Home Improvement Projects that Earn Their Keep

When considering a home remodeling project or building a new addition, one consideration should be the likely return on your investment. Even in the current housing market, the value of your home can be enhanced by the right home improvement. Though housing prices have slumped in recent years, the return on investment for home improvements has remained fairly stable. Thus, it can make good financial sense to build an addition or remodel your existing home rather than trading up to a new one. While recouping your financial investment should not be your primary reason for remodeling your home, it’s a factor to consider when deciding which project is right for you.

Generally, home improvements that add to the curb appeal of your house offer higher returns when you sell. In the 2009 Realtor Magazine “Cost vs. Value Report”, siding projects, replacement windows, and adding a new deck topped the list of best value-added projects, with kitchen remodeling rounding out the top ten.

Adding or replacing siding

In addition to improving the appearance of your house and reducing maintenance and upkeep, the right siding can provide additional insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs. Of the various kinds of siding, adding high-end fiber cement siding recoups most value when reselling your home, weighing at a return on investment of 86.7%. Fiber cement siding comes in various finishes and surfaces, resembling stucco or wood, but is fireproof and termite resistant.

Mid-range vinyl siding offers the next best return on investment at 80.7%, followed closely by high-end foam-backed vinyl. The most popular type of home siding, vinyl comes in a wide array of colors and finishes, allowing a custom look for your home. Foam-backed vinyl offers especially good insulating protection, increasing your savings and making it an even better deal.

Replacement windows

Generally, high-end vinyl windows outstripped traditional wood replacements, but all of these home improvement projects gave a return on investment of between 76% and 79%. Again, replacing your windows can also save you money on heating and cooling your home, making this home remodeling project a financially sound decision even if you don’t intend to sell your home anytime soon. Be sure to look into Federal energy tax credits, available when you purchase and install certain kinds of high-efficiency replacement windows; they can save you hundreds of dollars on the cost of your project.

Decks

Installing a deck can recoup 81.8% of its initial cost to build; these projects can add a great deal to your enjoyment of your home and yard, as well. Maintenance-free decks of pressure-treated wood last longer; these are usually constructed of Southern yellow pine, though cedar decks are also popular.

Kitchens and bathrooms

Minor and major improvements to kitchens were also good investments, typically adding between 76% and 80% to the value of homes. Refacing kitchen cabinets is becoming more popular and can add more to your home’s value than more elaborate alterations; replacing outdated appliances with newer models was also cost-effective in most cases. While minor cosmetic alterations are often cost-effective, larger scale bath remodeling was not one of the top projects for recouping the initial investment.

Making your home a more pleasant place to live is always the most important reason for a home improvement project. But when planning to remodel or add on to your home, the money you can recoup may help you decide which home improvement project is right for you.

How to Choose a Home Security System

Deciding to have a home security system installed in your home is a big step towards ensuring safety for your family. Being proactive and considering home security before you realize your need for it is a smart step to protecting your home and loved ones. If you have had the unfortunate circumstance of living through a break in or theft, you now see the importance of home safety. But if you have never before purchased a home security system, you may not know where to start.

Consider the following steps after making the decision to protect your investment.

Know the Needs of Your Family and Home

You can purchase a home security system whether you live in an apartment, duplex or single family home. The size of your home and its surrounding environment is a big factor to take into consideration when choosing a system. You may only be interested in keeping strangers off your property, or you could choose full protection which includes a home monitoring system and emergency call center inside the home. This allows you to press a button to summon help should there be an intruder or a medical emergency. Take stock of your interior belongings and particular situation before alarm shopping.

Choose a Reliable and Affordable Company

One of the biggest decisions you will make when you have a home security system installed is the company you choose. You have to take into consideration their service record on systems that include real time monitoring and emergency reporting. You can check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints. Expect that most companies will have one or two unsatisfied customers, but it is their response to those complaints that shows their true customer service colors. Ask friends or family members who have home security which company they use. Using references is a good way to go.

Educate Your Family after the Installation

When your security system is installed, you will hopefully be given a full tour of features by the installer or another company representative. You will want to be sure to take the time to educate the entire family about how the system works, including how to arm and deactivate the system. There are often fees associated with the monitoring and dispatching of emergency personnel, so you will want to be sure your kids do not accidentally set the alarm off coming home late one night. You may also need to let them know that sneaking in and out of windows will also set the alarm off.

With these few tips, you can get started with your home security system and feel at peace knowing your home and family are protected.

Texas New Home Builders

Texas is home to many large, medium and small local condominium, active lifestyle, single-family, and custom new home builders. Below you will find information about four home builders in Texas.

