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Real Estate Blog
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Tuesday, December 20 2011
During the colder months, preventing ice dams should be a primary concern. Here’s how to protect your home from damage.
Wintertime icicles may look charming, but they usually signal a serious — and potentially costly — problem. Often lurking behind that thick ridge of ice on your roof is a pool of melted water, hence the term ice dam. That accumulated water can work its way under roof shingles and into the home, causing significant damage to ceilings, walls, and floors. Additionally, the sheer weight of the ice dam often causes gutters and downspouts to pull away from the house, sometimes bringing the fascia boards with them. Preventing ice dams helps avoid damage and costly repairs.
Potential damage
Over the five-year period leading up to 2007, water damage and freezing accounted for the second largest share of homeowner insurance claims, according to Claire Wilkinson of the Insurance Information Institute. The average homeowner claim for such damages was $5,531.
Ice dams are responsible for cracked plaster ceilings and walls, peeling paint, soaked carpets, and buckled wood floors. Less visible but no less destructive effects include drenched insulation, rotting joists, and the formation of mold. The most common form of ice dam-related damage is collapsed rain gutters, which can cost $100 to $300 per side to repair.
What causes ice dams
As heat rises from a home, it melts the accumulated snow on the roof. That melted snow travels down the roof in liquid form until it reaches the eave line and gutter, where it refreezes due to colder temps. This ice ridge continues to expand, blocking the flow of subsequent snow melt.
As water continues to melt higher up the roof, it collects behind the ice dam in the form of a puddle. Because that water sits over the warmer portion of the roof, it doesn’t freeze.
In order for ice dams to form, there needs to be roof snow buildup, home heat loss, and subfreezing temperatures. The more snow, the larger the heat loss, and the longer the subfreezing temperatures remain, the higher the likelihood that ice dams will materialize.
Preventing ice dams
Homeowners can’t control the weather, but they can do something about heat loss. “The main goal is to keep heat from reaching the roof, thus preventing snow melt in the first place,” explains Doug Bruell, president of Cleveland’s 25-year-old North Coast Insulation. Proper insulation and ventilation of the attic space is intended to keep the roof surface at or near outdoor temperatures.
Typical steps include insulating the attic floor and installing soffit, gable and/or ridge vents to expel heat. Folding attic stairways and recessed light fixtures also need to be insulated. “All penetrations into the attic from the heated living space need to be addressed,” adds Bruell. Homeowners can expect to pay $800 to $1,500 to insulate the attic, plus another $300 to $600 for the installation of vents.
The process is a bit more involved for homes with finished attics, says Bruell. To facilitate sufficient cold air flow from soffit vent to ridge vent, baffles or tubes are installed between the ceiling insulation and the underside of the roof. This might involve opening up the ceiling.
Insulation means savings
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, adding insulation to an unheated attic will have a greater impact on energy consumption than placing it anywhere else in the house. A properly insulated and ventilated attic not only reduces winter heating bills, it will trim summer cooling bills by expelling heat buildup. You can expect to save 10% to 50% on your heating and cooling bills.
In addition, you may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $500.
Deicing alternatives
In theory, roof rakes, brooms, and other long-handled devices can be used to remove snow before it has a chance to melt. In practice, however, the scheme is difficult to pull off, considering that most homeowners can’t reach all areas of the roof.
Electrically-heated deicing cables, which install along eave lines to inhibit water freeze, are only moderately effective, says Bruell. “These heat cables often just back up the problem, forcing the dams to form higher up the roof.” In addition to the purchase price ($150 to $300), and installation ($300 to $500), these cables require electricity to run. They also can shorten the life of roof shingles.
Ice dam removal
Homeowners suffering the effects of an ice dam—or those who fear a leak is imminent—can hire a roofing company to remove the ice buildup. Rather than employ hammers, chisels, and salt, which can damage the roof and gutters, technicians will steam away the ice and remove any remaining snow. Expect to pay around $500 or more for the service. It goes without saying that do-it-yourself removal can be dangerous when it involves ladders, heavy ice, and slippery roofs.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-thoughts/preventing-ice-dams/#ixzz1h600V0o5
Monday, December 19 2011
A real estate purchase is one of the best investments you can make — so be certain to protect your land ownership against possible title problems that can hinder the transfer and marketability of your real property. These problems are defects and occur before the date of the policy and remain undisclosed until sometime later. Even the most thorough search of the public records cannot reveal some the "hidden" hazards.
