Smart home features: Are they worth the splurge?

In only three years, the number of Americans who claim to understand what a smart home is has jumped 53 percent, according to a Finn Futures survey. This doesn’t mean we’re all adopting connected home technology, however. In fact, the survey finds that 59 percent of Americans don’t plan on doing so soon and cite cost as the main barrier.

Yes, it’s pricey, but some features may just be worth the money, while others may not.

Smart locks

The Finn survey finds that 55 percent of respondents want automated, or “smart” door locks. Interestingly, these locks don’t make your home any more secure than your deadbolt does because they work with the deadbolt, not instead of it. “You’re paying for convenience (not necessarily security), according to cnet.com’s Ry Crist.
Depending on the type you choose, from key fob, password entry and fingerprint recognition to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled, smart locks can be quite pricey so consider why you want one before purchasing. If it’s for the convenience factor, go for it. If you’re concerned about home security, forego the lock and invest in a smart home camera, an alarm system or motion-sensing doorbell instead.

Smart thermostat

One of the top smart home gadgets that the Finn survey respondents want is the smart thermostat (44 percent want one). What can a smart thermostat do that the trusty old programmable one can’t?
Make life more convenient is the obvious answer if you’ve ever tried to program a standard thermostat. Not only is it time consuming but they are limited in how many different programs you can use.

Smart thermostats, on the other hand, are connected to the Internet and controlled by other devices, such as smartphones. The number of programs you can use is unlimited and programming them is simple. In fact, if you purchase a learning thermostat, such as Nest, you won’t need to program it at all. It promises that after only one week, it will have “learned” your routine and automatically adapted to it.

We think it’s worth the splurge (about $249) because it helps save money on utility bills. In fact, three studies of the Nest Learning Thermostat, based on a comparison of utility bills from before installation of Nest and after the installation, showed that users saved an average 10 to 12 percent on their heating bills and 15 percent on cooling. Impressive enough for the Nest thermostat to become ENERGY STAR certified by the EPA.

Smart lighting

Coming in third as the most desirable smart home feature is smart lighting. This feature allows you to program the lights in your home to turn on, off and even dim via a remote device (such as your smartphone).

You may want to program the gadget to turn on the porch light at dusk, or as you ‘round the corner in your neighborhood on your way home from work, turn on random lights around the house when you’ll be out of town or, if you have a teenager that leaves a trail of lit rooms in his or her wake, turn off lights when someone leaves a room. In the latter case, smart lighting may save you money on your electric bills.

Smart smoke alarms

If a smoke alarm in a home is activated and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? It does if it’s smart and connected. Smart alarms send a warning to your phone, a handy feature if a fire breaks out while you’re at work.

We think they’re worth it mainly for the sense of security they provide but also because you may receive homeowner insurance discounts. Check with your insurance representative before purchasing a smart smoke alarm because some insurers have a list of those they consider “qualified.”

Homeowners aren’t yet jumping on the smart home bandwagon, but homebuilders are and don’t be surprised within the next few years to find newly constructed homes offering a full package of connected-home options.

What you need to know about the FHA home appraisal

It’s safe to say anyone who was in the market to buy a home last year knows that 2016 was a hot and heavy sellers’ market across the country. We saw far more buyers than homes on the market to satiate the demand. And, while the conventional loan still remained the most popular among these homebuyers, the FHA-backed loan accounted for 17.5 percent of all purchase and refinance loans at this time last year.

As a testament to the program’s popularity, Q1 home loan originations last year decreased 8 percent over 2015’s level yet FHA’s loan share increased 7 percent — the fifth consecutive quarter with an increase.

Since so many homebuyers are using the FHA-backed loan, and there are many aspects of the program that differ from a conventional loan, today we’d like to clear up the confusion surrounding the FHA appraisal.

What is an appraisal?

Quite simply, an appraisal is an evaluation of a home’s current market value. Yes, real estate agents determine this value for their listing clients and use many of the same methods that a professional appraiser uses, but the home appraisal demanded by the lender uses an appraiser of its choosing and this person has the final say (usually) on how much a home is worth.

