curry blog.

INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE AND APPEAL WITH THESE INEXPENSIVE DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECTS

With the increase of homes currently on the market, it is so important to make your home stand out from the competition if you’re trying to sell.  It’s not just about location, square footage, or the number of bedrooms and baths.  If the house doesn’t show well, it doesn’t stand much of a chance in today’s market.

Here are some inexpensive DYI projects that made HomeGain’s list, and the estimated increase to the home’s price at resale for each project. Continue reading INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE AND APPEAL WITH THESE INEXPENSIVE DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECTS…

THINGS HAPPEN! ARE YOU COVERED?

The single best way to protect your investment in your home is by owning a homeowner’s insurance (HOI) policy.  Let’s take a look at the 4 main categories of coverage that normally appear in a HOI policy.

Dwelling.  The most effective type of coverage for the home in which you reside is replacement cost coverage.  Payment based on the replacement cost is usually the most favorable figure from your point of view because it compensates you for the actual cost of replacing property. The key to determining how much dwelling coverage you need isn’t the value of your home but rather the money you’d have to pay to rebuild it. 

Other Structures.   Examples of other structures covered by HOI would be a detached garage, workshop, storage building, barn, etc.   Your policy covers all of the other structures that might be located on your property besides the home itself.  The same coverage rules apply here as the dwelling insurance – the total amount of coverage should be high enough to rebuild the entire structure if completely lost. 

Contents.  In the case of the contents, an inventory of items room by room is important to have with information such as the date purchased, serial number, the original cost of each item and a brief description. Video tape or still photos is very helpful along with the inventory. These items should be stored in a safe place such as a safety deposit box in a bank and not in the home.  Limitations are normally set for high-cost items such as jewelry, fine art, furs, electronics, collectibles, oriental rugs and antiques. If a thief comes in and steals a two-carat engagement ring, it may not be covered well enough without a personal property rider to cover specific, costly items.

Liability.   As a homeowner, you automatically assume some responsibility for what happens in and around your home.  Homeowner’s liability insurance provides for protection in the event someone gets hurt or property is damaged.  In case of either event, or a combination of the two, you are at risk of severe financial loss as a result of being found liable. In addition to covering medical expenses or cost of repairs, the liability part of your HOI usually pays for court costs should a lawsuit arise.  Don’t skimp on your liability limits!

It’s a good idea to read your policy and become familiar with what is covered and is not covered.  You may be pleasantly surprised to find that a policy covers you for more things than you originally thought.

If you have a question about your homeowner’s policy or would like a free quote, call Lee Newsome, Personal Lines Agent, at Curry Insurance Agency– 478-272-2335 or toll-free 800-596-5664.

A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS

You’ve found a house you’d like to purchase and perhaps are wondering if you should have it inspected.  Everything you see as you walk through and around the home looks great, but what about those items not so visible?     

The purchase of a home is the single largest investment most people will make, and having a thorough home inspection will make you aware of the true condition of the house you are considering to make your home.   If you’ve ever purchased a used car, more than likely you took it to a mechanic to have it checked out before you handed over any money for the car.  So, why not check out a house which has a lot more things to inspect?  

You can expect to pay $300 to $400 for the inspection.  The cost, however, will vary depending on the age and size of the home.  The inspector will evaluate items such as the roof and other structural items, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.    A thorough home inspection will take an average of 3 hours; again, it depends on the age and size of the home.   Although you will receive a detailed report on the findings, it’s a good idea to be present during the inspection to get a better understanding of the inspector’s observations and have an opportunity to ask questions. 

Most often it’s a buyer who hires the inspector, but it’s also a great idea for a seller to have a pre-listing inspection performed.  This gives reassurance to both seller and real estate agent that the house they are preparing to put on the market has no surprises awaiting them later, and may also eliminate last-minute negotiations regarding a sale when a buyer uncovers a needed repair.  

For more information on home inspections and a list of certified home inspectors, ask a professional real estate agent with Curry Real Estate.  You can also find a list of home inspectors on CurryRealEstate.com under the Helpful Links section.

