A very helpful article from Realtor.com How to move safely during coronavirus.
Here are the headlines: Checklist: Before you move
-Make sure moving is allowed in your area or building
-Choose car travel over air travel
-Carefully research your movers
-Decluttering? Call ahead if you plan to donate
-Plan ahead if you need to set up new internet or cable service
-Use new cardboard boxes you pack yourself
-Stock up on cleaning supplies for you and your movers
Checklist: On moving day
-Don’t involve more people than necessary
-Time your move carefully
-Disinfect all points of contact
Checklist: After the move
-Wipe down your moving boxes and furniture
-Canceling or changing your move if you’re sick
Andrew Oliver REALTOR®
Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty One Essex Street | Marblehead, MA 01945 m 617.834.8205
Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Spruce up your curb appeal. Potential buyers judge your home before they even enter it. Make this first impression count. Plant flowers, mow the lawn, put out a welcome mat and make small repairs that you have been putting off.
Clean, clean, clean. This simple tip is essential. Dust, vacuum, clean the windows and mop the floors. Make sure there are no odd odors floating around or major stains on the carpet or furniture. Do like your mother said and make your bed.
Declutter. Get rid of any superfluous items that detract from the rooms. Hide figurines; throw out or recycle junk mail, newspapers and magazines; file disheveled papers; and put clothes, shoes and the like out of sight.
Neutralize. Potential buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home. Make it easy for them by removing all personal items such as family pictures and/or religious statues. Also, get rid of any loud paint colors, offensive wall coverings or in-your-face accessories.
Remove all big clunky furniture. Oversize couches, chairs or coffee tables have to go. If you cannot replace them with smaller pieces, get rid of as much as you can — less is more.
Top 5 Don’ts.
Don’t take it personally. As soon as you decide to make the commitment to sell your home, you need to think of it as a product, one that you want to sell fast and for top dollar. Don’t take buyers’ remarks personally. Instead, think of it as free advice on how to make your product live up to its highest potential. Emotionally detach yourself.
Don’t do major renovations. Finishes and fixtures that you see as beautiful may not suit every buyer’s tastes. It is best to limit the amount of time and investment you make on renovations to the essentials — replace old flooring, tackle small repairs, paint, change outdated fixtures. Save your renovation energy and dollars for your new home.
The furniture in this room is too large and there’s too much of it. Instead of replacing the pieces, it’s a good idea to consider rearranging or even removing some of them.
Don’t think the house will sell itself. The real estate market is a game. You need to make your home the most appealing product on the block. Declutter, clean, do small repairs, repaint and, in general, make it feel fresh and welcoming.
Don’t run out and purchase all new furniture. Chances are the furniture you have is not the reason your space is not selling. You may just have too much of it in one area. Or perhaps it needs to be cleaned or just neutralized with a simple throw. Remove before you completely redo.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Call in a professional stager, whether they just spend a few hours giving you some helpful tips or they come in to completely redecorate your entire space. It is money well spent and will eventually end up back in your pocket when you sell your home for top dollar.
Andrew Oliver Market Analyst | Team Harborside | teamharborside.com REALTOR®
Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty One Essex Street | Marblehead, MA 01945 m 617.834.8205 www.OliverReports.com www.TeamHarborside.com Andrew.Oliver@SothebysRealty.com
Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Remember “The Money Pit”? You know, the 1986 movie with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long, who purchase a supposed bargain of a mansion, which proceeds to collapse under their feet? Well, it turns out that the real-life house from the film has officially lived up to its reputation, selling for a huge loss, according to this Realtor.com article:The Money Pit
The house was purchased by a couple in 2002 for $2.15 million, but they were in for a surprise. “We didn’t realize how bad it was. The house was falling apart when you went from room to room. We definitely could have done the sequel.”
Undismayed, the new owners set out on an expensive renovation – $5.9 million, taking their total investment to $8 million, before listing the house in 2014 for $12.5 million.
That would have been a reasonable return on the $8 million investment – had it sold. But it didn’t. Until recently. For $3.5 million, or a $4.5 million loss. Ouch.OUCH!
According to a local broker: “’The Money Pit’ house selling at a loss has to do with both the size and styling of the house. Buyers are looking for more casual homes and aren’t as interested in large, formal properties. While the house is certainly beautiful, it’s just not the look that many buyers are shopping for.”
And that story has been repeated elsewhere.
“What a beautiful, old-style property,”commented one buyer recently about a 19th Century house. Before going on to buy a modern property; modern both in terms of design – more open concept, fewer formal rooms – and amenities – a smart home, sleek and shiny.
Perhaps the lesson from the Money Pit sequel is that just because you fall in love with an old house and are happy to invest millions in it does not mean that others will share your taste. Or if they do, most likely they are of an age where they are sellers, not buyers of such properties.
Caveat emptor applies to old properties.