Lenders naturally want to ensure that the home they are lending money on is worth at least what the buyer is paying for it. To determine its worth, the appraiser will visit the home, taking a look at the structure, roofing, foundation, lot size, location within the neighborhood and more.

He or she will consider the home’s interior as well, verifying the square footage (which is actually determined by the exterior measurements of the home), making note of any improvements. Back at the office, the appraiser will research recent real estate activity in the neighborhood, comparing the home to those which have sold, to come up with the value of the home.

About FHA appraisals

Just as the lender wants to ensure the home is worth the money its lending, FHA wants to make sure the house is worth the amount it’s insuring. But, the FHA appraisal goes a step further – ensuring that the home meets HUD’s minimum health and safety standards.

Therefore, all homes purchased with an FHA-backed loan must be appraised by a HUD-approved home appraiser and certain property requirements must be met for the FHA to finally ok the purchase.

As mentioned above, most of these have to do with the “safety and well-being of the occupants,” according to FHA. These requirements include:

  • All stairways must have handrails
  • All bedrooms must have at least one closet
  • There must be “access/egress” from each bedroom to the outside of the home
  • The FHA inspector must find no structural problems, such as damage to the foundation or roof
  • The appraiser will check the lot’s grading to ensure that it slopes away from the home to prevent water intrusion into the foundation or basement
  • If the home was built before 1978 and the appraiser suspects it contains lead-based paint, he or she will look for chipped and peeling paint.
  • The heating system must be in good working condition

 

Now, if any of these requirements aren’t met, the appraiser will mark them as “subject to repair,” which means that the seller will need to repair the problems before FHA will insure the loan.

If the FHA appraiser determines that the home isn’t worth what the buyer has agreed to pay for it, negotiations on price re-open and there are a number of ways to approach them. If the seller doesn’t agree to fix the problems, on the other hand, the sale will not go through. Thankfully, unless the required repairs are prohibitively costly (such as adding doors or windows to provide egress to the home’s exterior), most sellers understand their obligation to make them so the deal can go through.

Are you a water waster? Water your lawn the right way

 

Ah, May – it’s that time of year that our gardens explode and those of us itching to get out and get dirty are in gardening heaven. First things, first, though: that lawn needs your attention.

Sure, this is the time to apply the first dose of fertilizer to warm-season grasses and the time to withhold food from their cool-season cousins. We may also start mowing in May and it’s definitely time to apply weed control to stop those broadleaf nasties.

Watering the lawn is essential – either too much water or too little can be detrimental to the lawn’s health and beauty. As a general rule of thumb, a lawn requires 1 inch of water a week. Now this advice doesn’t hold when the weather is hot and/or windy – grass needs more water during these periods.

So, how can you be sure that your lawn is getting its weekly dose of water without wasting the liquid in the process?

The basics

It’s common sense that the lawn needs less help from you when it rains. And, if you truly want to harness the power of rain to tend to the grass, turn the downspouts toward the lawn during rainy periods.

When there’s not enough rainfall, you’ll need to step in. To determine if it’s time, walk across the lawn and if your footprints don’t spring back but remain visible, it’s time to water.

When to water your lawn

Deeply and infrequently are the two most important words to remember when you’re considering when and how often to water your lawn. In addition to the footprint test mentioned earlier, you can check the soil to determine if it’s time to water by sticking a screwdriver or other long, sharp object into it. If it comes out damp, don’t water and try the test again in a day or two.

Then, avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, or, when the lawn gets the highest amount of direct sunlight, typically between noon and 3 p.m. Water is wasted by evaporation during this period. Water instead early in the morning, before it gets hot.

That 1-inch of water rule per week? Split it in half and apply it twice a week.

Don’t waste even one drop of water

So, you know when to water – and about how much water the lawn needs per week. Determining how long to run the sprinkler, drip system or other irrigation system to deliver one-half inch of water twice a week will require some testing.

Grab a half-dozen or more empty cat food or tuna cans and place them, evenly spaced, around the area to be watered. Turn on the irrigation system and allow it to run for 20 minutes. Then, measure the amount of water in each can and add up those numbers. Divide the result by the number of cans you used and then multiply that number by three. You now know how much water your lawn gets in one hour. You can then adjust the timer to ensure the lawn receives the required amount of water on irrigation days.

