Monday, April 22, 2013

It's Not Monopoly Money: Your Refund & Your Property


Remember playing Monopoly? After another player had put up a hotel on a pricey property like Boardwalk or Park Place, remember that feeling of relief every time you got past without landing on them? Whew!\
That's the way many of us feel now that Tax Week is over. If you're one of the millions who will soon be checking the mail for your refund check, you're are probably also pondering the best use to put it to. Especially if you're thinking of selling your property any time this year, you might do something that's less than obvious: put some of that check to good use by making one or more simple property improvements. After all, your property is probably one of your biggest investment -- and the payoff when you take good care of it won't be in play money.
If yours is an average refund  (most are somewhere north of $2,500), it can be pretty painless to direct a modest chunk of it to your property. I've come across some simple ideas that should also reserve most of the refund for other purposes.
One idea that few people act upon is to order a professional energy audit. This can cost between $400 and $600 for a full diagnostic inspection. By revealing gaps (even small ones) around doors, windows, and recessed lights, it can reveal energy-wasters that ultimately lower utility bills year-round. An even less expensive utility bill-saver is available in the form of the latest sophisticated low-flow showerheads. They are simple to install, and can save up to 50% of the water used by even some of the newer showerheads. The best ones feel nearly as if you are showering with the same amount of water. 
One of the last things likely to leap to mind once your refund check arrives is insurance. Basic homeowners insurance isn't fully comprehensive, yet for a small additional amount -- generally about $300 -- you can buy a million dollars' worth of added liability coverage with an 'umbrella' policy that also covers your cars.
It will feel like getting past Park Place and Boardwalk all year long!

written by Gina Odom, Realtor

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

New Listing at 5400 Broadway Terrace #106 located in Prime Location!

Dazzling 2 bedroom, 2 bath with spacious layout and beautiful features. Open layout perfect for entertaining this light filled unit faces the Claremont Country Club.  Listed at $599,000. Open Thursday from 10-1 and Sunday from 2:00-4:30. Check out the video for pics and details and the dedicated website at www.BroadwayTer106.com

Monday, April 08, 2013

Smooth Relocating Depends on Thoughtful Preparation


Most everyone with any relocating experience should recognize ‘the moment.’

No matter how much advance thought and elbow grease you’ve put in, that’s the moving day moment when everything seems to starts happening at once, and there’s literally no time left to attend to the stray details you’ve been meaning to take care of …  

It’s all but inevitable: the yellow pad that you’ve organized with all the contact information you need today more than any other day: why, it’s packed! and sealed! inside one of the cartons that’s already out there in the van!  

When you’re relocating the unplanned will always happen. Nevertheless, you can control the areas that have the most impact on how successful your move will be.  

One element that needs careful attention is the people part. It’s too easy to lose touch with those who relocating timetable. With a little preparation and imagination, it’s possible to turn events like garage sales and going-away parties into really fun celebrations.  I had a friend who hosted their going away party with a garage sale. She was able to make a few extra bucks as well as saying goodbye to her loved ones.

People are important in your life, so decide early how to announce to family and friends your
Another good idea is to assemble key belongings in a box that will accompany you: important documents like passports and birth certificates, jewelry, or other prized possessions. 

Most household moving veterans agree that the single most vital step is securing a dependable moving company. Price is important — but so is hiring a group that will guard your belongings safely during your relocation. Scrupulous interviewing and checking out the reputation of mover candidates will more than pay off in reduced stress come moving day. And even if you are an eternal optimist, get adequate insurance: relocating does inevitably involve unforeseeable risk.

‘The moment’ when your relocating is in full swing can be one when you are able to enjoy the anticipation of a new and exciting chapter in your household’s history. If you have sold your East Bay home already – congrats! And if you are just beginning the process, do give me a call — I’d love to put my resources to work for you!    written by Gina Odom, Realtor