What Is an A-Frame House?

If you've ever searched for a cabin rental or come across a house or rental listing with a picturesque mountain view, you've likely spotted an A-frame house. Named for their A-shaped appearance, these homes not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but also a practical one—but they're not common (or even popular) in all regions. If you're on the market for an A-frame house, here's what you should consider when it comes to maintenance and resale potential...

A-Frame House Features

With their unique shape, A-frame homes have a characteristic exterior—plus a floorplan that's unheard of in colonial, ranch, or split-level homes.

"A-frame homes are shaped like a triangle or the letter A, with four walls beginning at the foundation and meeting at a pointed roof," says Scott Reid, a home exterior expert at Angi. "They're known for their steep roofs, which usually extend to the ground."

In addition to their signature steep roofline, you'll notice lots of windows, typically dotting the entire front of the home. "This provides great natural light and terrific views," says Laura Bierman, an interior design consultant at YouthfulHome.com, a home services finder. "Floorplans are open and casual."

That pitched roof makes the home ideal for areas with frequent rain and snow. "The advantage is that the snow doesn't sit on top of the house, it kind of slides down," says Beatrice de Jong, broker and consumer trends expert at Opendoor, a home buying service. "But we see them a lot in places like Palm Springs and where that midcentury style is popular."

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, A-frames can be incredibly practical. "A-frame homes have a simple form, making them easy to build with a small team of contractors," Reid says. "The A-frame design tends to be more naturally energy-efficient than a traditional house, and stronger, thanks to the structural integrity of the triangle shape."

Maintenance Considerations

Because A-frame homes have so many windows, you'll want to keep an eye on their condition to avoid exorbitant heating and cooling costs. Hot air rises, but it can also be difficult to trap indoors in winter in a home with older windows. "The high ceilings and glass surfaces make an A-frame more costly to heat," Bierman says.

As such, de Jong suggests replacing windows with double-paned windows if you can afford it, to contain hot and cold air depending on the season. And while an A-frame's roof is designed to allow precipitation to roll off, there is more roofspace overall to maintain.

"Because A-frame homes tend to have about 20% more exterior surfaces, it can be difficult to fix a few shingles or patch a leak on the roof," Reid says. "Many homeowners have found durable metal roofs easier to maintain. If you need to fix a few shingles or patch a leak, it's best to hire a pro to do the job for you so you don't hurt yourself."

Keep in mind, too, that A-frame homes can be harder to clean inside. "The high ceilings make it difficult to clean surfaces, fans, lights, and windows," Bierman says. Bierman also points out that A-frames are usually made of wood, which means a potential for termite infestations. (Fortunately, this threat is easily mitigated with regular pest control visits.)

Resale Potential

Unique A-frame homes aren't for everyone, but the right buyer will have their eyes peeled for these gems. Those buyers likely value the home's unique design and its prized features, such as the vaulted ceilings and abundant natural light afforded by floor-to-ceiling windows.

But there are some concessions to be made when purchasing this home, particularly when it comes to space.

"[A-frames] have less interior space than the typical home because the exterior walls are steeply sloped," Reid says. "This unique architecture also means they generally have less room for storage. If you love interior decorating and hanging photos, you might find the sloping walls challenging. A-frames also leave less headspace, which may be uncomfortable for taller people."

A bigger family might not want to live in a home with minimal storage and a bedroom that opens up to the rest of the house (which is often the case with the top floor of an A-frame: These spaces are typically used as lofted bedrooms), which could limit your resale options.

"The open floor plan usually means that the primary bedroom is on the top floor but open to the rest of the space, so privacy is minimal," Reid says. And as mentioned previously, heating and cooling bills could deter new buyers.

But don't let these factors prevent you from enjoying an A-frame. "Their unique architecture and living and wall space can make it harder to sell as a full-time property, but they could be a great investment as a rental property," Reid says. "A-frames can be great as a short-term or long-term vacation rental, but full-time living in one can be difficult."

