Some agents don’t pay attention to details…
Category Archives: 5 Uncategorized
CHECK BEFORE YOU CALL
Should your air conditioning or heat pump system not work, performing your own check of the system may enable you to get it running again without having to wait for a service person.
- Ensure the outdoor unit is running.
Listen for the hum of the compressor and check for an operating fan at the outdoor unit. If not operating, check the circuit breakers in the main circuit breaker panel or at the service disconnect near the unit (most likely mounted to an outside wall). Is it in the “On” position? If it “Off” and wasn’t deliberately turned off by someone (such as one might do if going on an extended vacation), it is best to leave it off and call for service. The breaker may have tripped due to an electric short or overload problem. - Ensure that the blower in the furnace cabinet or air handler is running.
If the thermostat is in the “COOL” position and the room temperature is above the setpoint, the blower should be running. If not, check to make sure the switch at the furnace or air handler is in the “ON” position - Check the filter condition.
An extremely dirty or blocked filter can cause your air conditioner to shut down due to lack of proper airflow. Your filter should be checked and, if needed, changed every month. Typically the filter is located at the air handler; however, it may also be found at a central return air grille (more common for ceiling returns with packaged units in attics). - Check all return air grilles to make sure they are not blocked by furniture or other items.
Check all supply air registers to make sure they are open and blowing air. Air should be drawn into the return air grilles at a steady rate. Returns are normally the larger grilles located on interior walls, or the ceiling. - Check the condensate system.
Some air conditioning and heat pumps systems have a device installed in the condensate pan or at a condensate pump to shut down the system to prevent an overflow when lines become blocked. Check to make sure all pans and drains are free flowing and terminated properly.
If addressing these issues doesn’t get the unit running again, then it’s time to call a qualified HVAC service company.
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.
By Housemasters Home Inspections
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Call Rick Bryant today.
223 Meadowbrook Heights Drive Wentzville MO 63385 USA
636-887-6316
Who NOT to take on your house hunt!
You have seen a specific house and think this is the house. Now you want to bring your sister, best friend, out-of-town parents to see what they think.
Well meaning as these people may be, they may may side track the home search or spoilhe opportunity for what could have been the perfect home for you.
You’ve done this process so far—Without Your Friends or Family
You have been searching for a while. Starting with feeling out the market by looking on the internet. You then decided which neighborhood would be best for you. Finally you know what you can afford, you have a solid knowledge of what is out there, what it is worth and you have gained a wealth of information about the buying process. YOu have probably seen dozens of homes. Now you are ready and willing to pay the market price for the house and location. Now you feel it is time to show someone else the home home you have your eye on. But think about this. These people do not have the recent experience of the home buying process that you have. They do not know what is out there let alone what it is worth. WIthout that information they most likely will feel that you are paying too much, especially if they are from out of town where real estate costs less than here in St Louis. Believe me your friends and family will be quite vocal about it and not hold anything back.
Your friend may have a top of the line mansion with a designer kitchen. You are looking for a starter home with a functional kitchen. You may have negotiated a great deal on the home but all your friends and family see is a home that does not fit THEIR needs. They do not think of YOUR needs. Or you have a friend who is great with tools and she believes you should buy a cheaper fixer upper. Yet you don’t even own a hammer. Don’t get me started on the people who promise they will help you perform the work, but then the project is ready to get started are nowhere to be found.
Chances are that bringing someone else to the home you are about to buy will add to your stress and will reignite last minute doubts. Without doing it intentionally, they cause you to get insecure based on emotion rather than facts
What can your agent do for you.
A good agent will encourage you to bring someone to a showing. But the agent will also prepare you to take what your friends say with a grain of salt. You and your agents are the only ones who truly understand all the details of the deal and how you got there.
Whom Should You Bring?
Ideally, you should ask someone who recently went through the same process. They will understand the process as it is fresh in their mind. Your lovely parents who live out of state are probably not ideal advisers. They dont know the market and lets face it no home is good enough for daddy’s little girl.
Have you already made your decision, and you just want to share your excitement with your friend? Great. If so, be clear up front by saying something like, “I know you may think this has some issues or you may not love the house, but I do and I know the market really well and the deal is done.” It’s not that you’re closing the door on a conversation; you’re just directing it so it will be helpful.
Alternatively, maybe you’re bringing someone by because you want approval or feedback. If so, be clear on exactly what you want to ask. Also, think about whether the person is truly qualified to answer your questions. Your dad’s uncle Ken, who used to be a handyman for the local elementary school, may be well-meaning and a sweet guy. But is he really the right person to assess the condition of the back deck or the plumbing? Probably not.
7 Best Remodeling Projects for the Money
7. Siding with Value
Vinyl remains the most popular choice for siding material. Its durability and low cost make it a sensible option, and its light weight makes it easy to install, saving on labor. Modern vinyl siding comes in many colors, and certain varieties include foam backing, which contributes stiffness while adding money-saving insulation.
