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Fundamental Questions To Ask Before Hiring Professional Movers: Part 2

Do you use subcontractors or a third-party to handle and deliver my belongings?

Before you work with a mover, you need to know how they operate and if a different company will actually be doing the loading, transporting, and unloading of your belongings. This is because while many moving companies have their team, some movers act only as brokers and subcontract their services to a third party. They outsource their services to companies they have partnerships with, including local movers who have purchased their own trucks for transport.

Some moving contractors are more experienced than others, so it won't hurt to make sure that the third-party movers are a team of qualified professionals that are up to the task. If the broker company uses several contractors, politely ask for a complete list. See if you can also meet the actual movers face to face before the relocation date. This might be helpful to avoid miscommunication that could cause delays and incur additional costs and fees on moving day.

  Is your crew covered by worker's compensation insurance?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that pays for medical expenses and lost wages if employees are injured on the job. At first glance, whether or not the employees have workers’ compensation may not seem like something that should concern you. However, in case the company doesn’t provide proper insurance to their movers and one of them got hurt on your property or an accident occurs during the move, you could be held liable and you may have to cover for the injuries.

  How long will the move take?

Any professional and experienced moving company would know how long your moving situation should take. They will give estimates of when your things are likely to arrive, taking into account any possible delays surrounding that date or weather conditions. 

The movers will offer to deliver on a particular date for interstate moves. Just remember that it isn't considered a guaranteed delivery date if it was not put in writing. Long distance moves, on the other hand, almost always involve a delivery window rather than an exact delivery date. Make sure to ask for their delivery window policies in detail so you can plan ahead on how much to pack on your personal luggage.

  How do you handle disputes or claims?

Another thing you might want to inquire about is their policy for resolving complaints or claims against them. It's also important to know how they deal with disputes and minor conflicts. A good moving company will be willing to give you a history of complaints and claims, and whether or not they were resolved satisfactorily for both parties. It also won’t hurt to ask how many claims and complaints they’ve had, and depending on the numbers, might be a good or bad indication of their incident record. 

  What modes of payment do you accept?

Moving is stressful and expensive. Hiring movers, buying packing supplies, and signing up for moving insurance, can all amount to a hefty bill. This is why reputable companies usually accept credit cards or cashier checks, while some moving companies also offer discounts to customers who pay with cash upfront. The key is to ask about their payment options before hiring them so you'll be prepared when the bill comes.

Be clear about the amount that is due on delivery versus previously paid amounts. Moreover, be wary if the movers you’re considering are requesting only cash payments, which could be a red flag for rogue movers.

  What is your company's cancellation policy?

Even if there’s only a sliver of a chance you’re canceling your move due to whatever reason, it’s good to understand your moving company’s cancellation policy before you hire them and sign any contracts. Moving companies usually have a cancellation time during which you can cancel your move free of charge, while a few might even let you cancel the day before your relocation date without a penalty. 

However, many movers will also keep all or part of your deposit if you cancel within a certain amount of time before your move, and there might even be extra cancellation fees. It’s crucial that you find out what your options are in case you need to cancel. You also would want to inquire further whether you will be reimbursed if the movers fail to perform your move or to appear on the agreed moving date.

  Do you offer any promotions and discounts?

Since moving isn't exactly cheap, it never hurts to ask about any discounts and promotions the company is currently offering to be able to save money. Here are some of the most common moving deals and discounts where you might be eligible:

Student discounts

Senior discounts

Law enforcement, teacher, first responder, and military discounts

Membership discounts 

Off-season discounts or seasonal discounts

Moving coupons

Some companies are even pretty vocal about these discounts. Simply ask the moving service, especially when you’re shopping around for the best prices.

  16. Do you have any questions for me?

Finally, don't let the interview end without the moving representative asking you questions. If they are an exceptional company that will do their best to perform your relocation successfully, they will think of asking for any relevant details that you might have forgotten to share or mention. They will also go out of their way to give you tips and suggestions to help you prepare and plan accordingly. These little things are huge positive signs that you have found the best movers for you.

 Bottom Line

A huge part of a move's success depends on careful planning and attention to detail, which includes the moving company you hire. This list of questions may seem long, but it can guide you in identifying a bad mover from a reputable one. For starters, the latter will be more than willing and able to answer all these questions satisfactorily. Use this as a guide when you’re interviewing potential movers and hopefully, you can make the right decision.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://pinnacleteamus.com/blog/2021/9/10/fundamental-questions-to-ask-before-hiring-professional-movers-part-2 via Pinnacle Team

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Fundamental Questions To Ask Before Hiring Professional Movers: Part 1

Once you've bought a home, there’s nothing that could be more stressful than moving. This is why it's a no-brainer to hire a professional moving company to help you with your valuable possessions, especially if you’re making a long-distance or interstate move and you’ve got bulky items to bring with you. Choosing a mover, however, is the tricky part since there are thousands of companies out there that provide a wide range of services. It’s a very important decision to make and could mean the difference between having a smooth relocation and a complete disaster.

This is when asking the right questions proves to be crucial. You want to make sure you hire a dependable and trustworthy company that will save you a lot of time, money, and headaches. Especially if it's the first time you have hired a mover, here’s a great list of questions you could ask them during the interview so you can easily narrow down your choices. Make sure you get as many of these questions answered in any form of writing. Such precautions will help you identify any red flags and hopefully hire a reputable company that will deliver.

  1. Is your company properly licensed?

The first thing in your checklist to make sure you choose a trustworthy moving company is to determine whether they are properly licensed. The good thing is that it shouldn't be hard to check. All professional interstate moving companies should have a license number issued by the United States Department of Transportation—their MC # and USDOT #—which should be listed at the bottom of their home page. Likewise, you can also check for the company’s license number and even complaint history at the USDOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. 

On the other hand, local moving companies who only relocate customers within the same state are only regulated by the state, which means they should hold a state license. Just remember that each state has titsown set of moving regulations and license requirements. 

Knowing that the moving company is legitimate and reputable will guarantee that they’re compliant with the federal laws, which means it’s highly likely that the move is in good hands and your items will be handled safely.

  2. Can you show referrals or recommendations?

To avoid moving scams and rogue movers, it's also best to hire movers that have been in business for a few years. And part of your homework is to check for references and recommendations. See if they can show you letters of recommendation from past customers. The moving company representative should be able to provide you with all the information you need should you ask for it. 

In this day and age, it’s also easier to check for testimonials, reviews, and ratings on their website. There are also numerous forums and sites where people share their experiences about moving companies. You may be able to know if the movers overpromised, underdelivered or overcharged their customers, although it might be helpful to take any reviews with a grain of salt. Don’t forget to also ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, as word-of-mouth is still one of the most reliable routes to finding a trustworthy mover. 

  3. What kind of liability coverage does your company provide?

It's also crucial to ask what coverage options a moving company offers before deciding to hire them. This is to make sure your belongings are covered in case of a mishap during the relocation. According to FMCSA, interstate movers are required by federal law to offer two types of liability options: thll Value Protection and Released Value Protection.

Under Full Value Protection, your mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment. For instance, if any of your articles are lost, destroyed, or damaged during the move, the FVP requires the moving company to either have the item repaired so that it’s in the same condition as it was before being damaged, replace it with something similar, or give you cash to replace it.

The Released Value Protection, on the other hand, is the most economical protection available since it is offered at no additional charge. However, the protection for this option is minimal. The mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per item.

You also have the option to purchase full-value protection or insurance from a third-party insurance company, especially if the mover doesn’t offer it. But before purchasing insurance, the FMCSA recommends checking your homeowner’s insurance policy as well to make sure you’re not already covered.

Moreover, ask to see the moving company’s own proof of insurance, which they should be able to show you if they are legitimate and licensed.

  4. Do you offer an in-person or in-home estimate?

There are several ways you can get a moving estimate: over the phone, online, or in-person. However, any moving company can only give you rates by phone and not the actual estimates. Getting an in-person or in-home estimate, where a sales staff or a representative goes to your place to perform an on-site virtual estimate, is still the best idea. This way, the mover will see all the items that need to be moved, and can determine any complications that might make the relocation more difficult and more costly. They should be able to check ahead of time the big items that need to be shipped and any potential problems for the moving truck and the crew, such as the presence of low-hanging tree branches, elevators, parking situation, etc. They should also discuss with you any potential problems with the delivery at your new place. 

Ask the company what their rate is, and keep in mind that most companies will provide a rate per pound and a distance rate, instead of based on cubic feet. Otherwise, some companies might charge a per hour rate for short distance moves.

The moving company must give you an estimate in writing and provide you with a copy. It should state the name, contact details and address of the company. It should also include all the charges, the payment method, and the agreed delivery dates or time frame of the move. Both you and the mover must sign it to make it an agreement.

  5. Which services do you offer?

Each professional moving company has a unique menu of services you can choose from when you're planning your move. Here’s a shortlist of a few of the services that they might offer:

Packing and unpacking

Loading and unloading

Custom crating

Transportation for specialty items like pianos and hot tubs

Temporary storage

Furniture assembly/disassembly

Appliance disconnection

Vehicle shipping

Cleaning services

Good, full-service movers will do these things automatically as part of their services, but you may need to confirm exactly what services are provided with smaller firms. Sometimes these services are also known as accessorial charges. This is why you should never assume a moving company offers a service you need. And if any of these services are crucial for your move, you should make sure that service is provided by the company you might hire.