NMLS ID 394275 | DRE ID 01769353

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What Is an Open House?

If you've ever listed your home for sale or driven by a newly listed home, you've likely heard about (or seen signs about) an open house. An open house is an invitation to the public to view a home to generate interest and offers in a newly listed property, and a well-attended open house can lead to a speedy sale.

Whether you're on the market to buy or sell, here's what you can expect during an open house. What Is an Open House? Open houses are held to generate interest, attract potential buyers, and help the agent selling the home, says Hao Li, broker with HouseSigma, an AI-powered online brokerage.

"When a seller lists a property for sale, the seller's agent will often hold an open house where anyone who's interested can come inside and tour the home at their own leisure," Li says. "Open houses usually last for about two hours and are normally held over the weekend." An open house lets prospective buyers and their agents have a look at the property during a designated time, which makes coordinating visits easier on the seller and can attract more people all at once.

"The expectation is that buyers who are in the market for the type of property being offered would be able to view at their convenience," says Julie Longtin, broker-owner of Cityside Properties in Providence, Rhode Island. "You do not have to go through the formality of scheduling a private appointment."

While the goal is to sell the property at hand, agents are also looking to connect with prospective buyers who attend and might be selling their own homes down the road, Li says. Open houses are usually held soon after a home is listed for sale. "Seller's agents will typically hold open houses the first weekend of a new listing to capitalize on interest in a fresh, just-hit-the-market property," Li says.

Wait much longer to throw an open house, and chances are most potential buyers have already come across your property and either viewed it or ruled it out. Still, an open house can also revitalize interest in a property that's languishing on the market, especially in a highly competitive market.

"Agents are typically holding more open houses than usual for the same listing because listings are sitting on the market longer," Li says. "Buyers are taking their time during this real estate cool down. In general, there are fewer buyers and fewer bidding wars, so homes just aren't selling as fast."

In 2021, an open house could end in multiple offers—not so today. "Buyers are taking their time," Li says. "They no longer feel the need to rush to put in an offer. So sellers will have to be patient and actually wait for days for offers to come in, if any."

Even if an open house doesn't generate an offer, Longtin says it usually offers a real estate agent a ton of information they can use to adjust the listing price or make fixes to the home, especially if they're asking buyers the right questions. "How well is the property received? Is the property priced right? How does it show to the average person? What are the pros and cons of the subject, and how does that affect the market value? A successful agent would have the tools and the dialogue to gently extract this feedback," she says.

How to Prepare for an Open House as the Seller

Sellers preparing to hold an open house should prepare the way they do for any showing by cleaning, removing personal effects, and leaving the house on the day of the event.

"The best way to hold an open house is to hire an agent who offers staging," Li says. "Clean the property, make sure there's plenty of light and a comfortable ambiance, and tuck personal items out of sight. Especially family photos. Buyers like to picture themselves in the home, so pictures of the current owners hanging on the walls don't help that image."

Longtin stresses that cleanliness is most important on the day of an open house or any showing. "A clean and immaculate property both inside and out is always received better than the alternative," she says. "Make it smell as good as it looks! The more comfortable you make the environment, the longer people stay, the more success you will achieve."

On the day of the event, make yourself (and any family members, children, and pets) scarce and let your agent handle the rest.

"Sellers should stay away during the open house. Resist the urge to peek at what's happening, and whatever you do, do not set up hidden cameras," Li says. "You don't want potential buyers finding a hidden camera and submitting a complaint."

Don't worry if you feel your home gets lots of traffic from folks just browsing for fun. "We all know that the 'Nosy Neighbor' may attend out of curiosity. Not to fret," Longtin says. "Neighbors may have friends or family members who may be a candidate, as well. So, when it comes to open houses, the wider the net, the more fish you can catch!"

