Do You Need a Backup Generator for Your Home?

Many people live where power outages occur quite often. This can be caused by storms or simply an unreliable power grid. If you experience regular power outages, you may be wondering if you need a backup generator. Here are some considerations for you to think about before you buy.

You May Need a Back-up Generator if……

· You store large amounts of frozen/refrigerated food – Do you have a storage freezer or regularly keep large amounts of food on hand?

· You have life-saving medical equipment on-site – Are you or a loved one reliant on medical devices to stay healthy that require power?

· You need electricity to stay warm in winter – Do you live in a location where temperatures drop to dangerous levels in winter and rely on power to generate heat?

· You have essential equipment on site – Do you have systems that must run constantly to prevent damage? A good example is a sump pump that prevents flooding.

If you do need a generator, there are still options you must investigate. How much power do you need and for how long? Generators need fuel and regular maintenance. They also are loud and emit fumes, so placement is very important. You can also choose from a permanent generator or a portable version.

Power outages can cause serious issues and a home backup generator is a great way to safeguard from loss. Do you need a backup generator? Consider why you want one and then do some homework. Generators are an expensive investment but may be important for your family.

10 Most Common Home Buyer Questions

Buying a new home is exciting and confusing. There are a lot of steps to buying a home, and people have questions. These are the most common questions home buyers have, and the answers.

1. How do I get started? – The first step is to speak with a lender and get a pre-approval. This will tell you, and potential sellers, how much you can afford.

2. How long does it take to close on a home? – Typically, it takes about 30-45 days once contracts are signed to complete the lending, appraisal, and inspection processes.

3. What does my agent do? – A buyer’s agent will negotiate terms and manage the closing process from start to finish.

4. How much do I pay for a buyer’s agent? – Nothing. The seller’s agent gives the buyer’s agent a portion of their commission from the seller.

5. What credit score do I need to qualify? – A 620 FICO score or higher is required for most home loan programs. Talk to a lender for other options for lower scores.

6. How much money do I need for a down payment? – It varies. FHA loans start as low as 3% and most lenders offer standard programs for a 5% down payment.

7. What other fees will I need to pay? – Closing costs and loan origination fees will add another 2-4% to the costs.

8. What if I change my mind? – Your agent will work with you to build in contingencies for condition, loan terms/approval, and other protections to allow you time to evaluate the home during escrow.

9. When do I get the keys? – Unless you’ve negotiated extra time for the sellers to move, you’ll get the keys at the closing.

10. What’s the best advice for home buyers? – Trust the experts and ask lots of questions. Buying a new home is exciting. Reduce any anxiety by finding a good buyer’s agent who can help you make the best choice for your needs.

What Stays with The Home?

More than one seller has been surprised to find that their favorite chandelier is not theirs to take when they move. First-time home sellers might be especially confused when confronted with an exclusion form presented by their agent, but understanding what is, and is not included in the sale by statute is important to avoid disappointment on both sides.

The first rule of thumb is to consider if the item is nailed down, bolted, mounted, or planted. This covers a wide range of items both inside and outside the home. This might seem simple enough, but the debate about what constitutes a “fixture” has caused many post-sales lawsuits. Fixtures will stay with the home unless specifically excluded. This includes light fixtures, shelves, cabinets, built-in shelves, and more.

Consider the mount for the big-screen TV. It might seem logical to assume the mount would go with the TV when the sellers leave, but technically it’s likely considered a fixture as it’s bolted to the wall. What about a window-mounted air conditioner? If it’s sitting in the window, it’s typically personal property, if there is a hole in the wall to accommodate it, then it’s a likely fixture.

Outdoor items are subject to the same rules. Anything planted in the yard goes with the home, as does furniture or other items bolted to the ground. In that scenario, an arbor or patio cover bolted to a concrete slab would stay. Contrary to everything just outlined, however, curtains typically go with the home.

Clearly, it can be confusing.

If you are ready to buy or sell a home, make sure and discuss with your agent what you want to add or exclude to the sale. This is the best way to avoid disappointment at best or a courtroom at worst.

Modern Farmhouse Styles – The Trend Gets an Update

Farmhouse décor has been a trend for the last decade. The look combines functionality with a relaxed, lived-in feel. Pieces look slightly worn, rustic, and inviting. The ease of the farmhouse style is one of the reasons for its lingering appeal as designers look to modernize and update the look.

Modern Farmhouse style continues to emphasize a neutral color palette and sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood and used brick but adds more sophistication to the theme. Capitalizing on the boho trend, the Modern Farmhouse style might include accent pieces in wicker or kilim rugs and pillows, warming the room and merging it with more traditional elements.

Contemporary designs such as Industrial and Scandinavian also get an update when mixed with Modern Farmhouse. The bright, light rooms of a Scandinavian Farmhouse look might include a rustic kitchen table or distressed flooring. While cold, Industrial design adds warmth with a sliding barn door entry or rich leather chairs.

