1. Not taking into account costs of home ownership in their budgeting process. They get preapproved for x and think they can afford that amount. But you should plan on buying a house under what the lender approves you for, so you are not house poor later. Things happen -- maintenance items such as roofs leak, furnaces break down -- and you need to have a cushion so you're not stretched too tight when bad things happen at the house.

 

2. In negotiating for the house purchase, not understanding the long term cost of an extra $5000 or $10,000. When negotiating, frequently two parties are almost there, and only a few thousand dollars may separate the buyer and seller. Buyers need to ask themselves, "How badly do I want this house?" If you're $10,000 apart, that's an additional $49.19 per month on a 30 year fixed loan at 4.25%. And $5000 is only $25 extra a month So if your answer is you have to have this house and you'll cry if you don't get it, can you afford an extra $49/month? That's maybe one dinner out for a couple, or giving up one fancy latte for 10 days each month. Can you do that? If so, why not pay the extra $10,000? If you don't care if you lose the house, then fine. Let it go. And if you cannot afford the extra $49/month then perhaps you're already over your head right now and should be looking at a less expensive home. I did this with my own home, which I bought 9 years ago. We were $10,000 apart and I really wanted this house. The extra $50/month has brought us 9 years of happiness in this house, which my family loves. I never looked back. 

 

3. Not getting a home inspection. Some buyers shave costs by skipping the home inspection. Instead they may have Uncle Larry look at the house, or trust dad's instincts. But unless Uncle Larry or dad are certified home inspectors, you're taking a chance. The $350-500 you put out now for a home inspection will seem like small potatoes if the home inspector finds a big problem you would regret later. Get a home inspection, or take your chances and don't complain later if the house has unforseen issues. Skipping this step is being penny wise but pound foolish.

 

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Exceptional … Professional … Results!

Erica Ramus is Broker/Owner of Ramus Realty Group in Pottsville, PA.

If you're looking for a professional firm to represent you in all of your Schuylkill County real estate needs, call us at 570-622-6006.

Pottsville PA homes for sale

Schuylkill County homes for sale

We have all properties listed for sale in the Schuylkill MLS on our website.

We also run Schuylkill Appraisal Services, for all your appraisal needs in the area.

Schuylkill Business lists Schuylkill County commercial real estate for sale/rent.

 

How much does flooring cost? Which types cost more? Which cost less?

Now, of course, these are loaded questions, but I get this question often. I always hesitate to give per square foot prices because they vary so much and for so many different reasons...as you'll see.

Originally posted at Which types of flooring cost less and which types cost more

 

For example, let's take hardwood floors ... the cost depends on what species and grade of hardwood. It depends on whether it’s solid or engineered. It depends on how wide the planks are. Prices can vary based on installation method (nailed vs. glued vs. floated as well as whether it’s prefinished or unfinished hardwood). The cost depends on whether or not you have plywood subfloor. It depends if we need to do rip up and what surface we are ripping up (carpet or hardwood or tile). It depends if your floor is level and whether we need to do floor prep. Further, prices can vary on whether it’s a small, mid or large size area.

 

In addition, I don’t like giving per sq ft prices because customers will measure their room and do the multiplication and think that’s the price. But, they don’t realize that they need to account for many other factors including waste, acclimation delivery, transition pieces, whether we replace the base molding on the walls or just add shoe molding. As you can see there are MANY factors.  

 

Also, many customers can be misled when they go to a store as they just see the cost for the materials. These prices usually do not include the labor nor the other factors I just mentioned above. So, I have many customers that mistakenly think some surfaces cost less. Please bear in mind that these are generalities, so it does depend on which item you select and the conditions of your floors. Also, this can vary a based on your geography. But, for the most part, these generalities should hold for Northeast, Mid Atlantic, Mid West. It is likely that the prices for tile are a lower in some of the warmer climates - especially in the South, West and Southwest.  

So, here's a look at flooring prices from least expensive to most expensive – factoring in labor + material:

Carpet: In general, carpet is the least expensive surface. So, if you really need to save money, this is the way to go. The labor on carpet is lower and you can certainly find some less expensive carpets, especially when it comes to basement carpet.

