and replace the engine oil on four-cycle equipment and sharpen or replace the mower blade. Clean the string-trimmer head and wind fresh line on it. Finally, install a new, properly gapped spark plug in your mower, trimmer and blower.

Hales Corners, WI Market Report February-March 2014

What's Happening in Real Estate in Hales Corners? Remax Realty Center Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Hales Corners, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Milwaukee County

February 12,, 2014 - March 12, 2014

 

The Village of Hales Corners is located in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.  It occupies an area of 3.2 square miles and, in 2010, had a population of 7,619.  The City of Greenfield is located to the north of the Village, the Village of Greendale is to the east, the City of Franklin is to the south, and the City of New Berlin is to the west. 

Hales Corners offers valuable resources for residents.  A large central shopping area, excellent schools, Whitnall Park and its world-famous Boerner Botanical Gardens, and Wehr Nature Center are all shared with bordering communities.  These facts, plus the ready access to the freeway system, promote the reputation of the Village as being “a great place to live”.

My name is Lisa Bear of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Hales Corners for the last 30 days.

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Milwaukee County is an excellent investment! The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 2/12/14 to 3/12/14. Lisa Bear Gives You The Real Estate Activity for Hales Corners, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Milwaukee County.

In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market 4 homes sold; 0 were list and sold by the same company, and 4 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 6 new listings.
In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate there were 3 pending listings.
In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 withdrawn listings.

In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 4 expired listings.
In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 7 back on market listings.
In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 extended listings.

In the Hales Corners, Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 32 currently active listings.

The average price for a home SOLD was $209,600.

In Hales Corners,  Wisconsin Real Estate it is a great time to call LISA BEAR to buy and sell!

March Gardening Checklist

March may find you sighing with impatience as you watch yet another snowfall cover your barren container boxes, but it's one of the most important months for gardeners.
There's still time to do all of your prep work, from honing tools to starting seeds, as you imagine the shapes, tastes and colors of your next garden. Spring begins with the vernal equinox on March 20.

Tool cleanup
If you didn't do so in the fall, it's time to give your lawn mower and other tools some tough love.
● Get ahead of the spring crowds by dropping off your lawn mower now to have the oil changed, bolts tightened and blades sharpened.
● Remove soil from your tools' metal parts using sandpaper or a hose.

• Sand rough edges on wooden tool handles, then coat them with linseed oil.
• Sharpen your tools. A file will sharpen tools of all sizes, from shovels and hoes to trowels and clippers. A Carborundum wheel will work on smaller tools. Pruning shears can be sharpened with a whetstone. After sharpening, use a rag to apply a thin, penetrating oil to metal tool parts; follow with a heavier oil on tools that have moving parts.

Lawn doctoring
The green, green grass of home doesn't get that way by accident, and March is a perfect time to assess your lawn's health.

• Pluck a 4- to 5-inch square from your yard to see what's going on down there. If your area has crane flies, count the larvae. Fewer than 35 per square foot means less work for you: Your lawn should be able to withstand that number.
• If you're not sure what to look for, take your lawn sample to an expert at your garden store and ask for a diagnosis; then just press your sample back into its "bed."
• Lime, treat moss and, finally, reseed as needed. (Overseeding can be done after midmonth.)
• Fertilize your lawn now or start a new lawn using seeds or sod.

Weeding
There's always the battle of the weeds. The only way to win that fight is to keep at it. Nip weeds at the bud — literally, for if they're allowed to flower and go to seed, you could be looking at several years' worth of uninvited guests: Some weeds shed 10,000 seeds at a pop.

• Remove weeds by hand.
• Consult an expert in your area for dealing with persistent pests such as quackgrass or morning glory. Recommendations for herbicide treatment vary depending on the location of your garden's problem spots.

• Delish: NASA to grow herbs on the moon

Preparing soil
Once your soil has had a chance to thaw and lose some of its winter moisture, you'll want to prep it for planting.

• Remove mulch over the course of several days, exposing the soil gradually.
• Till or spade soil six to 12 inches deep.
• Mix in compost, peat moss and fertilizer for plants or vegetables. For vegetable gardens, include processed or well-rotted manure in the mix (using fresh manure in the spring may burn or damage your plants).
• Rake the soil level to smooth out low spots; pockets of water can make the soil cool, which slows plant growth.

