Dasmarka Real Estate

Favoring Family Rooms
While family rooms became popular after many American homes were built, the lack of one can be a deal-breaker for many house-hunters. That doesn't mean you necessarily have to add an extension onto your house, but you may face sacrificing other spaces in order to create one. Existing space can easily be turned into a family room. To enlarge smaller spaces, try lowering the floor, opening the ceiling or expanding out with large bay windows.
Home Office Tradeoffs
Home offices are a growing trend, especially in predominately professional neighborhoods. So why would adding a home office not be a good idea? Well, if you convert a bedroom in order to make that home office, it will no longer be considered a bedroom in a real estate listing; and that could adversely affect your asking price.
Losing out on Landscaping
Ornate landscaping and fancy gardens are great for adding curb appeal, but will rarely affect the value of the home. Remember that landscaping is all about personal preference, and requires time and money to maintain - potential buyers won't pay up for them.
You're Better off with Basic Improvements
Fixing what you already have can be more important than making improvements. It may not be all that enjoyable, but basic improvements have the greatest return. Sure, you can have a magnificent master suite and brand new kitchen, but if your roof is leaking, you're in big trouble. If you're thinking of making any home improvements, be sure to tackle any problems with the home's structure or mechanical systems first. Proper maintenance, like updating plumbing and electrical systems, is where you'll get the most payback.
Consult the Professionals
You can't always make a decision about home improvements based solely on the financial aspects. You may need extra space for an expanding family or have a home improvement that just can't wait. On the other hand, if you're planning to sell and are considering making improvements in order to increase the selling price, do your homework first. What's important to you may not be important to a potential buyer. Talk to experienced realtors, builders, and other industry professionals about whether you're likely to make back the money you put into the improvements.

I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder

REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email: snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.
Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

So, you're ready to remodel? Thinking about redoing a room or adding on to your home? Whatever you do, don't get caught up in the myth that all home improvement projects will pay off. By far, the most common home improvement mistake is spending money on amenities that won't add value to the home. As a rule, improvements that increase the functional space of a home hold their value longer than ones that just make a house look better.
Kitchens are King
As the heart of the house, kitchens generally suffer the most wear and tear. Something as simple as replacing old cabinet hardware can really make a big difference. The most popular minor improvements include adding functionality with dual sinks and cooking stations, and cosmetic upgrades such as under-cabinet lighting and ceramic tile back- splashes on the countertops. Regardless of what kitchen improvements you decide to go with, be sure to select a classic design style and high quality materials. To add space in the kitchen area, you might want to consider a walk-in pantry or breakfast alcove. While these improvements can add up, they'll also be highly regarded by potential buyers.
Bathrooms are Your Best Bet
Remember the days of living with just one bathroom? How on earth did you manage? While finding space to add a bathroom can prove tricky, if your home only has one bathroom, your best bet would be to add a second one. Adding an extra bathroom with all the trimmings all but pays for itself. Popular remodels include ceramic tiles, Jacuzzi bathtubs, skylights and vaulted ceilings. If a full-blown bathroom overhaul is too pricey, something as simple as just replacing the water fixtures can go a long way.
Swimming Pools Can Sink You
A swimming pool has no resale value at all. In fact, swimming pools actually repel more prospective buyers than they attract because of their expensive upkeep and liability. If your really must have that swimming pool, go ahead, but know that it will cost you.

One sure sign of agents who make integrity and hard work central to their service is that they're successful even when the market is slow.

That said, even though the market has been better, I'm still doing well. One reason: I know how to use all the latest high-tech tools to maximize a home's market exposure.

I also want to point out that this market offers a great opportunity to "move up" because the values of higher priced homes have been reduced more than yours has. Additionally, a slower market gives you the luxury of viewing more homes as well.

So if you've considered moving, or if you hear that any family, friends or work colleagues are, please call or email me any time.

Thank you,

I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email: snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/

I am a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washingtons Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

Building Permits and Inspections
Necessary For Your Protection

Probably the most intimidating part of building your own house is the permit process. Not only do the requirements vary from township to township, but at times the decisions made seem so subjective that we find ourselves seething in frustration. However, permits and inspections are a necessary step, and they are in place predominately for your protection. Ask any earthquake victim in Iran. Because I am concerned here with new construction, I won't go into the permits required for renovation; that's another story. In a new development, the buyer usually doesn't have to think about permits; the builder takes care of all the details. With independent projects, you may end up engaging a contractor who hires all the sub- contractors and takes care of the permits. This makes life infinitely easier for the buyer, but you'll pay for that convenience. In rural areas, because township officials are usually volunteers, they tend to work only one or two hours a week, and often after five o'clock. If you miss their time, you'll probably have to wait another week. This could run your builder ragged and cause unwelcome delays.

