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Post by beaglemom on Jul 6, 2017 17:04:12 GMT
Just thought of this.... do you live in a very high end market? Like the Silicon Valley? Multi million dollar homes? If so, that list makes sense. Those types of buyers are generally looking for move in ready and don't want to do anything to the house but move their stuff in. If not, hell no does that list make any sense at all to me. Most of that stuff is a money hole. Yes. With minimal work, we should be able to get at least 2 million. We have just over 5,000 sqft and the two lots we own combine to just under 5 acres. |
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Post by beaglemom on Jul 6, 2017 17:00:41 GMT
First and foremost, I would suggest a pre-sale inspection. Yes, it will be $200-$300 out of your pocket but it should hopefully eliminate all surprises at the end. We've done this for a couple of houses and it made a world of different. Your inspector will find things that must be fixed for the sale and some things that you may want to just give an allowance for. Either way, it's on YOUR terms instead of the buyer's terms at the very last minute. Nothing spooks a buyer than having their inspector come back with pages of things that should be fixed. ETA: Seriously? Replace all your thermostats with Nest thermostats and add Nest cameras? That's odd. Not everyone wants that kind of technology. Do we need to be out of the house for the inspection? Or is that something that I can get done while we are still here? I think the Nest thing is pretty standard in our area. I can pick them up at Costco. We are planning to install smart switches everywhere we can as well. |
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Post by beaglemom on Jul 6, 2017 16:58:54 GMT
We plan to have an electrician come in and look at all the outlets and switches. We were sold the home under the impression that a complete backup system had been installed, found out right after it was all said and done that it was never hooked up/completed. We need someone to look at it to tell us if they just put in the switches or if it was all wired and just never hooked up to a final end system.
The previous owner was a bit eccentric and there are a number of odd things about the house.
We have a ridiculous amount of switches and outlets. But they don't all match and they are 20+ years old and are yellowy/beige and look very dated.
I'm boring and we would just do all the paint a warm white, I feel like it really needs the refresh.
I appreciate all the advice...please keep it coming!
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Post by beaglemom on Jul 6, 2017 16:51:31 GMT
I'd make sure the outside looks as good as it can. I know we didn't even go into a couple of house because of what they looked like from the curb. Anything that is gross looking (not sure what the stain looks like on the carpet, but even though it be replacing the carpet anyway I would think if the house looked liked that, what else didn't they take care of. Do you have a local paint exchange? We have one where you can get and drop off paint for free. I've had many friends paint different rooms with the paint and I've don't craft projects with it. That would make repainting any room a neutral color very cheap. Make sure doors and drawers all work properly. We plan on having the exterior pressure washed and replacing the front door. I know it's not really the point, but you can't actually see our house from the road. So the photos of the exterior are what are going to get people up here! I don't know what the deal is with the carpet! What we think happened is that they put in cheap, white carpet to make it look "nice" to sell it. 10 years of coming in from the garage the place right at the door looks very worn. We have steam cleaned it a couple times and that "helped" but it really just needs to be replaced. We are 99% sure that we will replace the whole lower level carpet. For paint, we are planning on having a painter come in and repaint the whole house after we get the drywall fixed in a couple places. |
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Post by beaglemom on Jul 6, 2017 16:23:56 GMT
We know work needs to be done. We are willing to put the money in as long as we get at least double what we put in on the other side.
How do I figure out what is going to be the most worthwhile? We are planning on essentially emptying the house and letting a stager stage it. Depending on how quickly we can get stuff done we might still be living here, but we might be out.
Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!!
Below is the list that our potential realtor gave us, it is divided up by priority.
Prep For Sale
Required
Strap water heater
CO monitors on every floor of living space
Smoke detectors in all bedrooms
Note: CO monitors and smoke detectors are now sold as one unit but appraisers have issues with the single units so it’s best to get some standard smoke detectors and CO monitors and just use those. Above are items appraisers will look for that could affect the appraisal.
