Portland Metro Real Estate » Portland

Have an Eco-Friendly Home? Make Sure Buyers Know It

miesbach — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:09:32 +0000

In tight real estate markets, sellers need to highlight the extras that make their homes stand out. One thing sellers often forget to mention is that their home is eco-friendly.

While statistics show that buyers won’t necessarily choose an eco-friendly home over a standard one simply because it’s green, they can be influenced to purchase the former if they know the home will save them money.

One of the biggest money-saving features is often overlooked because it’s hidden in the walls and roof. According to Steven Mark, a design consultant at Marrokal Design & Remodeling, ”Insulation is relatively inexpensive for the return on investment. You will save the most money by doing a lot of insulation in your house”. The San Diego-based remodeling company uses green materials like recycled blue jeans that are turned into insulation and special roofing to help lower the energy costs by keeping heating and air conditioning systems working less. ”On our roof sheathing, we’re using a special plywood that has a little layer of metal in it that reflects the UV rays before they go into your attic,” says Mark. By using this special radiant barrier plywood, he says “The attic is going to be 20 or 30 degrees cooler in the summertime which then means the insulation and air conditioner and everything else you need to get your living space to a comfortable temperature is now reduced”.

Another often-overlooked feature when selling a home is its energy-saving appliances. Think about buyers comparing two older homes: the first house has old appliances and the second has newer energy-saving appliances. The upgrades in the second home may put it at a distinct advantage to the first home’s older, more energy-expending appliances because it will save buyers a lot of money over time. While this seems obvious, sometimes sellers neglect to mention such perks.

Remember, the things that aren’t always visible can save a surprising amount. Tankless water heaters, for example, are becoming more in demand. That’s probably because you can save as much as 30 percent using a tankless water heater as opposed to a standard one, according to Dennis Hargraves of El Cajon Heating & Plumbing Supply. Consumers can also get big rebates for using these more energy-efficient systems.

Special water-saving shower fixtures and low-flush toilets can also be enticing to buyers. If you haven’t already installed them, consider replacing an old toilet with a more efficient one. Also, don’t worry about the low-flush not being effective. Hargraves says the functionality has greatly improved; no need for double flushing. Plus, there’s incentive to install them: “There are vouchers available so a customer can receive up to $100 per toilet by going to the 1.28 flushes versus the others,” says Hargraves.

All of these features can be a big plus if you’re currently selling or thinking about selling your home. It’s a good idea to keep a three-ring binder to help you remember all the upgrades and eco-friendly additions when it comes time to sell. Be sure to include the sales receipts, product warranties, operating instructions, and any other pertinent notes. Don’t forget to review the material in your binder before you put your home on the market so that you’re prepared to highlight your green improvements when you meet with your real estate agent.

Written by Phoebe Chongchua, but edited for this blog

2010 Outdoor Living Trends

miesbach — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:08:02 +0000

Spring is here, and although wet weather seems to be lingering in the Northwest, thoughts are still turning to the great outdoors — around the home. However, those thoughts of leaving in-house hibernation behind are edged with economic concerns as homeowners take a less lavish look at how to move indoor living outside.

According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), this year, homeowners are focusing on low-maintenance landscaping and low-frills entertaining in place of more expensive endeavors and upgraded technology: “Homeowners want to create a sense of place for their family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy outside, but an uncertain economy means many will dial back some of the extra features we’ve seen in past years,” said Nancy Somerville, executive vice percent and CEO of ASLA.

From January 25 – February 12, 2010, the ASLA surveyed 182 residential landscape architects about the popularity of various design elements for 2010. They found homeowners were avoiding more expensive, elaborate items in favor of more essential ones. As most outdoor living spaces tend to be an extension of the kitchen, the ASLA, not surprisingly, found the most popular outdoor features were a grill (94.4 percent) and counter space (73.5 percent). Outdoor refrigerators (52.8 percent) and sinks (50 percent) were much less popular. Instead of stereo systems (57.2 percent), wireless/Internet connectivity (44.1 percent), outdoor heaters (43.9 percent) and Televisions (35.5 percent), there was much greater interest in the practical: dining areas (95.6 percent), installed seating like benches and seat walls (90.6 percent), and weatherized outdoor furniture (77.1 percent). However, the fire pit/fireplace (94 percent) and fountain/water feature (87.8 percent) also remained popular.

This year homeowners are also looking to go ‘green’ outside to save time and money on upkeep. Popular landscaping elements include: low-maintenance landscapes (94 percent), drip/water-efficient irrigation (85.2 percent), native/adapted drought-tolerant plants (85.2 percent), a smaller lawn (73.9 percent), and food/vegetable gardens (78.5 percent).

Among the more expensive outdoor architectural features that remain popular were: spas (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, indoor/outdoor saunas) at 79.1 percent, decks (83 percent), porches (76.4 percent) and swimming pools (72.4 percent).

Among the least popular items were sleeping spaces (5.6 percent), geothermal-heated pools (28.2 percent), outdoor cooling systems (36.5 percent), outdoor heaters (43.8 percent), solar-powered lights (49.4 percent), and sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc. at 47 percent).

-Originally written by Broderick Perkins, but modified/edited for this blog

Does Moving Up Make Sense?

miesbach — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:22:52 +0000

The following are some questions that will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location than your current one. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move:

1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home?

Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.

2. Has your income or financial situation improved?

If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.

3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood?

The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good. For example, you may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job, relatives, or live in a better school district.

4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on?

Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market?

If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home.

6. Are interest rates attractive?

A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer.

-Written by Realty Times Staff, but edited for layout purposes.

Top 9 Home Buying Mistakes

miesbach — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:27:10 +0000

Buying a home is perhaps the most arduous, expensive and, ultimately, valuable acquisition you’ll ever complete. Just one mistake could mean disaster — perhaps the worst mistake you’ll ever make. In order to avoid titanic trip ups during such a trying transaction, buyers should get to know the most common home buying blunders. To know them is to avoid them.

1. Going solo: Buying a house is a complex transaction. It should be a team effort. You’ll need a REALTOR®, lender, inspector, insurer, perhaps a lawyer, and other team members to help you through each step of the way. Team build before you start the search.

2. Love at first sight: If you believe in fairy tales you probably shouldn’t be buying a home. You won’t live happily ever after if you emote your way through the home buying process. Your home should fit your real needs, not your yen for drama. Buy a home that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Be sure the home is in a community and neighborhood you desire. Visit neighborhoods several times before you buy to check out schools, noise and traffic patterns.

3. ‘Loanless’ shopping: Being pre-qualified gives you a general idea of how much you can afford to borrow. It’s better to be pre-approved for a given loan. Sellers will take you more seriously. You’ll stay on budget.

4. Overbuying: Home buyers buying more than they could truly afford, in part, led to the collapse of the housing market. Buy more than you can afford and your dream home will become the same nightmare. Analyze all your monthly costs including debts, food, transportation, entertainment, and savings. Your total monthly debts, including your mortgage, should not exceed 36 percent of your income before taxes. Don’t forget to budget closing costs (often two to five percent of the home’s purchase price), plus moving, redecorating and maintenance. Look ahead and allow for increases in ongoing expenses such as utilities and taxes.

5. Misplaced trust: You are engaged in what’s likely your most valuable acquisition ever. It’s a business transaction. Ask family, friends, co-workers, professionals and others you trust for referrals, but don’t take their word for it. Vet your team members.

6. Accepting oral agreements: Get it in writing. The rate lock, the home inspection, disclosures, the contract. Always. Should a dispute arise, you’ve got the details documented.

7. Skipping the fine print: Understand what’s really in any document before picking up a pen. Get documents in advance, take time to read them and ask questions. Get copies of your mortgage and closing papers a few days ahead of closing.

8. Forgetting or betting on resale: Avoid buying a home that costs 50 percent more than neighboring homes. Reconsider buying the most expensive home on the block. Neighbors’ lower home values will weaken yours. Buy intending to flip your investment only to have the market fail means when it’s time to sell your price may not cover your costs.

9. Making an unconditional offer: Protect yourself with these contingencies:

A. Mortgage financing: You may be preapproved but is the house? A formal appraisal confirms — or not — that there is sufficient value in the home to warrant the loan. If the house appraises lower than the sales price, the loan may be declined.

B. Inspection: Never buy an existing or new home without a thorough home inspection. Walk through the home with the inspector to learn more about the house and any concerns he or she may have.

C. Insurance: Confirm you can get adequate insurance coverage. In some areas, or following certain disasters, it can be difficult to get types of hazard insurance.

-Originally Written by Broderick Perkins, but edited for this blog

The home buyer federal tax credit is available for one more month. Time to get busy and find your home to take advantage of this unique opportunity!

miesbach — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:56:46 +0000

There’s still time to qualify for the home buyer tax credit!

miesbach — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:42:09 +0000

The federal first-time and long-time home buyer tax credit is still available until April 30th for purchase agreements signed by that date, and sales that close by June 30th. You must meet certain eligibility requirements outlined by the IRS. The following information comes from: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4819.pdf . . .

The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 was signed into law November 6, 2009.

If you are in the market for a new home, you may still be able to claim the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. This new law extends and expands the first-time homebuyer credit allowed by previous legislation. Here are key points the IRS wants you to know about the expanded credit and the qualifications you must meet in order to qualify for it.

1. You must buy – or enter into a binding contract to buy a principal residence – on or before April 30, 2010.

2. If you enter into a binding contract by April 30, 2010 you must close on the home on or before June 30, 2010.

3. For qualifying purchases in 2010, you will have the option of claiming the credit on either your 2009 or 2010 return.

4. A long-time resident of the same home can now qualify for a reduced credit. You can qualify for the credit if you’ve lived in the same principal residence for any five-consecutive year period during the eight-year period that ended on the date the new home is purchased and the settlement date is after November 6, 2009.

5. The maximum credit for long-time residents is $6,500. However, married individuals filing separately are limited to $3,250. The maximum credit for first-time homeowners is $8,000 (up to $4,000 for married filing separately).

6. People with higher incomes can now qualify for the credit. The new law raises the income limits for homes purchased after November 6, 2009. The full credit is available to taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes up to $125,000, or $225,000 for joint filers.

7. The IRS will issue a revised Form 5405 to claim this credit on 2009 tax returns. The revised form must be used for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 – whether the credit is claimed for 2008 or for 2009 – and for all home purchases that are claimed on 2009 returns.

8. Homebuyers who claim the credit on their 2009 tax return will not be able to file electronically but instead will need to file a paper return. For homes purchased in 2009 there is an option to take the credit on an original or amended 2008 tax return.

9. The new law includes documentation requirements. See revised Form 5405 for details.

10. No credit is available if the purchase price of the home exceeds $800,000.

11. The purchaser must be at least 18 years old on the date of purchase. For a married couple, only one spouse must meet this age requirement.

12. A dependent is not eligible to claim the credit.

IRS encourages all eligible homebuyers to take advantage of the First-Time Homebuyer

Credit but at the same time cautions taxpayers to avoid schemes that help ineligible

people file false claims for the credit.

Visit IRS.gov/recovery for more details on the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. Forms are

available on www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-3676.