If you decide to get the permits yourself, the first thing you want to do is go to the township office and acquire their Code Requirements for Single Family Dwellings, and also their Building Permit Requirement Checklist (or whatever they call these documents). The Code Requirements will cover everything from smoke detectors to egress windows, from stair requirements to insulation, from foundations to chimneys and anything in between. It wouldn't hurt to send a copy to your log home manufacturer, just in case. The Building Permit checklist, though more simply worded, will be the most important document to familiarize yourself with. If even one of these items are unchecked, you won't get that permit that day!

Once you start the process, you come to realize that the Construction Permit is the most important, the most sought-after, and the most critical objective in your immediate scope. Without it, you cannot even break ground. Since everything ties together, the township wants to make sure you have your "ducks in a row" before they "permit" you to start. There will usually be a one-year time limit to the permit or a six-month time limit if construction is stopped in the middle. You should budget about $1500-$2000 for your average building permit, unless there unusual circumstances attached to your project (wetlands delineation, variances, etc.).

Here is what may be acquired to qualify for the building permit:
1. TAX CERTIFICATION: This document is to verify the ownership of the land and that payments are current.
2. TWO SETS OF SEALED BUILDING PLANS: What they want is an Architect's or Building Engineer's stamp on the plans that come from the home manufacturer. Do not assume that the plans will come pre-stamped. Not all manufacturers have the ability to apply a seal from every state. Included in the building plan will probably be a separate foundation plan, since most log homes do not provide a foundation as part of the building. If there is a separate foundation plan, it too will need to be stamped by a qualified engineer or architect.
3. SIGNED, SEALED ELECTRIC PERMIT APPLICATION: Don't expect the log home manufacturer to provide electrical drawings. Once you hire an electrician, you'll have to sit down with him and determine where you are putting your outlets, light switches and fixtures. Local code will determine how close together your outlets will go. Do yourself a favor and put in many more outlets than you think you will need; retrofitting could be unsightly. Also, plan on twice as many light fixtures than a standard home - wood sucks up light like a sponge. While you are at it, it helps to include your cable wires, phone wires and CAT5 in every room; even though you may not think you'll need it. Once you move into the house, you may change a room's usage from your original conception - we did, and regretted our shortsightedness.
4. SIGNED, SEALED PLUMBING PERMIT APPLICATION: This is another set of drawings that will not come from the home manufacturer. You and the plumber must figure out where the fixtures are going, and if you live in the country remember that the plumbing needs to hook into your septic. (This permit is separate from the septic design permit).
5. APPROVED COUNTY SEPTIC DESIGN: The septic design comes from the local civil engineer. The permit application comes from the township, but the septic approval came from the county. HVAC DIAGRAM: Showing where your ductwork is going.
6. DRIVEWAY PERMIT: In some cases, this comes from the Director of Public Works.
7. STATE WELL PERMIT and TOWNSHIP WELL PERMIT (if you are digging your own well): If there is a drought going on, they might put a hold on new well permits, which will put a hold on the whole project. So get it as quickly as possible.
8. PLOT PLAN AND ZONING APPROVAL: The Plot Plan will come from the local civil engineer. This is not the same as a survey, which will be required by the mortgage company. The plot plan shows the location of the house, driveway, well and septic as well as the perimeter of the building envelope.
9. WATER TABLE INVESTIGATION these are the big ones. You might have local wetland delineation issues, easements or setbacks to worry about. Once you get that Construction Permit, treat yourself to a celebratory dinner. You'll have earned it! The Construction Permit needs to be prominently displayed on the job site. You also need to keep one of those sealed sets of building plans on site at all times, just in case you get a surprise visit from an inspector. Hopefully by now you will have made friends with the township inspector, because he's going to have a big say in the ease or difficulty of your project.
10. ON REPORT: This will help you determine whether you can dig a basement, or do you need to raise the house up?

The inspections are all spelled out and will be required at each step in the process before you can move on. This could cause a delay of one to several days (not counting bad weather), so think ahead - but not too far ahead. The first inspection will come pretty quick. When your excavator digs the hole for your foundation, the township may inspect the bottom of the footing trenches before placement of footings. If you are using a Superior Walls precast foundation system, there will be no footings so this inspection will be unnecessary. However, the footings for your deck and porches will need to be inspected. There will be a foundation inspection before the backfill is shoveled in. The big inspection will be the framing inspection. This must be done before the insulation is added. Then, there will be an inspection for the plumbing, the electrical panel and wiring, the septic or sewer service, then insulation. At the end of the project, there will be a final inspection before issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy; the inspector will look at the finishing work, the smoke detectors, fixtures, etc. There may be other inspections in between, depending on the township. Unless you are acting as your own general contractor, inspections should not concern you, except that if something fails the whole project grinds to a halt. If you are the Homeowner Builder, you will probably be arranging the inspections yourself, and it helps to know what the township is looking for.