Andrew Oliver Market Analyst | Team Harborside | teamharborside.com REALTOR®
Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty One Essex Street | Marblehead, MA 01945 m 617.834.8205 www.OliverReports.com www.TeamHarborside.com Andrew.Oliver@SothebysRealty.com
Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Yes one of the great existential questions of life.
Covering old shingles may be cheaper but roofing experts, quoted in boston.com’s Roof shingles pros and cons say “It is never advisable to shingle over existing shingles.”
Andrew Oliver Market Analyst | Team Harborside | teamharborside.com REALTOR®
Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty One Essex Street | Marblehead, MA 01945 m 617.834.8205 www.OliverReports.com www.TeamHarborside.com Andrew.Oliver@SothebysRealty.com
Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
The article included this comment: Matt Dolan, a broker with Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty in Marblehead who has panels on his home, said some developers and homeowners got caught up chasing green building certifications and haven’t been able to recoup their investments.
“People got out too far over their skis with solar and thought anytime you made a green addition to a house that you’d instantly win, and it’s just not the case. A lot of people don’t actually care that much,’’ Dolan said. He pointed to a home that was renovated to LEED Platinum standards a decade ago, complete with solar and geothermal energy. “The reality is it’s a $2 million home that we’re marketing for $1.4 million, because no one is willing to pay an ultra premium just because it has the green credentials.’’
I wrote Solar panels: are they right for you? back in 2015 and followed up in 2016 with Solar roof tiles 2.0 – a major improvement. Alas, like a number of Elon Musk’s promises, solar roof tiles remain just that – a promise. In 2018 a CNBC investigation found only 12 houses with Tesla’s solar roof tiles and one of those cost the homeowner $100,000. Nice idea – shame about the price.
Andrew Oliver Market Analyst | Team Harborside | teamharborside.com REALTOR®
Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty One Essex Street | Marblehead, MA 01945 m 617.834.8205 www.OliverReports.com www.TeamHarborside.com Andrew.Oliver@SothebysRealty.com
Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On Dec. 21, 2018, the President signed legislation passed by Congress that extended the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to May 31, 2019.
This week the House of Representatives passed a Bill to extend the NFIP until September 30. The House also passed a broader disaster relief package last week that also would have extended the NFIP, “a package that is not expected to see action in the upper chamber” according to The Hill.
The Senate signaled Tuesday that it is closing in on a deal on disaster relief, but it remains unclear whether it will include an extension of the NFIP.
Congress has approved 10 short-term extensions of the NFIP since its last multiyear authorization expired in 2017.
On its website FEMA says: “NFIP reauthorization is an opportunity for Congress to take bold steps to reduce the complexity of the program and strengthen the NFIP’s financial framework so that the program can continue helping individuals and communities take the critical step of securing flood insurance. The level of damage from the 2017 hurricanes makes it clear that FEMA needs a holistic plan to ready the Nation for managing the cost of catastrophic flooding under the NFIP.”
As the 10 – about to be 11 – extensions of the NFIP since 2017 indicate, expecting this Congress to reach bipartisan agreement on a long-term solution to flood insurance would be taking optimism to a new high.
Andrew Oliver Market Analyst | Team Harborside | teamharborside.com REALTOR®
Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty One Essex Street | Marblehead, MA 01945 m 617.834.8205 www.OliverReports.com www.TeamHarborside.com Andrew.Oliver@SothebysRealty.com
Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International RealtyAffiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
“I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore I want them to turn black”
The first two lines from the Stones’ hit might well be the anthem behind this recent post from Curbed Boston Black is the new Black
Home of Laura Fenton
“Black house exteriors have come into fashion at what seems like an almost astonishing speed. Pinterest reports that saves for black houses have grown 774 percent since spring 2014, significantly spiking in March of this year (possibly tied to a New York Times story that appeared on March 7).
And people are not just dreaming of black houses. Thus far in 2018, Tricorn Black, a deep, saturated ebony that is perennially one of the company’s most popular blacks, is the 12th most popular paint sold by Sherwin-Williams in the U.S., up from the 33rd spot in 2017.
In Canada, Tricorn Black is the sixth most popular color so far this year, while no black colors even made the country’s top 50 list in 2017.”
Um maybe. But I really don’t see many owners of New England shingle homes deciding to stain them black. Do you?
I know, you’re still cleaning up after the run of recent storms, with another one headed our way, but the clocks have gone forward and maybe we can start thinking of spring.
National Grid has published a helpful guide to electrical safety before, during and after a storm: click on the link to download a copy. National Grid guide to electrical safety
Contents of the guide are: Before the storm
Preparing for an emergency. During the storm
Generator and carbon monoxide safety.
Stay connected.
Stay informed.
How we restore power.
Extreme weather conditions and your health. After the storm
General safety tips following a major storm.
Restoring your electric service.
Appliance safety after a flood.
