Top 5 Outdoor Improvements That Will Add Value to Your Home

Boost your home’s resale value

Thinking of home improvements? If you are planning to put your Pleasanton CA home up for sale, or you just want a better looking home, you may want to consider getting outdoor improvements.

Outdoor living is a popular trend, and it has shown no signs of slowing down. People love having outdoor living spaces, a private space where they can retreat, relax, and entertain. Next to energy efficiency, outdoor upgrades is one of the home improvements buyers look for.

The best thing about outdoor improvement? It can be done with minimal cost, yet you get to enjoy a high return of investment. The NAR (National Association of Realtors®) 2016 Remodeling Impact Report : Outdoor Features  report a 100% in cost recovery.

Outdoor improvements with the highest ROI

Before you start thinking of getting a pool, installing a deck and a few other outdoor upgrades you’ve seen on TV, you should know that not all improvements have high ROI.

Some upgrades yield a lower percentage recovery. You need to know which upgrades can add the most value to your home.

Here are the top 5 outdoor improvements which will boost your home’s ROI.

1. Improved landscaping and gardening. Buyers perceive homes with landscaped front and backyards, gardens with flowering plants and trees have a higher value compared to homes with just a front lawn.

If you are selling your Pleasanton home, a basic upgrade you can do is to add flowering shrubs in your garden or pathway. When you want something low maintenance, opt for native plants or drought-tolerant plants available in your area. Adding a tree near the window will not only bring your home shade, it will also help keep the home a little cool especially during the summer.

Replacing your pathway with a flagstone walkway also enhances the curb appeal. Incorporating at least two large stone planters further enhance the outdoor appeal. Do you know that this improvement alone can add up to 10% on your home’s value?

2. Put up some lighting. With the proper lighting, the home comes alive. Once you’ve finished with the landscaping, show it off even at nighttime by installing electric or solar powered spotlights. Lighting also helps increase a home’s security, giving you better peace of mind.

3. Consider installing a patio. Many homes for sale in Pleasanton have patios, and if you have none, you may  consider getting one. The patio transforms the backyard into an enticing outdoor living space. Furnish it with several comfortable outdoor chairs and you now have a relaxing outdoor space.

4. Create an outdoor room by adding a pergola. Make your patio more exciting by adding a pergola. A pergola dramatically enhances a backyard’s look. It also allows for more shade and a perfect way to hang greeneries.
5. Add a fire pit. To complete your relaxing outdoor oasis, add a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace. On those rare chilly nights, this is the perfect spot to hang out with family and friends.

But you don’t need chilly nights to use the fire pit. You can also use it for roasting marshmallows, chicken tacos, and sausages. You don’t have to get the most expensive one either. Even the budget friendly ones will do, as long it serves the function for your summer soiree.

These outdoor improvements will definitely make you want to stay in your home a little longer. If you are selling your Pleasanton home, the new owner will surely thank you for creating a wonderful and relaxing space for them to enjoy.

Which ones are you going to do on your backyard?

Call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. Let me make your home selling transaction a smooth and stress free journey.

You can also check out my website http://HomeValuesPleasanton.com/ to learn about homes for sale in Pleasanton. 

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view Top 5 Outdoor Improvements That Will Add Value to Your Home  on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/rqfkA4b3edM

What are the Closing Costs of Buying a Home in Pleasanton CA

Don't forget the closing costs

Buying a home is exciting but also nerve-racking, especially for first time buyers. If you are buying a home in Pleasanton CA, you are probably thinking about the initial down payment and the monthly mortgage payment you have to make. But there is one thing that many first time home buyers neglect to prepare for, and that is the closing costs.

The closing costs are the fees and charges you pay for your mortgage loan. It is generally between 2-5% of the purchase price. In Pleasanton CA, the closing cost of homes for sale can set you back, on the average, at least $3,700.

Before you can truly own a home, you have to figure out your closing costs. Ideally, your mortgage officer will give you a Loan Estimate which should help you know how know approximately  how much will your closing cost will be. There are also several online calculators which can give you an idea of the closing costs for your home.

What are the usual fees included in a closing cost?

You can basically categorize closing costs into two types - the recurring and the non-recurring costs. The recurring costs are, as the name suggests, expenses you'll have to make a regular payment. The non-recurring costs are one-time payments you only Shave to make to get the loan.

Under prepaid costs, you have to pay the following :

• INSURANCES - You have to secure some insurance when you buy a home. It includes the private mortgage insurance, fire insurance and  flood insurance.