  6. Are there additional fees? When do these fees apply?

After getting your moving estimate and clearing up concerns about which services the movers will cover, don't forget to ask about potential additional charges. The last thing you’d want is to be surprised by a series of extra charges that showed up in your bill once the move is completed. 

Ask the moving company what additional moving services you should expect to be charged for, and when these fees apply. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you can, such as but not limited to:

Is there a charge for stairs?

Is there a charge for heavy or oversized items?

Is there an extra charge for moving things from a basement or from a garage?

Do you charge extra on wet moving days? (They might have to pull out a few tarpaulins.)

Is there a charge for more than 2 floors up or for moving things from the attic?

Will there be an extra charge for travel time to and from my house?

Will you charge me if the building elevator is out of order or  missing in action?

Will you charge me for refueling costs? (Especially for long distance moves)

Do you charge a long carry fee if the crew cannot park the truck close to the entrance of my home?

Just take note that every moving company has its own way of evaluating the fees associated with each move.This is why it’s imperative that you speak with the company representative about all possible hidden fees and charges in advance. 

  7. Do you have the necessary moving equipment?

This might seem obvious to ask, but you want to be assured that they have the proper moving equipment that is required for your specific type of move or situation. You also want to be certain that the professionals will be able to protect your items and move them safely to your new home. 

Aside from having the right size of moving truck, they also need to have the proper furniture and appliance dollies, moving blankets, furniture sliders, and all the necessary packing supplies. Special hoisting equipment or more heavy-duty dollies may also be needed for bulky furniture, household appliances, and other extra large items, like a grand piano or a pool table. Ensuring that the moving staff you hire have the necessary moving equipment will not only make the move less complex and dangerous, but will also help them complete the job as scheduled.

  8. Are there things you prefer not to move?

If this is the first time you're hiring a professional moving company, you should be aware that there are a number of items that some movers won’t allow on the truck. They may refuse to move certain things, including photos and photo albums, fragile family heirlooms, plants, flat-screen televisions, fine art, and other valuables. They believe the risk of losing or damaging those precious belongings is too great. This is why it’s important to ask for specific things the movers would prefer not to move so you can plan ahead, pack and bring those items yourself.

Likewise, hazardous materials such as fertilizer, paints, aerosols, pesticides, propane tanks, batteries, pool chemicals, and others are absolutely out of the question because these things are flammable or potentially explosive.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://pinnacleteamus.com/blog/2021/9/3/fundamental-questions-to-ask-before-hiring-professional-movers-part-1 via Pinnacle Team

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Homeowners, Make Sure You Leave These Repair Tasks To The Pros

There are several reasons why homeowners choose to DIY various home repair projects. It might be due to budget limitations, to save money, or just to enjoy a good challenge and proudly build sweat equity.

However, substantial tasks are considered too technical, too difficult, or just too unsafe to be tackled by anyone untrained. Oftentimes, one wrong move when handling them can result in serious damage that could cost a small fortune to fix. If you've got plans to sell your current home, you might also have to disclose any unpermitted work to potential buyers, which can hurt your sales price.

Here we discuss some guidelines on what home maintenance and repair jobs are best left to the hands of professionals who have the critical knowledge and experience, so you can avoid wasting more time and money in the long run.

  While changing your lightbulbs is simple, any other complicated tasks that involve working with electrical circuits, wiring issues, or running new cables throughout your home should be left in the hands of a licensed electrician. Working on your home's electrical system is extremely dangerous, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. For starters, you could end up with fried appliances and faulty connections. But worst case scenarios include accidents that can cause electrocution or start fires, putting both your safety and your home at a huge risk. Doing it the wrong way can also create problems in the future when you try to sell your home.

Even though you can read or view tutorials online, there’s no way to know for sure whether they are appropriate for your situation. And even if you can buy the materials you need, that doesn’t mean you can install them correctly. There are very strict codes in place when it comes to where and how electrical switches, outlets, and appliances should be installed. Moreover, you need appropriate permits and to have your work inspected. Once you end up calling out the pros because you can’t get the work done, there’s a chance that they will not work on homeowner purchased materials due to warranty issues.

Similar to electrical issues, plumbing issues can also be tricky to handle. Plumbing involves a delicate network of pipes that need to be installed in a specific way to ensure everything works properly. Any DIY home repair that causes burst pipes or leaks could open the door for potential water damage. When these leaks or broken pipes are found within walls, or difficult to detect, it can become a serious issue. 

This is why anything bigger than cleaning clogged sinks and bathtub drains should be handled by a plumber. It's even relatively cheaper to hire a professional plumber for small tasks, like installing a new faucet or shower, from the start than to contact them once the DIY installation has gone awry. Water damage can be very costly to repair. Likewise, a leak caused by improperly installed toilets or bathtubs could also lead to hazardous mold, rotting wood, structural damage, and more—all of which are much more pricey to repair than contacting a plumber in the first place.

It's an exciting scenario often played out in many home renovation shows: homeowners holding a sledgehammer to knock down a wall, usually dividing the kitchen and dining room, to give way for an open floor plan. 

In reality, however, you might need to think twice before ripping out any wall by yourself. Some walls are called “load-bearing walls,” which means they distribute the weight of the house, ceiling, and roof across more surface area. Ripping out a wall like this could cause serious structural damage to your home. Some walls could also be supporting another part of the house, or have electrical, plumbing, or HVAC materials nestled inside, which means there’s a huge possibility of running into or damaging any of these materials.

Even if that wall may not be load-bearing, it’s also important to take into account where your ceiling joists are located because your wall might also be supplying their support. These are challenges that are best handled by a licensed and insured contractor, preferably by a structural engineer or architect, as they can help determine the best ways to address the issue. Also remember that these kinds of work require special permits, and doing so sans permit could result in a hefty fine.

Whether it's carpet, wood, or tile, there’s much more to flooring than ripping up the old and replacing them with new ones. There are several steps involved, especially in preparing the surface. You could find the previous flooring material damaged or in serious need of staining. You shouldn’t even be surprised if you find the subfloor to be cracked and rotten, which certainly is the first thing to address before doing anything else. 

If you’re eyeing DIY tile work, for instance, remember that there’s a lot more to it than laying the tiles in a straight line. Many things could go wrong, from choosing the right kind of tiles, measuring and cutting them to fit around corners and obstacles, as well as grouting and sealing. Of course, it could also take up far longer than it should, wasting your time that could be better spent on other things.

Any roofing repair job, such as replacing missing shingles or any damaged materials, is another home maintenance project where many things have the potential to go wrong when done without the help of a professional. One wrong move or loose tile could send you over the edge, causing fall-related injuries. The roof is what protects your home from the elements, and one mistake in an attempt to fix it could also result in roof leaks, wrong shingle placement, and improper insulation. In addition, poorly executed roofing work will likely look uneven and be very noticeable from the outside, which will affect your home's curb appeal, and consequently, your resale value.

While you can watch and learn from online videos, it’s better to rely on the expertise of a trusted roofer to ensure that everything is done well and on time. These professionals are equipped with complete safety gear and know-how so they can work safely on your roof. They also have the experience to completely patch or replace parts of your roof so that you don’t run the risk of water damage and even mold in the future.

DIY painting your home's interior walls is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to transform a room and give it an instant makeover. Exterior painting, however, has its own set of challenges that are best handled by experts. It requires extensive prep and even repair work, which could depend on many factors, including your home’s siding material, height, design, when was it last painted, and others. If you don’t complete this prep work properly, you could compromise your exterior paint job.

The best professional exterior painters will make sure to identify any areas where the exterior of your home has been compromised, either with water damage, wet or dry rot, or any other issues that would cause problems with the new paint job. These repairs should be addressed first or else the new paint will crack and bubble, which could bring further damage to your home.

Plus, exterior painting requires long, tedious hours outside in the sun and many trips going up and down the ladders or scaffolding. This goes especially true for taller homes, or those with ornate styles where accessibility could be an issue. Even if you’re an experienced handyperson, you need to consider your safety and whether it’s more worth it to paint your house yourself or hire an expert instead.

While it might be tempting to trim or remove a few trees from your property all by yourself in an attempt to save money, it's not as easy as you think. The drawbacks could outweigh the advantages, especially when there’s a possibility of injury from falling or electrocution.

Cutting trees safely involves a lot of math, science, and experience that only a professional tree trimmer, arborist, or tree surgeon could provide. Their trained eyes know where the danger lies or which branches are rotten or weak, and they have specialized safety tools, equipment, and safety training in climbing. Trimming or removing trees, especially those near power lines, is a job that’s always better left to the hands of experts.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://pinnacleteamus.com/blog/2021/8/20/homeowners-make-sure-you-leave-these-repair-tasks-to-the-pros via Pinnacle Team

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5 Best-Kept Strategies To Make The Most Money When Selling Your Home

Savvy home buyers and sellers often have the same goal: to get the best price possible for and out of their biggest investment. For many sellers specifically, it means selling their home for top dollar and within their predetermined time frame. 