Beazer Homes – National new home builder, Beazer Homes, offers new homes and new home communities in 21 states throughout the US. In Texas, Beazer Homes has subdivisions in Dallas, San Antonio and Houston. Texas new homes for sale by Beazer can start from the $90s and are available in several new home communities throughout the state. Visit Beazer Homes online for more information about their home financing options, floor plans, community amenities and Texas homes for sale.

Ashton Woods Homes – Ashton Woods has new home communities in five U.S. states: Florida, Georgia, Texas, Colorado and Arizona. In Texas, the national home builder offers homes for sale in many new subdivisions throughout Houston and Dallas. Visit Ashton Woods online to learn more about their quick delivery homes, new home community locations, floor plans and new home financing options.

KB Homes – KB Homes builds new home communities spread out in 15 states across the nation. This home builder builds single-family homes in subdivisions located in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth and Houston Texas. If you visit KB Homes online, you will discover a wealth of information about their homes for sale, communities, design options and building processes.

David Weekley Homes – David Weekley Homes builds homes in seven states throughout the United States. David Weekley Homes builds has new home communities and homes for sale in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Fort Worth Texas. More information about David Weekley Homes and their new home opportunities are available online.

The content located above was discovered on each home builder’s website in November of 2008. All of the information is considered accurate and reliable, but please contact each builder for the most up-to-date information about their available homes and communities.

Hardwood Floors – An Environmentally Friendly Way to Add Beauty to Your Home

If you flip through a magazine of luxury homes, no matter where in the country, you can expect to see many with beautiful hardwood floors and Austin homes are leading the way. In a city that sees itself as green friendly many families are choosing non traditional wood flooring, versions that actually are green in their own right. Hardwood floors have been around since the birth of our country and people today are still getting that thrill of pulling up old carpet to find the original floors underneath. Today we’ll look at how you can bring that feeling to your home with new flooring that not only looks great but is environmentally friendly as well.

Bamboo flooring was a novelty just a few short years ago and now it is rapidly climbing up the charts so to speak. For many people it begins with the fact that this type of hardwood flooring is environmentally friendly (it can be grown much quicker than the time it takes to re grow a tree) but for others it is simply the unique look that attracts them to it. There are actually several different types of Bamboo flooring with a type called Moso being the most durable but no matter which brand you choose, older is better. Bamboo that has been allowed to grow 5-7 years is ideal.  Bamboo floors also use an adhesive that is formaldehyde free and while it is a little more expensive the health benefits might outweigh the extra dollars for some people.
Cost: $2.50 per sq foot.

Natural Cork might sound like something better suited for a bulletin board but it actuality makes for a very good flooring. We have started to see cork flooring in Austin homes with its warm appearance and as you would expect, its softer but not spongier feel. It’s also a very quiet floor which might be something to consider if you have kids in the family and you are concerned about the noise effect of adding hardwood floors to your home. What makes this type of flooring great for the environment is that the tree is never cut down. The bark of these trees is carefully cut and removed in sections where it will eventually grow back. The most popular trees for natural cork come from the Mediterranean where massive plantations are set up just for this specific purpose.
Cost: $3.50 per sq foot.

Eco Timber is a brand of hardwood flooring that is well recognized in Austin and around the world as being a smart choice for those wishing to install wood floors. This company uses actual trees but they are only removed from sustainable forests that are replanted as they are cut down. They combine that with the fact that their flooring has no chemicals or solvents of any kind. Eco Timber is endorsed by the Forest Stewardship Council, a non profit group that promotes responsible use of our forests worldwide.
Cost: $6.50 per sq foot.

Reclaimed wood flooring is the most unique and environmentally friendly of all since these floors are actually made from old flooring itself. Not only can they provide a beautiful new/old look to your home but many times there is a story that goes along with it. Depending on who you buy the reclaimed wood flooring from you may be able to learn exactly where it came from originally. Flooring that once was used in an old church, barn or gymnasium adds even more to your home than just the look itself.
Cost: Varies widely but $6 to $9 per sq foot is a good estimate.

There was a time when the terms hardwood flooring an environmentally friendly would have never been thought of together but today that option is most definitely available. You can create just the right look and feel for your home and you family while at the same time know you are doing it the green way as well. For more about Austin home renovating or if you are looking to buy or sell, contact a top Austin real estate agent for all your Austin home needs.

Home Financing 101: Making Sense of Dollars and Cents

You have to take a lot of things into consideration when choosing a new home like: is it in the right neighborhood, the right school district; is the house large enough or too large; will it still suit your family in five and ten years; does it have an adequate backyard; is it pet friendly; and, perhaps most importantly, can you afford it?

