Apps for Home Improvements

An App for That!

Now we have all heard that before.   Yet, it is so very often true.  What would we do without our

Smart Phones and Tablets??

If you read this blog regularly, you know that a few days ago, I passed an article regarding a Digital Detox in the New Year.   As I had noted, some readers may seriously need a Digital Detox as he or she never ever puts down his/her phone.  

Been eating watchin a family of four all on their phones all during dinner?   You would think they would at least ask some one in person to pass the ketchup but most likely they send a text!  

That family would need a Digital Detox it seems.

Yet, for "us regular folks", we rely on applications(APPs) to look up our stock portfolios, watch a game, look up a recipe while at the market or post a picture to PinInterest, Facebook or some other site.  

In seeing this article with the 10 best apps for Home Improvement, I know that many people need these applications.   In 2015, real estate will continue to improve.  Thus, sellers will need to take care of deferred maintenance in prepping to sell and home buyers will look to enhance homes puchased.  In addition, with job market improvement and the upswing in the economy, home owners will add the fence around the yard or a pool, replace windows or roof or complete other large ticket improvements.

Thus, these 10 best apps should serve you well in any of these functions that will touch probably a minimum of 20-30% of us.   With a few years of everyone holding off, there should be lots of activity in 2015 -2019.

Here is your link to the article and the apps:

  Top Ten

Improvement Project with Best Returns 2014

JUST IN! HOW MUCH VALUE DOES REMODELING ADD?  PROJECT BY PROJECT

Which Improvement Projects Have Best Returns? Projects that turn unused space you already have in the basement and attic into a finished room and those that boost curb appeal give you some of the biggest bangs for your remodeling bucks, according to the newly released 2014 Cost vs. Value report from the National Association of Home Builders and Remodeling Magazine. Complete data from the Remodeling 2013/14 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at   www.costvsvalue.com. The very highest pay-back nationally came from replacing your front entry door, which returns 96.6% of its $1,162 cost when you sell your home. "Low initial cost combined with the positive effect on curb appeal is likely responsible for the high ranking," the magazine said. Kitchen remodels are among the most popular upgrades homeowners tackle. Doing a minor kitchen remodel (new appliances and countertops and refacing your existing cabinets) returned 82.7% and cost $18,856 on average. Turning unfinished space into finished space also had good returns. Adding an attic bedroom cost just under $49,438 and returned 84.3%, while remodeling the basement cost $62,834 and returned 77.6%. Local Vs. National While the national figures tell you what the median returns were for homeowners across the nation, you can also look at the data for 120 cities and nine regions. That will tell you what's going on in the local market. But to get the best possible return on remodeling, your project has to fit the neighborhood and your home. You wouldn't expect to recoup the cost of putting gold-plated faucets in an entry-level home and peel-and-stick tile isn't the best flooring choice for a luxury condo. Courtesy Al Clark HomeAction Newsletter If you have a project that you are planning,  I would be happy to help you understand the value it would have to your particular home.  Please email me at bcerny@roseandwomble.com

Beware the Contractor!!

In case you missed it!!!    Another article on being careful on who works on your home.

As the article notes, call or email me if you need a contractor.   As a Realtor, we have some one for almost any job.

CONSUMER WATCH: IF IT'S TIME TO CALL IN THE PROS- WATCH OUT! (courtesy of Al Clark's Newsletter)

Topic Summary: When it comes time to hire a professional to fix major systems in your home, there are several precautions that you should be aware of. The first, don't let your systems degrade to the point of having an emergency. Do some periodic maintenance. Second, look to your HomeActions sponsor as a source of local trade pros that will do the best work. (On the left side panel, just click SEND EMAIL) In this NBC undercover video, (click on image)(can't do anything about the ad)  a staged homeowner calls six contractors to come out and check her AC unit that has been found to be working just fine.  Watch and see how the situation can quickly get out of hand. The Air Conditioner Contractor Association has some good tips here  It's not just air conditioner contractors. Anytime you are dealing with professionals there is a chance of inflated estimates, bait and switch on parts, shoddy workmanship or poor follow-up maintenance. But it doesn't have to be that way.  There is a Network!  Your real estate professional that provides you this service probably has a network of plumbers, roofers, electricians and other trade professionals that they deal with on a daily basis. Part of the process in helping consumers sell and buy homes involves working with these types of professionals. This informal network can help you because these professionals need to be referred by real estate agents all the time. If word gets around, and Realtors talk to other Realtors, that a particular contractor is fly-by-night, or a painter is very sloppy, a lot of potential business is at risk. Ask your Realtor for recommendations before you hire a professional. Houselogic.com, a service of the National Association of Realtors has some great resources on the topic