The farmhouse style focuses on comfort, practicality, and an informal lifestyle. Today’s family enjoys this kind of living environment because it offers an easy and flexible design. Inexpensive accent pieces are also readily available which makes the style accessible to everyone. Modern Farmhouse is an updated version of the original, incorporating fresh looks and merging textures and palates to suit the contemporary homeowner.

Prepping an Empty House for Sale

You read that right. Should you “prep” an empty house? This is not about adding furniture or plants to a vacant home, but it’s about looking at the empty home and making it more appealing to buyers.

Not all homes need furniture to sell for top dollar, but even a vacant home needs attention before it’s ready for showing. The key is to remove anything that would distract from a buyer seeing the home in its best light and highlight its best features.

What Should You Remove from a Vacant House?

· Anything that isn’t clean – Remove dirt from ceiling fans, baseboards, sink, dishwasher, windows, shelves, etc.

· Leftover Items – Hangers in closets, old batteries from drawers.

· Cable and Cords – Neaten walls and floors by removing or hiding.

· Worn or Stained Carpet – Replace old, damaged, stained, or dated carpet.

· Old Window Treatments – Old dated curtains and tired Venetian blinds are distracting, remove them. · Spider Webs and Dust Balls – Check those corners for dead bugs, cobwebs, and dust.

· Leave Behind Furniture – Don’t be tempted to leave indoor or outdoor furniture you no longer want.

· Dead Leaves – Clean the yard and remove all debris.

Vacant homes offer a blank canvas for buyer’s imaginations. To sell quickly, make sure the home is clean, fresh, and ready for showing by removing distractions and anything which appears old, dirty, or shabby

How to Survive Your Neighbor’s Construction Project

Any kind of construction project is loud and dirty. For homeowners starting their project, they have the anticipation of the finished product to look forward to. But what if the project isn’t your own but your neighbor’s? You have all the hassle with none of the excitement of the result. Having construction going on next door is never fun, but you can mitigate the negative aspects by following a few tips.

Talk to Your Neighbor, Then Talk to the Contractor

In a perfect world, your neighbor will come to you first, but this isn’t always the case. At the first sign of construction, get in touch with the owners and discuss the scope and timeframe of the project. Discuss any specific issues or occasions you have planned that the project could impact, such as family illness, new baby, or backyard celebration.

Noise and Dust

Plan to be away as much as possible during the project. Keep doors and windows closed to prevent particles from entering your home, that can cause health issues. Check with your local building department to understand the hours that a construction company can work and work with your neighbor to hold them accountable. Finally, remember that this will end. You may need to live next door to the owner for years to come and maintaining a good relationship with your neighbors is more important than a few weeks of hassle.

How to Buy from the Best Home Builder

Whether you plan to buy a single-family home, condo, or townhouse, buying in a new development can cause years of issues if you don’t choose a property with a solid, reputable home builder.

It’s exciting to consider buying new construction, a brand-new home suited to your specific needs and taste. Yet unlike the resale homes, there are no previous owners to provide disclosures detailing issues with construction, lot, or property. In this case, one is relying on the builder to provide a high-quality home in both construction and materials.

As with any home purchase, doing your homework ahead of time can save you thousands of dollars over the long run. Start by researching the builder of the subdivision. Check for other projects, both current and past. Visit any projects still available and drive by the other properties to see how the homes have weathered. Watch for signs of repairs, such as new roofs or paint.

When visiting the model homes, watch for the qualify of construction. Do the doors and drawers open and close smoothly? Are the floors finished at the baseboards neatly? Ask for a tour of unfinished homes as well. Check to see if the workmanship is uniform and careful.

Finally, have a home inspection before closing on the property. A staple of the resales housing market, few homebuyers of new construction consider it. By taking the time to do your research ahead of time, you can make the right choice in a new home.

Home Decor Goes Back to the Future

It was only a matter of time until home designers looked to the 1980s for inspiration. Showrooms are looking more like a TV set of the Golden Girls rather than the bland, gray-toned backdrops of the past few years. Color, shapes, and playfulness are making a comeback.

Bringing rooms back to life is the theme for this design trend. What’s New?

• Round Shapes – Gone are the sharp edges and squared-off furniture. Round tables, sofas, and chairs are making an entrance this year.

• Lower Furniture – Just like its mid-Century modern cousins, 80’s furniture was lower to the ground than contemporary styles.

• Color – 1980s seafoam green and peach have morphed into teal and mauve this season and taking center stage in home décor.

• Rattan – Rattan furniture is no longer for retirees in Florida or vacation condos in Hawaii. This versatile material is now a mainstay in homes. Consider a piece or entire room of rattan furniture to brighten your space.

• Lucite – Clear furniture offers an illusion of floating in the room. Small spaces become larger by adding clear chairs or accent tables.

• Ceramics – Shell-shaped lamps and art deco styles vases are an essential decorating element for the 1980’s style.

• Kitsch – Pop Art pieces are back.

Think Andy Warhol prints and oversized novelty decorations like oversized pencils or giant teacups. Fun is the essential theme of the 1980’s style. As designers put a modern twist on an old décor, more homeowners are dusting off their 80’s décor and adding a bit of whimsy to their home.