A one-time premium will safeguard your property from actual loss and defense costs (unless specifically excluded), up to the policy amount, resulting from any risk covered by your policy. A mortgage policy protects only your lender against tide defects. Purchasing an owner's policy of tide insurance will protect your interests. Title insurance covers tide defects such as:
1. Forged deeds, mortgages, releases of mortgages and other instruments.
2. False impersonation of the true owner of the land or of his consort.
3. Instruments executed under fabricated or expired power of attorney (death).
4. Deeds apparently valid but actually delivered after death of grantor or grantee, or without
consent of the grantor.
5. Deeds by persons of unsound mind.
6. Deeds by minors.
7. Deeds not properly delivered.
8. Deeds that appear to convey title but are really mortgages.
9. Outstanding prescriptive rights not of record and not disclosed by survey.
10. Descriptions apparently, but not actually, adequate.
11. Duress in execution of instruments.
12. Defective acknowledgment due to lack of authority of notary. (Acknowledgement taken
before commission or after expiration of commission)
13. Deed or property recited to be separate property of grantor, which is in fact, community or
joint property.
14. Deed from bigamous couple. (Prior existing marriage in another jurisdiction)
15. Undisclosed divorce of spouse who conveys as sole heir of deceased consort.
16. Undisclosed heirs.
17. Misinterpretation of wills, deeds and other instruments.
18. Birth or adoption of children after date of will.
19. Children living at date of will but not mentioned therein.
20. Discovery of will of apparent intestate.
21. Discovery of later will after probate of first will.
22. Administration of estate and probate of wills of persons absent but not deceased.
23. Conveyance by heir, devisee or survivor of a joint estate who murdered the decedent.
24. Deed from trustee of purported business trust, which is in fact, a partnership or joint stock
association.
25. Deed of executor under non-intervention will when order of solvency has been fraudulently
procured or entered.
26. Deeds to or from corporations before incorporation or after surrender, or forfeiture, of
charter.
27. Claims of creditors against property conveyed by heirs/devisees within prescribed period
after owner's death.
28. Mistakes in recording legal documents. For example, incorrect indexing, errors in
transcribing and failure to preserve original instrument.
29. Record easement, but erroneous ancient location of pipe or sewer line, which does not
follow route of granted easements.
30. Special assessments where they become liens upon passage of resolution and before
recordation or commencement of improvements for which assessed.
31. Want of jurisdiction of person in judicial proceedings.
32. Failure to include necessary parties in judicial proceedings.
33. Federal estate and gift tax liens.
34. State inheritance and gift tax liens.
35. Errors in tax records. For example, listing payment against wrong property.
36. Ineffective waiver of tax liens by tax or other governing authorities repudiated later by
successors.
37. Corporation franchise taxes as lien on all corporate assets, notice of which does not have to
be recorded in the local recording office.
38. Erroneous reports furnished by tax officials, but not binding on municipality.
39. Tax homestead exemptions set aside as fraudulently claims.
40. Lack of capacity of foreign personal representatives and trustees to act.
41. Deeds from nonexistent entities.
42. Interests arising by deeds to fictitious characters to conceal illegal activities on the premises.
43. Deed in lieu of foreclosure set aside as being given under duress.
44. Ultra vires deed given under falsified corporate resolution.
45. Conveyances and proceedings affecting right of servicemen protected by the Soldiers and
Sailors Civil Relief Act.
46. Federal condemnation without filing of notice. Federal law does not require filing of notice
of taking in local recording office.
47. Break in chain of title beyond period of examination or public records where running of
adverse possession statue has been suspended. True owners are incompetent, absent or
incarcerated or the sovereign holds title.
48. Deed from record owner of land where he has sold property to another purchaser on
unrecorded land contract and the purchaser has taken possession of premises.
49. Void conveyances in violations of public policy: payment on gambling debt, payment for
contract to commit crime or conveyance made in restraint of trade.
Friday, December 16 2011
Here is a great list for materials that can be recycled in Vanderburgh County and also where to recycle them. Every effort helps.
