The Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Owners Recoup More with Exterior Home Projects
As part of the 2010-11 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, Realtors® recently rated exterior replacement projects among the most cost-effective home improvement projects, demonstrating that curb appeal remains one of the most important aspects of a home at resale time.
“This year’s Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report highlights the importance of exterior projects, which not only provide the most value, but also are among the least expensive improvements for a home,” said National Association of Realtors® President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. “Since resale value can vary by region, it’s smart for home owners to work with aRealtor®through the remodeling and improvement process; they can provide insight into projects in their neighborhoods that will recoup the most when the owners are ready to sell.”
Nine of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationally in terms of value recouped are exterior replacement projects. The steel entry door replacement remained the project that returned the most money, with an estimated 102.1 percent of cost recouped upon resale; it is also the only project in this year’s report that is expected to return more than the cost. The midrange garage door replacement, a new addition to the report this year, is expected to recoup 83.9 percent of costs. Both projects are small investments that cost little more than $1,200 each, on average. Realtors®identified these two replacements as projects that can significantly improve a home’s curb appeal.
“Curb appeal remains king – it’s the first thing potential buyers notice when looking for a home, and it also demonstrates pride of ownership,” said Phipps.
The 2010-11 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report compares construction costs with resale values for 35 midrange and upscale remodeling projects comprising additions, remodels and replacements in 80 markets across the country. Data are grouped in nine U.S. regions, following the divisions established by the U.S. Census Bureau. This is the 13th consecutive year that the report, which is produced byRemodeling magazine publisher Hanley Wood, LLC, was completed in cooperation with REALTOR®Magazine.
Realtors® provided their insight into local markets and buyer home preferences within those markets. Overall, Realtors® estimated that home owners would recoup an average of 60 percent of their investment in 35 different improvement projects, down from an average of 63.8 percent last year. Remodeling projects, particularly higher cost upscale projects, have been losing resale value in recent years because of weak economic conditions.
According to the report, replacement projects usually outperform remodel and addition projects in resale value because they are among the least expensive and contribute to curb appeal. Various types of siding and window replacement projects were expected to return more than 70 percent of costs. Upscale fiber-cement siding replacement was judged by Realtors® the most cost effective among siding projects, recouping 80 percent of costs. Among the window replacement projects covered, upscale vinyl window replacements were expected to recoup the most, 72.6 percent upon resale. Another exterior project, a wood deck addition, tied with a minor kitchen remodel for the fourth most profitable project recouping an estimated 72.8 percent of costs.
The top interior projects for resale value included an attic bedroom and a basement remodel. Both add living space without extending the footprint of the house. An attic bedroom addition costs more than $51,000 and recoups an estimated 72.2 percent nationally upon resale; a basement remodel costs more than $64,000 and recoups an estimated 70 percent. Improvement projects that are expected to return the least are a midrange home office remodel, recouping an estimated 45.8 percent; a backup power generator, recouping 48.5 percent; and a sunroom addition, recouping 48.6 percent of costs.
Although most regions followed the national trends, the regions that consistently were estimated to return a higher percentage of remodeling costs upon resale were the Pacific region of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington; the West South Central region of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas; the East South Central region of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee; and the South Atlantic region of the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
The regions where Realtors® generally reported the lowest percentage of costs recouped were New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), East North Central (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin), West North Central (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota), and Middle Atlantic (New York and Pennsylvania).
“It’s important to remember that the resale value of a particular improvement project depends on several factors,” said Phipps. “Things such as the home’s overall condition, availability and condition of surrounding properties, location and the regional economic climate contribute to an estimated resale value. That’s why it is imperative to work with a Realtor®who can provide insight and guidance into local market conditions whether you’re buying, selling or improving a home.”
