How To Create Equity In Your Home, Investment Or Fixer-Upper !

When you are trying to create equity in a home by making improvements, here are some tips and things that can help.

***NOTE- "What is equity?"  It is the difference between what you owe on a property, and what it is worth.

Example: If you have a property worth $200,000 but only owe $150,000 then you have $50,000 in equity in the home. If you owe 0.00, then you have $200,000 in equity, make sense?

Keep in mind that almost all the improvements you do in your home can increase the value. But, if you are like most people, you want to spend the least amount of money while creating the most amount of value.

These things are traditionally known to create the most value in a home:

1) Increasing the size of living space- Since a home is valued at a dollar amount per square foot, increasing the square footage by adding another bedroom, bathroom, etc naturally increases the value.
2) Remodeling or Updating the Bathrooms and Kitchen- This is a great way to increase value and to help the home sell quicker as well, if that's the goal.
3) New Windows- Updating to energy saving windows not only increases monthly savings but increases the "curb appeal" of your home.
4) New Siding- Again, see the notes on windows as this is the same.

Remember, the first step in buying a home or refinancing is to get pre-qualified on a home loan! Sellers do not like to deal with buyers who might not qualify. There are plenty of different options out there (even other 100% financing options)

I recommend you talk to:

David DuBeau
Mortgage Loan Officer
541.292.9663
541.608.2161
www.DavidDuBeau.net

If you want to list your home or buy a home, then give me a call.  Now is a great time to move up and use your equity to buy a larger home.  Find out what your home is worth, no obligation.
Cheryl Malone
Windermere Investors Marketplace
www.CherylMalone.com
541-951-1960

What To Look For In A Property Manager.

Are you thinking of hiring a property management company to handle your rental property?  How do you pick a good property manager?

I have had rental property most of my life.  I had worked as a property manager for many years.  Here are 10 things that one should consider when hiring a property manager.

1-Do they return your calls in a timely manner?
2-Do they give you copies of workorders and receipts for repairs?
3-Do they get more than one estimate on repairs?
4-Do they use a handyman whenever necessary instead of a contractor?
5-Do they do routine inspections or drivebys?
6-Do they check for hazards, leaves on the roof, unkept yards, or potential problems?
7-Will they take a picture of the property and send it to you?
8-How/where do they advertise your vacancy?
9-Are they raising the rents to keep up with the market?
10-Are they notifiing you if the rent is not collected on time?

These are all important aspects of property management.  These items should be part of their monthly serive fee.  Don't let them collect their fee and then charge you for inspections & time getting work done - those should be part of their job.

A good property manager can make or break your investment.  Don't be afraid to ask questions or check on what services they are providing.

http://www.cherylmalone.com/