What and Where to Recycle in Vanderburgh County
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Materials To Be Recycled
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Recycling Locations
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Aluminum Cans (Some locations pay cash)
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Allied Waste, Fligeltaub, Material Recycling, Smurfit Recycling, Tri-State Resource Recovery, Trockman & Sons, Universal Salvage, Veolia, Wesselman Woods
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Aluminum Scrap
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Fligeltaub, Material Recycling, Tri-State Resource Recovery, Trockman & Sons, Universal Salvage, Veolia
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Appliances - Washers, Dryers, Air Conditioners (Certification required.)
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Fligeltaub, Trockman & Sons, Universal Salvage - Check classified ads or yellow pages for locations that take repairable appliances.
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Batteries - Household
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Call 436-7800
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Batteries - Vehicle & Boat
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Batteries Plus, Fligeltaub, Material Recycling, Trockman & Sons, Universal Salvage
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Brass & Copper
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Fligeltaub, Material Recycling, Trockman & Sons, Universal Salvage
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Cardboard, Corrugated
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Allied Waste, Material Recycling, Smurfit Recycling, Tri-State Resource Recovery, Veolia, Wesselman Woods
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Cartridges-toner (Printers, Copiers)
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Alpha-Laser, LaserTone
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Clothing
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Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent
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Computers & Components
**Fee applies**
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Best Buy, C&I Electronics, Office Depot, Staples
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Glass Containers
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D&L Innovative Materials
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Household Items - (Must be reusable)
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Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent
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Metal Food and Beverage Cans (Must be clean)
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Allied Waste, Fligeltaub, Trockman & Sons, Universal Salvage, Veolia
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Motor Oil (5 gallons per trip, in clean container)
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Autozone, Grease Monkey, Speed Lube, TSC, Wal-Mart Automotive Centers
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Packing Material - Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap, foam wrap (Must be clean)
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A.K. Pack & Ship, Goodwill
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Paper - Computer
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Smurfit Recycling, Wesselman Woods
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Magazines, Catalogs (Must be slick paper)
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Smurfit Recycling, Veolia, Wesselman Woods
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Mixed Household Paper (Junk mail and food boxes - must be clean; remove foil or paper liners)
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Smurfit Recycling, Veolia, Wesselman Woods
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Newspaper
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Allied Waste, Smurfit Recycling, Tri-State Resource Recovery, Veolia, Wesselman Woods
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Office Paper
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Smurfit Recycling, Tri-State Resource Recovery, Wesselman Woods
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Sacks (Must be clean)
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Smurfit Recycling, Tri-State Food Bank, Veolia
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Plastic - Milk Jugs, Soft Drink Bottles, Liquid Laundry and Soap Bottles (#1 & #2 narrow neck containers) (Must be clean, lids removed)
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Allied Waste, Tri-State Resource Recovery, Veolia
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Bags
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Some stores take back their own plastic bags
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Scrap Iron & Steel
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Fligeltaub Co., Trockman & Sons, Universal Salvage
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Stainless Steel
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Fligeltaub Co., Material Recycling, Trockman & Sons, Universal Salvage
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Yard Waste
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Allied Waste/Laubscher Meadows
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Thursday, December 15 2011
December is a great month to cozy things up at home. The brighter and warmer a house looks and feels, the happier you will be. That's why we are including with this letter a few tips to make your house as cheery as possible!
And don't forget, if you have any real estate questions, you can always reach Rolando at
499-9234 or Kathy at 499-0246 or visit our Web site at: www.TheTrentiniTeam.com
FIVE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME BRIGHT, COZY AND CHEERFUL
Fix it up:
Candlescaping:
Mirror mirror, on the wall:
Light the way:
Open up:
During daytime hours, keep your draperies and window coverings open. This will not only allow your home to absorb heat, but it will brighten up the winter days that you spend at home.Lighting isn't just for indoor decorating it's also a valuable addition to the exterior of your home. Line your walkway or garden with cost-efficient solar light fixtures (no electricity needed!) to create a brilliant nighttime landscape outside your home. Mirrors not only create the illusion that your rooms are even more spacious than they already are, they also reflect light! Make your house warm and cozy by adding a few inexpensive mirrors in hallways, bedrooms and living spaces.Candles are generally inexpensive and are extremely versatile. Adding various candle arrangements to different rooms in your home will instantly create an atmosphere of warmth and style. Get creative! You might also favor scented candles to add a pleasant scent to different areas of the house.The light fixtures in your home are a reflection of your personal style and taste. Adding additional fixtures or replacing ones that aren't your favorites can be a fun and creative way to brighten up your home!
Tuesday, December 13 2011
CNNMoney.com reports that construction permits saw a modest boom in October.