Vegetables
Start planning your vegetable garden, keeping in mind the following guidelines.

• Choose neighboring vegetables carefully and you may as much as double your vegetable harvest. Onions, for example, are no friend to peas and beans but make good bedmates for tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce and beets.
• Depending on your planting zone and the vagaries of the weather gods, you can — finally — plant some perennial vegetables right in your rich new soil.
• Later in the month (in most zones) you can seed or set out hardier vegetables, such as chard and Brussels sprouts.

Starting seeds
Caponata lovers, get those warm-season crops started indoors from seeds, including tomatoes, eggplant and peppers.

• Whether you use egg cartons, trays or pots, be sure the seedlings get lots of light.
• Get a jump on the Joneses' blooming season by planting some hardy flower seeds, such as petunias and marigolds.
• Potted petunias, which stand up well to cool weather, can be placed on your deck now for a splash of color to whet your gardening appetite.

Pruning roses
After all the pleasure you've had from your rose bushes, now you can reward them with pruning. This will give bushes a more attractive shape and also result in larger blooms and longer stems. Use gloves to protect your hands from thorns.

• With a sturdy clipper, make your cuts just above outside buds to encourage new outward growth, giving the plant more sunlight and air.
• For more tips on pruning different kinds of rose bushes, consult a good gardening book or one of the many reputable gardening websites.

Planting
These are the deciduous days, so selections at garden stores and nurseries are at their peak — and not yet picked over — in March.

• From late March into April is a great time to plant fruit trees and berries. Just be sure they have enough water as they get used to their new neighborhood.
• In addition to zone-specific perennial vegetables, set out or plant new roses and cool-loving flowers such as snapdragons and pansies.

Slug control
As tender shoots start to poke up in the spring, they make a beggar's banquet for slugs. Plan your counterattack before young plants become young nubs.

• As with much garden damage control, natural methods are growing in popularity. One simple approach is to sprinkle slugs with salt, which causes them to dry up.
• Slugs are attracted to stale beer, which you can leave in a shallow dish or bowl; slugs will enter and drown.
• Or you can gather slugs at night by hand, armed with a flashlight, something to lift them with and a pail.
• If you use a commercial slug bait, read the label carefully to be sure it won't endanger children, pets or birds.

Fun for kids
Kids love to help with simple growing projects or to have plants of their own to watch and care for, especially if growth is rapid (remember those pint-size attention spans).

• Growing a hyacinth from the bulb is fun, easy and educational. Find a glass or plastic container with a narrow opening. Set the bulb over the opening, and fill the container with water to 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch below the bulb. As the bulb's roots grow downward for a drink, the top will soon begin to develop and bloom — a great lesson in how plants grow, with a colorful, fragrant result!
• Kids love watching plants grow from seeds. Beans, peas and parsley all grow quickly in pots, and seeds can be set in fun shapes or kids' initials.

For the birds
Find out who's likely to fly over for a visit in the next month or two, and target bird treats and feeder types for their individual tastes.

• Most bird species will go for either oil-type sunflower seeds or white millet (offered separately), but sunflower-seed munchers tend to prefer elevated feeders with perches, while millet lovers usually prefer ground or large platform feeders.

Real Estate Market Report for Brookfield February-March 2014

What's Happening in Real Estate in Brookfield? WI Realtor, Lisa Bear, Gives You The Real Estate Activity For Brookfield, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County

February 12, 2014- March 12,2014

 

Today, Brookfield covers almost 27 square miles, numbers 40,000 residents, and is a major business, retail, and industrial hub in southeastern Wisconsin. Brookfield remains committed to orderly development, responsible government, and maintaining a high quality of life.

My name is Lisa Bear of Remax. My market report gives you the real estate activity for Brookfield for the last 30 days.

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment! The following MLS information is for the last 30 days from 2/12/13 to 3/12/13. Lisa Bear Gives You The Real Estate Activity for Brookfield, WI For the Last 30 Days: Real Estate In Waukesha County.

In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market 25 homes sold; 8 were list and sold by the same company, and 17 were sold by co-brokes.

