What To Look For At Home Showings

Most people begin the home buying process by looking at homes online and prioritizing their must-have features. Next contact a qualified real estate agent to show you homes. This agent can also recommend reputable lenders to get you pre-approved for a mortgage to clarify the price range you can afford. Completing these things prepares you to make the best out of seeing homes for sale in person and make an offer on the perfect house as soon as you find it.

It is a good idea to wear slip-on shoes as many well-prepared homes will have new carpet, and often the listing agent will have posted a "please remove shoes" sign to help keep the flooring clean. So what should you look for to make sure that you are getting a quality home for your money?

What To Look For On The Outside Of A Home For Sale

Curb Appeal

Minor cosmetic defects such as ugly paint and missing spots of grass are easily correctable, while structural defects and the location of the home are not. Buying the worst looking home in the best neighborhood is often a good bet for getting a great house.

Landscaping

Does the yard need a lot of landscaping and maintenance? Is there sufficient drainage in the area? If you love to garden a home with landscaping needs could be a great opportunity to get a home that others might bypass. However if you don’t want to spend time working in the yard a home needing lots of landscaping may be too much of a hassle or it could be as simple as hiring a landscaper.

The Roof

What is the condition of the roof?  The roof is one of the most expensive features of a home and lasts 15 – 20 years. Find out how old it is or if there are any issues with it.  Are the gutters in good shape? Make sure they drain several feet away from the house.

The Neighborhood

Check out the property at different times of day. Are people out sitting on porches? Are kids playing outside? Is it noisy? You are bound to learn and discover different things about the house each time.

What To Look For On The Inside Of A Home For Sale

Storage

Open the closets and cupboards. Is there enough storage space? Will you need to add organization to the storage space to make it work for you?

Leaks

Study the ceilings for telltale signs of stains or of a recent patch job. Those could indicate a leaky roof or plumbing system. Use your nose to smell for mold and also check for moisture and mold in basements.

Plumbing

Check the taps. Is the water pressure good? Does the water drain easily? A few simple checks can help a buyer beware of any issues.

Electrical

Check the light switches. Do they work? Are there enough outlets? How old is the electrical system? Electrical repairs can be expensive so it is good to make sure everything is in good working condition.

The Structure

A small crack or two in the foundation is common in homes due to settling. If there are a lot of cracks or large ones, have a home inspection before you buy to identify any problems and make sure you know how much it will cost you to deal with any structural issues.

Other Things To Consider When Looking At A Home For Sale

Take Visual and Written Notes

If you view lots of homes in the same day it is easy to get them mixed up, so be prepared to take notes, with a pen and notebook and a camera. Note the most remarkable features - both positive and negative - and attach your notes and pictures to the listing sheet for future reference.

Try To Ignore the House Contents  Sometimes it is the contents of the house and its presentation that appeals/or doesn't to a homebuyer. However the contents are not the house itself, stay rational.

Hold the Trash Talk 

The sellers may be listening as they are sometimes just steps outside or next door. Sellers don't always understand that it's the most interested buyers who pick the place apart to figure out exactly what they will need to do to it to make it theirs. If you end up in a multiple offer situation, you don't want to have an uphill battle because you badmouthed the sequined butterfly "artwork" the seller had hanging in the hallway.

The Boehmer Team

The Boehmer Team includes experienced agents with a dedicated buyers agent available to assist with the needs specific to homebuyers. Contact The Boehmer Team to find the home of your dreams in the area and price range you want.

Additional References:

http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/69516/real_estate/tips_for_buyers_how_to_tour_a_home_like_a_professional.html

http://www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/house-hunting-mistakes-to-avoid

Understanding Your Property Survey

It is a good idea to get a property survey when you buy a home so that you know the location of the boundaries of your property.  If you are financing your home with a mortgage loan, the lender will most likely require a survey.

Surveys can be very simple to read – if you know what you’re looking at.  There are several basic items that are shown on a boundary survey.  These are a few of the most commonly seen items.

3 Of The Most Common Items On A Survey

1. Street Address

This is typically listed on the drawing, as there are times when the common address is not the same as the address acknowledged by the US Post Office.  It is also a verification that a survey was done on the correct property.