Cost is one of the biggest deciding factors in purchasing a new house, and while there are mortgages available, you have to be cautious when obtaining one. You have to get one that will not only enable you to buy the property but also keep you within budget. Therefore, you must approach obtaining a loan with an understanding of what you can and cannot afford to do.

The first step is determining how much you can spend. Your monthly housing costs from insurance to interest to principal should be no more than 28 percent of your income. So, multiply your net income by 28 percent and you’ll get the number you’re looking for. However, if you already have some outstanding loans, keep in mind that you don’t want them and your mortgage to be any more than 36 percent of your income. Make adjustments to what you think you can spend if necessary once you’ve accounted for other loans.

Once you determine how much you can spend, find out how much you can get with pre-approval. This entails going to a lender and obtaining a letter stating the maximum amount you can expect from a loan. With this document in hand, you’ll have a better bargaining chip for the house you’re bidding on and you won’t make any promises you can’t keep as you’ll know your limits.

Of course these limits may flex a little bit when you take into consideration the tax laws in your area. Mortgage interest, property taxes and loan fees are tax deductible. Once you’ve paid any or all of them you can deduct them from the taxes or that period. This will provide you with a small discount on your mortgage and possibly give you a little more leeway in where you buy your home.

If you want to come out even farther ahead financially, look for a lender who does not charge closing fees. This will keep the cost of your closing down, to the down payment and the beginning escrow accounts for taxes and insurance. But be careful in taking this step, as some limitations may apply, and if they are too confining, you won’t leave the deal with any benefit at all. And remember, even if you do find a lender with no closing costs, you may want to pay one or two points on your mortgage at the closing, regardless. This will help you obtain better interest rates, which in the long run will save you money.

Figuring out how to finance a new home is tough and can be a nail biting process, but if you go into it with eyes wide open, ready for change and unexpected surprises, you’ll be able to get through it and remain within your budge, which is really the only way to live.

Three Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing Your First Home

real estate in Austin TX</a> since 2004.  Crystal specializes in <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.jimolenbush.com/belterra.htm”>Belterra Dripping Springs</a> and has sold properties in every price range and area around Austin, Texas.
“>Are you interested in purchasing a home? If you are a first time homebuyer and if you have the financial means to make a home purchase, there has never been a better time than now to buy. After all, mortgage rates are down, property prices are down and you can get up to $8,000 worth of tax credits from your home purchase. Still, buying a new home isn’t something that should be taken into lightly, as being a homeowner is a major responsibility. Therefore, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before making a purchase.

Consider the Costs

The first thing you need to do is to consider the costs involved with being a homeowner. While it is easy to say that you can afford to purchase a home because the mortgage payment is comparable to what you are paying in rent, there are additional costs associated with owning a home. Some of these include:

• Maintaining the home
• Homeowner’s insurance
• Property taxes
• Renovation costst

Quite simply, the costs can add up far more quickly when you own as compared to when you are renting. Therefore, you need to make certain you are prepared to handle these extra costs before you step into home ownership.

Know What You Want

Before you start looking through available properties for sale, you need to take a closer look at your lifestyle and needs in order to determine what type of home you are looking for. Be sure to consider your current as well as your future needs when deciding upon the home that is right for you. Some things you need to decide upon before you start looking include:

• Age of the home
• Overall size of the home
• Number of bedrooms
• Number of bathrooms
• Neighborhood
• Extra amenities, such a garage, pool, etc
• Size of the yard

By sharing this information with your real estate agent, he or she will be better able to locate the home of your dreams within a shorter period of time.

Don’t Jump Into It

After you have found the perfect home, it is easy to get excited and to be willing to agree to the initial terms and price, but you should never bypass your right to negotiate – particularly in today’s market. Never finalize your offer until after the inspection. This way, you can consider any disclosures when determining a fair price. If you do make an offer before receiving this information, be sure the offer is contingent upon the inspection results.

The same is true when it comes to the closing. Remember to read all of the paperwork thoroughly before you sign anything and, if you aren’t sure about something that you are being asked t sign, ask for clarification. To make this process easier, it is a good idea to hire a first-time homebuyer agent to guide you through the process. By hiring someone you trust, you can be certain you will get the best deal possible on a home that fits your budget and your needs.

Crystal Guthrie is a Texas real estate agent that has been actively selling <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.jimolenbush.com/”>real estate in Austin TX</a> since 2004.  Crystal specializes in <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.jimolenbush.com/belterra.htm”>Belterra Dripping Springs</a> and has sold properties in every price range and area around Austin, Texas.