Internet is #1 Source for Homebuyers

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, close to 90% of prospective homebuyers begin searching for a new home using the Internet.  To meet that demand, Curry Residential Real Estate has created a website with all of the information buyers need to begin the process of finding their dream home.  Hundreds of detailed listings and virtual tours, thousands of photos and easy-to-use tools such as mortgage calculators and interactive maps are all just a click away; and homebuyers have access to the most professional Realtors® in the business.  

Visit CurryResidential.com and sign up for our Auto Home Finder search service.  It’s quick, easy and free!  Let us know what you’re looking for in a new home, and we’ll send you regular emails of home listings that meet your specific needs.  Or contact one of our Realtors®.  Whether you’re buying your first home, up-sizing or down-sizing, the professional Curry Realtors® will help you find the home that will match your lifestyle and personality.

Save Time and Hassle: Get Pre-Approved!

So you’ve decided to stop paying rent, or perhaps you still live with your parents and have decided it’s time to leave their nest and start your own.  The best place to begin is by examining your finances.   When you have your financing arranged before you start looking for your home, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle.  

First: take stock of your income and expenses, both current and projected, to get an idea of what you think you can comfortably manage to pay each month. 

Second: shop for your loan.  Check with local banks and/or a mortgage broker. You should compare interest rates, broker fees, points, prepayment penalties, loan application fees, etc.  After you’ve decided which mortgage “store” you want to use, ask to be “pre-approved. ”

Now that you’re approved for your home loan, call a REALTOR(R) and go shopping at CurryCompanies.com.

TO BUY or NOT TO BUY: That Is The Question

No one can deny the housing market, nation-wide, has been in a slump the past several months and recovery has been slow to take place.  However, what has taken place has created a Buyers’ Market – an ideal time to buy.

Most areas, including ours, have an abundance of available houses for sale.  According to the National Association of REALTORS, available homes are at a 15-year high. When housing inventory is high, it puts sellers in a position that necessitates competitive pricing.

Not only is the supply of available houses high, mortgage interest rates have remained at record lows. (Check out FreddieMac for average mortgage rates.)

Buyers who are pre-approved have incredible negotiating power, and financing options are available for those with a steady income and good credit.

It’s a simple equation: Motivated Seller + Low Mortgage Rate + Qualified Buyer = A Happy Homeowner.

Whether you are listing a home or look to buy a home, we’d like to help.  Visit us at CurryCompanies.com for all of your Real Estate needs.

You’ve Sold Your Home. Now What?

Now that all the closing papers have been signed and the keys handed over to the new owners, there’re a few things to remember.    

File all paperwork related to your closing in a place that you can easily access later.  You will need documentation of expenses and proceeds when you file your taxes.  Hopefully, you’ve kept all receipts from home improvements.  The IRS allows you to add the cost of improvements to your home’s cost basis during the time you owned the home.  (Consult your accountant for more precise information.)  There could also be tax credits available for upgraded items. 

If you sell but don’t have plans to immediately buy a new home, put your cash into a safe place that will give you a reasonable rate of return.

When you’re ready to buy your next home, visit CurryCompanies.com for the best of listings in the Heart of Georgia.

Selling Your Home Starts with Curb Appeal

If you watch a lot of HGTV, you hear the term “curb appeal” often.  Great curb appeal is crucial when trying to sell your home.  After all, the yard and the front of your home are the first things a prospective buyer will see, and first impressions are very important. You want your property to stand out from the competition – inside and out.

Here are a few simple items from Curry Residential to keep in mind when it comes to increasing the curb appeal of your home.

• Keep lawn mowed and water it as needed to keep it green
• Add fresh mulch to shrubbery and flower beds
• Edge the driveways and walkways
• Keep shrubbery trimmed
• Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door and replace the hardware if needed
• Pressure wash dirty siding
• Make your front porch inviting by adding a pot of fresh colorful flowers
• Keep trash cans, bicycles, and gardening tools stowed away

Great curb appeal may make the difference whether a buyer keeps driving or anxiously steps inside.  See the Curry Companies website for more Tips about selling your home.