To achieve this, it's necessary to implement the right strategies to make your listing stand out and stay ahead of the competition while spending as little extra time and money as possible. Here are five best-kept tricks of the trade to ensure you get the most out of your home sale:

1. Work with a local real estate agent.

The main thing to remember when listing your home for sale is that your time is money. So even if you've done it before (unless you’re an investor), you will likely benefit from the talent, expertise, and guidance you can get from a local real estate agent. They can steer you in the right direction to help you get the most money possible. And with the unpredictability of the current housing market, it’s even more critical to work with an expert so you can stay on top of things.

With a realtor by your side, it will be much easier to navigate the ins and outs of the selling process. They also have the know-how when it comes to staging, marketing, reviewing offers, handling negotiations, explaining the complicated terms in legal documents, and more. Before deciding to sell your home, make sure you connect with a local and experienced real estate agent.

 2. Time your sale.

Timing is critical when selling your home to maximize your sale price. Generally speaking, spring is widely considered to be the best time to sell since many people want to move during the warmer months when the kids are out of school. However, seasonal trends vary by market so it's important to do your research. You’d want to make sure that the conditions of the market where you’re selling (and subsequently buying) are working in your favor.

Likewise, there are other factors to consider as well to maximize your profit. For example, is the sale of your home going to conflict with other life events like relocating to a new job, retirement, or other family milestones? If that is the case, even if it’s already the peak selling season, you might want to consider before listing especially if there will be a negative financial impact. Other factors to consider are whether you have built enough equity in your home to offset buying, closing, and moving costs, as well as the current condition of your home, from which you can decide how much time and effort it will take to prepare it for sale.

 3. Price your home right.

Think you can make more money on the sale by placing a higher price tag on your home? Here's the thing: an overpriced listing deters many prospective buyers. And because of that, your home is more likely to sit on the market longer or be compelled to drop the price later, which could raise questions or skepticism about whether there’s something wrong with the property. On the other hand, price your home too low and you risk leaving money on the table.

This is why it's crucial to set a fair but competitive price right from the start. And this can only be achieved by enlisting the help of a real estate professional. Your agent will perform a complete comparative market analysis (CMA), which will show you what similar properties in the area have sold for recently and for how much. This will give you an understanding of the price that’s appropriate for your neighborhood while also considering the current condition and value of your home. Setting a realistic initial asking price will attract more buyers that will help you sell quickly, maximizing your return.

 4. Spruce up your home.

Many prospective buyers appreciate a clean and well-maintained home. Even with a limited budget, doing a thorough cleaning, as well as completing some minor repairs and upgrades before listing your house, can go a long way to helping it sell for more. 

Don't forget to do a deep clean on both your property’s interior and exterior to give it that much-needed refresh. A fresh coat of paint, preferably on neutral colors, can also give it an instant facelift. Fix minor issues like leaky faucets and cracked windows, or replace any loose hardware like cabinet pulls and doorknobs. Improve your home’s curb appeal by trimming the hedges and trees, pressure-washing the driveway, cleaning and repainting the mailbox, etc. Doing even just some of these budget-friendly projects depending on what your home needs can help make a good first impression when it’s time to list it for sale.

 5. Negotiate the best offer.

If you're on your own, you might be tempted to immediately grab the offer with the highest price thinking that it was already a good deal. But with an experienced real estate agent on your side, you’ll be guided on the ins and outs of the offer process and be advised on when to negotiate prices and terms. While the highest offer price seems good enough, it doesn’t mean it’s the best offer, especially if you’ve got multiple bidders on your property.

There are other things to evaluate in an offer aside from the asking price to make sure you get the best deal, such as contingencies—clauses or set of terms in the contract that allow the buyer to cancel the agreement if those terms aren’t met, target closing schedule, seller concessions, financing, etc. With the help of your agent, you can negotiate to limit the contingencies to what you feel comfortable with or choose only from offers that match your target closing date. Just remember to review those things carefully and understand that the most important figure is your net proceeds, which tells you how much you’ll walk away with from your home sale after paying your expenses.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://pinnacleteamus.com/blog/2021/8/6/5-best-kept-strategies-to-make-the-most-money-when-selling-your-home via Pinnacle Team

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Is Downsizing Right For You? 5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Making The Move

There's a host of reasons many homeowners choose to downsize. Perhaps they’re going to retire soon or their kids have already flown the coop. There’s no need for the extra rooms anymore; cleaning and maintaining them can also be costly. Or maybe they’ve looked at their recent electricity bills and thought about how they could save money on utilities. More people are also loving the idea of living more mindfully, and one way to do it is to have a smaller home that’s more manageable and easier to maintain.

No matter your reason, remember that downsizing is a major decision that requires you to carefully consider your situation and expectations. Here are five questions to ask yourself when you are considering the move. Hopefully, your answers will help you prepare for the lifestyle and financial changes waiting for you ahead.

To save money is one of the top reasons why people downsize. If you've given serious thought to downsizing, it’s probably one of the things you first looked into. When you are comparing how much you currently pay for your house vs how much you’ll pay for a smaller home, don’t forget to add the usual costs aside from mortgages, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, and even maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. You might also need to spend on homeowners association fees if you’re downsizing to a townhouse or condo.

You need to carefully consider these fees because moving into a smaller home doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be saving money. While expenses like utilities and maintenance are relatively cheaper when you downsize, you can also potentially have higher costs of living depending on where you will relocate. Not to mention the additional costs of moving and furnishing your new home. Those household costs can be a huge and significant factor when considering whether downsizing is a better option.

Another thing to think about is: how much will you be able to sell your home for in today's market? It’s important to look at the overall financial picture instead of underestimating the costs of selling a house. There are expenses like the real estate agent’s commission (unless you decide to “For-Sale-By-Owner'' or FSBO), real estate transfer taxes, loan payoffs, home warranty, among others. You might also be required to shell out a decent sum of money for necessary repairs before putting your property on the market, as well as for professional home staging services should you need to attract more buyers.

If you’ve owned your home for many years, you probably gained a lot of equity. This means selling your home could provide you a comfortable nest egg to put towards a smaller, cheaper home while still leaving some money to add to your savings and other future investments. But the difficult scenario is if you sell the home and the amount you receive is less than what you owe on the mortgage. When this happens, you will have to use your own money to make up the difference or risk a short sale. In other words, if you are in a negative equity position towards your home, you might have to put off your plans of downsizing for now and stick to your current house.

It's essential to figure out the optimal amount of living space that’s perfect for your situation. If your current home provides an ample amount of space needed for your work, hobbies, and completely accommodates the needs of your family, plus the fact that you can afford to stay and maintain it, then downsizing may still be a far-off idea for you.

But if, for example, you’re starting a new chapter of your life where your kids are already older and started moving out, you might not require all of the extra bedrooms. Besides, heating and maintaining the extra rooms can be costly. 

Moreover, think about your outdoor space. If creating a relaxing outdoor retreat or having a lush garden is important to you, it may be difficult to give up. But if maintaining your yard just feels like work, then you might consider moving to a condo or a low-maintenance property. Likewise, don’t forget to evaluate other things such as parking or garage space when you move, especially if you have two vehicles. 

When thinking about the pros and cons of downsizing, also note that an optimal floor plan is critical to maximizing space. There are many smaller houses with a significantly better floor plan, which could be the key to your happiness if you think moving is the right choice for you.

Since you'll have limited space when you downsize, you also need to deal with lesser stuff. This means paring down your possessions and only bringing the things you need instead of keeping all the things you love. And since letting go of your stuff can be an emotional ordeal, you might want to consider how attached you are to your possessions and whether you can part with many of the stuff you’ve accumulated and loved over the years.

Start by taking into account all of your stuff. If you are adamant about keeping most of it, you may want to consider moving later. Or you can opt to rent out storage space until you can figure out what treasures you want to keep, donate, and even sell. If you think sorting through your belongings can be a nightmare, some businesses can help you with the job. But if you find that going through your old stuff is liberating and it would feel great to dispose of the many things you’re holding onto for no reason, be prepared to come up with a plan so you can properly work out what you can and can’t take with you to your new home.

There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to downsizing. What may apply to you may not be suited for others, which means you only need to assess yourself and your situation before accomplishing the move. 

Start by considering your feelings. Are you ready to downsize? What are the things you’re looking forward to? If the thought of moving into a smaller home makes you excited because you’ll have extra time relaxing on the patio with your favorite book or drink, instead of cleaning bedrooms you rarely use or maintaining your outdoor space, then you are probably ready to downsize.

While moving into a smaller house has clear advantages, you’ll only realize how small it really is once you start looking, and you may find yourself comparing your potential home to what you’ve grown accustomed to. This is why it’s also helpful to create a list of pros and cons and make sure to carefully evaluate your family’s needs and future plans before you decide.

