The Don'ts of DIY

What DIY Projects should be left to a professional?

In the spirit of my blog’s Home-Buyer Tips series titled, “Do I really need a realtor to buy a house?”, I thought I would offer up a few answers to similar a question from the DIY department.

That question being, “What DIY projects should I leave to a professional?”

Bob Villa reminds us that there are numerous DIY house projects we should be capable of truly doing on our own.  Here are just a few things that if we don’t already know how to do, we should learn how to:

• Unclog a toilet

Just read his article because I’m not really all that interested in getting into these details….

• Reset a tripped electrical breaker

If you’re the only house on the block without lights, it’s likely a tripped breaker.  When you look into your circuit breaker box you’ll notice the one (or sometimes two) switch pointing in the opposite direction or showing a visible red indicator—or both. Flip the switch back to align with all the others, and the power should return. NOTE: Villa warns that if you smell anything coming from the electrical box you’ll need to shut down the master power by flipping the larger or single switch at the top and call a professional electrician - clearly this is more than a flipped breaker!

• Remove ash from a fire place

You’ll obviously need a hand broom.  And make sure that what you’re scooping the ash into is a metal container! It is highly recommended that you let the ash sit in the metal container outside your home (away from anything combustible) for upwards of 2 weeks before discarding in your trash for pick up.

But what about other DIY projects?  Are there things I should not DIY?

Let’s take a look at a few interior and exterior categories.

Interior

Electrical

Aside from checking on and flipping back a tripped breaker, you really want to stay away from anything electrical.  If you get into your walls and start messing with the wiring, not only will you run the risk of short circuiting your entire house, but if you could quite possibly electrocute yourself or worse - start an electrical fire!

Plumbing

As Bob pointed out, maintaining your toilet can be done with relative ease.  The same goes for keeping shower heads clean - a total DIY task.  However, relocating your toilet or installing a new shower or tub, or any task that requires cutting, extending, or rearranging pipes should be left to professionals.

Exterior

Landscaping

Adding plants and flowers to a garden, or removing small bushes to make way for different vegetation can certainly be done yourself.  But the same is not true for tree removal.  Afterall, we are talking about tall (and heavy) trees, power tools, and possibly electrical lines.  It might not be inexpensive to have a tree removed, but it will definitely be cheaper than replacing a portion of your roof - call a professional!

Adding a Fence

Realistically, the type and size of the fence you’re thinking about adding comes in to play.  But what cannot be overlooked is the reality that such tasks, regardless of size, will require a lot of math (specifically geometry - ugh) and measurement to get all the boards lined up straight.  It’s probably best to leave the leveling and lining up to the professionals.

These are just a few DIY projects that should be left to a professional.  Trust me, there are plenty more.  

Are there DIY Do’s and Don’ts topics do you want learn about?  Leave a comment and let me know - I’m here to serve you!
Margie Noble

Broker/Realtor
Noble Real Estate
BRE License 01859419
www.venturacountyre.com
Phone: 805.844.6257
E-mail: mnoble4re@verizon.net

Friday's Fun Community Finds - May 23, 2004

Elderly Concerns and Extended Weekend

Monday - May 26, 2014

For many throughout the country, this is a three-day weekend where Monday marks the beginning summer.  But let’s not forget that Monday is Memorial Day - the day where we as a nation honor those brave men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice as they served us and our country with their military service.

Click here to watch a short video put out by The History Channel to learn how this day of honor (it just doesn't sound right to refer to it as holiday) traces back to the Civil War.

Mark the Calendar

This next find isn’t actually this weekend, but it was just publicized and if you have an elderly parent it warrants being added to your calendar. 

On June 4th at the Thousand Oaks City Hall the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging is hosting a panel that will address senior citizen issues, including housing.  Specifically, they will discuss available housing in Thousand Oaks, and the realities of elderly downsizing, financing, and housing fraud.  The panel discussion is titled “Housing Opportunities: Issues and Concerns Affecting Seniors in Thousand Oaks”, and will be held in the third-floor boardroom at 1pm.