Basic Prep
Paint interior (just touch up in purple room)
Clean carpets
Replace light switches and receptacles with decora line (Leviton – buy bulk packs)
Power wash exterior and decks
Wash wall in bathroom with spotting/staining (prior to painting)
Repair doorjamb(s); repair any scratched or damaged doors
New fixtures in bathrooms (see if calcium deposits can be removed on master shower fixtures)
New toilet on lower level
Paint bathroom cabinets and add hardware
Paint kitchen cabinets and add modern hardware
Any recessed lighting- switch to Halo LED retrofit lights
Leave lower level bathroom as is
Moderate Prep
Paint interior
Replace carpets on level 1 only (maybe just hall and stairs where staining is the worst)
Replace all lights switches and receptacles with decora style
Power wash exterior and decks, spot repair areas of decks if needed
Replace deck outside dining area (with materials in yard)
Wash wall in bathroom with staining, have looked at by professional to check for water damage
Repair doorjamb(s); repair any scratched or damaged doors
Replace vanity in master bath
Replace fixtures in showers and baths (depending difficulty with bath and shower in master)
Replace dated light sconces
New toilet on lower level
Replace vanity on lower level
Paint kitchen cabinets and add hardware
Repair non-functioning stove in kitchen (or provide buyer with repair estimate)
Replace doors to master bedroom
Add shelves to master bath upstairs (closet) and line or paint shelves in other closet
New flooring in master bath (vinyl or tile)
Paint cabinets in laundry room
Paint cabinets and bed base in master
Any recessed lighting, switch to Halo LED retrofit lights
Repair/replace any molding or baseboards as necessary
Extensive Prep
Whole House
Paint interior – add baseboards to rooms that don’t have it
Touch up exterior where paint is failing (usually trim shows the most wear)
Replace all light switches with decora, add smart tech switches in main areas (ie Philips Hue)
Replace any thermostats with smart thermostat (ie Nest or Honeywell, if compatible)
Replace receptacles with decora style outlets
Repair and replace any baseboards or molding that is missing or has been cut
Repair doorjamb(s)
Install closet organizers, rods, etc
Remove intercom system and patch walls
Remove any useless outlets or switches and patch up walls
Any recessed lighting, switch to Halo LED retrofit lights
Repair any areas of wooden stairs leading to the front door that need it
Install Nest cameras on level 1, main level, front door exterior
Touch up any scratches on fireplaces if needed (repaint doors)
Upper Level
Have wall in master bath looked at and replace sheetrock if needed
Replace stairs outside upstairs bedroom (kids room)
Remove bed in master
Paint the bathtub and surrounding tile white and replace fixtures
Replace fixtures in master shower to match rest of bathroom
Replace vanity in master bath
Repair broken window crank in bedroom
Add shelves or organizers to closet in master bath, paint existing shelves in other closet
Replace vent in master bath with stronger, quieter fan with heat
Replace doors to master bedroom
Replace carpet (to match lower level, modern textured carpet in neutral color)
Replace flooring in bathroom with tile
Mid Level
Reface kitchen cabinets
Replace all lighting fixtures
Replace vanity in bathroom
Repair broken window pane (if possible)
Clean skylights (if possible)
Replace deck outside dining area
Consider replacing kitchen appliances (except fridge)
Clean out tracks on sliding screen doors (and sliding doors if needed) and replace any torn screens
Lower Level
Replace all flooring on level 1 – hardwood or modern textured carpet, tile in bathrooms and laundry room
Paint cabinets in laundry room
Add flooring to closets without floors (exception to closet with heating and water heater)
Lower level bathroom – new toilet, new flooring, continue tile or vinyl into area with vanity, new vanity, new decorative mirrors, new fixtures on clawfoot tub, new light fixtures
Remove wall between bedrooms that goes over the existing heating unit
Patch cracks in walls in garage
Paint garage floor with epoxy paint
Tips
Buy light switches, outlets, and covers in bulk packages at Home Depot
Most of this work can be completed by a handyman without permits, focus on the easy changes when making your list
Shop for premade vanities before custom, unless you have an odd sized space
Shop for paint with primer built in – saves on time, materials, and labor
Consider doing your home inspection when your home is empty but before you do any work, they may uncover something that should be disclosed or needs repair that you might prioritize over a cosmetic item
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Post by beaglemom on Jul 6, 2017 16:14:07 GMT
We are in need of a realtor to sell our house ASAP. We are in Silicon Valley - but slightly rural - 20 minutes from the freeway, but due to location not horrible for commutes. Our home is unusual but has large square footage for the area and we have two lots, on is just under 2 acres, the other about 2.5 acres. When we bought it the previous owners had been trying to sell it for a number of years, their realtor was horrible, but things can take a while to sell where we are.