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Reasons to Use the Rainbow Method to Create a Vibrant Home

Bright splashes of color can brighten any space and make it more vibrant. Some organizational experts are also using the rainbow method to create a highly organized, visually pleasing home. People living amid order instead of chaos can truly enjoy the beauty of their place and add bursts of color at the same time. Organizational gurus Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin came up with the concept of the rainbow method for their television show, “Get Organized With the Home Edit.” The two used the order of rainbow colors —red, orange, yellow, blue, green, indigo and violet — to create visual appeal and functional organization. 

Those who've watched the show saw the duo help actress Reese Witherspoon organize her home with the color pattern. They have shared that the rainbow order is pleasing to the human eye and is user-friendly. Because people see rainbows in nature, their brains recognize the pattern and understand it. The bright colors add a lot of cheer, even to boring and drab areas of the home, such as a closet. 

To use the system to get organized, homeowners should follow these steps:

Step #1: Group Items

First, people should group similar items. If organizing a collection of toys, the categories might include stuffed animals, hard toys, and collectibles or special items that aren’t played with.

Step #2: Sort Into Piles of Each Rainbow Color

Each group should be organized into separate rainbow color bunches. All the blue stuffed animals go in one pile, all the yellow in another and so on. For colors that fall outside the rainbow, the “Home Edit” stars suggest making a separate pile. 

Step #3: Place Items in Rainbow Order

The final step involves planning where to store items, purchasing organizers and arranging the items in rainbow order. Plan to use the rainbow method on open shelving, bookcases and other visible places where organized items can be easily accessible and add to the room’s aesthetics. For example, an over-the-door stuffed animal organizer allows the homeowner to show off favorite toys. Place them in like colors, with all reds at the top left, and go through each color of the rainbow. It’s best to line items like books on shelves based on the cover color and where they fall in the rainbow rather than by size or type. 

Creating an organized, functional and aesthetically pleasing home creates a soft place to land for the people who live there. It becomes easier to find what one needs when hunting for an item. Some of the reasons to use the rainbow method specifically include:

1. Create Fun for Kids

Teaching children early in life to stay organized and put things where they belong can serve them well as they enter school years with more intense studies and demands. Following the rainbow helps them know where to locate what they need and how to put things back where they go and stay organized. 

2. Transform a Storage Area

Storage areas are traditionally rather drab, featuring gray-colored totes and similar bland hues. However, ordering things like a rainbow changes that. Clear bins show what’s inside and the lineup of bright hues can draw people in and make the entire storage experience more exciting. It will become a decorator’s showcase rather than boring. 

3. Combine With Other Methods

The rainbow method combines with other organizational techniques easily, speeding up the decluttering and revamping process. Approaches like the 12-12-12 organizing method, in which people find 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate and 12 to return to their proper place allow for decluttering. The rainbow method gives them a chance to make things they do keep aesthetically pleasing. 

4. Locate Items Quickly

Organizing items by color makes them easy to find. For example, someone who needs a red hat for a special occasion can go to where the hats are stored and locate the red section. 

5. Encourage Mindful Consumption

It’s easy to buy more than what’s needed. However, when things are organized, it’s easier to know what’s on hand and double-check before buying. Doing so avoids waste and overbuying. Source

Get Clear on Needs vs. Wants.

Buying a home can bring many emotions mostly excitement but planning ahead and knowing what you want is key to making the experience less stressful! It’s tempting to think your first home is your forever home, but the truth is, it likely isn’t. So don’t feel like you need the perfect home right off the bat, because you can always upgrade later. For now, you just need a house to fit your current season of life.

Sit down and list out the three to five things your house absolutely must have, focusing on the true non-negotiables. For example, maybe you need to live close enough to commute to work every day, or maybe your pets need a fence.

Then, write down a few “wants” that could be the cherry on top of your first home. A swimming pool? Granite countertops? Enough bedrooms so your kids don’t have to share? It’s up to you!

Just know that you probably won’t be able to get them all, and make sure to share your list with your real estate agent.

