First impressions are lasting!

by Dian Hymer

Imagine walking into an important job interview looking like you just dragged yourself out of bed. You'd be unlikely to make a good impression and diminish your chance of securing the job. 

The same goes for selling a home. First impressions are lasting. Some buyers won't even look at the inside of a listing that doesn't have good curb appeal.

Today's buyers are picky. There is no sense of urgency in the market, so buyers are holding out for the best home they can find that will work for them for years to come. In some areas, there are a lot of homes for sale. It's important to make sure that buyers will be attracted to your home before they even walk through the front door.

Fortunately, exterior improvements needn't be expensive. The recent Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2010-2011 found that the improvements that yielded the highest return on the investment when sold were a new steel front door and a new garage door. 

The average cost nationally for a new front door was $1,218; the return was 102 percent. The average cost for a new garage door was $1,191; the return was 83.9 percent. The top nine of 10 most cost-effective improvements nationally were for exterior projects. Curb appeal is as important as ever, and may be more so in this market.

The Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report is a collaborative report done annually by Remodeling Magazine and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. It compares construction costs with resale values, which are based on estimates from more than 3,000 REALTORS® and appraisers. 

Sprucing up the front yard for sale needn't be costly. Clean out weeds and dead plants. Add flowering plants for color and mulch to tidy up areas that aren't heavily planted. Replace a lawn that has seen better days with less lawn and a border bed of flowering shrubs. 

Do in-ground planting well in advance, if possible, so that plants have a chance to get established before your home goes on the market. If you have no choice and must plant at last minute, be sure to remove the ID tags from the nursery.

A deteriorated fence should be removed, repaired or replaced. Any peeling paint on the front walk and steps and house exterior and trim should be refreshed. The side of the house that gets the most exposure needs the most maintenance. If you've let it go, you'll be docked dollars by the buyers unless you repaint where needed before you sell.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: The amount returned on home improvement investments varies from one location to the next. It's important to consult with your local real estate agent before you embark on an upgrade to make sure that you don't overpay on an improvement that won't generate the desired result.
Most homeowners assume they'll get their money back and more when they sell. In fact, most upgrade investments often don't return 100 percent of the amount invested, particularly in a down market.

A minor mid-range kitchen remodel returns 72.8 percent nationally, according to the 2010-11 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Index. In the Pacific region of the U.S., you're likely to recoup 84.1 percent.

However, a major upscale kitchen remodel pays back only 59.7 percent nationally and 66 percent in the Pacific region. It makes sense to take on a major remodel project only if you're staying in your home and can enjoy the use of the improvements before selling.

A deck addition ranked high on the list of popular exterior improvements. Although, nationally the cost recouped is only 72.8 percent, it may be an essential enhancement if your home has no outdoor living space and all the homes for sale in your neighborhood do.

THE CLOSING: Supply and demand in your local area will also impact how much you'll recoup from your fix-up investments. 


Give Comet Realty a shout today to find out how to improve the value of YOUR home! 805.546.9925

Hayley's FENG SHUI TIP: Clearing Clutter

It is not about having what we want, but wanting what we have.

~ Dalai Lama

It’s everywhere! Paper stacks, old clothes that don’t fit or need mending, broken furniture or appliances, collectibles, inherited items, gifts we didn’t like then, and still don’t like now. 

It accumulates little by little until it becomes overwhelming. Clutter affects your energy levels and general well being. It can weigh you down both physically and emotionally. 

One of the most important aspects of clutter clearing is loving what you have and letting go of all the other stuff. 

Everything you have that you do not LOVE or NEED, is officially clutter.

This is always easier said than done. I was hanging on to a pair of raggedy wool socks that were my Mom’s. I’m pretty sure she is okay that I finally got rid of them. She is still with me, and not just when I look at those old socks! 

Once the weight of the clutter is lifted, it will be easier for you to sort through your possessions. You will be able to tell which possessions you really love, in contrast to the ones that clutter your space and mind. 

Our mental, bodily and emotional states are all affected by our home. If we live in a cluttered environment, we will manifest the same in our mind and body and you will feel stuck in your life. Energy levels, decision-making, and even health could be affected. 

Letting go of that clutter must occur before more treasures can come into your life. You can clear your old life patterns and start fresh. 

What better time to do it than right now. Take a few minutes to go through that stack of papers on your desk. Chances are, you will get to throw half of it away, and then you can ask yourself if you really need what is left? 

I don’t mean get rid of things you truly care about. I’m talking about magazines that maybe had one good article in it - it would be easier to remove the article and save it in a folder (labeled correctly!), then recycle the magazine by taking it to the gym, library or a doctor’s office. Catalogs - if you haven’t already ordered whatever was in it that you meant to order, chances are that you won’t. And can’t you find it on-line if you really need it later? 