In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 62 new listings.
In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate there were 28 pending listings.
In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 1 withdrawn listings.

In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 0 canceled listings.
In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 20 expired listings.
In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there was 6 back on market listings.
In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there were 29 extended listings.

In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market there are 253 currently active listings.

The average price for a home SOLD was $212,972.

In Brookfield,  Wisconsin Real Estate it is a great time to call LISA BEAR to buy and sell!

 

9 Spring Cleaning Tips for Sellers

As the spring real estate market ramps up, more homes go on the market. Great interior appeal partially relies on a spic-and-span look. So which areas need to stand out during a walk-through?


To give prospective sellers ideas on what needs to be on their spring-cleaning checklists, here are some areas homebuyers will likely view with a critical eye — and how to address them.


1. Trim the lawn and trees
As part of your spring-cleaning checklist trees need to be trimmed, the lawn mowed and flower boxes cleaned out. Sellers can hire professionals for tree care and lawn maintenance if it's too much for them. The average cost to trim or remove a tree is approximately $680 but could cost between $200 or $1,300 depending on factors such as height and girth.

2. Deep-clean the floors
Cleaning every room's floor should be near the top of your spring-cleaning checklist. Hardwood needs to be maintained, and tile and laminate need to be thoroughly mopped. There are various ways to approach carpet cleaning, including different methods to remove tough stains. Alternatively, a professional carpet-cleaning costs approximately $200, depending on the number of rooms and square feet that need to be cleaned.

3. Wash the windows
If windows have layers of film or dust, natural light is diminished in the home. Thus they need to be washed for maximum lighting. To save on time, homeowners can hire a window-cleaning service, which will cost between $200 and $270, according to HomeAdvisor, or between $160 and $220, according to ImproveNet.

4. Scrub the toilets
Your spring-cleaning checklist should also include the toilet, as a dirty one does not appeal to buyers. Better Homes and Gardens has a quick tutorial video on how homeowners can clean their toilet quickly and efficiently so it shines for prospective buyers. Be sure to wear gloves and scrub the inside with a toilet scrub to get all the grime out.

5. Sponge the bathtub
The bathub must be included on any spring-cleaning checklist because prospective buyers need to be able to imagine bathing in it. When cleaning it, be sure to scrub out any grime or dirt buildup to increase its shine. If it's particularly old or worn down, consider having the bathtub refinished to give it a newer look without the cost of replacing it.

6. Declutter the closets
Spring cleaning before a sale is the perfect time for sellers to downsize and to figure out what goes to the next house or to charity. If there are many closets and lots of clutter, homeowners may want to hire a professional organizer. Doing so typically costs between $320 and $520 for their services but could be much less depending on the scope of the job.

7. Organize the cabinets
In the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room, any cabinets should be cleaned out and organized for showings. There are easy ways to organize cabinets, such as cup hooks and lazy susans. It's also a good opportunity to get rid of any outdated food.

8. Straighten up the garage
Arranging the garage is a good opportunity for sellers to remove old yard tools, throw away or donate boxes of old clothing and toys, and power wash the floors and walls. That way, the garage will look clean, open and inviting for a potential buyer.

9. Dust, vacuum, dust
Countertops, cabinet faces, desks, nightstands, lamps — dust should be a distant memory before a walk-through. Use a duster, a wet cloth and cleaning fluids to wipe up every speck of dust. Alternatively, you can hire a cleaning service to do a whole house clean, which averages between $160 and $200, depending on the number of rooms and square footage.

Are You Ready to Buy a House?

Answering these eight questions will help you decide

By Tasha Schroeder

 

The idea of owning your home is an exciting one, but how do you know if you’re ready? Before you take the plunge, answer the questions below.

 

What’s your financial situation?

Having a clear understanding of your finances is necessary when you’re considering buying a home. Prior to speaking with a real estate agent, you should make a budget to see how much you can reasonably afford to pay. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance and other upkeep.

 

Can you afford even the initial costs?

 

Down payment amounts vary based on the type of loan you’re offered or if you’re eligible for a first-time homebuyers’ program, but remember that the more you put down, the lower your mortgage payments will be.