According to the article, new construction permits sat at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 653,000 for October. This marks a 10.9 percent increase from September’s revised rate of 589,000. The numbers were gathered from the Commerce Department.
Doug Roberts, the chief investment strategist of Channel Capital Research said that even with the jump, the numbers are only speculative. Builders may still be holding back.
“Getting a permit and actually beginning to build a house is the difference between getting engaged and getting married,” said Roberts in the article. “What you have is builders thinking the market might be coming back, so they’re getting permits to make sure they are ready to build if it does.”
A government report supported Roberts’ opinion, showing that new home construction was a bit lower in October. The number of new homes fell slightly by 0.3 percent to an annual rate of 628,000 that month, according to the Commerce Department. The revised annual rate for September was 630,000 units.
“Builders thought they were going to be able to get out there and get some houses done, but then they found that they didn’t necessarily want to make the stone cold commitment and want to put anything in the ground,” Roberts said. “The demand wasn’t there, so they weren’t willing to bet a serious amount of money.”
If there is an increase in demand and the number of forecloses decreases, the article said that more permits could mean more construction.
“But that’s a big ‘if’,” Roberts added.
Even with the prevailing misanthropy of many in the housing market, both permits and construction have seen increases from last year, new construction rising 16.5 percent over October 2010 and building permits rising by 17.7 percent for the same period.
Read more: New Construction Permits Increase By 11 Percent | REALTOR.com® Blogs
Monday, December 12 2011
Snow and Ice.
They are harmless words but when pertaining to driving- they can be very dangerous.
"No one wants to be stranded in the cold because of an accident or a vehicle breakdown. Properly preparing your vehicle for winter driving is essential for the safety of all passengers and will greatly decrease the chances of your vehicle breaking down", states New Lenox Fire Chief Jon Mead.
Chief Mead recommends all drivers to prepare themselves with a winter emergency preparedness kit in case of a vehicle breakdown. The kit should include some of the following:
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Flares and/or a reflective triangle
- First Aid Supplies
- A simple tool kit
- A fully charged cell phone and/or a cell phone charger
- Candles
- Matches and/or a lighter
- Blanket
- Kitty litter, salt, or sand
- Ice scrappper with a brush
- Gloves
- Antifreeze
- Extra warm clothing
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- Make sure your car jack and lug wrench are in your car and working properly.
Before the weather of Old Man Winter arrives, make sure your car is properly serviced and maintained.
Friday, December 09 2011
With construction costs rising and the hassles associated with taking on a renovation project, many homeowners can be reluctant to tackle certain projects when it comes to remodeling their home. However, according to the 2011-12 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, several inexpensive exterior replacement projects are not only crucial to a home’s regular upkeep, but are also expected to recoup close to 70 percent of costs.
Exterior replacement projects continuously outperform other remodeling projects in terms of resale value, especially siding, window and door replacements. These types of projects are considered essential to regular home maintenance so homeowners will need to implement them anyway to keep their house functioning properly. The good news is that these projects do not require expensive materials. Many exterior replacement projects can be performed with durable low-maintenance materials and they also have the added bonus of instantly adding curb appeal, which is important to those looking to sell.
The 2011-12 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report compares construction costs with resale values for 35 midrange and upscale remodeling projects in 80 markets across the country. Realtors® provided their insight into local markets and buyer home preferences within those markets. Overall Realtors® estimated that home owners would recoup an average of 57.7 percent of their investment in 35 different improvement projects, down from an average of 60 percent last year.
Seven of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationally in terms of value recouped are exterior replacement projects. Upscale fiber-cement siding replacement was judged by Realtors® as the project expected to return the most money, with an estimated 78 percent of cost recouped upon resale. Two additional siding replacement projects were in the top 10, including foam-backed vinyl siding and upscale vinyl siding. In addition, three door replacements were among the top exterior replacement projects. The steel entry door replacement is the least expensive project in the report, costing little more than $1,200 on average and is expected to recoup 73 percent of cost upon resale. Both the midrange and upscale garage door replacements are expected to return more than 71 percent of costs.
There are regional differences when it comes to the resale value of particular remodeling projects. Relators® can help homeowners decide what low-cost improvement investments will provide the most upon resale in their particular market. It’s important to keep in mind that resale value is just one factor among many that homeowners must take into account when making a decision to remodel.”