 Bottom Line

This transition is far from easy, so don't forget that it’s okay to be emotionally overwhelmed. After all, you’re moving from a home that you’ve built over the years to a new, smaller home where you need to adjust everything. Just remember that your goal is to simplify your life and hopefully to save for other bigger things in your life.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://pinnacleteamus.com/blog/2021/7/23/is-downsizing-right-for-you-5-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-making-the-move via Pinnacle Team

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5 Simple but Essential Minimalist Design Tips To Embrace In Your Home

It's halfway through the year, and you’re probably one of those homeowners who’d already forgotten about their New Year’s resolutions to keep their home more organized. Or you’re a new homeowner who has just packed and moved to a new place and realized you have way too much stuff even if you don’t want to admit it. 

If you’ve made it a mission to embrace a minimalist home interior so you can live simpler, we’ve come up with short but sweet and essential tips and changes that you can apply to your current space. Hopefully, with fewer knick-knacks cluttering your living spaces and weighing down your daily life, it will be easier to beautify your home that will ultimately help you reap the benefits of living better with less. 

 1. Minimize clutter and maximize storage.

Perhaps one of the main reasons you're looking to embrace minimalist home decor is due to the clutter your home has accumulated over the years. And while it can be overwhelming to declutter and redesign your house at once, the key is to start small. Tackle one space or room at a time to make the task more doable. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of surplus stuff and keep only the items that are truly essential and meaningful to you. If you aren’t ready to part with your belongings completely, having optimal storage will allow you to store what you don’t need to avoid clutter from overflowing into your living spaces.

If you’re looking to make a good impression in your kitchen, for instance, check what you display on the shelves, countertops, and tabletops. Stick to essentials only or those you use on a daily basis, then store the rest in the cabinets. A minimalist home makes use of clever storage solutions, such as furniture that can serve multiple purposes (including storage). Once you’ve stowed away most of your things, it’s easier to organize and designate a spot for everything you’ve chosen to display.

 2. Play with patterns and textures.

The absence of patterns or colors doesn't have to deter you from making your space more interesting. You can add a variety of textures, fabrics, and woven elements—materials such as seagrass, rattan, velvet—that will add dimension to the room and make it appear less dull and more comfortable. The different textures and fabrics in your chosen pieces will also bring an added warmth throughout the room without making it overwhelming.

 3. Maximize the use of natural light.

Since you'll be using mostly neutral colors when decorating your minimalist home, lighting can help you play with shades and tones to make your room feel warm and cozy instead of being too stark or unwelcoming. And the best way to do that is to embrace and let in as much natural light as possible. It’s recommended to use breezy, sheer curtains to highlight your windows and bring in a lot of sunlight. If you live in a city where there isn’t much sunlight or that the room lacks a lot of natural light, you can try to think of ways to brighten up your space using different lighting fixtures. Placing a mirror is also a good idea as it will help spread natural light around your space.

 4. Decorate with meaning and purpose.

Aside from keeping clutter at a minimum, one of the most important things to remember when trying to embrace a minimalist home design is that everything needs space and purpose. Instead of adorning your house with various items that could end up cluttering your space, choose pieces with intention and limit your decorations to the ones that are most meaningful to you. Using pieces that hold special value or meaning, such as family heirlooms and special photos, brings greater attention and value to you and the ones who are living in the home. If you tend to over-decorate, ask yourself whether you genuinely need the item before filling up the space.

 5. Resist the temptation to buy or add more.

Always remember that less is definitely more when it comes to designing a minimalist home. This means the biggest challenge you might have to face is to practice restraint when it comes to buying new items. Before buying anything, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” “Where will I put it?” Turn down advertisements as much as you can; unsubscribe and unfollow shops that will tempt you with their latest finds or huge sales. Be mindful of online shopping and figure out what makes you really happy in your space.

When you choose quality over quantity, you can set aside your budget for more expensive pieces that will enhance the curated look you want to achieve. Make sure that you also practice restraint when decorating. Knowing when to stop adding something to the space and remembering that every piece in the room should have a purpose will help you enjoy the pared-back aesthetic you're aiming for.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://pinnacleteamus.com/blog/2021/7/13/5-simple-but-essential-minimalist-design-tips-to-embrace-in-your-home via Pinnacle Team

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The Biggest Financial and Non-Financial Benefits of Owning A Home: A Refresher During This National Homeownership Month

In the midst of a global pandemic, our homes have become much more than a space that provides a roof over our heads. We've experienced sheltering in place for several months, so having a place we can call our own has become invaluable. For many, our homes have also turned into our workspaces and even schools for our children. 

Moreover, a recent survey by Gallup just ranked real estate as the best long-term investment among several options—with 41 percent of Americans seeing it as superior to stocks, gold, savings accounts, and bonds. 

But unlike other investment options where the benefits are purely financial, owning a home provides both financial, non-financial, and social advantages that allow every homeowner to take great pride in. As National Homeownership Month kicks off this June, we'll cover some of those benefits that will hopefully make you more excited to kickstart your homeownership journey, or even celebrate if you already have a place to call your own.

  Building equity

Home equity refers to the value of your property that “you truly own.” It is your property's current market value minus the amounts owed on any mortgages or liens against the property. Owning a home builds equity because equity grows with each payment you make toward your mortgage, which brings you closer to owning more of your home. It’s opposed to making monthly payments to your landlord if you’re a renter, where you will own nothing no matter how long you stay there. Performing routine maintenance on your home and other renovations that help increase its resale value is also another way to build equity.

Your home equity is a form of forced savings that is essentially part of your net worth, which means you’re preparing for your future since you can use it down the road to help you accomplish other huge financial goals.

  Helps build a strong credit history

A mortgage is considered “good debt” so as long as you're consistently making your monthly loan payments on time, you are showing to other lenders that you are a good borrower. This helps to build your credit and proves your credit-worthiness, which can be helpful when you may want to consider other loans in the future, such as for buying a car, remodelling your home, or getting a business loan. It’s an additional perk that many buyers may not consider at first but will prove to be beneficial later on.

  Better control and stability over housing-related costs

One of the most significant financial benefits of being a homeowner, and the biggest advantage versus being a renter, is that you will have better control over your monthly housing payments. Unlike rent costs that continue to go up each year, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your monthly mortgage payments remain relatively steady despite rising interest rates and periods of inflation, especially if you have a fixed-rate mortgage where the cost of your home is locked in for the term of your loan. 

Other costs of owning a home like property taxes and insurance premiums may fluctuate, but this doesn’t typically happen as often as rising rents. You can also choose to install energy-efficient appliances and features that can help save you thousands of dollars in utility bills every year. With this kind of control, you can budget accordingly and make better short- and long-term financial decisions.

  Tax deductions

Another financial perk of being a homeowner is that you qualify for many tax deductions and tax credits. To make it clear, a tax deduction reduces your adjusted gross income, which in turn reduces your tax liability. Meanwhile, credits represent money taken off of your tax bill. 

While we won't elaborate on them further, the most common tax deductions for homeowners include:

Mortgage interest

Points

Real estate taxes

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Home office deduction

Medically-necessary home improvements

Capital gains tax exclusion

On the other hand, tax credits may be available for those who were issued a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). You can also check if your state offers tax credits or rebates for energy efficient-improvements you’ve made to your home.

  Increased privacy and security

In the 2020 National Housing Survey from Fannie Mae, one of the top three reasons Americans value homeownership is because it helps them achieve a sense of privacy and security. Unlike when living in an apartment where you often have to deal with thin walls and be able to hear almost every move of your neighbors, you are less likely to experience this when you own a home. You are also more likely to have the same neighbors for many years, increasing trust among the community. Moreover, privacy and security were proven to have become even more valuable as we've dealt with the challenges of the recent health crisis.

  Freedom and control over your living space

Owning a home means you have a space that is uniquely yours. You have the freedom to customize it to your liking; accomplish renovations to make your home look exactly how you want it. In the National Housing Survey mentioned above, 91 percent of respondents said homeownership could help them achieve control over what they do with their living space.

Many renters have rules and limitations over the color they can paint the rooms or changes they can make to the appearance of their living spaces to make it feel like home, or even against having pets. But when you own, you're free to create the space you want and renovate how you see fit (but still within the boundaries of your homeowner’s association and local zoning rules). It’s a liberating feeling that can never be taken for granted, especially if you’ve been a long-time renter first before finally owning your space.

  Increased civic participation

Unlike their renter counterparts, homeowners often settle in their area for longer periods and don't have to worry about moving anytime soon. This in turn adds a certain degree of stability to the neighborhood. With their stronger connection to their community, homeowners are often more committed to volunteer work. They are likely to contribute to the maintenance of their properties and surrounding areas. They are also more likely to get involved in community organizations and build relationships with other people in their neighborhood, potentially leading to an overall increase in civic participation.

  Pride of ownership

The feeling of accomplishment and the sense of pride that comes along with homeownership is something that can never be underestimated. In the Fannie Mae survey, 87 percent of consumers believe owning a home is important to “living the good life.” Having a place where you can settle and raise your family, make memories, celebrate holidays and other special occasions, and spend time with family and friends is an important milestone that contributes to your overall health and well-being, which ultimately leads to a better quality of life. This sense of stability and life satisfaction is the reason why homeownership continues to represent the American dream for thousands of families each year.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/6/11/the-biggest-financial-and-non-financial-benefits-of-owning-a-home via Pinnacle Team

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The Complete Final Walkthrough Checklist

You're almost there. You can’t wait to finally get your house keys and move to this new place you’d call home. You just can’t contain your excitement as the closing day approaches. 