Okay, you’ve got your shopping list in hand, so now it’s time to do some research and find your first home. Here’s what to keep in mind as you start your search:

• Get ideas online. Find homes you like online and send them to your real estate agent so they get an even better idea of what you’re looking for.
• Research neighborhoods for the best fit. Instead of running around the whole city looking for a house, narrow down your search to just a few areas. Remember, real estate prices are all about location, location, location. Look into crime rates and the quality of schools.
• Think long term. Like I said, you probably won’t live in your first home forever, so make sure to buy one you can resell down the road. Buy in your neighborhood’s lower price range and learn about the local economy. Are home prices rising or falling? Are businesses booming or closing?
• Be patient. Finding the right house takes time. More than likely, you’ll look at several houses and make several offers. That’s just part of the process. So be patient and proud of the fact that you’re willing to wait for the right house—not settle for the wrong one. Source

Why Changing Your Door Locks Is Essential After Buying a New House

Closing on a new home may be one of life’s most thrilling events! After weeks, or maybe even months, of house hunting, researching neighborhoods, putting in offers, and waiting for approvals – the search is finally over. There’s just one more major task to complete before you can start unpacking those boxes and fully settle in: getting your door locks changed. You might be surprised to find out that most homeowners don’t think twice about this essential safety measure. One of the first things you should do after buying a new house is get your locks changed. You never know who might have a copy of the same key to your new house or who might have had access to the lock system at some point. Even if you trust the previous owner, there’s no reason to take any chances. A professional locksmith can complete the task securely and swiftly, allowing you to continue your to-do list while they work.

Perhaps you’re wondering why this is one of the most crucial tasks you should complete following the closing of your new house. This article will explain a few key reasons why changing your locks should be at the top of your priorities.

Here are some top reasons to change the locks on a new home;

The Previous Owners Did Not Hand Over All the Keys

You may want to trust the previous owners at their word if they seem honest and straightforward. The upstanding character of the last owners, however, is not sufficient to guarantee whether or not you have all copies of your new home’s keys. Consider, for example, that they have resided in the home for years and have lost track of how many real estate agents, nannies, housekeepers, neighbors, relatives, dog sitters, friends, caretakers, repair technicians, security firms, and so on that have copies of the old keys. There is no telling how many keys to your new home are floating around out there. The best way to protect your house, family, and belongings is by changing the locks as soon as possible after you take possession.

There Could Be a Master Key Out There

Even if your home is brand new and you are the first people to live in it, there isn’t any assurance that the locks are safe from a third party. If you’ve recently purchased a brand-new house, there’s a good probability that the locks are master keyed, which is a typical practice for many property developers.

All of the houses in one block, for example, may be accessed with a single key that fits each lock mechanism, as it is easier for home builders working on multiple homes at the same time in the same division. Subcontractors are frequently given access to a master key system, which means they can enter any of the homes as well.

To Keep the Insurance in Force

If you are robbed because you were using outdated locks and someone had the keys, your homeowner’s insurance claim may be void. Before they pay the claim amount, most insurance companies will want to see evidence of forced entry.

It won’t be labeled as a forced entry if someone uses an old key to open your front door and enter the premises. Instead, it will be deemed a case of owner negligence. Make sure you change your new home’s locks if you want your insurance to remain valid in case of a burglary!

For Peace of Mind

The most important reason to always change the locks after moving into a new home is for your own peace of mind. Even if you trust the previous homeowners and they have no history of crime, it’s still wise to take this safety precaution. It only takes a few minutes for the professional installation of new locks, and it’s a small price to pay for the comfort that comes with knowing that your home is secure.

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How to Stage Your House for Sale

When selling your home, first impressions aren’t just kind of important — they can make or break a sale. That’s where home staging comes in. Staging is more than just tidying up or rearranging your furniture and painting over a few worn spots; it’s a strategic process designed to highlight the best parts of your home and spark a connection with those who might be looking to buy it.  And the effort is worth it — according to the National Association of Realtors, 81% of buyer’s agents report that staging makes it easier for buyers to picture a property as their future home. By carefully and thoughtfully preparing each space, staging allows buyers to picture what it will be like to live there, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a faster and more profitable sale for you.