Other initial costs can be substantial: loan set-up fees, home inspections, insurance, property taxes and other fees will cost you about 2 to 4 percent of your home price.

 

Is your money organized?

 

Hopefully you’re the kind of person who balances your checkbook and understands where your money goes, but if you take a more lackadaisical approach to your finances, you’ll need to step up your game. Get organized, check your credit report and keep building your savings. Getting your affairs in order helps you improve your credit score, qualifying you for better interest rates, and good financial records will help you take full advantage of tax deductions.

 

What are your future expenses?

 

Think ahead to the next few years. Are you making any big life changes that will hit your wallet hard? If you’re planning to have children or start paying tuition soon, you should factor that cost into your decision now. It can become difficult to replace an aging car or take an expensive vacation once you’re paying a mortgage.

 

Do you have an emergency fund?

 

Before you devote all your savings into a down payment or upkeep for your house, look at the bigger picture. You need to build a financial cushion in case of financial setbacks like unexpected unemployment or serious illness.

It’s not just money that should affect your decision to buy a home.

 

Are you flexible when it comes to getting what you want?

 

Your first home may not have all the bells and whistles you’re looking for. Are you willing to defer on your wish list now in order to have a home of your own? In a few years, you may be able to find a home that better suits your needs, but in the meantime you could also consider fixing up a less

expensive home, buying a home with friends or renting out part of your home for additional income.

 

Do you plan to move in three to five years?

 

There is a lot of effort, time and cost involved in buying a house – you want to make your investment pay off for you. In addition to the price of the house itself, you should also take into the set-up costs already mentioned.

 

If you’re planning to move in a year for work or school, you may want to wait until after that time. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a tough spot if you’re forced to sell your home for less than its purchase price in a slow market.

 

Do you enjoy home improvement?

 

If you’re already looking at homes, it’s hard not to imagine how adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls or changing the light fixtures will make a house truly yours. But if you’re used to calling the landlord for anything that goes awry in your home, owning a house might be a jarring wake-up call. When you own your house, any issue becomes your responsibility, from replacing blown electrical fuses to installing a new roof.

 

Now is the time to consider whether you enjoy home improvement projects. Are you confident in your ability to patch drywall or install a ceiling fan, or would you rather pay someone else to do it? If it’s the latter, consider that even if you hire someone else to handle your home improvement issues, you will still have to invest not only money but your time by researching contractors and supervising their work.

 

 

Once you’ve answered these questions and taken the first steps toward purchasing your new home, be sure to find out the going home values in your area --just contact Remax Realty Center in Wisconsin!

 

 

http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/real-estate/first-time-home-buyers/deciding-whether-you-are-ready-to-buy-a-house.aspx

 

A Single Woman's Guide to Buying a Home

The pros and cons of buying when single

By Aviva Friedlander

 

Ready-Homeownership

Finish school, find a job, get married, buy a house. In that order. While this is often still the traditional pattern of life events for many women, more and more single women are buying their first house earlier in their lives.

 

Whether it's because rents are high, home prices are affordable in the desired area or simply because of an aversion to living with roommates, single women are becoming a stronger force in the real estate market. In fact, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies, more than one in five homebuyers in the U.S. is a single woman.

 

If you're single and ready to make the big purchase, make sure you know what it takes to go it alone. 

 

Going over finances

 

Make sure you speak with an accountant or financial advisor to figure out what you can afford. Consider the amount you will need for the mortgage payment itself, property taxes, insurance premiums, utility bills, as well as money for repairs and maintenance. The main reason that buying early in life is a smart choice is appreciation value. Your home gains in value over time and when you sell it, that extra money can go a long way toward a down payment on a new home, or other investments. 

 

Finding a reliable real estate agent

 

If real estate is foreign to you and even if it isn't, you would be best off working with a real estate agent to help you find that perfect place and to guide you down the road to homeownership. Consider finding a real estate agent close to your age, and even better, one who is single and successful just like you. A good Realtor should also be able to recommend a trustworthy financial advisor, lawyer, inspector and contractor to help you with the process.

 

Starting small

 

Buying a smaller place, with two bedrooms or less, has a number of advantages for a single. The lower purchase price will likely net you a mortgage payment that is lower than rent in that same area. You will save on utilities, maintenance and cleaning costs. You will have fewer rooms to furnish and decorate. And, when the time comes, it may be easier to sell when you are ready to move on.