However, you’ve still got the final walkthrough—your last chance to make sure everything is in place and in the right condition before you sign the paperwork. It’s a critical step in the home buying process so it can be just as nerve-wracking. There’s a lot to keep track of because you want to make sure that the house is exactly in the way you want it to be before it can be called yours.

You and your real estate agent's goal is to make the final walkthrough smooth sailing, so here are some tips before you reach the finish line.

Phone/camera - Use it to take photos of anything that concerns you or want to take note of.

Phone charger - Aside from keeping your phone alive, you can use it to test the electrical outlets around the house.

Notepad and pen - They might come in handy when jotting down notes and questions as needed.

The home inspection report - You can use it to review the issues flagged by the inspector and check if the seller completed the negotiated repairs.

Your home purchase agreement - This is your legally binding contract that lays out the terms agreed upon by both parties of the transaction.

  The home should be in broom clean condition.

All the negotiated repairs have been completed, with proof of receipt validating that the work was taken care of, together with the date.

All appliances included in the sale should be clean and functioning properly.

All fixtures, such as doorknobs, cabinet handles, etc., should be included and in place unless it was indicated in writing that they will be the property of the seller. 

If you're buying a new construction home, make sure to look for defects and other cosmetic issues.

  Open and close all doors and windows and make sure they lock correctly.

Test out both heating and cooling using the HVAC system, even if it's freezing or scorching hot outside, and see if they’re working satisfactorily.

Turn on and off all the light switches and ceiling fans.

Plug your phone charger in every electrical outlet to make sure they’re functional.

Inspect all walls, ceilings, and floors to check if there’s any damage or mold that wasn’t there before, especially in spaces where there used to be furniture.

Run the garbage disposal.

Run the exhaust fans or extractor fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Test all faucets and the showerhead to make sure they have both hot and cold water.

Check the bathrooms and make sure they’re free from any mold, leaks, and water damage.

Flush toilets to check for leaks.

Test out all garage doors, doorbells, and any smart security systems.

Make sure that all garbage, debris, personal belongings, and other items have been removed.

  Know the people who should attend the final walkthrough with you. Your real estate agent should accompany you and will be your “human checklist” while going through the property. Hopefully, the seller has already moved out so you and your agent can have all the freedom to inspect the home thoroughly and without pressure.

The final walkthrough is not a home inspection. It's to make sure that the home is in an acceptable and livable condition, free from any surprise damages that weren’t there when you last saw it. It’s also your chance to make sure all repairs you and the seller agreed in writing have been completed before finally getting your house keys.

Don’t get too excited about the idea of having your “new home” just yet. Remember that the final walkthrough is the best time to check every inch of the home and not to think about your would-be sofa placement or the marvelous open floor plan.

Practice patience and take your time. Don’t rush. Remember that this is your last chance to give the property a full look over before it’s all yours. Whether it takes a few minutes or more than an hour (depending on the size of the property), don’t shy away from inspecting and verifying all items that need attention.

Don’t be tempted to pass on this opportunity! Just because the transaction closing date draws near doesn’t mean you should skip the final walkthrough. It’s never a good idea since many issues can come up and you could end up paying more for a home if you didn’t get the seller to reduce the home’s price as compensation for any neglected repairs. 

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/5/25/the-complete-final-walkthrough-checklist via Pinnacle Team

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6 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Furniture for Your New Home

Selecting and buying furniture for your beautiful abode, whether it be a sofa, dining table or any other piece, is no doubt fun and exciting. Especially if you're a first-time homeowner who finally has the liberty to choose whatever furniture you want to fill your private space with. 

But before you give your home that desired Pinterest-inspired look or buy an item that’s similar from what you’ve seen online or from your favorite home decor magazine, keep in mind that furniture-buying can also be stressful and overwhelming. It’s probably the next commitment (and investment) you have to make after buying your home since you’ll be using the items for quite a number of years, so it is definitely a huge deal. 

Unless you want to be stuck with pieces of furniture that don't work for the room or any of your space, steer clear of these top six common mistakes before buying. After all, we all just want to end up with great pieces that will not only make our home beautiful but also make our life more comfortable.

 1. Forgetting to measure everything in your space before buying.

The last thing you want is to end up with an expensive piece of furniture that won't fit through your front door and through the rest of your doorways and walkways. However, it’s one of the most common mistakes many homeowners make when buying furniture. 

So here are four crucial things you need to do before bringing home any piece: 

Measure the height, width, and depth of the furniture you’re considering and see if it’ll fit where you want it.

Measure the dimensions of the room where you want to place the furniture, whether it’s the living room, kitchen, bedroom, or even home office. It might be easier if you map out your potential new furniture arrangements. One good method is to stick some masking tape or painter’s tape on the floor to help you visualize the dimensions of the new piece you’re considering.

Check if it will fit the doorways and door frames of the room, the narrow part of the hallways, and even staircases and elevators—anything through which you'll be moving your new furniture.

Last but not least, add some space to your measurements for people who are carrying the piece, especially if they have to move it through a right-angle corner of a hallway or at a narrower part of a room. Also, don’t forget to write down all your measurements!

Forgetting to do these things can be costly, especially if you have to foot the bill to return a piece to the store. Also keep in mind that furniture pieces like sofas and dining tables can look deceptively small in a showroom but could end up big for your home. So measure everything (and double-check your measurements) before you hit the stores to avoid falling in love with furniture that will never fit your space.

 2. Not paying attention to scale.

Aside from measuring everything, you also need to consider the scale of the product and how much space is needed around it before you bring it home. You want a piece to fit into the space without blocking entryways or foot traffic, or without people needing to squeeze between tightly-packed pieces to be able to have access or move around parts of the home.

Likewise, keep in mind how your room will work as a whole and try to keep things in proportion. For an instance, too small a rug can actually make a room look smaller, while a bulky, oversized sofa can be too dominating or overwhelming. Always consider how a particular piece of furniture would go well with the things alongside it rather than outshine everything else.

 3. Buying without thinking how your furniture will fit your lifestyle.

Another mistake of many new homeowners is buying furniture without taking their lifestyle into consideration. Even if you have chosen the chicest pieces to adorn your home, if they don't work with your lifestyle or family circumstances they could only end up bringing you headaches.

For example, if you have children or pets, or planning to have them as you grow your family in the foreseeable future, you might want to select furniture with durable fabrics or upholstery that will resist everyday spills, odors, sharp claws and even muddy paws. Moreso, you might want to think twice before buying a glass coffee table with hard edges, as it could become a hazard especially to toddlers. If you’re someone who loves to host dinner parties among families and friends (although things may be quite different for the meantime due to the pandemic), you may want to select a dining table with an extra leaf. 

Whatever your lifestyle is, it’s important to consider if the furniture you’re buying will hold up to those uses. Always ask yourself questions like “How will I use this piece of furniture?” or “What about my family circumstances?” This way, there won’t be a need to waste thousands of dollars because you need to replace your things after only a couple of months.

 4. Not being realistic about the maintenance.

In relation to the lifestyle subject discussed above, you need to be realistic about the normal wear and tear the furniture will be subject to, and assess your willingness to clean and maintain it yourself or pay for professional cleaning instead. Even if you have the budget to buy high-end pieces, they may require more care than what you have anticipated. 

Buy accordingly and know the type of care needed on each piece of furniture, which is highly dependent on the materials and finishes. Be familiar with how it can be cleaned, and what are the best (and worst) products to clean it with. There are a variety of care products such as waxes, varnishes, polishes, and even fabric cleaners, and many were designed to work on certain materials only. Some cleaning products can also be harsh and easily ruin materials like leather and genuine hardwood. So be sure to know what you are getting into, and only consider a certain material if you feel you're up to the task of keeping on top of its maintenance. 

 5. Prioritizing style over comfort.

With so many beautiful styles and designs to choose from for your sofa, bed, cabinets, or even dining table, it's easier for you to get carried away and buy something that looks great and stylish. But no matter how much you want your home to look like it’s come out from a page of an interior design magazine, remember to be practical and always choose comfort over beauty. No matter how attractive, never get caught up in the aesthetics of any piece. The furniture you choose should be fit for everyday use, and should be both comfortable and serve the purpose it’s intended for, not to mention that you’re going to live with it for years to come.

 6. Buying everything at once or getting into impulse buys.

You've spent months searching for your dream home. Now that you’ve got your house keys, don’t spend a few hours (or minutes) buying new furniture just because the empty spaces feel lonely. Or maybe you’re already fed up with your old furniture and want everything to be replaced with new ones as soon as possible. No matter how tempting these situations are, don’t rush into buying. It’s a mistake that could eventually lead to overspending because the pieces you bought could end up neither working for your needs and lifestyle nor matching your personality. 