What you need to know about the first time home buyer stimulus

Passed in the Spring of 2009, President Barack Obama’s stimulus package contains some good news for people who want to buy a home but think they aren’t able to. First time homebuyers can receive tax credits to help them get into a home. In addition to providing a tax credit, this bill also allows for grants for first time homebuyers that qualify. The hope is that this stimulus will help boost the economy by encouraging renters to begin buying. In addition to being a helpful bill for first time homebuyers, it will also help support real estate industries.

There is no pre-existing paperwork that you need to file in order to be part of this stimulus program. The tax credit is filed at the end of the fiscal year and if you qualify you’ll receive money back on top of your tax refund. If you end up owing taxes during that year, your owed amount will be deducted from your tax credit.

The first qualification for the program is that you can’t have owned a home within the last 3 years. If you are purchasing a home as part of a couple, neither one of you can have owned a home within the last 3 years. The purchase of your home must fall between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. The closing date of your home purchase must be within these dates. When you purchase during this year you’re eligible for up to $8,000 in the form of a tax credit.

If you purchased a home in between April and December in 2008, you may be able to qualify for another type of tax credit. There was a similar first time homebuyer stimulus bill that was passed in 2008 with slightly different qualifications. The 2008 tax credit had to be repaid, but the 2009 tax credit is yours to keep free and clear.

You’ll also need to meet income requirements in order to qualify for the tax credit. A single homebuyer can make up to $75,000 per year and still qualify. If you are buying a home as a couple, you can make up to $150,000 combined income. Individuals or couples who make more than this may be able to qualify for another type of credit based on another formula.

Additionally, you’ll have to keep the home that you buy under this program for at least three years after applying for the grant. If you end up selling before these three years are up, you’ll have to pay back the tax credit. You must live in the home that you buy as your primary residence. It goes without saying that the home must be within the United States in order to qualify.

Obama’s first time home buyer stimulus plan is a definite incentive to purchase a home, especially in this buyer’s market. Although the stimulus plan is designed to help buyers who were previously unable to purchase a home, you need to make sure that you can fiscally afford a home. Contact a real estate agent in your area to get started with finding a home to fit this program.

A Second Home in Georgia?

In a time where the real estate market is leaning towards favoring the buyer it is a fantastic time to purchase a second home for investment or just for a nice quiet getaway from the hustle of daily life. Around the country people have been falling in love with the idea of purchasing real estate as in a investment and this is largely due to cable television’s love affair with the real estate world. Whether it be staging, selling, flipping or just investing you can turn on the TV at any time of day and find a show on concerning one of these topics. This has spawned a national interest in the real estate field and those who know real estate know that now is a great time to purchase a home. Smart buyers watch out for times when the market is in their favor as during these times they are able to find the best deals

Buying smart is important when considering a second home. This is especially true if your mortgage on the primary home is not completely paid off yet. Another thing that a buyer will have to consider is the fact that there will now be two sets of bills that will have to be dealt with as well as property taxes and insurance. The purchase of a second home is a purchase that will have to be planned out to the penny.

Location is a key element to any second home purchase. Typically people think about buying a second home in areas like Florida, Arizona and California, the problem with this is that is where everyone thinks of buying a second home. The real estate prices reflect this. For those who want to consider something more cost effective, they should think about states that have the same great weather and more reasonable real estate prices. Georgia is a great example of such a state. This state is subject to the same amazing weather as Florida with the added attraction of the amazing Blue Ridge Mountains. This is a special area that must be seen to be properly appreciated. It is also the ideal spot for a second home. Small cabins and beautiful log homes along with more elaborate housing options are strung throughout the beautiful forests and hills. This is a truly amazing place for respite and vacations. Come and have a look at Georgia, you will not be sorry you did.

Home Inspections and Tests: Know the Facts

The benefits of performing a home inspection before purchasing a new home are well known and documented, but you may not have considered the advantages a home inspection report can provide even if your home is not for sale. In fact, there are a number of inspections and tests available for Austin homeowners that can help you anticipate problems and even protect your family’s safety. Besides a thorough home inspection, experts recommend testing your home for mold, radon, asbestos, lead paint, and pest infestation to ensure your home is safe and in optimal condition. Customers of Austin Energy can also schedule a free home energy analysis from local companies partnered with the utility.