2. Lot Number and Subdivision Name

A surveyor bases their survey off of a recorded deed which contains a legal description (also known as a property description).  This includes the lot number, block number and subdivision name.  Again, further clarification that the survey was performed on the lot that you were intending to purchase.

3. Lot dimensions and bearings

In order to know where the lot is, the surveyor will reference the recorded subdivision plat to find data to determine information about the lot being surveyed.  Items that are commonly referenced include:

• Bearings – these are the angular measurements that determines the direction in which a property line runs.  Common directions would be North, North-east, South-east, etc.
• Distances – these are dimensions provide that determine the width and depth of a property.  These are typically listed in surveyors’ feet (ex. 12.5 feet – which is equivalent to 12 feet and 6 inches).  These measurements are a true horizontal distance, not a slope distance.

“Keep in mind that when you are purchasing a “home”, you are not just purchasing a structure.  You are purchasing a lot or a tract of land that just happens to have a structure on it.  Unless you have a boundary survey performed, you won’t know where your land starts and stops.  Fences, mow lines, hedge rows and utility boxes are not accurate depictions as to where land ownership starts and stops.  Having a boundary survey performed will Make It Known What You Own.”  Shelly Clark – owner, Cardinal Surveying & Mapping, Inc.

There are many components to a survey, we’ve just discussed a few.  These key items aide the surveyor and homeowner in verifying what is being purchased and they help protect the interest of the buyer during the purchase of their home.

The Boehmer Team Can Help

When you are buying a home with The Boehmer Team, we help you get the survey you need. We can recommend reputable surveying companies like Cardinal Surveying for you to choose from.  We also will assist you in reading and understanding the survey results. For a great home buying or selling experience, contact The Boehmer Team.

The Boehmer Team Visits The International Builders Show in Las Vegas

In January 2016 the International Builders Show in Las Vegas displayed the latest styles in home building materials, decorating trends and home accessories. 

The Boehmer Team was there to see the newest styles and talk to the companies that create them. Now we would like to share what we saw with you.

The bustling floor of the International Builders Show 2016.

Doors

The doors displayed at the International Builders Show did not disappoint. Doors are more than entryways to a home, they offer a tone to what you will find inside. 
Also the Cost vs Value 2016 Report places a new entry door as the 4th best for cost recouped on remodeling prior to a home sale. So an updated entry door is a good home investment.

The frosted glass slats in this door allows for both privacy and light.

Espresso Double Doors With Windows

Dome Shape Double Doors with Textured Frosted Glass Windows

Custom round windows make a statement on these rich wood doors.

Sliding Barn-Style Doors on a Track System

Why not make the windows be walls and doors?

Make your house more open to your outdoor spaces with these LaCantina doors.

Cabinets & Hardware

No matter your personal style, there are cabinet designs that will work for any space in your home. While classic wood cabinets are still as popular as ever, newer styles that open from the bottom are a trend to reckon with.

These off-white cabinets take advantage of the angles.

Mixing cabinet colors is a huge trend that breaks up the kitchen with flair.

Classic cabinetry with lots of planing and old-fashion charm are still very stylish. Off-white was a big trend in cabinetry.

Ultra-modern cabinetry with a clean, sleek look drew a lot of attention.

This cabinetry even works great in kitchen, living room or office spaces.

Here are some of the latest designs in door and drawer pulls.

Bath

Designs for the bathroom are ever evolving. The trends this year include unique shaped tiles and fixtures. In addition, technology is more incorporated into the designs.

The future of shower heads.

This manufacturer showcased unique and modern designs of everyday bathroom basics.

Square is so... square. How about octagonal tiles?

How about a sleek jetted tub with window?

Tile

Every shape, size, material and texture of tile can be found when visiting the International Builders Show. 
Tile trends in 2016 include unique shapes, printed designs, textures, and mixed materials. Tiles appeared made of glass, ceramic, metal and stone.
A large range of sizes appeared in tile again this year with tiny tiles to over-sized tile options available.

Tiny brick tiles of glass and stone.

Some printed ceramic and textured glass tiles.

This printed tile makes a lovely print when put together.

Notice the texture in this tile.