Three interior remodeling projects are also considered worthy investments. A midrange attic bedroom remodel is expected to return 72.5 percent of cost. Out of all the projects it is the least expensive way to add a bedroom and bathroom within a home’s existing footprint. A minor kitchen remodel and wood deck addition are also expected to recoup more than 70 percent of costs. Improvement projects that are expected to return the least are a sunroom addition and a home office remodel, both estimated to recoup less than 46 percent of costs.
The 2011-12 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report is published by Remodeling magazine publisher Hanley Wood, LLC and is in collaboration with the National Association of Realtors®. Additional data for the report can be found at NAR’s consumer website, HouseLogic.com. The website includes a wide variety of ideas and projects to help homeowners maintain, enhance and improve the value of their homes.
Thursday, December 08 2011
Some scam artists are preying on home owners looking to refinance using the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program. As such, federal agencies are banding together forming a task force aimed at cracking down on con artists who are falsely claiming they can save home owners’ mortgages through HAMP, HousingWire reports.
The new task force recently issued a warning to home owners looking to refinance their mortgage: Only your mortgage servicer can grant you a loan modification through HAMP so don’t be duped by scam artists saying they can help with HAMP. Any third-party promising to guarantee a loan modification or pre-approve a loan modification or trying to charge an advance fee for a loan modification may be involved in a scam, the agencies warned in a public statement.
The task force cautions home owners to "beware of individuals or companies that ask you for payment and tout success rates or claim to be experts in HAMP."
The federal agencies involved in the HAMP fraud investigations are the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Department of the Treasury.
To check on the validity of companies or individuals who display HAMP seals or logos, call the HOPE hotline, 888-995-HOPE.
Source: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2011/12/02/federal-agencies-crack-down-hamp-fraud
Wednesday, December 07 2011
Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. Together, these fires resulted in 21 deaths and 43 injuries.
Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy. Learn how to prevent a fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Help ensure that you have a fire safe holiday season.
Christmas Trees
What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion – “Keep the tree watered.”
Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.
Selecting a Tree for the Holidays
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Source: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/focus/holiday.shtm
Tuesday, December 06 2011
LED holiday lights vs. old-fashioned bulbs: 6 tips to help you decide which is right for you.
Should you chuck all your good old holiday light strings and buy new LED holiday lights? Here’s how to decide.
1. LED holiday lights save you money. LED lights use at least 90% less energy than traditional holiday lights, according to the U.S. government’s Energy Star program.
That results in a $50 energy savings for the average family during the holidays, says Avital Binshtock of the Sierra Club in San Francisco.
Put it into perspective: The amount of electricity consumed by one 7-watt incandescent bulb could power 140 LEDs—enough to light two 24-foot strings, says Energy Star.
2. But LED lights typically cost more than old-fashioned holiday lights.
- GE 100-bulb string of Energy Star-certified LED white lights: $18.97 at Lowe’s
- GE 100-bulb string of conventional white lights: $8.97
But shop around because a growing number of retailers are offering sales on LED holiday lights and, if you can’t find a sale before the holidays, you can certainly find one after. Plus, prices will surely go down as these lights gain traction.
3. LED holiday lights last and last. LED bulbs can keep your season bright for as long as 100,000 hours, says Cathy Choi, president of Moonachie, N.J.-based Bulbrite, which manufactures LED and regular bulbs. That’s substantially longer than the life of your old holiday light strings.
4. You can string a BIG strand of LED lights. Safety wise, you shouldn’t connect more than three traditional light strings, but you can connect up to 87 LED holiday light strings, totaling a whopping 1,500 feet, Choi says. So blow your neighbor’s display away by cocooning your house in lights:
- You won’t have to buy as many extension cords.
- You can take your holiday lighting display further away from the outlet.
5. LED lights reduce the risk of fire. They stay cooler than incandescent bulbs, according to Energy Star.
6. How about that hue? Some people stick with their old lights because they don’t like the brighter hue that white LED holiday lights emit. But Choi says manufacturers now offer a “warm white” bulb that more closely mimics the glow of an incandescent light. Be sure to read the label to choose a bright or warm white and to ensure what you’re purchasing is Energy Star-certified.
Colored and color-changing LED holiday lights are more vibrant than conventional lights, making your display easier to see from the street, Choi says.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/lighting/led-holiday-lights-6-need-know-tips/#ixzz1f2b3ZNGL
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