Let’s face it. Are we REALLY going to fit into that “other size” of clothes? Don’t they just make you feel bad that you don’t fit into them now? Off to Goodwill they go. If you find yourself needing another size next week, or next month, or next year, make it a plan to treat yourself to new clothes at that time! 

Spend 5-15 minutes per day on clutter. Go through your desk drawer. Clear out the pantry (if the tupperware doesn’t have a lid, off to Goodwill!) If you have one room that simply has too much in it to do anything with it, make it a goal to gather all the [insert item here] into one pile. Tomorrow, do another pile consisting of [insert item here].  

I am the first to admit that I am a packrat and love “my stuff”. 

My goal is to be in harmony with my home, my life, my friends and family, and not see clutter everywhere I look. 

So, clear your clutter with me. A little bit at a time. 

If you have any questions, please send them to Hayley@CometRealty.com.

Confidence in Value of Homeownership Persists...

Confidence in Value of Homeownership Persists through bust, survey shows. 

By Alejandro Lazo, Los Angeles Times, April 12, 2011

The real estate bust appears to have done little to alter Americans' confidence in the investment value of homeownership. 

A robust 81% of adults said buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make, according to a national survey by the Pew Research Center in Washington.

"Owning a home is really a part of the American dream, and that is just part of the American psyche and something that people aspire to," said Kim Parker, associate director for the center and one of the study's authors. 

The study's results were unexpected, given the deep plunge in home prices and the fallout from the mortgage crisis, she said. Homeownership topped the list of long-term financial goals for Americans, according to the study; respondents rated homeownership, as well as living comfortably in retirement, more important than sending children to college or leaving offspring an inheritance. 

The public's faith in real estate has been bruised since the last time a comparable survey asked people about the wisdom of investing in real estate. A total of 37% of respondents said they "strongly agree" that homeownership is the best investment a person can make while 44% said they "somewhat agree." The same question was asked by a CBS News/New York Times survey in 1991, and at that time 49% "strongly agreed" and 35% "somewhat agreed." 

"The study results are surprising in that so many households still believe that homeownership is a good investment, even after the plunge in home values that has occurred over the past couple of years," said Celia Chen, a housing economist for Moody’s Economy.com. "The preference for homeownership has deep roots in the history of this nation, and apparently even a severe correction in house prices can shake American's belief in homeownership only slightly."

The telephone survey was comprised of a nationally representative sample of 2,142

adults conducted from March 15 to March 29 by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Interviews were done in English and Spanish. The margin of sampling error for the data is plus or minus 2.7%. 

While home prices have entered a renewed decline after showing some improvements last year, many economists believe that the worst of the housing crisis is probably over. That sentiment could help to explain the resiliency in Americans' optimism. 

"People may have the feeling that the worst is behind us," Parker said. Though other investments such as stocks tend to produce a better return, the housing market has generally avoided the wild swings that the stock market has over time, potentially helping to explain real estate's lasting allure, Parker added. 

Homeowners in the survey were more positive about the financial wisdom of owning a home than were renters. But even among renters, the desire for homeownership remains strong, according to the survey's findings. Just 24% of renters surveyed said they rent out of choice and 81% said they would like to buy.

The decline in values has struck a wide swath of Americans. About half, or 47%, of

homeowners said their property is now worth less than when the recession began,

and 31% said the value of their home has not improved. Just 17% said their home is worth more than before the recession. 

Of those who said their properties have lost value, 86% said they expect it to take at least three years for values to recover, 42% said at least six years and 10% said they expect a recovery in 10 years or more.

Despite those sentiments, 82% of homeowners who indicated their home is worth less than before the recession said homeownership is the best long-term investment a person can make.

APRIL 18th is TAX DAY

GREAT NEWS FOR PROCRASTINATORS!

Taxpayers are receiving an extra 3 days to file their taxes this year, thanks to Washington D.C.'s early celebration of Emancipation Day.

The deadline to file individual tax returns (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) or request an Automatic Extension (Form 4868) is Monday, April 18, 2011.

www.IRS.gov for more information

Hayley's FENG SHUI TIP: Assessment Quiz

Feng Shui is one-third common sense, one-third good design; the last third consists of ancient knowledge and traditions, enhancements and cures that may seem odd to us--- but they work!?

Feng Shui Personal Assessment Quiz

Give serious thought to each of the following areas of your life. 

Rate your responses on a scale of 1 through 10:

• 1 being a low score 
• 5 being average
• 10 being highest. 

There are no right or wrong answers and your score is for you alone. You will benefit the most from this quiz by being as honest with yourself as possible. 

CAREER, the JOURNEY  My life’s work is satisfying and rewarding. My chosen field is challenging and pleasurable. I look forward to going to work each day and feel lucky to be in the career I have chosen.

KNOWLEDGE, CONTEMPLATION  My desire to learn is ongoing and I am always ready to improve my skills. I continuously strive to further my knowledge and acquire new information.