National average cost, replace 1,250 sq. ft. of existing siding with foam-backed vinyl siding, including trim: $14,274*
Value at resale: $9,937*
Percent of investment recouped: 69.6%
Credit: CertainTeed Corporation
#6: All Decked Out
We Americans love the out-of-doors, especially our own backyards. That’s one reason decks remain popular home improvement projects. They also increase living space at a reasonable cost — you can build a 16-by-20-ft. wood deck for about $32 per sq. ft. That’s less than half the cost of new housing construction. Plus, all the fresh air and sun are free.
National average cost, 16-by-20-foot pressure-treated wood deck: $10,350*
Value at resale: $7,259*
Percent of investment recouped: 70.1%*
Credit: RDM Architecture
5: Put a New Face on Your House
Garage doors account for up to 20% of your home’s façade — and a whole bunch of its curb appeal. A new garage door not only makes your homestead more appealing, it helps preserve its value. You can get a new 16-by-7-ft. steel double door for about $1,500. If you move up to an insulated garage door with glass window panels, you’ll pay about $3,000.
Average cost for a mid-range steel replacement garage double door: $1,512*
Investment value at resale: $1,087*
Percent of invest recouped: 71.9%*
Credit: Amarr Garage Doors
4: Energize Your Tired Kitchen
If your kitchen is looking dated but the layout and size are fine, a minor kitchen remodel can work wonders without big expense. Get a low-cost facelift by leaving the cabinet boxes in place, and adding new doors and drawer fronts, hardware, and an inexpensive but stylish laminate countertop. New kitchen flooring and EnergyStar-rated appliances complete the transformation.
National average cost, minor kitchen remodel: $19,588*
Value at resale: $14,120*
Percent of investment recouped: 72.1%*
Credit: Katie Ridder Interior Design and Decoration
3: A Bedroom with High Aspirations
Converting attic space to a bedroom reaps big rewards. You’ll add value by adding bedrooms without altering your home’s footprint. Planning is key — ask an architect or structural engineer to ensure there’s enough headroom, the floor joists are strong, and there’s emergency egress.
National average cost, convert a 15-by-15-ft. attic to a bedroom plus bath: $50,148*
Value at resale: $36,346*
Percent of investment recouped: 72.5%*
Credit: Birdseye Design, architect/Birdseye Building Company, builder/Susan Teare, photo
2: A Low-Cost Entry Door with Steely Good Looks
Few projects have the cost-effective impact of a new steel entry door. For less than $1,500, you can enhance your home’s curb appeal and recover a portion of your investment if you sell your home. Steel doors, however, lack the durability of wood and fiberglass exterior doors that cost twice as much.
National average cost, replace an existing entry door with a 36-inch-wide, half-glass, 20-gauge steel door, including new jambs and trim: $1,238*
Value at resale: $903*
Percent of investment recouped: 73%*
Credit: Kevin Quinlan Architecture, LLC
#1: Tough-as-Nails Siding Replacement
Durable, weatherproof, fireproof, and resistant to insects and decay, fiber-cement siding is a popular trend for siding replacement. One of its key benefits is stability — it doesn’t shrink and expand with changes in temperature and humidity. Exterior paint and caulking jobs last longer, contributing to low-maintenance exteriors.
National average cost, replace 1,250 sq. ft. of existing siding with fiber-cement siding, including all trim: $13,461*
Value at resale: $10,493*
Percent of investment recouped: 78%*
Credit: DeForest Architects
When you take on a home remodeling project, there are two things you need to know before anything else: How much will it cost, and how much of its value can you recoup later? We can help you figure it out, with some help from Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost VS Value Report for st Louis.
Contact us today for your copy by emailing me at Nelleke@kw.com with Cost Value Report in the header.
How would you like to live in Southern California? For a mere 1.3 million you can own the first home featured. If you live in Indiana you can own the second home for almost the same price.
Our Newest Listing Must See On cul-de-sac across from Park!!
| Nelleke Maxwell for the Chriss Johnson Team |
| Keller Williams Realty – Southwest | (314) 629-2735 |
| 204 Kayser Ave, Saint Louis, MO | |
| MLS#12032582 | offered at $84,900 |
|
2BR/1BA Single Family Home
|
 |
| Year Built | 1954 |
| Sq Footage | 768 |
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 1 full, 0 partial |
| Floors | 1 |
| Parking | 2 Uncovered spaces |
| Lot Size | 6,098 sqft |
| HOA/Maint | $0 per month |
|
DESCRIPTION
|
| Great first time home owner or landlord opportunity. The major items have been updated all you need to do is add your personal touches. Right across from the park and on a cul de sac. Basement has two rooms that have been roughed in with walls and electrical. New carpet put in in May 2012!! Don’t miss out. Nice level backyard with storage shed. |
|
PROPERTY FEATURES
|
|
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
|
|
|
Photo 1 |
 Photo 2 |
 Photo 3 |
 Photo 4 |
 Photo 5 |
 Photo 6 |
 Photo 7 |
 Photo 8 |
 Photo 9 |
 Photo 10 |
 Photo 11 |
 Photo 12 |
 Photo 13 |
 Photo 14 |
 Photo 15 |
 Photo 16 |
 Photo 17 |
 Photo 18 |
 Photo 19 |
The Media makes foreclosed homes sound like the ultimate bargain. It is all over the news. Foreclosures buy homes for the price of a car. Well that may be the case in Florida for some condominiums your chances of seeing that here in Saint Louis are slim to none.