 

That being said, carpet more than any other surface varies the most in price. As you get into much softer nylons, or multi-colored carpets or wool carpets, the prices increase and are sometimes even more expensive than hardwoods. But, as a general rule, carpet will usually cost you less than any other hard surface.  

 

 

 

Laminate – Laminate flooring is usually more expensive than carpet but less expensive than hardwood. The materials for laminate are less expensive and labor is lower. In addition, pending on the conditions of the current floor, sometimes, you can install laminate directly on top of what’s there.so this reduces cost of rip up and haul away.  

 

 

Hardwood flooring – I really do prefer hardwood flooring over laminate, but it does cost more. (It’s usually worth it since in the long run, it will usually last longer). Oak and bamboo tend to be the lower cost hardwoods. Adding hardwood to your home not only looks great (and most people prefer), but it also improves the value of your home, so it is a great investment. Oh, and it’s easier (and less expensive) to clean and maintain.

 

 

 

 

 

Tile flooring – In general, tile is the most expensive surface to install. That’s because it’s the most labor intensive. This is often a surprise to customers because they’ll see tile in Home Depot and think, wow, this is less expensive than I thought…and, that’s true…the material is not that expensive…it’s the labor that drives the price on this one.  

 

 

 

 

So don’t be fooled by looking at the material cost. It takes much longer to lay tile and it's rip it out and haul it away. When it comes to bathrooms, there are a whole slew of other costs that come along with this. Usually when you tear up the walls, you need to resheet rock (and/or add durarock for the showers). Often a mudjob is needed for the floor and the shower. Oh, and don’t forget about the cost of a licensed plumber for toilet & sink removal as well as replacement of the shower pan.  

 

So, the costs for tile flooring really do add up. Tile is clearly the best choice for the bathroom, but just be aware that there are a lot of costs there. For regular floors (such as kitchens and entryways), tile will usually cost more. In warmer climates, tile is more popular, so the labor costs are a bit lower – same amount of labor – just more competitive rates.  

 

I hope this is helpful in providing some guidelines. As I mentioned, the prices will vary based on your circumstances and which material you are evaluating. This is another reason I like to go to customer’s homes. When I do, I can give them the prices for many different items and different surfaces so they can see the full price difference among their choices.  

If you live in Westchester NY and would like some guidance on your flooring, give The Flooring Girl a call at 914-937-2950.

View Westchester Flooring in a larger map

Which types of flooring are less expensive? Which types cost more?

Hardwood Flooring - Carpet - Tile/Natural Stone - Laminate - Refinish Hardwood - Backsplashes

Debbie Gartner, President and Owner

"The Flooring Girl"

Floor Coverings International Westchester County

You can download our free flooring guide.  Or, visit our flooring selector - 2,000 options.

We install hardwood floors, carpet and runners, tile flooring. Call us for a free estimate 914-937-2950. 

"We bring the store to your door."

If you enjoyed what you are are reading, feel free to  to my blog.

WC19920-H07, HIC619252

As a New Hampshire Home Stager I've seen many prematurely gray homes....older than their years.

Is your front door showing it's age?  It's time for a color!  

I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't be afraid to paint wood.   For many people painting over wood is considered blasphemy, but not all wood is created equal.

 Oak is dated and an oak front door is like gray hair on your house. 

Paint the front door!  It really doesn't matter whether you go vibrant or play it safe, or whether you choose a color based on Feng Shui or fashion trends.

Call a home stager for a color consult if you feel you need professional advice.

 For the cost of a quart of paint, you can subtract years from the age of your house and add thousands to it's value. 

Don't be afraid to paint over wood!

  While you're getting a color you might as well get a manicure too....

chances are the hardware also needs updating.

You don't have to buy new - we spray painted the existing door handle with great results.