We have four options at this point:
1. The first person I met when we moved here, she took me under her wing. Invited me to join her book club. Her personal real estate website hasn't been updated in I don't know how long. The photos on listings are okay, but not spectacular. She currently has 3 listings. She lives up here and is very familiar with the area, I think she's been here 20+ years. She's in her late 60's/early 70's.
2. Our babysitter/housekeeper's daughter and her husband. They seem very knowledgeable and much better versed in modern real estate stuff. They talked about having a drone photograph the property and doing video walkthroughs to help people understand the space. Their website is very professional looking and their listing photos are very nice. They have been local to the Bay Area but moved up where we are 2+ years ago. They are in their late 30's/early 40's.
3. A friend's realtor. He just sold their home in a month or so at asking. Her home is much more "normal" than ours, but they have used him in the past and were very happy with him.
4. Someone entirely different.
When we moved here/bought we made the mistake of using a friend of my mil and she was horrible. When we sold our last home we went with the recommendation of a friend and we were happy with the process. But that time we had already moved out and weren't in a super hurry.
I would love recommendations!! I will start another post about all we need to do to sell, cause I need help with that too!
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Post by beaglemom on Jul 5, 2017 22:04:55 GMT
I saw them in person and they are so freakin adorable!!! I really, really want to get my boys pairs and a pair for myself. They are so darn cute!
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Post by beaglemom on Jun 29, 2017 4:21:20 GMT
We both drive electric cars. Dh charges his at work for free and the chargers are powered by solar panels.
We have switched over to green power from our utility. We would love dollar labels, but we live in the middle of a redwood forest and don't have a clear view of the sky from our roof, plus we are north west facing.
We buy the majority of our produce from two local organic farms.
We use our heat - hydronic radiant - only a couple weeks a year and we have a single a.c. Unit that gets used about two weeks a year. We had an energy audit and they actually said our house was too well sealed and that we needed to keep a window cracked. The walls are 18 inches think in some places. So unless the weather outside is at the extremes (for California) very little, other than opening and closing windows, is needed.
We recycle a ton, everything we can.
We have been replacing with energy efficient everywhere we can. I would love to switch out our fridge, but the current one still works and it's a very odd size and will cost a fortune to replace. Dh had switched out all our lights for efficient ones and that made a big difference.
Ebooks!
But we still consume too much "stuff." We are in the process of packing to move and I am horrified by how much stuff we have.
We try to offset our carbon usage whenever we can.
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Post by beaglemom on Jun 22, 2017 19:09:55 GMT
Thank you ladies! I am probably 2 weeks away from getting to that part of the house. But I promise I'll post here when I get there!
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Post by beaglemom on Jun 22, 2017 0:01:54 GMT
I don't really have any advice other than I'd be interested in seeing what Basic Grey you'd like to be rid of. As soon as I start photographing I will be sure to message you! I know I have black tie and urban coutrure for sure. Not sure what else! |
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Post by beaglemom on Jun 21, 2017 23:47:55 GMT
I started collecting scrapbook supplies heavily in college. Did my first 2 peas order in 2003. I haven't scrapped in forever. I have been a member at Studio Calico since 2013. So I have tons, and tons, and tons of stuff. We are facing an overseas move with limited space to bring stuff. I have tons of old Basic grey, chatterbox, bazzil, and lots of other brands. Almost all the Project life kits that came out and every stamp and supply out there. I am looking for the most effective way to sell it off and would love suggestions. Facebook destash groups, personal stories of selling off...anything!