• REAL ESTATE TAXES - This is the tax you will have to pay the government, and it is usually prorated between you and the seller, depending on when the closing takes place.

For recurring costs, the following items are included :

• APPRAISAL FEE. Before your mortgage loan is approved, the home or property you are buying needs to be appraised by a professional lender who will assess the value of the home. In most cases, the lender will require an appraisal from someone of their own choosing. They will not use the appraisal some seller’s sometimes provide. The result of the appraisal will help the lender decide how much money they can loan you. The appraisal fee is usually paid out of closing costs.

• TERMITE INSPECTION FEE - Termite treatment and damage repair is expensive, so most lenders require a termite inspection because they are protecting their investment, the money that they are loaning you to buy the house.

• SURVEY FEE - Like the appraisal and termite inspections, the lender may also require a survey for the property. Usually, this is part of the borrower's fees, but you can negotiate it be paid by the seller.

• HOME INSPECTION FEE - You'll be asked to get a home inspection to verify the condition of the property and see if there are repairs that are needed.

• FLOOD ZONE CERTIFICATION FEE - This is in payment for verifying that the property is located in a flood free zone.

• ATTORNEY - Attorney fees differ from state to state and depend on the attorney that is chosen. Some charge per hour, others charge on a flat rate.

• ORIGINATION FEE- This is charged by the lender to cover the administrative costs of making a loan.

• APPLICATION FEE - Also referred to as the lender's processing fee.

• UNDERWRITING FEE - Whichever lender you choose will have an underwriting fee. It covers the research of the mortgage company checking to see if you are approved for the loan or not.

• CREDIT REPORT - The lender will be checking your credit history to see if you will be approved for a loan, and for how much.

• DISCOUNT POINTS - These are paid to the lender for a lower interest rate. This fee buys you a reduced rate so you have a lower monthly mortgage payment.

• TITLE SEARCH - In buying a home, the lender must search for public records of the property you are buying to see if there are unsettled mortgage payments on the property.

• TITLE INSURANCE - This is paid to the lender to insure ownership of the property.

• RECORDING FEES - This is among the government fees you have to pay for recording the real estate purchase.

• TRANSFER TAXES  - Is another government fee for transferring the property to you.

All these costs can be overwhelming, but that is the price you have to pay to be a homeowner. To make things easier to understand, setup an appointment with your mortgage officer and discuss all these costs and see which ones you can ask the seller to help with. help payment from the seller.

For more home buying or selling information, visit http://www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com/.

Planning to buy a home in Pleasanton? Call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. Allow my extensive experience as a REALTOR® help you find the home of your dreams.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view What are the Closing Costs of Buying a Home in Pleasanton CA on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0o2MqggtPM&feature=youtu.be

How Does Rhonda Fee Arrive at My Home’s Estimated Value?

As a home seller, you want to be sure that your home is priced right before you list it. The last thing you want is to leave money on the table, or overprice your home. Doing any of these two things will lead to more problems, and you already have enough challenges and concerns on your plate.

To find out how much your Pleasanton CA home is worth, the best and closest price you can find for its market value will be from a real estate agent, or a REALTOR® like me.

How do I come up with your home's estimated value?

Real estate agents determine your Pleasanton CA’s home value by doing a comparative market analysis. A CMA is an analysis of recently sold homes in your area which can help set the price range for your home, just as you like to compare the prices of your favorite brands from different stores.

What’s in a CMA and how can it help you? Since it is a real estate agent who prepare the CMA, you’ll likely find different items included in it, but here are some common things you should see.

1. Recently sold properties. This contains the list of similar properties in the area sold with the past six months. The more recent the purchase, the better. It is important because it says what actual buyers pay for similar properties.

2. Current real estate listings. This refers to a list of similar homes currently for sale in your neighborhood.

It helps you get to know your competition better. You also get to know how much they priced their homes for. Take note, these homes’s prices are not likely to be the final price, so don’t base your pricing on current real estate listings.

3. Pending sale listing. These are homes under contract. I don’t suggest you use the prices of homes under the pending sale listings because the deal is not over yet, and there are probably negotiations under way.

4. Cancelled or withdrawn listings. These are homes that used to be on the market but for one reason or another have been taken off the market.

Where does the CMA’s information come from? Experienced real estate agents know that to come up with the right valuation for your Pleasanton home, the data must come from the MLS (multiple listing service).