Brushed aluminum tiles will reflect light and brighten the space under cabinets.

A closer look at printed ceramic tiles.

Mixed materials and colors in these tiles.

Wall Coverings

There were many fantastic natural and modern surface coverings to see at the International Builders Show. 
Walls, floors, cabinets and counters have more options than ever to create a home design that is uniquely you. Here are some of the exciting new wall coverings we liked at the show.

This manufacturer had options for covering almost any kind of surface.

Octagonal wall tiles help with sound-proofing and creating intimate spaces.

Wood wall coverings in every color and texture made a splash at the show.

Aren't these white-washed wood walls spectacular?

Home Accessories

There were so many things to see at the International Builders Show we cannot possible share them all. But here are a few other items that stood out to us.

A great way to make a staircase feel lighter while being safe is with steel cables instead of spindles.

Why does a mailbox have to be black? Make your home stand out with a colored mailbox.

A mix of rustic and industrial hardware adds unique functionality to a home.

These window shades are definitely not boring!

International Builders Show 2017

The next International Builders Show is in January 2017 in Orlando, Florida. If you are interested in going you can find more information at buildersshow.com. If you have any questions about our experience at the builders show just contact us.

The Advantages Of Villa Homes

If you have shopped for a home recently, you may have noticed the villa homes that now makeup a good portion of the real estate landscape. What is a villa you ask? They're not apartments or houses, or even condominiums. A villa is a new term for an attached or free standing, maintained home. In most instances, Villa owners own the piece of land their home sits on. Condo owners only own the airspace inside the condo, not the land. If owning a piece of planet Earth is on your bucket list, a villa will let you live that dream.

There are some perceived disadvantages of villa homes, many of which are rooted in a fear of annoying neighbors. Potential buyers worry about disruptions from noisy neighbors, and interference from nosy ones. However, recently built attached homes have well insulated shared walls that effectively soundproof each home. They also are designed to minimize spreading damage in the case of a fire.

Competitive Prices

There are plenty of advantages that make an attached home an attractive living option that you should really consider. The primary advantage of attached living lies in its general affordability. In many communities an attached villa or duplex home can be the same size as a single-family model, but will usually be offered for a lower price.

Low Maintenance

Low-maintenance living is another benefit of an attached home, as the structural exterior, lawn care and snow removal is often the responsibility of the community. In a villa you will enjoy many community amenities with less hassle of home and yard maintenance. So you need never throw out your back bending over to pull one stupid weed again. Often times, insurance is included in your monthly assessment so your homeowners insurance may be substantially lower than with a single family home.

Of course, every HOA (as the homeowners' association likes to call itself) has a different list of maintenance items it'll take care of, so you'll want to make sure you all agree on who has to do what in the yard. 

Community Amenities

When you buy a villa, it comes with a community, and that community has amenities. Many villa developments have a gym, a pool, a laundry room, tennis courts and even a recreation room that owners can sign up to use for parties.

Benefits of Close Neighbors

The truth is, a bit of Nosy Nellie-ish behavior does benefit the neighborhood. Being part of a villa community means neighbors are more likely to know one another and therefore know if someone new is creeping about. This makes villa living perfect for frequent travelers who want their home to remain safe while they are out of town.

For seniors or anyone who is medically fragile, having close neighbors can be a real advantage.  In addition retirees can still have the advantage of building equity while not being in a 'retirement home’.

Unique Living Situations

The villa housing style opens up options for unique situations. Say for example you need to take care of someone in your family who needs close supervision, but is also situation where both parties, yourself and your family member require privacy and space. By living on one side and having your family member live on the other side, it solves that dilemma.

St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri area Villa Homes

The St. Louis metropolitan area offers many great villa homes and communities. The Boehmer Team has helped numerous clients find the perfect villa home. We also have bountiful experience in new construction and can assist anyone looking for a brand new villa. Contact The Boehmer Team for help finding a villa in the price range and area you desire.

Additional References:

http://www.55places.com/blog/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-attached-homes

http://home.howstuffworks.com/community-living/condos-townhomes/5-advantages-townhouse1.htm 

http://blog.duplex.net/duplex-homes-5-reasons-to-buy-a-duplex/