Thanks!
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Post by beaglemom on May 23, 2017 3:39:42 GMT
I am at Costco at least once a week - because of their organic offerings. I get spinach, carrots, romaine, bananas, broccoli, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, mangos, avocados, chicken, ground beef, sweet potatoes, and whatever else strikes my fancy. It is so much more affordable!
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Post by beaglemom on May 22, 2017 17:42:36 GMT
So exciting!! Thank goodness California is pushing forward on all this stuff!!
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Post by beaglemom on May 17, 2017 0:44:09 GMT
This would be over $1,000,000 if they have both been at their jobs for 8 years. Unless the engineer isn't very good and hasn't been promoted....after 8 years they would be probably be making close to $500,000 alone. Now add in a partner at Salesforce that has been there that long and they are probably making close to $500,000 too.
I don't think a lot of those costs are outrageous for Manhattan or the Bay Area. You can't buy a livable home in most of the Bay Area for less than a million. You want good schools, nice neighborhood, and a decent home....You are looking at +$2,000,000. And most people are taking out hefty mortgages to cover them. In the town we are closest to the homes range from $3,000,000 to $39,500,000
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Post by beaglemom on May 16, 2017 0:41:24 GMT
I hear you. My complaint along those lines is why can't I find a comfortable pair of shoes. I live in my running shoes, flip flops, and uggs. I would love to wear pretty grown up shoes, but they all make me want to cut off my feet within 30 minutes of wearing them. I just want a cute pair of shoes that I can wear for more than an hour without my feet hurting!
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Post by beaglemom on May 16, 2017 0:39:08 GMT
I like to roast broccoli in the oven. I spread it out in a sheet pan with a little bit of olive oil and season salt, and roasted it 425 for about 15 minutes. Depending on what we're having it with, I might add a little parmesan cheese in the last five minutes. It's super good that way, and my 3 boys fight over who gets to finish off the pan! This is what we do too. I sometimes throw some balsamic vinegar on it with the olive oil. We like it crispy in our house...way better than soft. I also serve it with lemon wedges, the lemon cuts some of the bitterness. Yum! |
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Post by beaglemom on May 7, 2017 4:47:35 GMT
Rocking green! It's amazing! We have super duper hard water and use their hard water soap. And their workout soap is amazing too, we get our workout stuff super stinky and it takes care of out in a single wash.
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Post by beaglemom on May 4, 2017 5:14:21 GMT
Dh wants to have a minimum of 10 million in the bank so that we can live off the interest. So it's going to be a bit....
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Post by beaglemom on May 1, 2017 21:56:13 GMT
I so wish I lived somewhere that we could do this!
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Post by beaglemom on May 1, 2017 5:06:55 GMT
Southwest has a number of nonstop flights between Oakland and Puerto Vallarta. What dates? I just looked on Expedia for Oakland to Peurto Vallarta for 9/23-9/26 (we are flexible but want mid to end of September) and the only flight it found show two stop overs! What the heck Southwest isn't usually on travelocity or expedia. book directly through their website. |
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Post by beaglemom on May 1, 2017 5:06:18 GMT
What city in Mexico? Maybe we can help. I am fairly good at flight finding. Well any city in Mexico that flies non stop from Oakland preferably or SFO - I've been wanting to go to Sayulita or a town on the sea of Cortez which would fly into Puerto Vallarta - and only 3-4 nights over a weekend. I know people are doing no it so have no problem deal why it is so hard for me.... peas are the best  We do direct from sfo to Cabo. you can fly United, Alaska, and virgin for sure...possibly southwest too. |
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Post by beaglemom on Apr 23, 2017 19:56:08 GMT
My petty vent is I just want to stay home in my pjs this morning. I have to get showered soon and drive my MIL to church. Vent part 2 - I've been doing it for ten years. It's a 40 mile round trip. Not once has she offered to take me to lunch or for coffee. DH does drive, too, but with his health it's hit or miss. I really don't mind, most of the time, but a little appreciation would be nice. You are a much better woman than I. |
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Post by beaglemom on Apr 22, 2017 4:15:10 GMT
