One lucky homeowner will win $50,000 to invest in design and renovations to improve their home’s value. Plus, home improvement experts Chip and Joanna Gaines, hosts of HGTV’s hit show Fixer Upper, will consult with the winner to offer good to know tips and recommend projects.
The Fixer Upper program and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices are teaming up to offer viewers a chance to win a $50,000 “Good to Know” prize package including a consultation from Chip & Joanna Gaines, hosts of the HGTV Fixer Upper series. To enter and for complete details, visit www.50kFixUp.com. Contest Ends 6/15/15.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., age 21 or older. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Sweepstakes ends at 5:00 p.m. ET on June 15, 2015. For full official rules, visit www.50kFixUp.com. Sponsored by BHH Affiliates, LLC, 18500 Von Karman Avenue, #400, Irvine, California 92612.
Five Steps To
Beautify The Bath
Updating a tired-looking bathroom is a great way to increase a home’s resale. The fixes don’t need to be costly or labor intensive:
Beautify: Add decorative glass, stone tile or accents to make a bathroom stand out. Extra-wide wall tiles are popular and wood cabinets can be embellished with carved wooden inlays.
Lighting: Add more lighting options around the room to reduce shadows and glare. Mood lighting around the tub area is also very popular.
Bath/Shower: A new tub and a spa-like atmosphere can do wonders for a bathroom. Adding a massage element to the showerhead will appeal to buyers.
Update Fixtures: Changing the fixtures in a bathroom can add a great deal. From cabinet handles to faucets, the addition of brushed nickel or other metals is always a huge hit. And if space permits, add a second sink.
Think Green: Install fixtures that save water. A low-flow showerhead, low-flow faucet aerator and a dual-flush toilet can save thousands of gallons of water. Energy-efficient windows is another easy option.
A renovated bathroom offers an intimate, contemporary feel and is one of the things people will remember about a home.
Just in time for summer fun! This beautiful, well maintained and spacious home has a beautifully landscaped yard, in-ground pool, hotub, and pool house. The home has numerous updates including remodeled kitchen with granite and tile. This home has two living areas, and upstairs there is a den, bedroom and a full bath. Pool house has a half bath as well. First floor has all hardwood and tile flooring, upstairs has carpet with tile in bath. Master bedroom has huge closet with built-ins. A GREAT LOCATION TOO!
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase Properties would like to recognize the “Showcase Agents” for the month of March - Betty Brewer, Ramona Miley, Jo Ann Cole, Susan Morrison, Torri Gulledge, Angela Blissett, Aleda Holmes, Tim Vierkandt with Service With A Smile, and Bobby Dean with The Bobby Dean Team.
These highly trained and motivated professionals continue to set the standard for productivity, professionalism, client satisfaction, and commitment to career development. Our team of professionals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Showcase Properties is “Committed to Excellence -Every Day in Every Way.”
Real Estate Statistics for March 2015
Homes Sold 113
Average Days On Market 179
Average Sold Price $150,107
New Listings For March 277
Total Homes On Market 1226
Costs For First Time Buyers
Buying a new home can be a huge, complex undertaking, especially when it’s your first time. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced real estate agent guiding you along the way.
The biggest mistake new buyers can make is underestimating the costs of buying a house and maintaining it over time. Many experts agree that homeowners should have 1%-3% of their homes’ purchase price in savings for improvements and surprise expenses. It’s wise to have at least six mortgage payments in the bank after a closing. These estimates may not work for everyone, but if you are spending above your means on a new home, you may quickly find yourself in financial trouble.
Inspections are important for the first-time buyer, as they list repairs that will be needed for the home. A buyer should put together a short-term and long-term plan based on the inspection so they know how much money they will need in the months and years ahead.
Renters are accustomed to paying basic utilities. Homeowners, on the other hand, must also pay for water, sewer and trash collection—as well as property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, homeowner’s association dues, yard care, snow removal and other expenses unique to your location.
Buying a home is one of the largest investments you’ll make. Your real estate agent will help each step of the way, first helping you establish a realistic price point for your home purchase and a clear understanding of your monthly expenses.