What do you really know about the house you are about to buy? It looks great from the outside and the inside doesn’t look too bad either.
Foreclosed homes have no seller’s disclosure. You say “so what”. Well, there may be issues with the house that you will not know about from previous owners, nor will you know what repairs have been made. You will not know about any problems or repairs that have been made from previous owners, or what the house was used for.
Many of foreclosed homes may have had meth labs in them. You might think” Not in this neighborhood” But you will be surprised. Just last month a meth lab in a home in a nice neighborhood in Ballwin caused a fire, Just walking in one can be dangerous!
Well shouldn’t my real Estate Agent know? Real Estate agents can only disclose what they know from yes the seller’s disclosure. If there is non real estate agents really have no idea they might be touring a future health issue.
Mold can be another issue in foreclosed homes.Foreclosed homes are vacant and usually the utilities are turned off. And because noone lives there noone will notice if anything goes wrong with the home. Recently I went with a client to home in North County that looked beautiful on the main level. But when we got to the basement it was soaking wet and all of the basement walls had black mold!
Even if the home is in great shape what about the title? Liens, water damage and more! I want the best for my clients and no legal issues for later down the road for both of us.
One family’s story. The Holt family did not discover the meth history of their home for 5 years after they moved in. They were all sick and now broke from their foreclosed home!
The mother developed migraines, the father kidney issues and the three children were ghostlike and listless, with breathing problems that called for respirators, repeated trips to the emergency room and, for one child the heaviest dose of steroids toddler can take.
Turns out their lovely home was contaminated by high levels of Methamphetamine left by the previous owner, who had been dragged out by the police. Then it was foreclosed, and resold without any documentation of the history.
After all they went through the Holt family learned that it was their responsibility to have the home cleaned up properly. A bill that came up to over $30,000.00. To read more about Illneses Afflicted homes click here.
Many clients ask me about foreclosed homes. There is no real reason, especially in the St Louis Market, to choose for the hassle of dealing with trying to close on a foreclosed home, when we have plenty of inventory from home owners. ANd yes they have to compete with the price of the foreclosed and short sale homes.
When dealing with the bank or government in trying to buy a home you are on THEIR time schedule not yours.And they want to get the most for the property just like a regular home owners.
I don’t usually show them to clients. I might show one if it is listed or the client requests it specifically.
Be aware before you buy. What smells like a bargain may be no bargain in the long run. It could kill you both physically and financially.
To see if a home was a known meth lab you can visit www.methlabhomes.com
sources: new york times, lex ky foreclosed homes.
See the front door on the right?
So in this tiny home ,
Strange Real Estate Picture
it’s front door opens right smack into the kitchen. See the front door on the right? Awkward? Aahhh….yes
Does Fannie or Freddie Own Your Loan?
If your mortgage is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may be eligible for a Home Affordable Refinance and take advantage of lower interest rates.
You can find out if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns your loan directly by clicking on the links below.
1-800-7FANNIE (8am to 8pm EST) |
1-800-FREDDIE (8am to 8pm EST) |
Your mortgage company can also tell you who owns your loan.Click here to contact your mortgage company.
After finding out whether your mortgage is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, see if you may be eligible for a Home Affordable Refinance by clicking on the links below.
Find out if you may be eligible
Understanding your mortgage statement
Source:Makinghomesaffordable.gov
Different programs to help you lower your payments
Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) ›
If you’re not unemployed, but you’re still struggling to make your mortgage payments, you may be eligible for the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).
Principal Reduction Alternative (PRA) ›
If your home is currently worth significantly less than you owe on it, you may be eligible for MHA’s Principal Reduction Alternative (PRA).
Second Lien Modification Program (2MP) ›
If your first mortgage was permanently modified under HAMPSM and you have a second mortgage on the same property, you may be eligible for a modification or principal reduction on your second mortgage as well.
FHA Home Affordable Modification Program (FHA-HAMP) ›
If you have a loan that is insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), you may be eligible for a program through that government agency.
USDA’s Special Loan Servicing ›
If you have a loan that is guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Section 502 Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, you may be eligible for a program through that government agency.
source: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov
Veteran’s Affairs Home Affordable Modification (VA-HAMP) ›
If you have a loan that is insured or guaranteed by theDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may be eligible for a program through that government agency.
Strange World of Real Estate 