 

Considering alternative dwellings

 

Living in a single-family home with a landscaped yard and a picket fence is the stuff dreams are made of. Reality says that buyers must do what's practical for them. Many singles choose condominiums, co-ops or townhouses over single-family homes for some very good reasons. Aside from being more affordable, they may provide maintenance services, security in the form of a buzzer-operated front door or doorman and a built-in social network of neighbors. Overall it's a smart idea for single women to invest in a home. By navigating the ins and outs of homeownership when you're single, you'll be in an excellent position to guide your husband through the process should you want to buy again once you're married.

8 home improvements that will save you money

By Steven Holbrook of U.S. News & World Report

Making prudent purchases

As energy costs rise, you might be looking for ways to be more energy-efficient without breaking the bank. Here are eight money-smart moves to consider when making home renovations.

Anything 'low flow'

In addition to saving water, low-flow fixtures will save you more than a buck or two. Inexpensive and easily installed, low-flow fixtures can reduce your home water consumption by as much as 50 percent and can save you up to $145 per year, according to Energy Star, a government program that promotes energy-efficiency. Low-flow showerheads cost about $20 at home improvement stores.

Insulation

Insulation keeps your house warm in the winter, cool in the summer and reduces heating and cooling costs by as much as 20 percent, according to Green Energy Solutions, Inc., a company that specializes in retrofitting buildings to make them more energy-efficient. You can pick up a roll of insulation for about $15 at home improvement stores.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs

Fluorescent bulbs last four to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs. While they’re more expensive initially, you’ll save about $6 per year on energy bills, according to Energy Star.

A clean dishwasher

Modern dishwashers use an average of 5.8 gallons of water per cycle, while older models can use as much as 10 gallons per cycle. According to Energy Star, you could save around $8 per year in energy costs by making this upgrade. Or, you could clean and repair your current washer if it’s only a few years old. Check out this guide from Better Homes and Gardens to learn how to maintain your dishwasher.

A programmable thermostat

Programmable thermostats have become popular due to their energy- and money-saving benefits. When used properly, this device can save users up to $150 per year, and it’s generally more accurate than a regular thermostat, according to Energy Star.

Weather stripping

You might be surprised to find how much money you could save by patching up that draft in your kitchen or bedroom. In homes that haven’t been weather stripped, air leaks account for 30 to 40 percent of heating and cooling loss, according to Energy Star. Weather stripping materials start for as little as $5 at home improvement stores.

A tankless water heater

Tankless water heaters allow users to shave 20 percent off their water bill. In addition to lasting five to 10 years longer than tank heaters, tankless heaters never run out of hot water. Plus, you get a federal tax rebate if you purchase one, according to Energy Star.

 

Ceiling fans

A ceiling fan will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature while reducing your energy bill by about $15 per year, according to Energy Star. Ceiling fans are priced at about $50 at home improvement stores.

10 tips for homebuyers and sellers in 2014

By Steve McLinden of Bankrate.com

 

Goodness, is it 2006 again? At the dawn of 2014, it feels like it.
Homeowners enjoyed double-digit price growth in the first half of 2013, greatly exceeding experts' predictions of a year ago and even settling into pre-recession values in many markets. Though there was some softening in the second half, sellers remain in their element and are turning the screws on anxious buyers who fear further price spikes and escalating interest rates. New-construction home sales are up, previously underwater properties are in positive equity again and investors are turning their attention to "secondary markets" to find value. Economists expect house prices to rise another 4 percent to 5 percent in 2014, meaning remaining bargains will get even more sparse.
With that in mind, here are 10 tips befitting the up-market of 2014.

1. Sellers: Jump-start the process

You may be an avowed procrastinator, but if you want to sell a house this year, start planning now. The process, say sellers, always takes longer than expected. So get your home inspected now; there may be unseen major repairs to address. De-clutter, clean closets and shelves, store extraneous possessions and furnishings and other stuff that might keep sellers from picturing themselves in your space. Attend an open house or two to get an idea of how to stage yours. And move along: Owners still waiting for the market to peak should beware that this real estate cycle may be shorter-lived than last.