If you have elderly parents, whether they live in Thousand Oaks, California or not, this is a great opportunity to hear about hot topics impacting that age group.  

In fact, this is such an important topic that I’m going to do something I don’t like to do inside these Friday Finds posts - I’m going to offer my help.  I hesitate to do this here because I like Friday Finds to be all about the various goings-on in our Conejo Valley community, from Westlake Village to Newbury Park, CA, but if you have a parent that needs to downsize their home and do  not know where to turn to get your questions answered, regardless if they live in our area or some other state, I want to make myself available to provide any real estate information that you would find helpful as you look to assist your parents in this time in their lives.  Truly, I am here to help.   Real Estate matters can be complicated when we’re handling them for ourselves, let alone our parents.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have - I am here to help!

Margie Noble

Broker/Realtor
Noble Real Estate
BRE License 01859419
www.venturacountyre.com
Phone: 805.844.6257
E-mail: mnoble4re@verizon.net

Do I Really Need a Realtor to Buy a House?

Why would I want to work with a Realtor to find a house when I have the web?

This real estate article is for those looking to purchase a home in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Ventura County, CA, and is part of the Home-Buyer Tips series titled, “Do I really need a realtor to buy a house?”

Owning a home embodies stability and security earned by hard work and saving. In short, it’s the actualization of the American Dream.  

But in order to own a home, you have to first buy a home.  Which means you have to first find a home.

With the number of websites out there that allow you to find just about every house on the market with a click of a button, it begs the question - do I really need a real estate agent to buy a house?  

The point of this post is not to answer that question.  Instead, I’m going to share some major differences between a web-based search and what an professional realtor can provide, and hopefully helps you answer that question.

The Difference Between Surfing the Web and Searching with a Professional Realtor

As I said earlier, it’s super easy to use the internet to find homes that are on the market.  However, partnering with a real estate agent to help you hunt for a house truly is the most efficient way to search.

2 reasons house hunting with a realtor is the way to go:

1. A website will certainly show you the houses that match your search criteria, today.  However, the website will only show you houses that are currently on the market.  A realtor on the other hand will be able to set you up on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Portal, and that portal will send you live updates on the homes that match your criteria as they enter the market.  In other words, today’s search results may show you 25 houses, but by tomorrow or next week that number will change and unless you’re working with an experienced agent you’ll have to keep checking the internet  to find out what’s on the market.
2. Remember, computers (and websites) only really know what we tell them.  A home-seller’s real estate agent is the person that posts homes for sale online for all to see.  But did you know that agents are constantly sharing information?  And did you know that it is not uncommon for a seller’s agent to contact other agents before they post to the web to see if they have any home-buyers they are working with?  When you work with an expert realtor you benefit from what we call old-fashioned, people-to-people networking.  There are many homes that get sold without ever ‘entering the market’. Remember, sellers are not employers and homes are not jobs - they do not have to be posted for all to see.  And in fact, when the sale of a home is brokered directly between seller and buyer agents before it ‘hits the market’, it can often go for a very competitive price.

Looking for more tips?  Sign up to get my home-buyer tips sent directly to you via e-mail.

Looking for a house?  Send me an e-mail and let me know what you’re looking for.  I would love to put my experience and expertise on finding great homes for sale to work for you.

Margie Noble

Broker/Realtor
Noble Real Estate
BRE License 01859419
www.venturacountyre.com
Phone: 805.844.6257
E-mail: mnoble4re@verizon.net

Friday's Fun Community Finds - MAY 16, 2014

BACHELORS, BIG CAUSES, AND BIKES

The city of Thousand Oaks, California consistently contends for the title of "Safest City in America", often finding itself in the top 10 for cities with populations between 100,000 to 499,000 residents. The safety found in our 'small-town-feel' suburbs is just one of many attributes that makes the Conejo Valley so alluring. But this weekend, we have some big-city action.

Saturday - May 17, 2014

Pomp and Circumstance:

Commencement is underway in the Williams Rolland Stadium at California Lutheran University - that's right, the Conejo is a College Community! Congratulations to the nearly 800 students graduating from CLU this spring - well done and good luck!