Remember to plan ahead, think it through, check the measurements, assess your lifestyle, check the fabrics, colors, or materials, and take your time instead of making any impulsive purchases. While getting the perfect piece of furniture may not be possible every time, as long as you’ve seriously considered it and you’re still in love with it even after you’ve slept on the idea, then go ahead and add it to your beautiful home.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/5/7/6-mistakes-to-avoid-when-buying-furniture-for-your-new-home via Pinnacle Team

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Should You Renovate or Not? Here Are 3 Things To Consider Before Selling Your House

When thinking about putting their property on the market, homeowners often need to ponder on this question: should they renovate or not before selling? Since it's every home seller’s goal to make sure they get the best price for their biggest investment, it’s important to determine whether you should undertake some remodeling projects or upgrades to make your home more appealing to a bigger pool of buyers.

There are several factors to consider before you can figure out whether or not renovating will be worth your time and investment. Before you replace that roof or tear down a wall, here are three things to keep in mind and see what applies to your situation:

  The first thing to remember is that every property is different. Some homes need only a few cosmetic touch-ups; some need a full kitchen or bathroom renovation, while others need some major repair work on other areas. This is why it's important to assess the current state your home is in. 

If you own a turnkey or a move-in ready home, there’s little to no need to renovate anything and you can just leave it to the buyers to do what they want once they move. But if it’s in dire need of repairs, you may have to do your part to make it more livable. Consider the current condition of your home before planning any renovation work because you might be surprised by how well your house could fare in your local real estate market.

A pre-listing home inspection done by a professional is a good idea so you can be aware of any potential issues, especially structural or electrical problems, pests, and even mold. The home inspector will take a thorough look at the property, and their findings or report will show the significant repairs that need to be done.

  Another major factor you need to consider is the condition of your local real estate market. It's truly a case-by-case study in the market now as each one is different. 

If you’re in a buyer’s market where inventory is high or there are plenty of homes for sale but not enough buyers’ interest, you might want to consider taking some time to do the repairs before listing your home for sale.

But if you’re in a seller’s market where there are many interested buyers but real estate inventory is low, buyer competition is high so you don’t want to miss the opportunity to sell. Your best move is to just determine which upgrades are truly necessary and will maximize your listing. You can do this with the help of a local real estate agent who can give you a good idea of current market conditions so you’ll figure out if you have the upper hand.

  When deciding whether or not to renovate your home before you sell, another thing you need to do is to carefully weigh the cost, time, and workload needed for the potential renovations. Because despite any thorough planning and budgeting, costs could run higher than what you may have initially anticipated. 

This is why you also have to take into account if the proposed improvements are worth it against your home's market value once the repairs are completed. Many sellers think that they’re guaranteed a return on investment and they’ll be able to recoup the costs of such upgrades when they add it to their home’s selling price, but that isn’t always the case. In reality, many remodeling projects hardly ever have an equal ROI.

Likewise, remember that renovation takes time. So if you’re in a hurry to move because of a new job or any other reasons, renovations may not be right for you and it might be wiser to sell as-is or just do some minor touch-ups that won’t cost a lot of money but will still improve your home’s aesthetic appeal.

  Whether or not to renovate before selling your home is one of the major dilemmas that homeowners face. This is why it's critical to contact a local real estate professional to advise you on the matter and see if it’s the best course of action. Since every property and market is different, your local agent will have a walk-through of the home and see if renovating will be worth the time, effort, expenses, and risks. 

Because oftentimes, your home will still sell great even if you don’t do any major renovations, especially if there aren’t enough homes for sale in the market. In this case, your agent will just advise you to conduct deep cleaning and some cosmetic repairs to make the home more appealing to potential buyers, instead of spending a lot of money that might not yield a good return on investment. You can count on your realtor’s expertise to determine which improvements are truly necessary, and which ones are not likely to be deal-breakers for buyers, especially for those that are specifically looking for fixer-uppers.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/4/22/should-you-renovate-or-not-here-are-3-things-to-consider-before-selling-your-house via Pinnacle Team

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The Risks of Buying A Home With Unpermitted Renovation Work

When you're on a search for your dream home, it’s easy enough to fall in love with any renovated features, such as a remodeled kitchen or bathroom, a finished basement, or a newly-installed deck, that are set to make your life more comfortable once you take over as the owner. However, those lovable features can easily turn into expensive nightmares when they turn out to be unpermitted work, and there’s no paper trail showing such improvements were done with proper authorizations.

To save yourself from any trouble as early as you can in the process, we've laid out the risks associated with buying a home with work done without a permit, and how you can protect yourself as a buyer. Your potential home might be your biggest financial investment, after all.

  Unpermitted work is a term that applies to any modifications or construction on a home that does not carry the necessary permits to make it legal. Building codes and permit requirements vary with every city or town, so what might require a permit in one place may not in another. 

When buying a home, you can check on the property disclosure statement provided by the seller and see the list of things the current owners have done to the property during ownership, including any work done without a permit.

You can also call or visit the local building department for more information and see if the owners pulled permits. In some municipalities, the status of permits can also be checked online. Many HOAs or homeowners associations often like to have permits on file as well, so you can try asking them to see permit records on the property you're looking at.

Getting permits for any home improvement that requires it is vital, especially if it involves any electrical, plumbing, or structural work. And yet, many homeowners forgo the permitting process for various reasons, such as:

They want to save time and money. Getting the proper permits can be tedious and complicated, depending on the city or county where you’re located. And of course, there’s the corresponding filing fee that can cost hundreds of dollars.

They thought they’d be staying in their homes forever. When you think you’re never going to sell your home, unpermitted work becomes even more appealing.

They want to keep their assessed real estate value low. This way, they can save money on property taxes.

 Here are some of the potential pitfalls of buying a home with unpermitted work:

If the city inspectors in your area discover that your home has unpermitted renovations, you become liable in obtaining a retroactive permit on the already completed projects. The cost associated with retroactive permitting will depend on the scope and value of the construction.

And since the cat will also be out of the bag, you may also be responsible for paying back taxes on the increased value of the home. You could also be on the hook for associated interest and penalties.

You've fallen in love with a home that has a finished basement, only to discover that it was unpermitted work. In some towns, it is entirely possible for them to ask you to remove the entire project. In others, they might simply require you to tear down and rebuild portions of the remodelled work based on their feedback.

When fixing the issue, it might be best to hire a contractor to examine the existing work. They can estimate the cost of bringing it up to code, and also give you an idea of how much is already built in accordance with current codes.

Worst-case scenario: the home addition done without a permit included faulty electrical work, which caused a minor fire after you've already purchased the home. Your homeowners insurance company may refuse to cover the damages from that fire when they discover it was caused by unpermitted work.

The same goes if something happens in a non-permitted part of your home. If someone falls and gets hurt in an unpermitted deck, or a tree falls on any unpermitted renovation, the insurance company may deny the claim. Trying to collect your insurance policy could also see you going through a complicated lawsuit.

  Work with a trusted real estate agent.

The last thing you want to do as a home buyer is to take the matter of pulling out permits or paying fees into your own hands, especially if you can avoid it. Make sure you work with a local and experienced buyer's agent who can guide you through the home buying process, especially on the impact of unpermitted remodelling works. They can also help you account for it when creating an offer. He or she can also help you put language on the purchase agreement before signing where the seller will be held accountable (which will be discussed further).

Get a thorough home inspection.

Make sure you don’t forgo the home inspection since it can identify unpermitted construction, work not completed to code, and other potential red flags so you know what to expect before committing to buy the property. The home inspector can also check with the local permitting department to see what permits have been pulled.

Ask the seller to fix the problem.

The good news is that if you haven’t signed the purchase agreement yet, the seller can be held accountable for obtaining and closing out permits. However, keep in mind that it could take weeks or even months to close out permits, which could delay the closing or even put off the sale.

Your best bet is to have an attorney put a clause in the contract stating that the seller, at their cost, will have to take care of obtaining any necessary permits, and even resolve any code violations prior to closing. 

However, if the seller is not interested in fixing the problem, he or she could give you a discount and sell as-is, meaning they’re selling the property in its current state and will not assume responsibility for any work done without permits.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/4/13/the-risks-of-buying-a-home-with-unpermitted-renovation-work via Pinnacle Team

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Curb Appeal Tips To Show Your Home In Its Best Light When Selling

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions make a huge difference. And sometimes, you only have one shot to convince a potential buyer to take a look at your home and step inside it. You want your property to have a “wow” factor to entice them to inquire further.

This is where your curb appeal comes in. Curb appeal refers to the aesthetic look of the home's exterior when you view it from the street. A home with great curb appeal means it is attractive even at first glance—a well-kept yard, no peeling paint, no missing or damaged roof shingles—and gives an impression that it is being taken care of. 

Many prospective buyers would refuse to go beyond the walkway when they don’t like what they see outside. Likewise, they’d scroll past your listing photos if they don’t find the exterior of your home attractive, especially in today’s competitive market where how a home looks online can greatly influence a buyer’s interest.