2. Buyers: Be credit-ready

There's a lot of competition out there for homes, so tarry not. Get your credit report and start repairing any blips. If your scores are below 620 or so, a conventional loan will be a challenge. But if they're under 740, you still might not get the best rates. Many buyers get a prequalification letter from the lender, but you can one-up them with a preapproval, which comes after a more thorough evaluation of your finances. A preapproval letter shows the seller that you're good to go and can close quickly.

3. Sellers: Vet your real estate agent, then follow the agent's advice

Sellers lose time and money by hiring poorly. Interview several potential agents. You'll want a full-timer who is Web savvy and uses mobile technology, because at least 4 in 5 buyers view their homes first online. Your agent should be a proven performer in your submarket and be willing to walk you through the financial aspects of your deal. The more the agent knows about schools, commutes and other local details, the better. Once vetted, accept your agent's advice on pricing, marketing and negotiation.

4. Buyers: Adjust your negotiating expectations.

Lowball offers are off the table in this environment and could eliminate you from consideration. Respond to counteroffers quickly to keep other buyers from entering the picture; you don't want to encourage a bidding war. If one breaks out, be prepared to get fewer concessions and pay more money. And have a few other homes in mind so you can be willing to walk away if the price soars.

5. Sellers: It's your market (finally) so make the most of it.

 

At long last, it's a seller's market! While you're interviewing agents, be wary of those offering too-good-to-be-true price opinions because they may be trying to "buy" your listing. And don't jump at that first (seemingly) generous offer, especially if sellers are getting multiple offers. If you're getting your price and then some, give something back to the buyer in good faith, such as an early move-in date or some personal property you're not attached to. Never let the buyers' agents know what you're willing to do, though. Make them ask.

6. Buyers: Find life after foreclosure.

Have a foreclosure in recent years? Join the crowd. Though you might think you have to wait seven years to get another conventional mortgage, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration say they actually require just a three-year waiting period if the foreclosure was caused by extenuating circumstances. There are plenty of nonconforming lenders -- often called "shadow bankers" -- out there if you can endure a big down payment (around 20 percent) and above-market interest rates. Or consider a lease-purchase or lease-option where you pay the homeowner a monthly premium above your rent for the right to buy at a set price later.

7. Sellers: Hesitate to renovate.

We hear that newly renovated homes are easier sells, and that's true. So is it time to remodel that outmoded kitchen? Not if you plan to sell soon. According to remodeling surveys, the average renovation project returns only about two-thirds on investment. For example, a major bathroom remodel costing $15,000 yields about $10,000 in resale value. The same goes for a major kitchen remodel. In most cases, it would be cheaper to issue credits to buyers or drop your price a few grand. Lighter jobs like new doors are more practical and return about 85 percent. But feel free to spend a bit on paint (basic colors), curb appeal and fence replacement to enhance exteriors.

8. Buyers: Ask and you won't receive (an unpleasant surprise).

You'd be dismayed at the things sellers aren't obliged to disclose in most states, including on-premises felonies, suicide, murder or a neighboring sex offender. Don't be afraid to thoroughly question the selling party in writing before signing the contract. Some questions: Is there a cell tower, water tower, natural gas well, oil well or other non-residential construction scheduled to be built in this neighborhood (then define "neighborhood")? Is there commercial zoning on nearby vacant land? Is the yard prone to flooding? Are train whistles or other regular loud noises audible there? Did known criminal activity occur in the house? Have there been reported hauntings? Are there loud neighbors, dogs or other noise pollution? Are there registered sex offenders or other known criminals living nearby? If the selling party refuses to answer any of these questions, that's a bright red flag

9. Sellers: Tailor your local game.

Folks who base their selling decisions on trends on cable news are often left wondering, "Why can't I sell at this price?" The truth is, all markets are different and all real estate is local, and prices can vary greatly even in adjacent subdivisions. Home prices are dictated largely by demand, land availability, foreclosures and employment. Most local real estate offices will provide market stats and at least a few recent comp sales in hopes of earning your business. Additional trend data can be found online or in local newspapers and business journals. A polite call or email to a local real estate appraiser might net more info or links to local statistics.