General home inspection

Home inspection reports provide valuable information about the condition of your home. That information can be vital to you as a homeowner, no matter how long you’ve owned your house. Scheduling a professional home inspection will give you a clear assessment of the various systems in your home, including an estimated time frame for replacement and a general idea of what kinds of repairs may be necessary. You will be able to plan for repairs and replacements of older systems in advance, allowing a measure of financial control and preventing unexpected breakdowns.

Mold

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has identified toxic mold as a health risk, especially for people suffering from allergies or asthma. Mold can grow almost anywhere in your home and can be difficult to spot, since it prefers damp, dark areas. A mold inspection can determine whether toxic mold is presenting a health risk for you and your family, and offer options for remedying the problem.

Radon

HUD recommends that homeowners test their property for dangerous levels of radon. Radon, a colorless and odorless gas, is radioactive and can cause lung cancer in high dosages. Professional radon testers can measure the level of radon in your home and, if high levels of radon exist, assist you in repairing the problem before it causes serious health problems. Home testing kits are also available, and some do-it-yourself kits for radon remediation can produce satisfactory results if used properly.

Asbestos

Mostly found in older homes, asbestos insulation can also cause cancer. While this problem is sometimes found during a general home inspection, asbestos remediation companies have expertise in identifying and removing asbestos insulation safely and without further risk to you and your family. Because of the toxic nature of asbestos and the difficulty in removing it completely, this is not a project you should try to undertake on your own.

Lead Paint

Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint; this can cause lead poisoning and cause serious medical problems, including brain damage and birth defects. It’s estimated that 1.7 million children may be affected by some degree of lead poisoning. Lead-based paint inspections are comparatively inexpensive; if your home was built before 1978, it’s worth your while to schedule this inspection and ensure your home’s safety.

Termite and Pest Inspection

In order to preserve the structural integrity of your home, termite inspections are an important part of your yearly maintenance schedule. If caught early, termites and other pests can be stopped before they do serious damage. General home inspections do not always cover insect damage, so a separate inspection is a good idea. If no infestation is found, most companies can recommend a preventive program to keep your home free from these pests and the damage they can do.

Austin Energy Analysis

Austin Energy has partnered with local companies to provide free walk-through energy audits for its customers. Especially geared toward promoting energy efficiency, these audits will check on the condition of your heating and cooling system, insulation, duct work, and the general condition of door and window frames. The company will then make suggestions about how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency. This free service is part of Austin Energy’s green initiative, and can save you hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs.

Knowing the condition of your home will allow you to plan improvements and repairs in advance. Additionally, some types of home inspections can save you money, preserve your home’s condition and even protect your family’s health: all good reasons to have your home thoroughly tested and inspected as soon as possible. These small investments can reap enormous rewards in health, safety, and comfort for you and your family.

Weatherize Your Home and Save!

Weatherize Your Home And SAVE!

 

It won’t take you very long to see the payoff to weatherizing your house . In fact, the results are instantaneous! More comfort in your house will immediately be felt since your AC unit is no longer struggling to keep your house at the temperature that you enjoy.  By the time you receive next month’s heat bill, the savings will be more obvious and tangible…maybe now you can use that saved money to treat yourself to a night out on the town, or some new golf clubs!

 

WHAT IS WEATHERIZATION???

That’s a good question! Weatherization is protecting your property (inside and out) from natural elements specifically, but not limited to: precipitation, wind, and sunlight.  It involves changing and adapting a building in order to limit energy consumption, therefore drastically improving energy efficiency. Weatherization is a two part process: Repairing leaky ducts, and insulating your home.  Weatherization is essential to energy conservation, especially in older homes and multiple-story homes.  If your house has never been inspected, or hasn’t been inspected in a long time, weatherization is definitely for you!  You could be throwing away thousands of dollars a year as a result of insufficient insulation – a problem that you didn’t even know about.  Living in Austin, TX we know our summers are always in the 90’s or higher. Thus, one should be aware of ways to reduce energy consumption, consequently reducing their energy bill.

 

            Living in Austin definitely has its perks. Austin is a green city.  These days, everyone is looking for ways to do their part in protecting the environment. Did you know that free home weatherization services are available right here in Austin? Utility companies in the USA such as Austin Energy, TXU, PG&E, APS, and countless others pay big-buck rebates to help home and business owners pay for duct sealing and repair.  Low-income households can also have the opportunity to qualify for additional savings. Some websites that you may want to review to see how you can qualify for free home weatherization services are: http://www.austinenergy.com and http://www.texasgasservice.com

 

 

About the author:                                                                                                                                                 Abigail Smith is a representative of Green Collar Operations. For more information on rebates, energy audits, and energy efficiency in Austin, TX, please visit http://www.greencollaroperations.com or call 512-986-7045

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