What Does Pending Sale Mean?

Buying a home is a process. Once a buyer writes an offer, with the assistance of a Live Oak Realtor, and has it accepted, the listing is placed in a state called “pending sale.” During this stage, the principals involved perform all the elements of the contract, and once complete, the title is transferred to the new owner.

Sounds simple, but this stage can become incredibly stressful if the contract milestones are not met on time, or if problems are uncovered. Typically, a home sale outlines the term for escrow of 30-60 days. During this time, inspections are completed and reviewed, the appraisal is ordered, and final loan approval is obtained. If there are no delays, the escrow will close on time and the buyer gets the keys to their new home.

Unfortunately, there are often delays in this process, which can cause the sale to drag on. Some common hiccups include negotiated repairs, financing or credit issues, appraisal problems, missing paperwork, and title issues. However, our Live Oak agents are trained to help buyers and sellers navigate these issues.

At times, delays become excessive and either buyer or seller may be ready to move on. All contracts have milestones and benchmarks which outline by what date each step in the process must be completed. When these dates are passed, then the other party can make a demand to perform or close escrow. Working with an experienced real estate agent can help ensure you are protected from unnecessary delays during the pending sale.

The LO Down

Live Oak Real Estate is founded on the concept of growth and change. Our owners knew going into this business that their goal was to create a brokerage with agents who are ready and equipped to revolutionize their market. How do we, at Live Oak, equip ourselves? Through continual education, discussions, and constant motivation! With this concept in mind, our owners built The LO Down Podcast. 

The LO Down Podcast revolves around the importance of mindset in business and life. You will notice that Dustin Thomas and Andrew Fleeman bring fun and light to real life situations in the Real Estate world. Both of our hosts have experience in buying, selling, building, flipping and investing in real estate. Where their expertise caps, they are eager to bring business owners and entrepreneurs with drive and experience to guide us through their unique success story. 

Dustin and Andrews main goal for The LO Down Podcast is to give faith to anyone hovering over that line, wondering if they should take that leap of faith. Our host will not only give you the push, but are here to educate and encourage you through your journey. 

Check out their newest episode releasing tomorrow titled The Importance of Mindset in Business and Life. You can find this episode, along with the previous post, on all podcast platforms. 

Written by Brooke Harrell

What Are Your Real Estate Goals?

Invariably, the first time you meet or speak to your Live Oak Real Estate agent, the same prompt starts the conversation: “tell me about yourself and your real estate goals.” Seems simple enough to answer. “I need more space” or “I’m ready to downsize” are common answers.

While these answers may be at the heart of the decision for change, they neglect to provide the concrete data your agent needs to identify the right prospective homes. This in turn leads to frustration and wasted time and energy—on both sides—and ultimately will not help find the best housing option for you.

Before meeting with your Live Oak Agent, consider the specifics of what you need. For example, when explaining that you need more space, be specific about what that means. Do you need more bedrooms for a home office or a new baby? Would you like to have a larger kitchen or a bigger yard? In other words, what does “space” mean to you?

Discuss specifics about your lifestyle as well. Would one “great room” be a better configuration than separate living and dining areas? Would you like to live close to a park or school? Would you value a private, gated community? These are just a few of the specifics your agent needs to know.

Our agents want to provide you the best options to tour; not only is that a good use of your time, but theirs as well. There is no reason to see 25 homes each weekend if only 4 of them suit your needs. By having clearer conversations upfront, you can save valuable time and find the right home faster.

6 Upgrades Millennial Buyers Pay More For – and 1 Exception

6 Upgrades Millennial Buyers Pay More For – and 1 Exception

Home sellers assume they must make some upgrades before putting their home on the market. While any deferred maintenance or extreme wear-and-tear issues should be addressed, major upgrades or updates may not net more money when you sell; especially with millennial buyers, who are looking for their first home in droves.

6 Common Upgrades Millennial Buyers Won’t Pay Extra For – and 1 They Will

1. Professional Landscaping–Although a nicely maintained yard is attractive to all buyers, over-the-top landscaping with special hardscapes or fountains will not appeal to millennials.

2. Upgraded Utilities–You may appreciate the new plumbing, but buyers will not pay more for copper or PEX pipes or the brand-new junction box.

3. HVAC – Again, news ystems are appreciated, but buyers won’t offer more for the latest systems.

4. New Roof – A leaking roof will certainly lower the sales price but replacing one will not have the opposite effect.

5. Swimming Pool –Not only will millennial buyers not pay more for a pool, but they may shy away entirely, considering the cost of upkeep and safety for young children.

6. Trendy Home Décor – This may seem counter-intuitive but adding the latest design features that will quickly go out-of-style can be a turnoff.

And finally, the one they will pay extra for? Solar panels. Younger buyers are conscious of their carbon footprint and are looking for environmentally-friendly options in their homes and lives. The millennial buyers are here, and understanding what they want in a new home will help sellers capitalize on this fresh market of home buyers.