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Century City, Venice, Henderson, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, South Bay, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Culver City, Mar Vista, Rancho Palos Verdes, Pacific Palisades, Commerce, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Cheviot Hills, Malibu, Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Westchester, Pasadena, El Segundo, Burbank, Studio City, Universal City, Sherman Oaks, Glendale, Agoura, Agoura Hills, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Sierra Madre, Calabasas, Bell Canyon, Chatsworth, Newbury Park, North Las Vegas, Moorpark, Oak Park, Simi Valley, Wood Ranch, North Ranch, Lake Sherwood, Camarillio, Conejo Valley, Woodland Hills, Hidden Hills, Bradbury, Inglewood, Glendora, Rolling Hills, La Canada Flintridge, Encino, Tarzana, Reseda, West Lake Village, San Fernando Valley, Norwalk, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Downey, Norwalk, South Gate, Bell, Bellflower, Paramount, La Mirada, La Habra, Whittier, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Cerritos, Bell Gardens, Lynwood, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Upland, Westminister, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Clark County
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood
The Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood
Your neighborhood has a big impact on your lifestyle. Follow these steps to find the perfect community to call home.
• Is it close to your favorite spots? Make a list of the activities — movies, health club, church, etc. — you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you’re considering to engage in your most common activities.
• Check out the school district. This is especially important if you have children, but it also can affect resale value. The Department of Education in your town can probably provide information on test scores, class size, percentage of students who attend college, and special enrichment programs. If you have school-age children, visit schools in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Also, check out www.schoolmatters.com.
• Find out if the neighborhood is safe. Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics. Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type — such as burglaries or armed robberies — and the trend of increasing or decreasing crime. Also, is crime centered in only one part of the neighborhood, such as near a retail area?
• Determine if the neighborhood is economically stable. Check with your local city economic development office to see if income and property values in the neighborhood are stable or rising. What is the percentage of homes to apartments? Apartments don’t necessarily diminish value, but do mean a more transient population. Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months?
• See if you’ll make money. Ask a local REALTOR® or call the local REALTOR® association to get information about price appreciation in the neighborhood. Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, this information may give you a sense of how good of an investment your home will be. A REALTOR® or the government planning agency also may be able to tell you about planned developments or other changes in the neighborhood — like a new school or highway — that might affect value.
• Make personal observations. Once you’ve narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go there and walk around. Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets quiet? How does it feel? Pick a warm day if you can and chat with people working or playing outside.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Century City, Venice, Henderson, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, South Bay, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Culver City, Mar Vista, Rancho Palos Verdes, Pacific Palisades, Commerce, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Cheviot Hills, Malibu, Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Westchester, Pasadena, El Segundo, Burbank, Studio City, Universal City, Sherman Oaks, Glendale, Agoura, Agoura Hills, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Sierra Madre, Calabasas, Bell Canyon, Chatsworth, Newbury Park, North Las Vegas, Moorpark, Oak Park, Simi Valley, Wood Ranch, North Ranch, Lake Sherwood, Camarillio, Conejo Valley, Woodland Hills, Hidden Hills, Bradbury, Inglewood, Glendora, Rolling Hills, La Canada Flintridge, Encino, Tarzana, Reseda, West Lake Village, San Fernando Valley, Norwalk, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Downey, Norwalk, South Gate, Bell, Bellflower, Paramount, La Mirada, La Habra, Whittier, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Cerritos, Bell Gardens, Lynwood, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Upland, Westminister, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Clark County
Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood
Your neighborhood has a big impact on your lifestyle. Follow these steps to find the perfect community to call home.
• Is it close to your favorite spots? Make a list of the activities — movies, health club, church, etc. — you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you’re considering to engage in your most common activities.
• Check out the school district. This is especially important if you have children, but it also can affect resale value. The Department of Education in your town can probably provide information on test scores, class size, percentage of students who attend college, and special enrichment programs. If you have school-age children, visit schools in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Also, check out www.schoolmatters.com.
• Find out if the neighborhood is safe. Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics. Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type — such as burglaries or armed robberies — and the trend of increasing or decreasing crime. Also, is crime centered in only one part of the neighborhood, such as near a retail area?
• Determine if the neighborhood is economically stable. Check with your local city economic development office to see if income and property values in the neighborhood are stable or rising. What is the percentage of homes to apartments? Apartments don’t necessarily diminish value, but do mean a more transient population. Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months?
• See if you’ll make money. Ask a local REALTOR® or call the local REALTOR® association to get information about price appreciation in the neighborhood. Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, this information may give you a sense of how good of an investment your home will be. A REALTOR® or the government planning agency also may be able to tell you about planned developments or other changes in the neighborhood — like a new school or highway — that might affect value.