The MLS is a database of homes already sold, homes for sale and homes under contract in a given area. It is only accessible to real estate agents. The MLS contains the most accurate record of square footage, number of bedrooms, and other home features you need to accurately compare homes.

The following are some home features we consider in preparing the comparables:

Age and condition of home. The year or era your home was built is a factor we look at when comparing properties. New homes are not necessarily more expensive, but how your home looks relative to its age does matter.

Square footage. One of the features we look at is the similarity in square footage. In comparing two 2-story Colonial style homes for example, one of the things we check is if the homes are nearly similar size.

Number of bedrooms and baths. These two are important determiners of a value of a home. If your home only has two bathrooms while the rest of the comparables have three, certain adjustments should be made in pricing.

Amenities. The more amenities your home offers, the higher the price. Luxury amenities like top-of-the-line home appliances, spas and swimming pools make a huge difference in the home’s price.

Location.  The view outside your window can affect your home price. Your home may not be the best, but if it’s near a great school, on waterfront or on a cul-de-sac, your home’s value appreciates.

I’m Rhonda Fee, broker owner of Aspire Realty licensed in the state of California. When you are my client, I handle you with the same care as if I were buying or selling a property for myself. I care about your success in buying or selling your Pleasanton, CA home. Sign up with me and let’s work together to make your real estate dreams come true! Call me now at 925-200-0827. 

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view How Does Rhonda Fee Arrive at My Home’s Estimated Value?  on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/XPcBbtFZ5ss.

What Upgrades Do You Consider When Estimating the Value of My Home?

The quote “Everything has a price” may well be talking directly about your home.

These days, any home upgrades, even minor renovations, cost something. Therefore, it is only fair when you put your Pleasanton home up for sale, the upgrades should also be considered.

When you are selling your home and you want to increase its value, you may consider getting renovations.

But before you start planning home renovations, there are three important principles you have to remember.

• Choose the right upgrade. Anything and everything that you do in or out your home may raise your home’s price from the ‘average’ price of homes for sale in your area.

What is its complication? If the renovation you choose will raise your home’s price to the “upper end” but your neighborhood does not exactly give the “high-end” feel, you may have a hard time selling your home.

• Not all upgrades and renovations will bring you ROI. Different upgrades, improvements and renovations have different returns, however, when you are selling a home, there are some improvements that will have higher returns.

These improvements are usually more on the “general maintenance” scale, simply because homeowners have different preferences, and what you like may not be what the new homeowners prefer.

Improvements should be geared toward what would make the home “timeless” and “always in style”.

• Don’t overspend. The idea of upgrading the home before selling it is to make it more enticing and marketable so you will have home buyers flocking to your door.

You don’t need to overspend or borrow money to make your home more presentable.

Here is a list of upgrades you can do that will not cost you too much, but will be considered when agents come in and appraise your Pleasanton home for sale.

1. Landscape. The first thing people see when they visit your home is the landscape. This means everything you see outside your window when you look out.

Window boxes, porch planters, and new mailboxes are considered in valuations, so improve and repaint them. If you don’t have them, buy some and install them. They not only make a house look cozy and more alive, they also bring color to the home.  

The fence, porch railings and front door are also part of the  landscape, so fix them and  give them a new coat of paint.

Work on your lawn and garden. Remove any weeds. Get the grass as green as possible.

2. Insulation. An attic air seal and fiber glass installation has an ROI of 116/% upon resale, says the Chicago Tribune.

Some upgrades are meant to beautify, others to tighten the home’s shell. You may not see it, but when you look at your utility bill, you’ll know the value. Home seekers care about these things because it means fewer expenses for them.

3. Kitchen remodels. The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the house, and is often among the living spaces visited by potential buyers. A kitchen upgrade can be expensive, but it also has a high ROI.

Painting your kitchen is an improvement. New cabinets, kitchen fixtures and lights will also add value.

4.  Basement renovations. Improving the basement means adding finished space to the home. It increases value because it converts a rarely used room into one that is usable.

You can convert your basement in your Pleasanton’s home for sale into a game room, a den, or a play area. Or you can leave it like that, and let the new owners decide how they want to use it.

While these are the common ones that are usually looked at when deciding the value of a home, there are still many other upgrades out there.

Don’t worry! Your real estate interests are my top priority. That is why upgrades you have, that might not be on this list will also be considered. :)

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view What Upgrades Do You Consider When Estimating the Value of My Home? on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7RAn7w9ad8&feature=youtu.be