Whether you’re planning to stage your home on your own or bring in a professional, these 10 tips for staging a home will make your home stand out in a competitive market:

1. Declutter every room

Less is truly more when it comes to staging. A clutter-free home feels open and inviting, giving buyers the impression that there is more space and, therefore, the house is more valuable. Pack away non-essentials, clear busy countertops, and organize closets for those casual peeks. If you’re short on storage, renting a temporary storage unit can help. 

2. Depersonalize the space

Someone looking to buy a house wants to be able to imagine it as their own, so you’ll want to remove yourself from the equation. Minimize family photographs, personal keepsakes, and distracting bold decor. Aim for a more neutral atmosphere that appeals to a broad audience.

3. Deep clean like a pro

A clean house sends a strong message that it has been well cared for without needing a top-to-bottom remodel. Scrub floors, clean baseboards and ceilings, and dust those spots you usually ignore. Don’t want to do it yourself? Professional cleaning services can be a worthwhile investment. 

4. Hide evidence of pets

Pet ownership shouldn’t distract from what makes your home shine. Temporarily tuck away pet items like beds, bowls, and toys. You’ll also want to address any lingering odors and consider having carpets professionally cleaned to ensure freshness. If you know a buyer is coming by to check out the house, it might also be worth it to temporarily board your pets or have them stay at a friend’s or neighbor’s place.

5. Maximize lighting

Bright, airy spaces tend to feel more welcoming than darker areas. Open up the blinds or curtains, replace low-wattage lightbulbs, and add table lamps if your rooms are feeling a little dim. Strategically placed mirrors can also amplify the light and create the illusion of more space. 

6. Make the living room inviting

Buyers tend to form their very first impression upon stepping into the living room, so focus on staging the living room to make it as inviting as possible. Arrange furniture to promote conversation, add a cozy throw blanket or some pillows, and use subtle decor to make the space feel warm and functional. 

7. Showcase the kitchen

The kitchen is another area of your house that can make or break a sale. Keep the counters free of clutter, polish up or put away appliances, and add simple touches like a bowl of fresh fruit or a flower bouquet to lighten up the space. A spotless, welcoming kitchen can make your home even more irresistible to the right buyer. 

8. Stick to neutral colors

While you might appreciate bold wall colors and quirky patterns, they aren’t always as big a draw to potential buyers. Neutral tones, like soft whites and grays, provide a blank canvas that lets those looking at your home visualize their own style in the space. 

9. Boost the curb appeal

Often overlooked, the exterior of your home can be just as important to homebuyers as the inside. That’s because the exterior sets the tone long before the buyer enters. Mow the lawn, freshen up landscaping, and update entryway touches like doormats, door signs, and potted plants. A power-washed driveway, walkway, and outer walls can make a huge, near-instant difference. Here are some ways to boost your curb appeal.

10. Define unused space

An empty room that has no real defining traits can sometimes confuse buyers. Instead of leaving it empty, stage it thoughtfully — a home office, a reading nook, or even a small indoor gym can demonstrate the potential of every square foot of your home. Source

How to Refresh Your Home for a Quick Sell

Are you planning to sell your home but unsure what repairs or updates to make before you list? While it’s wise to tend to fixes and upgrades prior to putting your home on the market, you need to think carefully about what to makeover if you want to attract buyers and get the most money from your sale. Experts agree that checking comparative properties and considering your return on investment is an excellent initial step in deciding how to refresh your home for a quick sell. Since every home seller has different circumstances, we’ve compiled a list of general guidelines to help you figure out what you might want to renovate.