• Make personal observations. Once you’ve narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go there and walk around. Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets quiet? How does it feel? Pick a warm day if you can and chat with people working or playing outside.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Century City, Venice, Henderson, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, South Bay, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Culver City, Mar Vista, Rancho Palos Verdes, Pacific Palisades, Commerce, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Cheviot Hills, Malibu, Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Westchester, Pasadena, El Segundo, Burbank, Studio City, Universal City, Sherman Oaks, Glendale, Agoura, Agoura Hills, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Sierra Madre, Calabasas, Bell Canyon, Chatsworth, Newbury Park, North Las Vegas, Moorpark, Oak Park, Simi Valley, Wood Ranch, North Ranch, Lake Sherwood, Camarillio, Conejo Valley, Woodland Hills, Hidden Hills, Bradbury, Inglewood, Glendora, Rolling Hills, La Canada Flintridge, Encino, Tarzana, Reseda, West Lake Village, San Fernando Valley, Norwalk, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Downey, Norwalk, South Gate, Bell, Bellflower, Paramount, La Mirada, La Habra, Whittier, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Cerritos, Bell Gardens, Lynwood, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Upland, Westminister, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Clark County
Saturday, December 11, 2010
10 Questions to Ask the Condo Board
The Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
10 Questions to Ask the Condo Board
Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you’ll learn how responsive — and organized — its members are. You’ll also be alerted to potential problems with the property.
1. What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the higher the percentage of owner-occupied units, the more marketable the units will be at resale.
2. What covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern the property? What grandfather clauses are in place? You may find, for instance, that those who buy a property after a certain date can’t rent out their units, but buyers who bought earlier can. Ask for a copy of the bylaws to determine if you can live within them. And have an attorney review property docs, including the master deed, for you.
3. How much does the association keep in reserve? Plus, find out how that money is being invested.
4. Are association assessments keeping pace with the annual rate of inflation? Smart boards raise assessments a certain percentage each year to build reserves to fund future repairs. To determine if the assessment is reasonable, compare the rate to others in the area.
5. What does and doesn’t the assessment cover? Does the assessment include common-area maintenance, recreational facilities, trash collection, and snow removal?
6. What special assessments have been mandated in the past five years? How much was each owner responsible for? Some special assessments are unavoidable. But repeated, expensive assessments could be a red flag about the condition of the building or the board’s fiscal policy.
7. How much turnover occurs in the building? This will tell you if residents are generally happy with the building. According to research by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, owners of condos in two-to-four unit buildings stay for a median of five years, and owners of condos in a building with five or more units stay for a median of four years.
8. Is the condo building in litigation? This is never a good sign. If the builders or home owners are involved in a lawsuit, reserves can be depleted quickly.
9. Is the developer reputable? Find out what other projects the developer has built and visit one if you can. Ask residents about their perceptions. Request an engineer’s report for developments that have been reconverted from other uses to determine what shape the building is in. If the roof, windows, and bricks aren’t in good repair, they become your problem once you buy.
10. Are multiple associations involved in the property? In very large developments, umbrella associations, as well as the smaller association into which you’re buying, may require separate assessments.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Century City, Venice, Henderson, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, South Bay, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Culver City, Mar Vista, Rancho Palos Verdes, Pacific Palisades, Commerce, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Cheviot Hills, Malibu, Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Westchester, Pasadena, El Segundo, Burbank, Studio City, Universal City, Sherman Oaks, Glendale, Agoura, Agoura Hills, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Sierra Madre, Calabasas, Bell Canyon, Chatsworth, Newbury Park, North Las Vegas, Moorpark, Oak Park, Simi Valley, Wood Ranch, North Ranch, Lake Sherwood, Camarillio, Conejo Valley, Woodland Hills, Hidden Hills, Bradbury, Inglewood, Glendora, Rolling Hills, La Canada Flintridge, Encino, Tarzana, Reseda, West Lake Village, San Fernando Valley, Norwalk, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Downey, Norwalk, South Gate, Bell, Bellflower, Paramount, La Mirada, La Habra, Whittier, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Cerritos, Bell Gardens, Lynwood, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Upland, Westminister, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Clark County
10 Questions to Ask the Condo Board
Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you’ll learn how responsive — and organized — its members are. You’ll also be alerted to potential problems with the property.
