Kirk and Terry Blog

What do you think is the most common neighbor dispute?  Well, if you guessed “noise,” you’d be right. Whether it’s barking dogs, loud music, noisy cars…even wild birds, most cities have laws that protect you from noise above a certain level.  And if you live in a community governed by CC&Rs there are restrictions on noise levels.

Trees are the second big problem that causes neighbor disputes.  Generally, if the tree’s trunk is on your property, you own it and you’re the responsible party.  Some states have laws that require that you trim a tree that grows on your neighbor’s property.

Another common homeowner dispute —“views.”  Trees can impact views, but new buildings can block views.  Make sure there are zoning or building rules on the books to protect you.  If not, your neighbor or a developer can build an addition or a new building even if it blocks your sunlight and/or your views.  Know your legal rights before you purchase a house with views, otherwise one day those gorgeous views could vanish!

Learn How To Maximize The Value Of Your Home! 

Did you know there’s a free consumer report showing which repairs and fix-ups will net you the most value for your home?  It’s call the “Homeseller’s Guide To Money-Making Fix-Ups,” and it’s great even if you’re not planning on selling soon.  You can get a free copy by visiting our webstie at…

www.MarcsHomes.Com

Q. What are the new trends in home building? 

A. Every new home buyer has their own personal preferences, but according to a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, there are some new trends in the new home building market.

Buyers surveyed wanted spacious garages with lots of storage, and many buyers wanted space for a workshop.  New home buyers want high-tech wiring for sound systems, computer networks, and entertainment.  One of biggest shifts is buyers are looking for fewer open floor plans, and preferred partial walls that separate areas.  Activity rooms were also important to new buyers.  This included space for a home office, game rooms, exercise areas, home entertainment areas, or a family room/den. 

Storage areas (kitchen pantry, walk-up attic, large closets, and special cabinets) were particularly important to new buyers.  New home buyers also wanted homes with lots of natural light.  Fewer buyers were interested in two story homes and preferred the master suite on the main floor with a walk-in shower stall. 

If you are buying or selling a home and need competent and caring representation, please call me, Marc Austin Highfill, at (804) 527-EXIT.

Do you find yourself getting that urge to drop-into Open Houses, even when you’re busy?  You’re not alone.  Many homeowners visit open houses to get design ideas, or to see how their home compares in the neighborhood.

But if you find yourself attracted to Open Houses frequently, you might want to ask yourself “why.”   You might just find that, even though you’re happy with your current home, you might be subconsciously searching for your dream home.  Perhaps you want a bigger yard.  A quieter street.  A gourmet kitchen.

Whatever the reason, there are sophisticated tools that can help. A computerized “Home Search” system can scour the market finding the exact home you want – automatically. It can get you daily updates on the newest homes on the market, and since it is a computerized system there’s never any pressure from working with a person, just great service.  Even if you’re just “thinking” and want to know what’s “out there,” consider giving it a try. Feel free to go to my website and sign up at http://www.marcshomes.com or call (804) 527-3948.

Q.  We are thinking about selling our home soon.  How do we select the best real estate agent?

A. Before you hire a real estate agent there are several things you want to think about.  While it might be nice to have cousin Sal list your house or your best friend’s husband, remember this is a business decision.  You want to hire the best person for the job. 

      First, interview several agents with at least 3-4 years of experience and a solid record of sold properties.  They should be knowledgeable about your neighborhood, community, and houses similar to yours. They should have good pricing skills and know the current market conditions.  Be sure to ask for references!  Next, compare marketing plans and resources used for selling your home. Look for innovative ways the agent uses to target and attract the right kind of buyer for your home.  The more traffic they can generate, the higher your odds of getting your home sold fast and for the best price.  Next, select an agent who is affiliated with a reputable company with good community exposure.  Finally, you want an agent who is compatible with you and who communicates well.   

      If you are buying or selling a home and need competent and caring representation, please call me at 804-527-3948.