This is why your curb appeal needs a refresh before you sell your home. Putting an effort into cleaning and sprucing up your home’s exterior is another way to boost your property’s value and help sell it faster. 

Here are 12 simple, easy-to-implement, but proven ways to improve your curb appeal and set your potential buyers’ expectations. 

Reminders

Finish any project that you started.

Once buyers come to your home and see any of your unfinished curb appeal projects, they might think that you neglected such an important home maintenance task, even if it isn't really your intention. They might even wonder what other repair tasks you’ve left unfinished.

Pay attention to how your home looks at night.

Because some potential buyers drive by houses in the evening, you have to make sure that your home is just as attractive at night as it is during the day. The right lighting can make your home look incredible in evening listing photos, and adds security and safety as well. 

Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes.

Stand outside your property and look at it as if you were the potential buyer visiting for the first time. Tour around and take note of your first impression of the house and yard. Does it look clean and tidy? What’s the first thing you noticed about the property? What makes it attractive? What could be improved? 

Together with your realtor, look at your home with a fresh perspective so you can work on the areas that need to be improved to entice more buyers to look at your property and submit an offer.

Even the smallest things make a big impact.

If you think you can’t make improvements to your home’s exterior because of a tight budget, don’t be discouraged. Buyers pay attention to even the smallest of details. This is why simple tasks such as decluttering your yard, hiding the trash cans and other eyesores, updating your mailbox, or repainting the fence, could make a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/3/26/curb-appeal-tips-to-show-your-home-in-its-best-light-when-selling via Pinnacle Team

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Debunking 5 Common Credit Score Myths That Many Home Buyers Believe

When it comes time to buy a home, a good credit score boosts your chances of getting a mortgage because it shows lenders or mortgage companies that you are likely to pay a loan on time. Thus, having a bad credit score can be a massive barrier towards homeownership. This is why understanding and managing your credit score has always been important. 

March is National Credit Education Month, which means now is the perfect chance to discuss some of the ins and outs of your credit score. And there are quite a few harmful myths or misconceptions surrounding it that many prospective borrowers believe. 

Here we debunk some of the most common credit score myths and show you the truth once and for all. Because the worst time to find out that your credit score is going nowhere due to any misinformation is when you already set your heart towards buying a piece of the American dream.

 Myth #1: Checking your credit score frequently will hurt or lower your credit.

What's true: Only “hard” inquiries or hard checks can ding your score a few points, but not if you check on your own, which is considered a “soft” check.

Hard checks generally occur when you authorize a lender or a company to check your credit, especially if you apply for a mortgage or credit card. This kind of inquiry can have a temporary negative effect on your credit score.

On the other hand, soft inquiries don't have any effect on your score at all. This is when you check your credit score and credit report on your own from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). It is recommended that you monitor your credit score over time through routine checks to help you track your progress when building credit, and to catch any problems before they get out of hand. 

You can now easily check your credit score on websites such as creditkarma.com or annualcreditreport.com, or with most card issuers. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all three credit bureaus are offering free weekly online reports through April 2021.

 Myth #2: Closing an old credit card will improve your credit history.

What's true: Closing a credit card is more likely to hurt your credit score than to improve it, especially if you close the card with a balance.

Remember that a percentage of your score comes from the length of your credit history, so if you close a card that you had for some time, your score could be adversely affected. The longer you've responsibly used a particular credit card, the better effect it will have on your credit score. So just leave your accounts open, especially if they’re in good standing and the card has no annual fee.

 Myth #3: Carrying a balance on your credit card will improve your credit score.

What's true: The only thing a running balance on your credit card increases is the interest you owe and certainly not your credit score. In fact, it only has the potential to lower your score and it will end up becoming a waste of money since you need to pay interest over time.

This is because any lingering balances on your account directly affect your credit card utilization rate. And the higher your credit card balance, the higher your utilization rate, which can, in turn, hurt your credit score.

 Myth #4: Getting married will merge your credit scores.

What's true: Even after you tie the knot, you and your spouse remain to be two individual entities with separate credit scores and credit histories. So just because you marry someone with a good credit doesn’t mean that your credit score will automatically improve. Likewise, marrying someone with bad credit won’t adversely affect you.

However, when you fill out a joint application for a mortgage, each of your credit scores is checked and taken into consideration by lenders. So if one of you doesn't have a good score, it could be an issue.

 Myth #5: Having a good income automatically means a good credit score.

What's true: Your income does not directly affect your credit score. Also, it is never included on credit reports so it can’t impact your score.

FICO scores are influenced by five differently weighted factors, including payment history (35%), amount owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%), and credit mix (10%). Having a great job with a good salary can help you improve your finances. But your credit score is based on how you have managed credit in the past, and if you have a bad history of managing your credit, then a good income won't help you fix that.

If you’re applying for a mortgage, lenders will assess your earnings and your credit score as two separate pieces, before approving you for a loan.

So no matter how much money you have or how much you’re earning, making on-time payments on any outstanding accounts is the best thing you can do to improve your credit score.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/3/16/debunking-5-common-credit-score-myths-that-many-home-buyers-believe via Pinnacle Team

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5 Cleaning Habits You Need To Break for Better Housekeeping

Cleaning is tough, but it's something we need to do consistently to take care of our humble abode. Not to mention it’s a crucial task to keep our family and home safe in this pandemic age. 

But since it’s a tedious job, we’re often guilty of cutting corners to do it “faster” and easier. This could result in developing bad habits that are actually hindering our ability to get the job done more efficiently, and sometimes could even cause harm to our family and our home.

It's time to figure out if you’re guilty of these bad cleaning habits, and then drop them out for good, one at a time. This way, cleaning won’t be a tougher job than it was supposed to be, and you’ll be left with a cleaner and healthier home.

  One thing to remember when cleaning your home is to always dust first and work from the top of the shelves, then down and around. This way, dust that doesn't get trapped in your cloth or duster will land on the floor to be swept or vacuumed away.

  This seems like a huge irony, but it's something that we’re often guilty about. How can you expect to get clean results when you are using dirty cleaning tools? Using a dirty duster will just push around dust all over the place. By wiping your countertop or stovetop with an already soiled cloth or a dirty sponge, you are just risking cross-contamination between surfaces. If your vacuum bag is full of dust or its filter hasn’t been changed, it just won’t do its job of sucking up dirt any more.

Using dirty cleaning tools isn’t only ineffective, but it’s also the culprit in spreading further germs and bacteria. So take the time to thoroughly clean your tools after every use by using hot water and disinfectant so they are ready for your next cleaning job. You can also check if you already need to replace them. For vacuums, washing machines, dishwashers, and other cleaning appliances, read the manual first and follow instructions on how to properly clean them.

  But “more” is better, right? Using a lot of cleaner will work better and faster, isn't it? 

Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Any residue that was not rinsed away completely will just become a dust and dirt magnet. Using too much laundry detergent, for example, will just make you wash the clothes again to remove the excess detergent. 

Over-applying any cleaning product is simply just a waste of water, time, and money. This is why it’s important to read the label (more on this later) and use only the recommended amount of cleaner for the job. 

  Just like how using too much cleaner is a common mistake, using a harsh cleaner to do the job can also be a bad habit that can do more harm than good. Household staples, such as chlorine bleach, may be a good disinfectant but is too harsh and can cause more damage than just removing dirt and grime. It can be hazardous to your family and pets, and could even strip away your home's surfaces, furnishings and finishes. 

Take extra care when deciding what cleaner to use and if it is appropriate for the job. Most cleaning tasks require nothing more than gentle and natural cleaners that are also safe and environment-friendly. If you can’t skip the bleach, remember that a little amount goes a long way.

  It will just take at least 30 seconds to a few minutes, so why skip it? Not reading the label on the cleaning products before using them is a surefire way to make a cleaning fail. You'll save time and effort (and extra minutes of scrubbing) when you follow the directions on the product, especially if it needs to “sit” for a period of time to do its magic.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on proper usage, how much you need, what surfaces it works on best, and even storage tips. If it says to only use a capful of detergent for a load of clothes, or just a few drops to a cup of water, follow just that and don’t use double or triple thinking that you will maximize its effectiveness. It's in the manufacturer's best interest to ensure the product works for you, so make sure you heed their advice.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/3/3/5-cleaning-habits-you-need-to-break-for-better-housekeeping via Pinnacle Team

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How To Get Over The Heartbreak of Losing Out on Your Dream Home

It's already stolen a piece of your heart. You’ve spent countless hours thinking about it. You know it’s a huge commitment, nothing like you’ve ever had before, but you’re more than ready for it. You had such big dreams and imagined the two of you growing old together.  

But then you lose out. Maybe your offer got outbid. Or maybe the seller chose a cash buyer. Maybe the deal fell through because of an inspection fiasco. There could be a number of reasons why your dream home got away, but one thing’s for sure: the heartbreak is real. It’s painful, and now you’re no better off than when you started.

This situation—”the house that got away syndrome”—isn't uncommon, especially to first-time home buyers who could fall in love with any home easily or swoon over cosmetics alone, such as an updated kitchen or a good curb appeal. 

So how to cope when your supposed “The One” turned out to be just another listing and another buyer’s new home? Here are three tips to help you get through it.

 1. Don't pretend it’s “no big deal.”

After all, it is a BIG deal. So don't pretend that it doesn’t hurt. You should allow yourself to go through the grieving process and feel everything because you’re mourning a lost dream. As you start planning on what furniture will go on the patio, or what lovely color to paint the walls with, you got the house of your dreams snatched away by another buyer, which crushed your high hopes. Now, you couldn’t do anything about it except let yourself grieve.

It’s okay to feel bummed for a bit. Just remember that the idea of your dream home might have been shattered, but you could pick up the pieces and treat them as lessons to be learned as you move forward.

 2. Change your perspective and set new goals.

It's truly devastating to lose out on a home you fell in love with, but remember that there are lessons to be picked up after every heartbreak. And they will help you remain hopeful and move through grief of the house you just lost. 

Try to widen your perspective so you’ll understand what worked and what can be improved, then set new goals with those lessons in mind. Was your dream home too far out of your budget? Did you go too low? Did you move on it too slowly? Is it possible to live with two bedrooms instead of three? Do you really want to live in that hot neighborhood, or perhaps you’re willing to move further away from the city? Would you be willing to take a second look at your list of wants vs must-haves? What can you do differently this time?

Assess yourself with these questions when setting your new goals so they’ll be more specific and attainable. Because no matter what went wrong in that previous chapter of your home-buying journey, believe that things happen for a reason and that the house that’s meant for you is just somewhere out there.

 3. Prepare to get back in the house-hunting game.

You've mourned and you’ve learned. Sooner or later, you will be okay to test the waters again. While it can be difficult to forget about the “house that got away”, remember that there are still plenty of houses out there. You need to completely get it out of your head so you can start looking at other properties again.

Get back in the game like you never left. Just don’t forget that you’re better and wiser this time around. You must know exactly what you want in your “The One,” while also being mindful that not every listing is perfect. Maintain your level of diligence as if it’s your first time house-hunting. Understand your budget so you won’t experience another heartbreak on a house that will turn out to be just a money pit. Lastly, try to gradually learn to detach yourself from the emotion. Because at the end of the day, buying a home should be less of an emotional affair and more of a business transaction where you have to avoid making bad decisions.

Even if you’re in a competitive real estate market that has low inventory, believe that you can still find the house you want. You just need to be prepared to claim it when it comes. Hopefully, you will be happier with the home you end up with so you can completely forget about the one that got away.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/2/19/how-to-get-over-the-heartbreak-of-losing-out-on-your-dream-home via Pinnacle Team

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Top 5 Situations Where You Should Accept the First Offer on Your Home

It's natural for many sellers to be hesitant to accept the first offer they receive on their home. They may want to entertain multiple offers from interested buyers and could even be thinking about potential bidding wars. 

In certain circumstances, however, the first offer on your home may actually be the one you should accept. It might make more sense, especially if it is a fair one and you are living in a fast real estate market. 

Here are specific cases where the first offer on your home is the one worth taking:

  Whether you need to relocate quickly for financial reasons or if you are experiencing a major life event, such as a divorce or a job transfer, your main goal is to sell the property as quickly as possible. It will be a huge relief for you and your family since you can reduce the amount of time you have to pay to cover your living expenses at two homes. 

Explain your situation and motivation to your real estate agent so he or she can market the property to secure the best selling price from a serious buyer to avoid the deal falling through.

  If your home has been sitting on the market for weeks now for whatever reason, the first attractive offer that comes could be your best bet, especially if it isn't a lowball offer. Accepting it might make more sense if you don’t want your property to continue losing its value.

  You may want to consider if a buyer gives you an all-cash offer. Cash buyers are usually a safe bet since they don't have to wait on their mortgage to be approved and their offer comes with fewer to no contingencies. This offer can give you a much smoother transaction even if it’s not necessarily the best deal. An all-cash offer is also great if you need to move quickly for financial reasons or if you’re experiencing a major life event. Just make sure to carefully assess the buyer with your realtor to ensure a smoother transaction. 

  Houses that are considered weird, quirky, or contemporary won't likely appeal to the general buyers, which means they can be trickier to sell. Just check this “dome home” in Sedona, Arizona, for example. This 2,400-square-foot octagonal property with four bedrooms and two baths prompted many agents to worry on how to make its peculiar features marketable. 

There’s a good chance that offers will be few for those kinds of houses because of its small group of interested buyers, so the first offer will likely be your best option.

  If you've inherited a home from a deceased loved one and your main concerns are to get a fair price and have a smooth transaction, the first attractive offer that comes your way may be the one worth accepting. This way, you can sell the house as soon as possible and move forward to the next phase of your life.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/2/11/top-5-situations-where-you-should-accept-the-first-offer-on-your-home via Pinnacle Team

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Letting Go of the Home You Love: Tips To Deal with the Emotional Impact of Selling Your House

Your home may be your biggest financial asset and investment, but once you decide to sell, everyone will agree that it's also more of an emotional journey. After all, you’re not just leaving a home that you loved—you’re ending a “love affair” with a place you’ve had for a long time and have lots of memories tied to it. It’s where you’ve raised your family; held countless Thanksgiving (or friendsgiving) dinners and parties, so it’s completely normal to be sad about moving.

If you are not able to deal with the emotional stress of selling your property, it can hinder you and your realtor from achieving your goals and creating your ideal financial result. This is why it's also worthwhile to take into account the emotional attachment you have with your home. Here are some tips to get you through what can be a taxing sales process, especially if you fail to deal with it early.

  If you're having apprehensions about selling your property, try to reframe your mindset and start thinking that you’re no longer a “homeowner” but a “home seller.” This will help you adopt a more objective attitude towards the process, and gradually accept that your home is now a product that you have to sell and that others will hopefully want to buy.

Changing your perspective might take some time, so don’t be afraid to give yourself a few weeks or months to separate your emotions and set your expectations right, especially if you have the luxury of time to do so. It might be helpful to do some research, such as talking to friends who have sold their homes or reading about other people’s home-selling journey, so you’ll have a clearer idea of what you are getting into. Hopefully, doing your due diligence will also help make the transition easier.

  When preparing to list your home for sale, one of the crucial things to do is to make it less personal. This means removing framed family portraits, mementos, travel souvenirs, diplomas — anything else that is personalized and screams that you own the home. The main goal of this process is to make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves in the house, especially during showings. 

However, packing up your photos and mementos earlier rather than later will also help you as a seller to let go. Likewise, try to change the little parts of the home that you've come to love so much, such as your favorite wall color in the bedroom or dining room.

Once you’re used to not seeing them, it will make it easier for you to detach yourself and see the home as merchandise waiting to be sold. Hopefully, it will also help you realize that the house isn’t the one that carries precious memories, but you and your family. Take the time to reflect on how the house has served its purpose for however long you lived there, and that you’re letting it go to move on to your next.

  Don't forget the old adage “home is where the heart is” to help you think of home in terms of the people you love rather than in terms of a place. May it be your spouse, children, parents, or even friends whom you treat as family members, remember that your real home is wherever the people you love are. Take photos of the property, revisit old memories with them, and reminisce about how you all loved living there. The process will hopefully aid in accepting your emotions throughout the home sale.

  It's natural to be anxious and stressed about moving. It’s even natural to grieve when thinking about the old memories you’ve had at your home. After all, you won’t just be letting go of the house per se, but you’ll also be leaving a community you’ve grown with. 

But no matter how hard it seems, remember the reason why you’re selling in the first place and what you’ll gain afterwards. List these things out, then look at that list whenever you’re feeling down about relocating. If you’re selling so you can downsize, think about the extra money you’ll be able to save. Same thing if you need money from the home sale to pay off other debts. Whatever reason you have—whether it’s to downsize, upsize, for retirement, or just be closer to an adult child or to other family members—try to focus on that instead of entertaining the feelings of losing your beloved home. 

It might be difficult to do at first, but once you think positively about these changes, you’ll look forward to moving on to a new home like it’s another adventure that’s bound to happen. 

  When you figure out your “why” and establish your goals for selling, it's crucial to find and choose a partner who will be your guide as you go through one of the most important decisions you’ll make. 

Hiring a top realtor to help you sell your home is beneficial to your emotional and financial well-being. You will share your goals with them, and then work together to create a game plan to achieve those goals as much as possible. Your agent will be responsible for marketing your home for sale, negotiating your deals, helping you review purchase offers, guarding your interests, and guiding you in making informed decisions by providing adequate knowledge. 

Your agent will help you navigate the complex home selling process while being compassionate about your feelings. This is why it’s imperative to partner up with an expert realtor who has worked with many sellers in the past who have gone through the same things. Your agent will be the one to maintain an emotional detachment and treat the sale solely as a business transaction. If you trust your realtor and their strategy, you can focus your emotional energy on finding your next home, making the entire process less stressful and hopefully more enjoyable.

from Blog - Pinnacle Real Estate Team https://www.pinnacleteammn.com/blog/2021/2/5/letting-go-of-the-home-you-love-tips-to-deal-with-the-emotional-impact-of-selling-your-house via Pinnacle Team