I have 15 water shutoff valves in my house and I know exactly where each of them are and how to operate them. Do you?
Many small home emergencies become huge disasters because we don't know how to take care of the property when the unexpected happens. Buying a home of your own is not just about building wealth and saving taxes -- it's not just about money. Since homeownership represents the largest investment for most people, you definitely need to become a project manager as well. Homeowners' losses for 2002 from all perils totaled $25.6 billion, down from $26.8 billion in 2001, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Get to know your home intimately. Knowing where the shutoff valves are located, for instance, can save you a lot of money and grief later if disaster strikes. .
In this article will discuss emergency items for the home. I hope that this information is helpful in the maintenance of homes.

Water Shutoffs
Some bathrooms have three cut-off valves -- one for the commode, two under the sink (hot and cold water). If, for some reason, those break and there is water coming through, it is important to know where the main water valve is located and to test it to make sure the knob doesn't break off in case of a real emergency. There also may be two water shut off valves going toward the outside water faucets. It's easy to let these valves age into disrepair.

Hot Water Heater
How's the hot water heater? Have you checked the bottom of it lately to see any evidence of rust? For many homeowners, this is one of those household items that never gets checked until water is running everywhere. The hot water heater should also have a cutoff valve. Know how to use it and have your kids try it out too.

Insurance Claims
Finally, if you find that you didn't do the above preventative activities, then you should at least know where your insurance policy is located and understand what is covered and what is not. If you live in attached dwellings, like condos and townhouses, then you want to make sure you keep enough insurance to cover your house and any damage that might cross your limited property line. To keep your rates down, take care of the little stuff -- anything under $500 -- and report the more expensive accidents (flooding of the basement). If you're looking for lower homeowners insurance rates, you could even consider a higher deductible. Switching your deductible from $250 to $1,000, for instance, could cut your premium by 25 percent. Emergencies can become less taxing with a little testing, preventative maintenance and knowing your home's systems.

Have you looked over your electrical panel as well?
If you've remodeled, the labels may need to be changed (that's assuming you have labels). If they aren't clearly marked you've got a great family project on your hands. This can take either a few minutes or an hour or so, depending on how many outlets, switches and lights you have in the house. If you have those handy walkie-talkies or a mobile phone, it makes the job of identifying the circuit breakers or fuses a lot easier. One person stays by the panel flipping switches, while the other teammate walks the house letting you know what's on and what's off.
To identify the circuits will require turning on all the lights in the house. For outlets, you'll just have to switch off the breaker and have your partner flip on an appliance, radio or lamp that's plugged in that outlet to determine the match.
The good thing about this project is that it won't have to be done again unless you remodel and add on more outlets and switches on more circuit breakers.

I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email: snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South
Bellevue.Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

Well the rains have begun here in Renton WA. There are a few things you can look for when buying a house. In addition to causing destruction, water damage also has an adverse affect to the indoor air quality of your home. Damage from water can cause wood rot, insect infestation and mold . The obvious causes of water damage are leaking roofs, windows, doors, foundation cracks and visible plumbing leaks. These are fairly easy to detect, enabling a quick repair before maximum damage occurs. The not-so-obvious culprits are moisture behind finished basement walls that are insulated with fiberglass; poor grading around foundation walls and air leaks that occur between the living space and attic. Insulating finished basement walls with fiberglass is not a good idea. Fiberglass will absorb water and not allow it to travel through the wall, preventing a drying effect.

The Answer To Moisture Traps:
Some people think installing a plastic barrier in the wall is the answer, but this approach only traps moisture. A better way is to use rigid insulation (also known as blue board). This insulation is semi- permeable and allows moisture to travel through the wall, allowing it to dry. Water can also enter the basement if the grade of the land is pitched toward the house. Grading the soil away from the house and adding rain gutters will guide rainwater away from the house. Openings from the house to the attic and poor ceiling insulation in houses located in colder climates can lead to ice dams that cause water to back up into the house. Air leakage from the house to the attic will carry moisture in the form of humidity into the attic that can form water on the underside of the roof leading to rotting and mold.

The House and The Attic
Leakage Points
Typical leakage points between the house and attic are: · Leaky attic hatches · Holes drilled for plumbing pipes and electrical wires that penetrate the attic and are usually not sealed · Recessed light fixtures that are not the airtight type · Exhaust fans that vent directly into the attic



I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.