1. What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the higher the percentage of owner-occupied units, the more marketable the units will be at resale.
2. What covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern the property? What grandfather clauses are in place? You may find, for instance, that those who buy a property after a certain date can’t rent out their units, but buyers who bought earlier can. Ask for a copy of the bylaws to determine if you can live within them. And have an attorney review property docs, including the master deed, for you.
3. How much does the association keep in reserve? Plus, find out how that money is being invested.
4. Are association assessments keeping pace with the annual rate of inflation? Smart boards raise assessments a certain percentage each year to build reserves to fund future repairs. To determine if the assessment is reasonable, compare the rate to others in the area.
5. What does and doesn’t the assessment cover? Does the assessment include common-area maintenance, recreational facilities, trash collection, and snow removal?
6. What special assessments have been mandated in the past five years? How much was each owner responsible for? Some special assessments are unavoidable. But repeated, expensive assessments could be a red flag about the condition of the building or the board’s fiscal policy.
7. How much turnover occurs in the building? This will tell you if residents are generally happy with the building. According to research by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, owners of condos in two-to-four unit buildings stay for a median of five years, and owners of condos in a building with five or more units stay for a median of four years.
8. Is the condo building in litigation? This is never a good sign. If the builders or home owners are involved in a lawsuit, reserves can be depleted quickly.
9. Is the developer reputable? Find out what other projects the developer has built and visit one if you can. Ask residents about their perceptions. Request an engineer’s report for developments that have been reconverted from other uses to determine what shape the building is in. If the roof, windows, and bricks aren’t in good repair, they become your problem once you buy.
10. Are multiple associations involved in the property? In very large developments, umbrella associations, as well as the smaller association into which you’re buying, may require separate assessments.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Century City, Venice, Henderson, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, South Bay, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Culver City, Mar Vista, Rancho Palos Verdes, Pacific Palisades, Commerce, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Cheviot Hills, Malibu, Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Westchester, Pasadena, El Segundo, Burbank, Studio City, Universal City, Sherman Oaks, Glendale, Agoura, Agoura Hills, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Sierra Madre, Calabasas, Bell Canyon, Chatsworth, Newbury Park, North Las Vegas, Moorpark, Oak Park, Simi Valley, Wood Ranch, North Ranch, Lake Sherwood, Camarillio, Conejo Valley, Woodland Hills, Hidden Hills, Bradbury, Inglewood, Glendora, Rolling Hills, La Canada Flintridge, Encino, Tarzana, Reseda, West Lake Village, San Fernando Valley, Norwalk, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Downey, Norwalk, South Gate, Bell, Bellflower, Paramount, La Mirada, La Habra, Whittier, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Cerritos, Bell Gardens, Lynwood, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Upland, Westminister, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Clark County
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
8 Tips to Guide for Your Home Search
The Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
8 Tips to Guide for Your Home Search
1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.
2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.
4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.
5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.
6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.
7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.
8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
8 Tips to Guide for Your Home Search
1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.
2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.
4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.
5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.
6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.
7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.
8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
How High Tech is Your Home?
The Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
How High Tech is Your Home?
If the latest technology or entertainment options are important in your new home, add the following questions to your buyer’s checklist.
1. Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Internet hookups?
2. Are there ample telephone extensions or jacks?
3. Is the home pre-wired for home theater or multiroom audio and video? Does it have in-wall speakers?
4. Does the home have a local area network (LAN) for linking computers?
5. Does the home already have wiring for DSL or another high-speed Internet connection?
6. Does the home have multizoning heating and cooling controls with programmable thermostats?
7. Does the home have multiroom lighting controls, window-covering controls, or other home automation features?
8. Is the home wired with multipurpose in-wall wiring that allows for reconfigurations to update services as technology changes?
To rate the home on its technological sophistication, fill out the Consumer Electronics Association’s TechHome checklist at www.ce.org/techhomerating.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
How High Tech is Your Home?
If the latest technology or entertainment options are important in your new home, add the following questions to your buyer’s checklist.
1. Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Internet hookups?