Two additional things to keep an eye on include avoiding puddling in the lawn. If the water puddles, the system is applying too much water, too quickly, and the soil can’t absorb it. Then, check the area that the sprinklers are hitting. You may need to adjust them to avoid wasting water on hardscape surfaces. Restrict the irrigation area only to the lawn.

Maintain the irrigation system

A hose-end sprinkler may be fine for a small lawn but it isn’t efficient for larger areas. The ideal system is low-volume with low angle sprinklers, according to the experts at Bayer Advanced. They recommend that you “Angle heads as low as possible to minimize evaporation.”

Inspect the system at the beginning of spring. Check the valve boxes for water (a clue there’s a leak) and the sprinklers themselves for clogs and leaks.

During the hot months of summer, water conservation is key to not only a healthy lawn but a healthy planet and pocketbook as well.

 

Hey Boomer – Selling your home? Do these 3 things first

advice for baby boomers

While the real estate industry is wringing their collective hands over how to attract millennials to the market, the boomer generation is actively buying and selling homes. The National Association of Realtors is, in large part, responsible for the disregard for the very real impact boomers are having on the industry.

The latest Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends report, for instance, claims that millennials make up the largest pool of homebuyers in the U.S., at 32 percent. What the organization fails to mention, however, is that, despite the baby boomer pool being smaller, they broke it in half in their study, making their numbers appear smaller. If the truth be known, boomers lag millennials in the home-buying market by only 1 percent.

That’s only half the story, however. When it comes to home sellers, the baby boomer generation is large and in charge, representing 43 percent of home sales. If you’ll be a member of this group, and it’s been some time since you’ve dealt in real estate, take these three steps first to ensure a smooth road to the successful sale of your home.

Plan ahead

If you’ll be buying another home, planning ahead is imperative. Not only will the loan process be more challenging since you already own one home, if you’ll need a simultaneous close (timing the closing of both homes at the same time), the process becomes even trickier.

The “should I sell or buy first” predicament has several solutions, which we are happy to share with you.

If you’ll be buying another home, get the financing going

Now that you know how you’ll deal with your current home you’re better positioned to determine the loan you’ll need for the new home. It’s time to choose a lender and get professional advice and a loan pre-approval.

Keep in mind that when comparing mortgage rates, the advertised rate typically doesn’t reflect the rate with fees and points included. Ask for the Annual Percentage Rate and use that to compare loan offers.

Hire a real estate agent

If you’ll be undertaking two transactions (buying and selling), it’s important to take some time when deciding which agent to hire. Now is not the time to base your decision on familial or friendship ties. These are transactions that can either positively or negatively impact your finances and require the services of an experienced professional.

We understand that baby boomers typically have high expectations of those they choose to represent them and it’s important that you never compromise and that you make these expectations clear to any agent you interview. Sure, all real estate professionals should provide estimable customer service but, sadly, they don’t. Ask for references and then check with these former clients to ensure that their expectations were met in a timely and professional manner.

If you expect prompt returns of your phone calls, quick action to view homes for sale or crystal clear communication every step of the way, make it known to your agent.

Finally, we know you aren’t a doddering old fool and hope that you’ll never work with an agent who treats you as such. This is a vibrant and an important time in your life and you should only work with an agent who understands this and does everything possible to assist you, according to your dictates, down the road to your new life.

7 tasks to tackle before you move in

do this before you move in

Quick! What’s the first thing most homeowners want to do upon closing on a new house? If you said “move in,” you’re correct. Unless you bought a total fixer, moving into the new house is at the top of the list. But, slow down there, Skippy. You have a few things to take care of if you want to ensure that the home is safe and in move-in condition. These projects are best done before moving in, while the home is empty.

Change the locks

Since you have no way of knowing how many sets of house keys are floating around out there, changing the locks before moving in is a no-brainer but you’d be surprised how many new homeowners don’t do this. It’s an easy, quick and inexpensive way to have peace of mind.

Popcorn is for movies

You have to wonder who the genius is who thought up popcorn ceilings. Concocted in the 1950s as a way to hide imperfections, way too many homes are still plagued by them. They’re unattractive and almost impossible to clean.

