MING Real Estate
Michael Ingerson, Broker
DRE#
Phone
Visit My website at:
Quote of the Day
The future depends on what we do in the present.
Mahatma Gandhi
Inside This Issue
Buying Real Estate Forclosures … page 1
Allergy proofing the home…Page 3
Remodel your kitchen…Page 5
Michael Ingerson’s
Realty News!
How To Make All Your Real Estate Prosper!
______
Buying Real Estate Foreclosures
When looking for a home for you and your family you will come across all kinds of deals, bargains, and so-called values along the way. If price is a very tangible object for you and your real estate investment then you might seriously want to consider the value of foreclosures. If you are hoping to invest in real estate in order to turn a profit then you may also wish to consider these properties that are often sold well below the ordinary value of the property because they are in varying degrees of disrepair.
Foreclosures are properties that have been taken back by the lenders because the previous owners were unable to continue making payments on the property. Being that these homes were often owned by those in financial distress and may have been empty for some time before being sold, chances are that the foreclosure homes being sold at any given time are in some degree of disrepair.
The shabbiness of many of these properties is one of the factors that keeps the prices down. Another is the fact that the lenders are essentially attempting to recoup their investment in the property. For this reason they are often willing to take less than the value of the property if that is what is owed on the property.
Why are these properties often in a state of disrepair? Truthfully, there are many reasons but the primary culprit in this situation is money. Obviously the owners of the home were struggling to make the payments or the home would not be in the state of foreclosure.
If the notes on the property were difficult to begin with it makes perfect sense that other issues such as leaking roofs, shabby carpeting, or plumbing maintenance would take a distant second in priority to making the house payment.
At the same time, there are those who are bitter about loosing their homes. As sad as the situation may be some add insult to injury by damaging these properties intentionally.
These homeowners feel they have nothing left to loose and if they cannot have their property hole then the lenders should not as well. While this is by no means the way to go there are very many who choose this path over other options.
Their Loss Is Your Gain
The fact is that their loss in these situations is actually your gain. The damage they do to the property is often not terribly expensive to repair though it can be quite bothersome. Your willingness to do the work in order to create a beautiful home for you and your family or as an investment can often translate to big savings at the closing table or when negotiating the price of the property. Foreclosures can allow families to buy larger homes in better neighborhoods than they would ordinarily be able to afford. They can also provide a fabulous kick-start to a property investment portfolio.
Despite common claims and Internet advertisements, you do not need to buy a list in order to find foreclosed real estate in your area. You simply need to procure the services of a competent realtor and let him or her know that your intentions are to purchase a foreclosed property or some other property that is selling well below market value.
You might be amazed at the wealth of information and assistance your Realtor can provide not only in finding excellent foreclosures but also when it comes to procuring financing for some of the more creatively damaged foreclosures you may run across at insane bargain prices.
Allergy-Proofing Your Home
Did you know that your home might be to blame if you often suffer from the sniffles and a sore throat? It has been reported that over 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies, and a large percentage of them suffer from the effects of indoor allergens.
Controlling your indoor environment is your best defense against allergies. Here are the most common and where they are found.
Mold
Mold has become a major problem for homeowners. Any area of the home with high humidity or where water accumulates is prone to mold. The most common places are kitchens and bathrooms. Mold thrives around cracks where water seeps in. Mold also thrives around leaks is hoses, dishwashers, toilets and under carpets that are frequently exposed to moisture. Paying close attention to these areas and fixing leaks as they occur is your best prevention.
Dust Mites
These bedroom dwellers feed on the shed skin of humans and their pets. They can be found throughout your entire house. Because most of us spend a lot of time in the bedroom, they are frequently found there. The biggest problem area for dust mites are your mattress and pillows. You can protect yourself by sealing these items in anti-allergen coverings and by washing your bedding frequently.
Pets
Proteins from dander – the skin flakes that your dog or cat sheds – cause allergic reactions in many people. These proteins can be found in household dust and lodged in carpets and upholstery. Some studies have shown that bathing your cat or dog on a weekly basis can help to reduce the amount of dander in your home.
Cockroaches
Many people are allergic to cockroach droppings. Preventive measures include keeping food tightly sealed and garbage containers closed. You should vacuum and sweep floors regularly to make sure food crumbs are swept away. You can also purchase roach bombs at your local drug store and place them throughout your home. However if your problem is exceptionally bad, you should call an exterminator.