Here are some of the fastest and most affordable ways to update your home for a quick sell in the new year;

1.) Freshen Up Paint

Real estate agents frequently advise clients to paint their homes before they sell. Scratches, scuffs, chips, and peeling areas accumulate over the years, and while the homeowner may not notice them, buyers typically do. Additionally, many homes’ paint colors are faded, outdated, and unattractive to modern buyers. You don’t have to have a huge renovation budget to invest in a new coat of interior or exterior paint. If money is tight, find a good and affordable one-coat paint and then choose a neutral color to create a blank canvas for buyers. Freshly painted properties often sell quicker and command top dollar.

2.) Declutter

Cluttered homes tend to look disorganized and unkept, and they can prevent a buyer from seeing a property’s full potential. Decluttering, therefore, is one of the most effective refreshes you can make before you sell and it’s one of the cheapest. To declutter your home and turn it into a space that buyers can envision as their own, go from room to room, eliminating anything unnecessary. Store, give, or throw away knickknacks, furniture, and other personal belongings that you don’t use or that don’t add to the picture you want to paint for a future buyer. Think about model homes you’ve been in or staged rooms you’ve seen in magazines. This is the image you need to present to buyers if you want to sell your home fast. Don’t forget to declutter drawers, cupboards, and closets and organize what’s left.

3.) Maximize Curb Appeal

Maximize your home’s curb appeal if you want to sell quickly. You can get a realistic look at how your property’s exterior appears to potential buyers by walking the route leading from the street to your front door. Stand from a distance and inspect your house numbers, mailbox, garage door, gutters, walkway or entry steps, porch or deck, and front door. Pay close attention to landscaping, exterior lighting, railings, and fixtures like door knobs and doorbells. Does anything need to be fixed or refreshed? How can you make your home stand out from the crowd, either in cleanliness or design?

4.) Update Window Treatments

New window treatments make a massive difference in how a home presents to potential buyers. Old, antiquated, and torn or broken blinds, curtains, and shades can make an otherwise acceptable property look outdated and even like a fixer-upper. For a small investment, you can update your window treatments to modern versions that help brighten a room and delight buyers. When choosing new window coverings, consider options that allow privacy while letting natural light in. Also, take note of the new smart designs with high-tech and hands-off controls for ease and efficiency.

5.) Remodel Your Kitchen

Remodeling a kitchen returns 98.5% of a homeowner’s investment and promotes a quick sell. Even if you don’t want to or can’t do an extensive kitchen makeover, consider a minor refresh with a new backsplash, coat of cabinet paint, hardware set, major appliance, or statement light fixture. New kitchen tile can make the difference between a dated space and a modern room that’s ready for a new buyer.

6.) Focus on Fixtures

Great lighting makes a massive impact and produces a ‘wow’ factor that can convince buyers your home is what they’re looking for. Today’s lighting trends include textured and subtle pendant lights, hidden lights, and mixed-metal fixtures. When refreshing the lighting in your home, remember to ensure all bulbs match. Additionally, for a fast sell, focus on refreshing door knobs, electrical outlets, cabinet hardware, and faucets. Replace any that are dented, scratched, not working, or past their prime in appearance in any way. Source

After the Home Inspection, What’s Next for Sellers?

What does the inspection cover?

It’s basically a visual examination of the home’s structure and systems. An inspector will look at the roof and the foundation — and everything in between. Safety issues are key items.

The list of things you can expect to be covered by an inspection report include:

• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Electrical system
• Roof
• Attic, including visible insulation
• Walls
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Windows
• Doors
• Foundation
• Basement
• Structural components

Although the emphasis will be on these items, inspectors will also see if things like garbage disposals and carbon monoxide detectors are operational. They will also look for leaks, mold, and signs of water damage.

Prepare for an inspection

There are several things you can do that will make the inspection go more easily — and may earn you a better report. Try to look for what home inspectors look for.

Provide access. Make sure interior doors are unlocked and clutter is cleared from everything the inspector needs to see, such as the furnace and under sinks.