Thankfully, ridding the home of the eyesore is a DIY project and there are three ways to get the job done, according to Katelin Hill of thisoldhouse.com.

  • Scrape off the offending surface
  • Cover the area with drywall
  • Cover the popcorn surface with plaster, creating a new texture.

Thisoldhouse.com offers walkthroughs of the three methods.

Paint the walls

It’s a rare home that comes with fresh paint on the walls so most new homeowners have “painting” at the top of their to-do list. And, if you’ll be laying new flooring as well as painting, do the paint first. Imagine not having to worry about splashed or spilled paint ruining the floors – if you’ll be pulling them out, you can be as sloppy with the paint as you like.

How are the floors?

If you need new flooring, and you have the budget for it after that big cash outlay at the close of escrow, now is the time to get it installed. It’s far easier to redo the floors in an empty home than having to find a place to stash your furniture while it’s being done after you move in. Even if all is needed is a steam-clean of the carpets, or a buff and seal of the wood floors, you’ll be glad you did it before moving in.

Fix what’s broken

Why live with the previous homeowner’s shoddy home maintenance problems? If something leaks, fix it now. Leaks are typically easy fixes, but if it turns out that the plumber will need to rip out a wall or floor to access the pipes, you’ll be glad you took on this project before you move in. Remember as well that the longer a plumbing leak goes unchecked, the larger (and more expensive) the eventual repair job will be.

Other easy-but-necessary fixes include tightening loose stairway banisters, checking the deck for safety, changing HVAC filters, dusting ceiling fan blades, finding the home’s fuse box and water shut-off valve and putting new batteries in all smoke alarms,

Evict pests

Whether the home has the occasional creepy crawly seeking shelter from the elements or it houses even creepier pests such as bats, rodents or reptiles, ridding the home of them before moving in is a smart idea. Especially if the “ridding” includes a toxic product, get it done now.

Many pest removal techniques are DIY in nature, while others may require the services of a professional. If you’re looking for a non-toxic way to get rid of insects, check out Prevention’s “12 Natural Ways to Kill Bugs.” Traps and baits are often effective remedies for rodent infestations. Call a professional if it’s wildlife that has taken up residence in the home.

Make it safe for the little ones

Take a tour of the home while it’s vacant, with an eye toward possible hazards to pets and kids. You’ll need electrical outlet covers and cupboard latches, of course, but where else do hazards exist? Will you need to buy baby/pet gates to block stairway access? Take a tour of the garage and decide if you’ll need to build shelves to keep chemicals, paint, sharp tools and the like up high and out of the reach of the little ones – both two and four legged.

Walk around the exterior of the home, taking note of what’s planted in the landscape. Plants, such as oleander, foxglove, rhododendron and even the charming lily-of-the-valley are toxic if ingested and, in the case of oleander, if the fumes are inhaled while burning the plant. If you have any doubts about the toxicity of a particular plant, check The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ large database of toxic and non-toxic plants.

Finally, check the fencing for any space large enough for a pet or child to squeeze through and the irrigation system to ensure none of the sprinkler heads are stuck in an upright position, causing a tripping hazard.

Sure, it’s frustrating to slow down the move-in process once the house is yours and you have the keys in hand. But taking a weekend to ensure the home is safe and habitable can save your family from safety hazards and from being inconvenienced in the long run.

 

Flood insurance: What you don’t know may be harmful to your pocketbook

about flood insurance

Ah, the paradox of water. We soak in it to soothe tired muscles, we relax to the sound of it falling on the roof, we frolic in it on the shores of lakes, rivers and oceans. Water nurtures life – without it we can’t survive.

Yet it can also turn deadly. When winter snow storms cease, the threat of flooding increases as the snow begins to melt and the rivers and creeks begin to swell. This is when we witness how powerfully destructive water can be. Flood, in fact, is the number one disaster in the United States, costing nearly $2 billion in insurance claims each year. The average claim is $46,000, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Sadly, only 15 percent of homeowners carry flood insurance on their homes. If you aren’t among them, do you have a spare $46,000 lying around?