Really Important Relay:

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Thousand Oaks starts on Saturday at 10am, and the 24-Hour cancer research fundraiser lasts through Sunday morning. So far, 56 teams and 577 participants have raised over $130,000. The relay is taking place at Conejo Creek Park South. CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS CAUSE.

Sunday - May 18, 2014

Amgen Tour of California:

America's largest cycling event reaches its conclusion here in Thousand Oaks. World-Class riders will battle it out in this final leg of this 8-stage race, winding their way from Agoura's Rock Store through Lake Sherwood. The race starts at 8:45am. CLICK HERE FOR THE COURSE MAP AND RACE DETAILS.

Noble Thoughts

With major events like these taking place this weekend, it's likely the roads and highways will be pretty packed. Make sure to allow for driving delays and detours and possible parking problems. Oh, wherever you find yourself in the Conejo this weekend, make sure that you enjoy the sunshine too!
Margie Noble
Broker/Realtor
Noble Real Estate
BRE License 01859419
www.venturacountyre.com
Phone: 805.844.6257
E-mail: mnoble4re@verizon.net

Tips for Pricing Your Home for Sale

Where do you start when pricing your home to sell?

Do I use what my Ventura County Tax Assessor says my Newbury Park home’s taxable value is?

Should I hire an appraiser to price my Westlake Village house?

Or can I just use Zillow’s online home value estimate tool to figure out what my Thousand Oaks house is worth?

It’s probably common for those thinking about selling their house to google a place where they can punch in their home’s address and see what it’s worth.  Trust me, I get it.  Quick and easy, which is why even I provide such a tool for Sellers on my website.   But as quick and easy as those tools might be, it’s important to remember that such resources should only serve as a starting point.  

Things to consider when determining the best price for a selling a home

Here are a few elements that influence a home’s selling price:

Sentimental Value does not equal Market Value

This might be a harsh truth to start with, but it’s important to be realistic from the get go.  A buyer does not care about the fond memories you created in your home.  They care about price.  Emotional detachment is not easy, but it is essential when determining price.

Inventory

Basic economic principles like supply and demand come into play when pricing a home to sell.  If you’re in a great neighborhood and no one else is selling, then demand for your home could be high, increasing the chances of getting your asking price or even more!  Knowing  the inventory of homes for sale within your local Thousand Oaks housing market is critical.

Local Market Trends

Do you know the price that the last home in your Newbury Park neighborhood sold for?  Did that seller only get a few offers, or was there a bidding war for that house?  Truthfully, as important as it is to know the number of homes being sold in your area, that fact on its own is not enough.  You have to be aware of what recent buyers paid for homes similar to yours, because you can bet that today’s buyers will arm themselves with this kind of information.

Comparable Market Assessment

This is probably the most valuable asset you can equip yourself with when trying to set a price for selling your home in Westlake Village, or anywhere else for that matter.  A Comparable Market Assessment is a report that a real estate agent can generate for you that identifies what comparable homes sold for, how many days (or weeks) they were on the market, a list of factors that make your home unique, and current market conditions, among other things.  

An agent might also provide their price-point recommendation.  But know this, if an agent’s suggested selling price is unrealistically optimistic, it probably is.  Unfortunately some agents do this in an attempt to secure your listing, thinking you’ll work with someone that ‘promises’ them a super high selling price.  But more often than not they end up working to convince you that you need to lower your price - this is why it’s key to partner with a true professional!

So how do I figure out what my home is worth?

Simply stated, any home is only worth what someone is willing to pay.  This is why you want to partner with a professional, experienced real estate agent when selling your home in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, or Newbury Park.  A expert agent can help you present your house in a way that is most desirable to current buyers, which will help you get the best possible price.

I’m here to serve you

Are you thinking about selling your home?  Send me an e-mail or give me a call - I’d love to see how I can help you.
Margie Noble
Broker/Realtor
Noble Real Estate
BRE License 01859419
www.venturacountyre.com
Phone: 805.844.6257
E-mail: mnoble4re@verizon.net