Door color is Valspar Fired Earth

Hardware is Rust-Oleum Textured Black

 fyi....this is my "new" home, and you can see more of our recent updates in my series:  

New Hampshire Home Stager - Transforming My New Home

 Dining Room,  Living Room, Master Bed & Bath, Kitchen, Built-In Bookcases, Powder Room, Grandkids' Room

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For More Information Visit My Website

Professional Home Staging services for the New Hampshire Seacoast

Portsmouth   Rye   Greenland  North Hampton  Dover  Rochester  Somersworth 

603.661.8524

                                   

 

It’s that time of year that brings out the “nesting” in all of us. Whether you are de-cluttering and cleaning to get your home ready for market or just cleaning for cleaning sake, you will want to use good old fashion cleaning recipes for the best results!

Many homeowners don’t realize cleaning products can be made from household pantry items..white vinegar, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, ammonia, olive oil and lemon juice are just a few you can use to make your house shine!

Check out Eco-friendly cleansers at: www.organizedhome.com.
Here are a few recipes that are economical and will make your house sparkle:

Homemade Spray Cleaner Recipe
Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1cup white vinegar
1cup water

Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe
Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Strong Glass Cleaner Recipe
Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia

Strong All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 Tbsp clear, non-sudsing ammonia
1 Tbsp clear laundry detergent
2 cups water

Furniture Polish Recipe
Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
Shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth.  Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.

As always, helpful information is brought to you as a courtesy by your NW Austin Real Estate Consultant, Dorie Dillard, Coldwell Banker United Realtors.

                         WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO ASSIST YOU

 

 

Is There Value in

Staging A Home

Before

You Put It On The Market? 

Oh I Just Don't Know, What Do You Folks Think?

Did you know that 93% of buyers search the MLS

prior to calling a Realtor?

Which home do you think
will drive buyers to make that first contact with a Realtor?

Which home do you think
will drive buyers to want to SEE the property?

Which home do you think
will receive better offers sooner?

Which home do you think will be
remembered in the vast sea of homes on the market?

Which home do you think buyers will
emotionally connect with and visualize themselves living in?

 

 If your home doesn't show well on the MLS, buyers will just click on to the next listing!

 

• Staged homes have perceived value and are viewed as well maintained! 
  
• Staged homes allow buyers to focus on the archetectural details of the home!

  Did you know only 10% of buyers

can visualize what a property could be!

 

 Which home do you think will sell faster?

 

 

So, Is There Value In Staging A Home

Before you put it on the market? 

 

What Do You Think?

By the way,

did I mention this house got it's 

offer in three days?

 

 For all your Real Estate Needs, Call;

Laura S. Baker
(920) 728-41118

Realtor, First Weber Group
BakerL@FirstWeber.com
www.LauraBaker.FirstWeber.com

 

 President & Property Stylist
Ready? Set,...Sell!  Home Staging & ReDesign
rss.home.staging@gmail.com
www.rss-home-staging.com

 

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I can help you with ALL your HOME BUYING or HOME SELLING needs! From Home Staging to finding quality Trades persons. I provide innovative marketing strategies and continuous communication.  Moving? I work with a large network of Realtors and can refer you to the best!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Laura S. Baker
Realtor
First Weber Group,   
(920) 728-4118
BakerL@firstweber.com
www.laurabaker.firstweber.com
www.rss-home-staging.com

Ready? Set,...Sell! Home Staging & ReDesign is a fully insured Home Staging and Redesign company since 2007.  We have an A+ rating with the BBB of WI.  Our mission is to help Sellers, Investors, Lenders, Builders and Realtors® market the best product possible, therefor; turning properties over faster saving time, equity, carrying costs & marketing costs.  Our goal is to get you the best offers possible by showing well in the MLS & memorable to buyers.  Home Staging saves time and equity!

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Click to view

Ready? Set,...Sell!'s
Better Business Bureau Profile!
A+ Rating since 2007

       

  Scan QR codes with your smart phone, or Just click the icons and off you go to learn more about; Laura S. Baker,  Realtor @First Weber Group ~ & ~ President and Head Property stylist @Ready? Set,...Sell! Home Staging & ReDesign!