Now, not all homeowners need the extra coverage that flood insurance provides. How do you know if you’re among them? Let’s take a look at some common misconceptions that keep homeowners from buying the coverage that may save them from financial catastrophe.

My homeowners insurance policy covers flood damage

Oh, does it now? “Standard homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood damage,” according to the Insurance Information Institute. You’ll need to purchase a separate policy to be covered for this disaster.

Even if you have flood insurance, by the way, revisit the policy at least once a year to ensure that it provides the right coverage for your current circumstances. NFIP, for instance, covers up to $250,000 for the home’s structure and, for personal possessions, $100,000. It is the latter coverage you want to keep an eye on. If you acquire expensive items that might be damaged or lost in a flood, you may need to increase your personal possessions coverage.

Keeping in mind as well that even just a minor water intrusion into the home can cause thousands of dollars in damage, flood insurance coverage becomes even more important.

Flood insurance is too costly

According to NFIP, you’ll pay an average of $650 a year for the peace of mind you’ll receive from carrying flood insurance. Compare that to the aforementioned average claim ($46,000) and the choice as to whether to purchase the insurance or not is quite clear.

My home isn’t located in a flood plain

When you buy a home it’s smart to look into whether or not it’s located in a flood plain. Be aware, however, that “Many conditions can cause flooding: spring thaws, heavy rains, hurricanes and the rapid accumulation of rain after a wildfire are just some of them,” according to the experts at Allstate Insurance. It can happen anywhere. At any time.

In fact, one in five claims for flood damage come from homeowners who live in areas deemed in moderate to low risk of flood, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The danger here is that lenders typically won’t require flood insurance on homes located in these lower-risk areas. It is up to the new homeowner to protect herself.

I can’t afford it now – I’ll wait until it appears I may need it

Would you wait until after your home burns down to try to purchase insurance? Of course not, and, according to FEMA, “There is usually a 30-day waiting period after premium payment before the [flood insurance] policy is effective.”

There are exceptions to the waiting period rule and you can read about them on FEMA’s website.

It’s difficult to think about paying extra for your homeowners insurance when you’re in the midst of the huge cash layout that a home purchase requires, but the consequences of not being prepared for a flood can be devastating. Research the area in which the home is located and weigh the risks. Visit the FEMA website for information from the Flood Map Service Center to help you decide.

Upgrade your bathroom on a shoestring

update your bathroom

Kitchens and bathrooms are the workhorses of the house. Every member of the family spends time in each room, numerous times a day and, over the years, both can become worn and drab. Sure, they could use a remodel, but with the average cost of a bathroom remodel at $9,275, you may want to consider a DIY makeover instead.

Whether you’re putting the home on the market or just want to give it a new feel, and a complete bathroom remodel is beyond your budget, take a look at some of the ideas we’ve put together to help you spruce it up without breaking your budget.

Clean it up

Sure, it’s a basic suggestion, but a clean slate will help you see exactly where you need to start on your bathroom makeover. Clean the bathroom from top (yes, even the light bulbs can use a good dusting) to bottom.

Rid the counters of the detritus that typically collects there – the cosmetics, blow dryer, toothpaste and medicine tubes and bottles. If it’s not decorative, put it in a cupboard.

Take down the shower curtain and liner, remove throw rugs and towels and wash them if you’ll be keeping them.

Paper or paint?

What you do to your walls can be a game changer. Paint or wallpaper will instantly transform the space in a variety of ways, from making a tiny bathroom feel roomier to giving it an entirely different feel. Color, whether in paint or paper form, works wonders.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both wallpaper and paint, so take some time to consider carefully which you’ll use. Wallpaper is harder to work with than paint and it’s much harder to remove when you (or a homebuyer) decide they no longer want it. The advantage of wallpaper, however, is that it can provide texture and patterns that are much harder to achieve with paint.

Of course there are other wall treatments to consider if you’re not on a tight budget. These include shiplap, board and batten and others.

Whichever you choose, the walls are the second task after cleaning.