Call before you dig. (more…)
Record high last Friday, record low this weekend – don’t you love New England? The message is loud and clear: it is time to get your house – and yourself – ready for winter’s onset. Here is an excellent guide originally published in Boston Patch.
Protect Your Pipes
Make sure your plumbing pipes are protected. Pipes freeze under three common scenarios: quick temperature drops, poor insulation and thermostats that are set too low.
Check the insulation of pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and the attic, because they’re the most susceptible when temperatures plummet.
Wrap pipes in heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables, but be sure they’re approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Use caulk or insulation to seal leaks that allow cold air to flow inside near plumbing pipes. Pay particular attention to leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and the pipes themselves.
Disconnect hoses from each spigot on the outside of your house. Drain and store them.
Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This will reduce the chance the short span of pipe just inside the house will freeze.
In extreme cold, you may be able prevent your pipes from freezing by allowing a trickle of warm water to drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
Leave your thermostat at the same temperature, day and night. Your routine may be to turn the heat down when you go to bed, but when the temperature plummets, which often occurs overnight, your pipes could freeze. Better to have a higher heating bill than costly repairs necessary when pipes freeze and burst.
Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Another idea is to turn off the main water valve before you leave home, even if you’re going to be gone only for a weekend.
Furnace Been Checked Lately?
With the house sealed up, you’ll also want to check these items off your list:
Make sure your furnace has been serviced to ensure it is running efficiently and safely.
Install a carbon monoxide detector and water heater, especially since they could be running on overdrive in freezing temperatures.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure the chimney is cleaned and the chimney cap is in place.
What to Do During Power Outage
You should also gather some other items you may need in the case of a power outage — and don’t forget to talk through the emergency plan with your family:
Have plenty of matches, candles and flashlights on hand in case the power goes out.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, make sure you have some cut firewood ready in case of an emergency.
A few extra gallons of water.
Non-perishable food items for you and your pets.
Lots of blankets, sleeping bags and comforters.
A battery-powered radio.
Backup battery for your cell phone and computer
A first-aid kit.
Dress for the Cold Regardless
Now, make sure your vehicle is ready to go for the cold months ahead. Here are some tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:
Have you located the windshield scraper and brush? Find them before you need them.
Keep your gas tank at least half full during extreme cold situation, so you can stay warm if you become stranded.
Dress for the extreme cold, even if you don’t think you’ll be out much.
Graphic courtesy of NOAA Car Emergency Survival Kit Must-Haves
Put together a winter car survival kit for your vehicle. Be sure to include:
Definitely include jumper cables, but you may want to include flares or reflective triangle as well.
Flashlights and extra batteries.
First-aid kit, including necessary medications, baby formula and diapers if you have a small child.
Non-perishable food items such as canned food (don’t forget a can opener) and protein-rich foods like nuts and energy bars. If you travel with pets, make sure to include food for them, too.
Water — at least a gallon of water per person a day for at least three days.
Basic toolkit with pliers, wrench and screwdriver.
Cat litter or sand for better tire traction.
Extra gloves, hats, sturdy boots, jacket and extra change of clothes for the cold.
Blankets or sleeping bags.
A car charger for your cellphone
Are you considering selling your home? If so please contact me on 617.834.8205 orAndrew.Oliver@SothebysRealty.comfor a free market analysis and explanation of the outstanding marketing program I offer.
If you are looking to buy, I will contact you immediately when a house that meets your needs is available. In this market you need to have somebody looking after your interests.
Andrew Oliver is a Realtor withHarborside Sotheby’s International Realty. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
As homeowners opt for more modern kitchen designs, they’re also opting for more understated countertop alternatives. So says this HomeAdvisor.com article:Is granite going out of style?
The article also reminds us of the benefits of granite:”it’s both durable and attractive — and it’s become increasingly affordable too.”
Again, the article is not hailing the end of stainless steel, but points out that “a new generation of materials and designs are challenging the age-old assumptions over appliance aesthetics.”
If you are looking to buy, I will contact you immediately when a house that meets your needs is available. In this market you need to have somebody looking after your interests.
Please contact me on 617.834.8205 orAndrew.Oliver@SothebysRealty.comfor a free market analysis and explanation of the outstanding marketing program I offer
Andrew Oliver is a Realtor with Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Please contact me on 617.834.8205 orAndrew.Oliver@SothebysRealty.comfor a free market analysis and explanation of the outstanding marketing program I offer
If you are looking to buy, I will contact you immediately when a house that meets your needs is available. In this market you need to have somebody looking after your interests.
Andrew Oliver is a Realtor with Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Here is the section on protecting pipes from my Get ready for winter NOW post of a week or so ago. I’ve just turned on the facets in my house in sinks on outside walls.
Protect Your Pipes
Make sure your plumbing pipes are protected. Pipes freeze under three common scenarios: quick temperature drops, poor insulation and thermostats that are set too low. (more…)
Recent Comments