1. Clean house. The inspector’s job will be easier and more pleasant if your house is tidy and clean.
2. Replace burned-out lightbulbs. To avoid any question of faulty wiring or bad outlets, make sure all the lightbulbs work.
3. Clear around the house. Trim shrubs and move trash cans so the inspector can get a good look at the siding, trim, and windows.
4.  Flush the toilet. If it runs, get it fixed.
5. Test the pilot lights. These can be on your water heater, fireplace, and stove. Make sure they all work.
6. Tighten the hinges on cabinet doors. Make sure they hang straight and close well.
7. Shut the doors. Like with the cabinet doors, make sure they hang straight and latch properly.
8. Replace the furnace filter.
9. Label the fuse box. Make sure it’s accurate and legible. This will help you in an emergency as well as the inspector.
10. Check for leaks. Look under sinks, around faucets, at the base of the toilet, bathtub, and shower, and under the dishwasher and refrigerator.
11.  Look for signs of water damage. Examine walls, ceilings, and floors for warping, sagging, and buckling. Check the exterior for leaks and pooling water.
12. Eradicate bugs. Eliminate wasp nests and get rid of ants and any other noticeable insects.
13. Check the roof. Look for missing tiles. Clean out the gutters. Ensure the downspouts are positioned properly and functional.
14. Produce receipts for maintenance, updates, and other service done to your home, such as an HVAC service, a chimney sweeping, or a water heater service.

Be prepared for the inspector two hours before the scheduled appointment. Leave all utilities on and make sure the inspector has access to all areas. Take your pets with you when you leave.

Next steps after the inspection

Once your inspection is completed, the inspector’s report will be sent to whomever paid for the inspection. Usually, it’s the buyer, but the seller may schedule a pre-inspection before listing the home.

So, after the home inspection, what is next?

1. Buyer will review the report with their agent

The buyer’s agent will help the buyer understand the inspection report and decide whether to buy the house, ask for repairs, or cancel the purchase contract based on the inspection findings. The inspection report can be 30 to 40 pages long, says Hyatt-Zack, so having an agent to help understand the results is helpful. It’s important to note, the inspection report belongs to the buyer who paid for it. It’s part of a legal business agreement between the buyer and the home inspector. Even though it’s your house, the only thing the seller receives is a repair request, if the buyer creates one.

Unless there is an extraordinary exception, sellers will generally only get a copy of the inspection report if they paid for part of it, which can sometimes happen through shared closing costs.

2. List of repair requests sent to seller

A buyer typically has two to three business days to review the home inspection report and ask for repairs.

Just about every report contains a list of suggested repairs, as well as health and safety issues. It’s up to the buyer and buyer’s agent to determine which are reasonable to request the seller to fix.

Generally, cosmetic issues, renovations, or updates you want to do, landscaping, and repairs to outbuildings are considered unreasonable repair requests. You should stick to health and safety issues. Anything related to the electrical system (faulty breakers, improper or defective wiring, rusted panel boxes), plumbing (leaks), HVAC (damaged ductwork, inoperable system, faulty thermostat), roof (leaks, damage to shingles, chimney, flashing), or structural defects (wood rot, broken framing) may be fair game.

Buyers can also ask for removal of asbestos, lead paint, mold, and mildew.

3. Seller reviews and crafts response

The seller’s options in response to the buyer’s requested repairs are:

• Make the repairs
• Negotiate which repairs to do
• Refuse to do any repairs

In a seller’s market, the seller may have less inclination to fix anything — and may have other offers already on the table without contingencies. “Because of the [current] market conditions,” Hyatt-Zack points out, “sellers are less willing to fix things.”

A seller may offer a credit or financial concession, reducing the price of the home to allow for the buyer’s cost to fix any issues. However, some lenders require specific issues (such as rot, insect damage, or moisture problems) be addressed before a loan is funded. Nevertheless, if the seller refuses, the buyer can walk away and usually get their earnest money returned.