Shed some new light

New home builders aren’t particularly knowledgeable about proper lighting techniques. The ubiquitous Hollywood lighting strips in bathrooms are a perfect example of this. Women, especially, rely on proper lighting in the bathroom when applying cosmetics and lighting above the mirror is the absolute worse for that purpose, according to lighting experts.

These experts recommend attaching lighting sconces at eye-level on each side of the mirror. So, consider this when purchasing new lighting for the bathroom.

Update accessories

Depending on your budget, new accessories can include items as small (but with a big impact) as new throw rugs to a new mirror and faucets. Consider at least buying a snappy shower curtain and coordinating towels and rugs.

Ditch the plastic switch covers for some of the new ones that come in a wide range of finishes, such as aged bronze and brushed nickel. With a bit larger budget, you can quickly add new life to the bathroom by replacing the drawer pulls and cabinet door knobs to match the finish of the switch plates.

Finally, don’t forget those walls you worked so hard on – consider adorning them with artwork

Most homeowners spend between $5,534 and $13,040 to remodel their bathrooms, according to HomeAdvisor. With a little creativity and far less money, you can give yours a cosmetic makeover in just a weekend.

Think a whole-house inspection is enough?

home inspection

Due diligence: it’s a fancy way of saying that a homebuyer should not depend on the word of the seller (even though, legally, the seller must reveal all known defects in the home) but has an obligation to thoroughly investigate the property. The due diligence period typically runs from the time the purchase contract is signed until a date mutually agreed upon by the buyer and the seller.

Due diligence is something far too many homebuyers take lightly and it’s a pity. Not only will the process ensure that the home is in acceptable condition, but proof that you performed thorough due diligence will be required should you end up in court with the seller.

Any home may be hiding an expensive secret and it’s up to you to get it to spill the beans. Following you’ll find a few of the more common home inspections buyers perform during the due diligence period.

The whole-house inspection

Call this one the mack-daddy of inspections; it’s the one the real estate industry insists must be performed. Carried out by a professional, all of the home’s systems will be checked, from the HVAC to plumbing and electrical. Remember, however, that this is a visual inspection. The inspector cannot tell you what might be hiding behind the walls or in areas of the home’s system that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

The inspector will also make note of potential problems – those that may occur in the near future. Examples of this include faulty grading of the landscaping and possible moisture intrusion.

“Conditions at a home for sale can change radically in only a day or two, so a home inspection is not meant to guarantee what condition a home will be in when the transaction closes,” claims Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard of the International Association of Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) “It’s not uncommon for conditions to change between the time of the inspection and the closing date,” they conclude.

The organization offers an excellent resource about what to expect from a home inspection on its website.

Pest inspection

Some creepy crawlies are benign – staying put in their hiding places, causing no problems. Others, however, can wreak enough havoc to bring a home crumbling down around its occupants. These are wood-boring insects, such as powder post beetles, carpenter ants and termites. Then there are the fungal organisms that cause rot in the home’s timbers, which may eventually turn brittle and decay into powder.

Unless you know what to look for, evidence of a pest infestation and even the damage caused by these pests can be difficult to find. The fix, when caught early, is far less expensive than if the problem is left to fester. Most homeowners in the U.S. spend between $237 to $847 for termite control service. An extensive infestation, however, can be substantially more expensive to cure.

Well and septic tests

Purchasing rural property comes with a whole different set of considerations. Typically located far from city services, the drinking water is supplied via a well and sanitation from a cistern or septic system.

Since problems with both are almost impossible to ascertain to the non-professional, an inspection is always a good idea. The typical septic system inspection includes pumping out the system so that a visual inspection of the tank and distribution box can be performed. The inspector will look for signs of decay, including missing or broken parts. Americans typically pay between $280 and $523 to have a septic tank pumped. The price can be as low as $200 or as high as $900, according to homeadvisor.com.

Often, a percolation test (also known as a “perc test”) will be performed. The results will determine if the soil is adequately absorbing water which, in turn, tells the inspector if the lines are functioning properly.

Since the national average cost of well pump repairs is nearly $770, but may run as high as $2,000, if the home of your dreams’ primary water source is well water, it makes sense to have the system thoroughly checked before agreeing to go through with the purchase. Faulty pumps can cause the motor to stall or run continuously and low water pressure.