2. Are there ample telephone extensions or jacks?
3. Is the home pre-wired for home theater or multiroom audio and video? Does it have in-wall speakers?
4. Does the home have a local area network (LAN) for linking computers?
5. Does the home already have wiring for DSL or another high-speed Internet connection?
6. Does the home have multizoning heating and cooling controls with programmable thermostats?
7. Does the home have multiroom lighting controls, window-covering controls, or other home automation features?
8. Is the home wired with multipurpose in-wall wiring that allows for reconfigurations to update services as technology changes?
To rate the home on its technological sophistication, fill out the Consumer Electronics Association’s TechHome checklist at www.ce.org/techhomerating.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
Friday, December 3, 2010
How Big of a Mortgage Can I Afford?
The Weidauer Group - The Leader in Real Estate
How Big of a Mortgage Can I Afford?
Not only does owning a home give you a haven for yourself and your family, it also makes great financial sense because of the tax benefits — which you can’t take advantage of when paying rent.
The following calculation assumes a 28 percent income tax bracket. If your bracket is higher, your savings will be, too. Based on your current rent, use this calculation to figure out how much mortgage you can afford.
Rent: _________________________
Multiplier: x 1.32
Mortgage payment: _________________________
Because of tax deductions, you can make a mortgage payment — including taxes and insurance — that is approximately one-third larger than your current rent payment and end up with the same amount of income.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
How Big of a Mortgage Can I Afford?
Not only does owning a home give you a haven for yourself and your family, it also makes great financial sense because of the tax benefits — which you can’t take advantage of when paying rent.
The following calculation assumes a 28 percent income tax bracket. If your bracket is higher, your savings will be, too. Based on your current rent, use this calculation to figure out how much mortgage you can afford.
Rent: _________________________
Multiplier: x 1.32
Mortgage payment: _________________________
Because of tax deductions, you can make a mortgage payment — including taxes and insurance — that is approximately one-third larger than your current rent payment and end up with the same amount of income.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
Thursday, December 2, 2010
5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score
The Weidauer Group - The Leader in Real Estate
5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score
Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score:
1. Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card obligations on time? If they were late, then how late? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also impact your history.
2. How much you owe. If you owe a great deal of money on numerous accounts, it can indicate that you are overextended. However, it’s a good thing if you have a good proportion of balances to total credit limits.
3. The length of your credit history. In general, the longer you have had accounts opened, the better. The average consumer's oldest obligation is 14 years old, indicating that he or she has been managing credit for some time, according to Fair Isaac Corp., and only one in 20 consumers have credit histories shorter than 2 years.
4. How much new credit you have. New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay them promptly.
5. The types of credit you use. Generally, it’s desirable to have more than one type of credit — installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage, for example.
For more on evaluating and understanding your credit score, contact me using one of my contact points below.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score
Credit scores range between 200 and 800, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. The following factors affect your score:
1. Your payment history. Did you pay your credit card obligations on time? If they were late, then how late? Bankruptcy filing, liens, and collection activity also impact your history.
2. How much you owe. If you owe a great deal of money on numerous accounts, it can indicate that you are overextended. However, it’s a good thing if you have a good proportion of balances to total credit limits.
3. The length of your credit history. In general, the longer you have had accounts opened, the better. The average consumer's oldest obligation is 14 years old, indicating that he or she has been managing credit for some time, according to Fair Isaac Corp., and only one in 20 consumers have credit histories shorter than 2 years.
4. How much new credit you have. New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay them promptly.
5. The types of credit you use. Generally, it’s desirable to have more than one type of credit — installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage, for example.
For more on evaluating and understanding your credit score, contact me using one of my contact points below.
Darin Weidauer
Weidauer Group – The Leader in Real Estate
Realtor – Los Angeles – Las Vegas
CA DRE License #01870184
310-896-5769 or 424-247-4567 Español
NV DRE License #S.0070208
702-249-8912 or 424-247-4567 Español
darinweidauer@weidauergroup.com
http://www.weidauergroup.com
www.facebook.com/weidauergroup
www.twitter.com/weidauergroup
www.youtube.com/weidauergroup
http://www.weidauergroup-theleaderinrealestate.blogspot.com/
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