4. Buyer and seller make an agreement

Once the buyer and seller have come to terms with any repairs, they make any necessary updates to the agreement of sale (aka contract of purchase, contract for sale, sale agreement, or contract agreement).

5. Sale moves forward to appraisal and closing

Once the inspection period is finalized, the sale will move forward into the appraisal and closing stage.

Lenders require an appraisal to determine the current value of the property. The sale price and other terms can change or be negotiated if the appraisal is low. The closing process also includes a title search and the buyer’s mortgage underwriting before the closing date. Any one of these steps can delay or even undo the closing, so make sure to keep up with any requests from your agent during this time. Source

Happy 4th of July!

 

Happy 4th of July from us at Work and Associates Home Loans to all of you! 

We hope you have a fun filled and safe holiday weekend.

(916) 847-3090

margeate@workhomeloans.com

NMLS ID 394275 | DRE ID 01769353

Plan to Leave These 6 Items in Your Home When You Sell It

Yes, some of these items are technically outside on your property.

1 – Plants, trees, and flowers

Plants, trees, and flowers are rooted in the ground. Therefore, they are considered an integral part of the landscaping. 

It’s not unheard of for buyers to arrive at a house post-closing to find that show stopping peonies or flowers went missing between the walk-through and the closing. But that trick can land you in hot water if the buyer gets technical over it. 

If you have a special plant or shrub, mention it when you list the home. Or, dig it up and place it in a container garden until you sell. The difference is, moveable planters and containers may go with you. An exception to that container rule would be heavy concrete planters that are considered fixtures.

2 – Appliances

You love your shiny smart appliances, and you hate you have to leave them behind. However, they are considered part of a real estate transaction in most cases. In fact, appliances are even a marketing point in many homes, especially those modern, state-of-the-art models. By the way, it’s a nice gesture to leave the manuals and warranty information handy for the new owners. Plan to use part of the money you receive from the sale of your home to invest in new appliances and fall in love all over again. 

3 – Anything anchored into the earth

Do you have an outdoor swing that’s secured with concrete into the earth? Or do the kids have a basketball hoop stuck permanently into the ground? Either of those is a permanent fixture that should convey to the buyer. However, a freestanding basketball hoop that wheels into the garage for the winter is yours to keep. 

4 – Window treatments

Window treatments can be expensive, and they become a sticking point when buying or selling a home. 

Window brackets, rods, and blinds are secured to the window frame. Thus, they are permanent fixtures. However, your curtains are easily removable and might be okay to take with you. On the other hand, offers to purchase real estate will often stipulate that you leave the curtains as well. That case is particularly true when you have custom-sized windows. Regardless, the curtains might not fit your new home anyways, so it’s often best to leave them. 

5 – Installed features

Anything that you have mounted, bracketed, secured, or custom-installed is permanent. 

These items can range in size and include:

• Toilet paper or soap mounts in the bathroom 
• Television brackets (minus your tv, of course)
• Custom built-in furnishings or cabinets

In short, if you have altered your home to install a feature, plan to leave it with the property. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for a disappointing outcome when it’s time to negotiate. 

6 – Light fixtures

Any light fixtures that are hard-wired into your ceiling or walls are permanent. Leave them behind. This includes overhead lighting, pendants, chandeliers, or wall sconces. However, if you have upgraded to costly fixtures that you would be heartbroken to leave behind, you have one option. Before you list your home, replace these with the original lights—if you saved them. If not, they convey to the home’s new owner. It can be disappointing to leave behind things that you love when you sell your home. If you find that you struggle with passing a family heirloom cherry tree to a new owner and want to remove it, make sure you are clear on this upfront. 

Or, if you have a priceless blown-glass pendant light you had imported from Europe that you’re attached to, swap it out before listing. Otherwise, put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. They are viewing your home as their new one, and they fell in love with it thanks to your great taste. Pass the torch. Move on and feather a new nest. Source

NMLS ID 394275 | DRE ID 01769353