You’ll also want to have the water quality tested. Contaminants obviously pose a risk and you won’t necessarily see, taste or smell their presence. Your lender may require the tests but if it doesn’t, hire a professional. The U.S. Environmental Protection agency suggests that you have the water tested for nitrates/nitrites, coliform and pH. You may also want to look for copper, arsenic, radon and lead. Get more information from the EPA online, here.

Indoor air testing

Many homeowners routinely check the air in their homes in the winter for radon, an odorless, colorless radioactive gas. It enters the home through cracks and, as mentioned above, well water. Concentrations of the gas are naturally higher in the winter, when homes are buckled up tight against the elements.

Radon is a carcinogen and, in fact, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Furthermore, the U.S. Surgeon General urges that all homes be tested. Testing can be performed with DIY test kits or by professionals. Mitigation, on the other hand, requires the help of a professional.

Lead-based paint

Homes built before 1978 were typically painted with products that contained lead. If you have small children, it is imperative that you determine if the home you hope to purchase has lead-based paint.

This is because, according to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the absorption of lead into the body, either by breathing the dust or ingesting paint chips (which small children often do), may lead to damage to the liver, brain and other vital organs.

The EPA requires that homeowners disclose potential lead problems to buyers but not all homeowners are aware of what’s in the paint on their walls. So, if the home was built prior to 1978, be safe and have it tested for lead-based paint. You can learn more about this toxic paint on the EPA’s website.

Of course, these are not the only optional tests you may wish to have performed on the new home. If you suspect structural problems, consult with an engineer. Roof not up to snuff? Call a roofing professional. Due diligence is not only your legal obligation and helps protect your pocketbook, but it is important to your family’s health and safety as well.

The 2017 Baby Nursery

2017 baby nursery

If you hope to begin your family in your newly-purchased home, you’ll no doubt cast an eye toward which room will serve as a nursery. We thought it might be fun to take a look at how other parents are designing and decorating theirs, so we turned to the experts for the 2017 nursery trends and some safety tips.

From pastels to earthy, muted colors

Since the color scheme you choose is the basis of every design element in the nursery, consider your choice of paint color carefully. Last year, Pantone’s announcement of Serenity and Rose Quartz as the year’s colors ushered in a slew of nurseries swathed in peachy pink and lavender-blue tones. While pastels are still popular this year, soft, earthy tones are being introduced — think beige, turquoise, olive and terracotta.

This year, Pantone gives us “Greenery” as 2017’s color of the year. Rather than use it on the walls, however, it’s more suited to providing “a vibrant pop of color to increase the interest of the room,” suggests Belivin’Design. They go on to caution that “if you want your kids to fall asleep at some point, . . .don’t get carried away with it.”

If you want to stick with pastels, consider Dunn Edwards’ Tranquil Eve, a soft lavender or Benjamin Moore’s  Seaside Retreat, a beach-inspired blue.

The crib as a design statement

They’re called “statement cribs,” and you’ll find examples online at projectnursery.com, potterbarnkids.com, wayfair.com and the pricey but gorgeous Pod crib from Ubabub.

The cribs, typically roomy with asymmetric lines, are crafted from modern materials, such as acrylic (easy clean-up!). Many have gorgeous canopies and, although matching furniture in the nursery was declared passé last year, it you want them, you’ll find armoires, chairs and more to match your modern crib.

Nursery safety

Toxic compounds affect infants and newborns far more quickly than older children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although confined by a crib or your arms now, that little one will soon be crawling and exploring every possible part of the nursery. And, as we all know, what they pick up typically ends up in their mouths.

When choosing paint, consider purchasing low VOC – short for volatile organic compound – paint. “Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are emitted by different gases and solids such as paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings,” according to the experts at Home Depot. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that some organic pollutant concentrations are two to five times higher inside our homes than outside. A low or zero VOC paint will help maintain healthy indoor air in the nursery.