FAMILY, ELDERS  The relationships within my family are wholesome, positive and beneficial to each family member. We have nurturing and supportive feelings toward each other.

HEALTH  I am blessed with a strong constitution, a positive outlook, and definite emotional balance. I am healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

WEALTH, ABUNDANCE  My life is filled with financial stability; I have enough assets to meet my material needs and have a deep sense of security. I feel “rich” and abundance surrounds me.

FAME, ILLUMINATION  I am appreciated and well-liked among my friends and community. My reputation is very solid and positive; I feel confident and secure among my co-workers.

MARRIAGE, RELATIONSHIPS  My romantic life is wonderful and fulfilling. My mate and I have excellent communication, intimacy, and share a solid sense of partnership. We are the envy of other couples

CHILDREN, CREATIVITY  I am quite pleased with my children’s development and the relationship we share. There is a deep mutual respect & open lines of communication between us. My creative energy is abundant and I feel fulfilled in all aspects of my artistic abilities.

HELPFUL PEOPLE, TRAVEL  I have a solid support group of friends and they come to my aid when I’m in need. I reciprocate this kindness and assistance fully. My travel plans are in full swing and I am delighted with all aspects of the “adventure” side of my life.

Feng Shui gives us another method of dealing with Life Issues. In any area where you rated yourself 5 or less, you might consider some strong Feng Shui enhancements or remedies. You can look and see which areas of your life could benefit from additional CHI energy. 

“NOW WHAT?”, you may be asking yourself. Tim & Hayley Townley both hold the designation of F.S.C.R.E. (Feng Shui Certified for Real Estate). They look forward to helping you make your life the best it can be. 

If you rated low in a certain area of your life, email us for positive recommendations that can be combated by placement of symbols and metaphors to create harmony and balance in your life. Feng Shui “solutions” do not need to be expensive or elaborate. We can assist you in being creative, and using what you have on hand. 

This is just another service that Comet Realty offers you - our friends and clients. We look forward to helping you make some happy changes in your life, whether it means buying or selling your home, or enhancing the one you already own! 

If you mention you saw this ad on our blog, Hayley will give you a one hour complimentary feng shui consultation (Central Coast California residents only, please!) 

Of course, we look forward to your business and are never too busy for your referrals. 

FOR SALE: 1332 PURPLE SAGE, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA (MLS #171481)

Move right into this 3 bedroom plus office/den/4th bedroom, 3 bath home. This lovely home is located in the Los Ranchos school district in San Luis Obispo, across from a neighborhood park and walking/biking paths. Other amenities include eco-friendly drought tolerant landscaping, plantation shutters, tile and laminate flooring, loft area, and 2 car garage. 

It's priced at only $589,000. Call Comet Realty today to see the inside of this superclean home!

Visit the property website for more information:   www.1332PurpleSage.com

TIMING IS EVERYTHING!

Timing is everything…

Spring forward, fall back! This weekend is Daylight Savings Time (unless you live in Hawaii, or Arizona - two states who don’t need that extra hour of sunshine!) Beginning this Sunday, most of us get an extra hour of daylight added to our day. 

I give my house a tune-up on DST weekend. I challenge you to spend one of your extra hours of sunlight making your home healthier for you and your loved ones. The cost of these few items is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

SMOKE ALARMS

The batteries in your smoke alarm should be tested, and/or replaced. Your detector may take 9-volt, AA or AAA batteries. Be sure to check before you head to the hardware store. 

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR

It is always good to protect yourself against the unseen. If you don’t have one in your home, now might be a good time to pick one up. You can find them at your local hardware store, or on Amazon.com. Some models plug into an outlet, but I like ones that have a battery, or a battery back-up. First Alert and Kidde both make a combination smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detector. 

FILTERS

Clean or replace them.

Since you’re already going to the hardware store for batteries, pick up a filter for your furnace, unless yours is re-usable and can be cleaned with a hose (check your manufacturers directions to find out).

Replace your kitchen exhaust air filter, and clean the exhaust hood. Also dust/vaccuum your heating/cooling registers.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

When was the last time you picked up a new fire extinguisher? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to get a new one! You can usually find them in packages of two. I like to have one in the kitchen, one near the barbecue, and one in each of the cars. 

Tip: Don’t store the fire extinguisher over the stove. If something on the stovetop needs the extinguisher, you do not want to have to reach over flames. 

HOT WATER HEATERS

You don’t think about it until it stops working. Visit DIYnetwork.com to find out how draining your hot water heater annually can add years onto its life. 

CLOCKS

Of course, don’t forget to change all your clocks–in the house (living room, bedrooms, microwave, VCR and other electronic equipment), garage, office, cars and watches–spring forward one hour this weekend. 

I’m sure you can think of other items you can attend to, since you have that extra hour of daylight. I’d love to know what you have on your list, in case I need to add it to mine too.

Enjoy your longer days!