Pricing your home correctly

Yuri posted a good video on the importance of pricing your home corrrectly.

Pricing your home correctly

Dallas Shows Largest Population Gain!

Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston gained the most new residents of any city -- netting more than 140,000 each -- according to the Census Bureau's annual metropolitan area population estimates released on Wednesday. Meanwhile, music center Austin posted the second highest growth rate among top cities -- 3.1% -- just behind Raleigh, N.C.

"Texas stands as the most prominent Sun Belt survivor of the last half of the decade because of its diversified economy, smaller run-ups in housing prices, and fewer foreclosures," said William Frey, a demographer for the Brookings Institute, a liberal think tank.

Source: CNNMoney.com

5 Tips for a Successful Remodel

As spring approaches, many home owners grow eager to start remodeling projects to update and refresh their surroundings. Before getting started, it’s a good idea to hire a professional remodeler for a workable plan and better results, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

“A professional remodeler knows how to translate a home owner’s dreams and budget into a beautiful reality,” said Donna Shirey, President of Shirey Contracting in Issaquah, Wash. and 2010 chairman of NAHB Remodelers. “They have the expertise and skills to satisfy a customer while keeping the budget in check.”

Here are five tips for planning a successful home remodel that you can enjoy for many years to come.

1) Compile a list of home remodeling ideas and draft a budget for the work.

You likely have some projects in mind, such as modernizing the bathroom, renovating the kitchen, replacing windows or repairing the roof. Prioritize your wish list: Maybe you don’t have the budget for your dream remodel, but professional remodelers can maximize your dollars by doing the work in phases, suggesting budget-friendly products and materials, and implementing creative design solutions.

2)Look for a professional remodeler to help plan the project.

Asking friends and neighbors for names of qualified remodelers will also help you find a match for your project. Contact your city's Better Business Bureau for the company's rating. After you start speaking with remodelers and find one or two who match your project’s needs, be sure to conduct some background research by checking with the Better Business Bureau, talking to their references, and asking if they are a trade association member (such as NAHB Remodelers). Remodelers with these qualities tend to be more reliable, better educated, and more likely to stay on top of construction and design trends.

3) Agree on a contract.

Talk over the details of the home remodeling project and begin reviewing the contract. You’ll want to check the remodelers’ insurance coverage, ask about any warranties on their work, know who is responsible for obtaining any building permits, and understand the process for making any change orders after the contract is signed. Make sure that you and your remodeler see eye to eye before you sign on the dotted line.

4) Take advantage of the energy efficiency tax credits.

If your remodel includes replacing windows or doors, adding insulation, installing new roofing, upgrading heating or air-conditioning units, updating the water heater, or installing energy generating products (such as solar panels, heat pumps, or wind turbines) then you can take advantage of federal energy efficiency tax credits through 2010 that will help defray costs and maximize your remodeling budget while reducing home energy bills. (Learn more at www.nahb.org/efficiencytaxcredit.)

For more tips on planning a home remodel or hiring a professional remodeler, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.

Source: RISMedia/NAHB Photo: Kristine Baugh

What's Your Walkability Score?

Walk.com rates neighborhoods based on residents' ability to get by without a car. Criteria used includes the area's proximity to public transit, schools, grocery stores, restaurants, parks, etc.

My neighborhood, Prestonwood Estates in Dallas, rates a 78 out of 100. This is considered "very walkable" and a terrific selling point for the neighborhood.

Check out your neighborhood's Walkability Score here.

Simple Bath Updates for Huge Impact

A few simple updates to bathrooms can do so much to enhance the value, enjoyment, and marketability of a home.  Whether you are considering selling, buying, or investing, here are some inspirational ideas for bathroom projects (in all price levels) that might help you visualize a bathroom's potential.  Here is a "before" photo.  Click here to see the AFTER photo!

Source: www.bhg.com