Carpets are also guilty of emitting toxicants in the home, especially newly laid synthetic types. It’s known as “off-gassing,” and although the largest release occurs within the first 72 hours after the carpet is laid, low levels will continue to off-gas for up to five years, according to best-selling author, Dr. Joseph Mercola. “The ‘new carpet’ aroma is the odor of 4-PC off-gassing, which is an eye and respiratory-tract irritant that may also affect the central nervous system. The adhesive used to affix the carpet to the floor typically contains benzene and toluene, some of the most harmful VOCs,” he cautions.

The solution? Ditch the carpet and install tile, hardwood or laminate flooring and scatter throw rugs to keep the tiny one warm while exploring.

How to determine whether that house you have your eye on will increase in value

determine the future value of a home

Impulse buying. Think it only applies to the grocery store? Sadly, folks who have a tendency to live for today often choose even financial investments impulsively. We see it frequently in the real estate industry—homebuyers that allow their emotions to rule the process instead of looking at a house for what it truly represents – an investment.

Now, we have nothing against spontaneous living; as long as you allow thoughts of the future to intrude a bit when considering purchasing a particular home.

Financial considerations in the home buying process go far beyond whether or not the home is priced appropriately for the neighborhood and the market and whether or not you can negotiate a better deal. While we can’t give you a crystal ball to divine the home’s future value, we urge you to at least consider this aspect before signing a contract to purchase it.

So, what determines the future value of a home?

The factors used to determine a home’s current market value can also be considered when trying to determine whether or not a particular home will hold that value or even provide an increase. These factors include location, land values, market conditions, the economy, condition, size, age and layout of the home and updates performed.

The two predictors to concentrate most on are land values and location. The former is a finite resource so it will never be subjected to the supply side of the supply-demand formula. Sure, demand for land will rise and fall, but it will do so according to how much is available and we can never manufacture more. Unless you live on the Big Island in Hawaii, where mother nature is busy pumping out additional land, what we see is what we get.

The location of a home has an enormous impact on its value. From where it’s located within a town or city to the street it sits on and even the plot of land on which it’s situated, location trumps pretty much everything else.

As long as couples produce children, the American cul-de-sac will be in demand for families, condos situated to take advantage of city views will be worth more than those without and an exceptional school nearby will help a home hold its market value.

How to use this information when home shopping

 Fight those emotional responses when house hunting. Yes, we get that it’s exciting to finally find the kitchen of your dreams in the 100th house you’ve viewed. But, unless you plan on living in the home until you die, you will sell it someday and even the most impressive chef’s kitchen won’t boost the home’s value if it has other factors working against it.

Then, do some investigating. Start with the location and check municipal records to learn of any land use changes or other plans that may have an impact on the future value of the home. Consider the following as red flags and a possible drain on value:

 

  • The rerouting of traffic through the neighborhood in response to new development (commercial or residential) nearby.

 

  • Plans for a nearby hospital, shooting range, power plant or waste facility.

 

  • The neighborhood’s zoning. A multifamily designation may mean that you will one day be living next to an apartment building.

 

  • Check local regulations if you’re concerned about the possibility of losing your view or even the amount of sunlight your landscaping receives if your neighbor decides to add a second story to his or her home. A view is worth money – lose it and you lose value.

If the home is near a school, check its rankings. Homes near exceptional schools are in high demand and hold their value better than homes near poor-performing schools. Other nearby amenities that boost home values include:

 

  • Parks – passive use parks (those without playgrounds, ball fields, etc.) tend to raise home values while active use (mainly because of the traffic and noise they attract) do not.

 

  • “Active” transportation amenities, such as bike lanes, walking and biking paths and trails — homes in what are considered bike-able and walkable neighborhoods are worth far more than homes that lack these features.

 

  • Nearby Walmart, Target, Starbucks or Whole Foods – these businesses actually have a positive impact on home values. Some however, such as Starbucks, have shown to cause a corresponding rise in property taxes.

 

Check the HOA documents – if the home is located in a managed community, the Homeowner Association documents will let you know how residents are allowed to use the neighborhood. From landscaping requirements to parking prohibitions, this is important information that my impact the home’s future value, either negatively or positively.

Advice about how to improve a home before putting it on the market is great, but if the home’s location is undesirable due to any number of factors, all the improvements known to man and woman won’t raise its value. The time to ensure you’ll realize a return on your investment is before you invest the money.