 

10. Sellers and buyers: Heed changing trends.

Pay attention to trends and react accordingly. Thinking of laying carpet? Agent surveys in the past few years show homes with hardwood floors or faux wood laminate floors are far faster sells. You still want to be in suburbia? Millennials don't. Numerous cities -- such as Austin, Texas; Portland, Ore.; and Minneapolis -- have watched this more environmentally conscious generation flock to "mixed-use" urban districts served by trendy cafes, nightclubs, bike paths, civic events and mass transit. For now, they're not buying condos, which haven't recovered like the single-family market. They're renting -- but watching the condo market ever so carefully.

 

Don't Overlook a Home's Potential

Cosmetic issues are easy to remedy

By Michele Dawson

Home shopping for first-time homebuyers it's an exciting, albeit nerve-wracking, experience. If you're like others in the market for their first home, you probably have in mind exactly how your soon-to-be home will look.

 

But it's important not to fall into the bad decorating, dingy walls and dirt-bare back yard equals bad-home trap. If you don't see past the hideous wallpaper, funky light fixtures and avocado green carpeting, you may miss out on a home with great potential.

 

And, if you're looking for a home in a seller's market where homes are being snatched up as soon as they go on the market, you'll come to realize you can't be choosy if you want to make a competitive offer.

 

One of the first things to do is to get pre-approved for a loan and determine the maximum you can afford to offer for a house. Don't look at homes that are asking for more than 5 percent above your maximum, otherwise you'll be setting yourself up for disappointment if you find the perfect—but outside your budget—home.

 

So what to do?

 

The floor plan of the home is extremely important. If a floor plan isn't quite to your liking, consider rearranging it or adding on. If you're looking at an existing home and will need to remodel or expand to suit your needs, the estimated cost of renovation needs to be considered when making an offer.

 

Also, consider the features of a home:

• Walls. While these are among the easiest to remedy, they also make a huge first impression. If the walls need to be painted, are covered in wallpaper or are painted a color you find distasteful, picture them crisp and clean in the color of your choice—that's how they could look after you paint them.

• Floors. Like walls, carpet or floor surfaces that are old or outdated can be easily replaced. You could even ask for a carpet allowance in your bid, especially if you're in a buyer's market.

• View. Things like old, ugly—even dirty—windows and window treatments can make a view appear less desirable. Those things can be improved, so unless the only view you have is of your neighbor's clunker on the side of the house, don't get hung up on what is surely a fixable view.

• Landscaping. Your best bet is a moderately landscaped yard because you can always improve landscaping without spending too much. Worst case, even if you're looking at dirt, landscaping is one of the easier projects to tackle. Plus you get to design it however you'd like if you're starting from scratch.

• Closets and garages. You can never have too much storage space, which is why so many newer homes have three-car garages. But if you encounter a converted garage that is now a bedroom or storage room, don't give up. Converted garages can almost always go back to their original purpose without much cost or labor.

• Kitchen. The most popular room in the house, many homeowners want their kitchen to be large and have modern appliances. Don't let outdated color schemes deter you because there's nothing like a fresh coat (or two) of paint to make a kitchen your own. Plus, if you like the rest of the house enough to make an offer, you can give the kitchen a minor spruce-up with some new appliances or a major overhaul complete with new countertops, cabinets, and flooring.

• The exterior. If the home doesn't have good curb appeal, try to picture it with a fresh coat of paint and revitalized landscaping.

• Pools. If you want a pool, buy a home with a pool already built in. Pools are expensive and you will not get a full return on the cost when you go to sell. Let someone else lose the return. The cost of repairing a pool is less than putting one in, so if you're looking at a home with an old pool that looks like it's in bad shape, it's still a better bet than putting one in later.

When making an offer, consider what you can't live without, as well as your budget. Also, be sure you hire a professional home inspector to inspect the house. If the home's systems are in good working order and the house has everything you want except a minor item or two, make an offer accordingly.

 

Most importantly, keep in mind that unless you're building your dream home from scratch, you'll probably never find the perfect home. But seeing past a previous owner's bad decorating choices to the core of the home and its potential for livability will yield you the home you've always wanted. It may take some work, but hey—it's yours.