Cleaning Your Home Room By Room.
If you suffer from allergies, one of the best ways to fight them is by cleaning your home on a regular basis.
Bedrooms
*Wash sheets weekly in hot water.
*Vacuum your box spring and mattress and wipe off with a clean damp cloth.
*Dust and vacuum all surfaces weekly.
*Keep pets out of your bedroom.
Kitchen
*Clean the inside and outside of your refrigerator monthly.
*Empty trash cans daily and clean them on a regular basis.
*Clean crumbs and grease from stove and countertops regularly.
*Clean the area under your sink. Keep it dry and free from clutter.
*Get rid of any paper grocery bags, as they are a favorite hiding place for roaches.
*Keep food containers tightly sealed.
Living/Dining
*Vacuum once per week – even more often if you have a pet.
*Clean light fixtures and fans monthly, using a clean damp cloth.
*Keep your fireplace clean and maintained. Don’t store mold-prone firewood indoors.
*Regularly wipe dust from walls, ceilings and furniture with a damp cloth.
*Seal any cracks around the walls, floors or cabinets where roaches can sneak in.
Bathrooms
*Clean showers and bathtubs weekly.
*Wash towels and bath mats often.
*Clean the area under the sink. Repair any leaks.
Ventilation
*Clean ductwork regularly.
*Change and clean cooling and heating system filters monthly.
Buying What You Need to Remodel Your Kitchen
Have you recently decided to remodel your kitchen? If so, have you decide what you would like to get done? Whether you are only interested in changing your kitchen cabinets or if you want to remodel every inch of your kitchen, you will need supplies. The supplies that you need will all depend on the type of remodeling that you plan on doing. Despite the fact that your kitchen remodeling supplies will vary, you can commonly purchase them all from the same place.
As previously mentioned, the type of kitchen remodeling you plan on doing will have an impact on which supplies you will need. For example, if you are planning on replacing your kitchen cabinets, you will need to find new cabinets to install. The same can be said for kitchen flooring, lighting, and countertops. If you need to purchase a fairly large number of kitchen remodeling supplies, say if you are planning on remodeling all or the majority of your kitchen, you may want to shop at one of your local home improvement stores. Most home improvement stores have a fairly large selection of home remodeling supplies and materials, including laminate countertops, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, light fixtures, and cabinets. Purchasing all of your remodeling supplies at once will help to save you time.
Although it may be a good idea to shop at one of your local home improvement stores, you may not want to. If this is the case, you should examine the internet and what it has to offer. There are a number of online retailers that would be willing to deliver their kitchen remodeling supplies directly to your door. In addition to traditional retailers, you can also find other individuals and companies who specialize in producing quality, customized products, such as kitchen cabinets.
Whether you can’t find what you are looking for locally or if you want to have something, such as your kitchen cabinets, custom designed, you are advised to look online. A simple Internet search should return the results that you were looking for.
When it comes to home improvement projects, it is important that you get the items or materials that you need, such as floor tiles or light fixtures, but you cannot complete a home improvement project without the right tools. If you do have some home improvement experience, there is a good chance that you may already have most of the tools that you need.
If you need additional tools or if you don’t have any at all, you will need to purchase yourself some. The tools that you need will all depend on the remodeling that you are doing, that is why it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with project instructions, as well as the tools that are needed before you get started. If you are purchasing your remodeling materials from a home improvement store, it may be a good idea to save yourself an extra trip and buy your tools at the same time.
As the one in charge of remodeling, you can shop for materials, supplies, and tools wherever you want to. Despite the fact that you have complete control over your kitchen remodeling project, as well as what is or isn’t being used, you may want to take the time to compare the prices of everything that you need to buy. As long as you get the tools and materials that you need, it really shouldn’t matter, but why pay more money than you need to?
Funny One-liner
I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather…not screaming and yelling like the other people in his car.
Thank You! Thank you! Thank You!
I just want to say thank for taking the time to read this newsletter. I also want to say thank you to all of my clients and friends who have referred business to me.
If you know someone who is planning to buy or sell their home, I would greatly appreciate it if you would pass along my name and phone number.
If you ever have a real estate question please feel free to call me anytime. Or maybe you are thinking of selling soon and you want to know how much your home is worth. Just give me a call and I will give you all the facts without any sales pitch.
MING Real Estate
Michael Ingerson (Broker)
Email:
Visit our website at: