October 5th, 2009
Curb Appeal: New Windows, Doors, Stucco Color Coat, and Paint
If you’re selling a home, one of the first things you should consider is improving its curb appeal. This might be critical if your home has been languishing on the market for some time now.
If that is your situation, it is likely your Realtor has suggested lowering the asking price significantly. Even the most honest Realtor is less interested in your financial math than their own financial math. If the home does not sell the Realtor is not paid: no commission.
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August 26th, 2009
Hillside Homes need Roads, Paths, Walkways, Stairs, Terracing and Retaining Walls
Hillsides homes are more expensive because they usually sit on more land, have an abundance of character and offer a multitude of views.
“Views,” in real-estate terms, are often defined by one or more: peek-a-boo, canyon, valley, mountain, ocean, vast, 360, infinite . Where we live, some homes straddling the crests of the hilltops have all of those views - sweet!
Hillside home ownership has other benefits: greater distance and separation between homes and the resulting privacy that distance affords; a feeling of SPACE; a more rural, outdoor-lifestyle; surprise visits from wildlife; less night-time “light-pollution” from rows of city street lamps.
Many folks consider these unique benefits worth the extra expense required to purchase a home in the hills.
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August 23rd, 2009
The Tankless HOT Water Heater
A High-Efficiency Appliance That will Save Energy and Money
It has been estimated that the third largest energy consuming activity in the average home is heating water. It also represents roughly 12% - 14% of all utility expenditures – gas, electricity, water, etc. There is a more efficient alternative than the conventional water heater: the tankless gas or electric water heater. When you use one you will save an amazing amount of energy.
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August 23rd, 2009
Do we really need Air Conditioning in Southern California?
I used to tell relatives and friends — those who do not live in California– how we West Coast People — i.e. Southern California Locals — how we really don’t require air conditioning:
“Dude, we live in
paradise - we don’t need air conditioning here…”
Then I started remembering the uncomfortable days and scorching weeks over summers past… Hot August nights sleeping on top of the covers - not even under a sheet.
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June 6th, 2009
Homes in La Habra Heights have steep areas that can become Valuable, Usable, Floor Space…
When asked for deck recommendations, we typically survey the exterior of your home - to see where a ground-level or raised deck will dovetail in with the home’s view, the home’s design and the “flow” of the terrain. Oftentimes the owner has the design dialed-in, but sometimes by brainstorming together, other options evolve - some really clever, outstanding deck designs emerge.
Many homeowners never consider deck locations that may be physically-removed from an existing doorway.
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