Resources Menu

Around the House: Newsletter  

Connie Killingbeck's personal newsletter Featuring Home Improvement Tips,  Home Advice, and Information on Real Estate and your Home...

Issue 1

Your family should look at their home as part of their investment portfolio. If they are not buying stocks and bonds, they can think of it as a savings account. Or, in simpler terms, they can tell their children they are living in a "piggy bank!" The National Association of REALTORS suggests that people who have owned a house longer then three years should review how much they currently have invested in it and how much the investment has grown.

For example: A family bought a $100,000 home three years ago with a 20% down payment. Since then their monthly payments have reduced the loan to $79,000. Based on a comparative home value review with a REALTOR, they can find that the home is now worth $110,000. Consequently, in three short years, the family's home equity has increased from $20,000 (the down payment) to $31,000 (the current value of $110,000 minus the remainder of $79,000). This increase of money is in the "piggy bank" and the family can access it quickly and easily.

Is Your Home in Tip-Top Shape?

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, the most frequent problems found during home inspections include:

Improper Surface Grading/Drainage.
This is the most frequent problem and is responsible for water penetration of basements and crawl spaces.

Roof Damage.
Though shingle repairs are easy and inexpensive, roof leakage caused by old or damaged shingles is a common problem. You may need to re-roof if the shingles are very old.

Heating Systems.
Problems include broken or malfunctioning operation controls, unsafe exhaust disposal and blocked chimneys--all of which are safety hazards. Keep in mind that heating systems should be serviced by qualified professionals according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Improper Electrical Wiring.
Inspectors often find insufficient electrical service to the home, inadequate overload protection, and amateur-made dangerous wire connections.

Poor Overall Maintenance.
Problems range from rotted or decayed exterior lumber to cracked, peeling, or dirty painted surfaces. Inspectors find crumbling masonry, shoddy plumbing, and broken fixtures and appliances.

If you are thinking about selling your home, make sure all of these problems are in good shape!

"Still Home While You're Away From Home"

If you're going to be gone for an extended period of time, you need to create the illusion that you're still at home.

• Stop mail and paper delivery, or have a trustworthy person pick them up.
• Don't indicate that you're away on your voice mail or answering machine.
• Turn off your telephone ringer or turn it down so it can't be heard outside.
• Put lights, radios, and televisions on timers.
• Leave curtains, shades, and blinds in normal positions.
• Arrange for yard maintenance (mowing, snow removal, etc).
• Ask trusted neighbors to watch your home while you're away.

Are you anticipating an out-of-state move? I can help you sell your current home---and help you find a new one in your destination state! The Residential Sales Council and Real Estate Brokerage Managers Council, affiliates of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS provide a network of highly professional REALTORS . Like me, my colleagues have taken special education courses designed to give them all the knowledge they need to assist you in buying or selling a home. Tell me where you are going, and I can refer you to the best in the business there!

When you decide to buy a property, the REALTOR can help you determine what you can afford by referring you to the best-qualified lenders. The agent seeks out homes based on your specifications and may have access to property not actively advertised. When you find a home, the agent will help you negotiate the purchase, set up inspections with qualified professionals, and close the agreement. The agent also can provide information on the neighborhood, school systems, zoning, and other aspects of the community.

Articles

• Home Improvements: A Smart Investment
• Get a Return on Your Improvement
• QUESTIONS I AM OFTEN ASKED...
• ACHIEVE MORE WITH YOUR TIME
• More Green in your Pocket

Articles

• Closing on your new Home
• THE COSTS OF CLOSING THE DEAL!
• How Can a REALTOR® Help
• DON'T LOSE YOUR COOL
• DURING THE SUMMER

Connie Killingbeck is devoted to providing the best information and the friendliest, highest-quality real estate service in the Midland area.  

Contact Connie Killingbeck today to buy or sell your Home!

Real Estate of Midland
presented by REALTOR Connie Killingbeck, RE/MAX of Midland

Welcome  |  Find Homes  |  For Buyers  |  For Sellers  |  Resources  |  Community  |  About Connie

If you have any questions or would like help buying or selling your Home, contact Connie Killingbeck 

RE/MAX of Midland

Connie Killingbeck
(517) 923-4311  Office
(800) 311-7997 Toll Free
(517) 832-2031 Fax
sold@conniekillingbeck.com