I saw it in San Fransisco. I was weak kneed at the end. Me too! We saw it Wednesday night. it was amazing!! I randomly bought tickets off someone on a local facebook momswap group. They were back row, but since the Orpheum isn't very big it didn't matter. I totally want to see it again. So awesome!! |
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Post by beaglemom on Apr 21, 2017 23:11:56 GMT
I think I have food prep fatigue though. This a million times over. Thankfully dh is on board. But I have a 6-year-old, 4-year-old, and a 1-year-old. At night we all eat whole30. The kids breakfast and lunches are not Whole30, because let's be real a sandwich is just easier for a kindergartener and preschooler to eat at school. We eat a lot of the same - roasted sweet potatoes, roasted broccoli, salad, and meat/chicken. I have a ton pinned...but at night getting something different going with three kids underfoot is hard! We did make some stuff recently out of the Well Fed Weeknight cookbook that we really liked. |
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Post by beaglemom on Apr 21, 2017 17:58:46 GMT
So we've been pretty close to Whole30 since January 23rd. Off for a couple things (ds's 1st birthday and a couple days on vacation). We are training for a half Ironman on May 13th. My running this time around seems slow, but I'm not sure I'm willing to mess with things. We did a training run last weekend - 3-hour ride and then 7-mile run. I was slow, but I fueled Whole30 and felt like I could have done more. I had sweet potatoes with olive oil for breakfast, a pack of olives (25 cal all from fat) at an hour in, a chocolate sea salt RX bar 30 min later, then 30 min later a 100 cal pack salted cashews and about 10 olives, then a mile into the run I had a date and about 10 salted almonds, again at 4 miles, and 6 miles. No stomach issues and while yes I was slow, I felt like I could have kept running.
I know for me that gluten is a no go before and during running - it activates my athletically induced asthma. So I wouldn't be able to do that anyways.
Sugar is my big issue...I can't get rid of my sugar dragon and I have no self-control when it comes to it. thankfully nothing seems to really "bother" my digestive system. But for me I have learned that the super strict is the best way for me to live.
I guess long story short, take it really slow. If there are things that you think you need to have for race fueling - try those things first to see how your body reacts.
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Post by beaglemom on Apr 20, 2017 20:55:40 GMT
We're going to Hawaii beginning of June, dh is doing the HalfIron Man (Honu 70.3) and we are going to stay for an additional week or so. We had wanted to stay at Aulani, but of course, it is the one week that is totally booked. So we'll probably just stay in Kona the whole time.
We always go to Yosemite for the 4th fo July, last year we had a huge group - friends, my parents, my sister/her dh/his parents. As of right now only our friends can come and only for a couple days. So we are probably only going for a couple days rather than the 7-10 we normally do.
We'll probably head to colorado for a week or two in July. Dh's sisters and family live there and dh wants to do a multi day bike ride with them that supports bil's hospital.
Then Omaha for a long weekend in August - dh is doing the US triathlon championships.
Other than that things are in the air. We are hoping that we are going to move overseas in the fall - but dh is just starting the process with his work and we won't know for sure for a while. If we do find out we are moving I plan to spend every minute we are home packing, purging, cleaning, and getting the house emptied so we can rent or sell it while we are gone.
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Post by beaglemom on Apr 20, 2017 16:12:14 GMT
I have a Disney travel agent that we are using. The nice thing is they don't charge you anything that if discounts come up they can usually get you the updated rates. if you are interested I'd be happy to send you her email address.
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Post by beaglemom on Apr 18, 2017 4:52:26 GMT
Not normally. But today I was! Someone posted on a local mom swap group that they had 2 tickets to Hamilton for Wednesday night. And I bought them! I can't wait!
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Post by beaglemom on Apr 9, 2017 0:07:27 GMT
BBB usually had a great return policy. I would try to take them back.
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Post by beaglemom on Apr 8, 2017 15:40:28 GMT
I have more issues with exterior ear pain. It gets a million times worse when I'm pregnant.. Our bodies are weird!
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