By Barbara Lehrer
Real Talk
Barbara Lehrer
The resource component of the real estate profession is both significant and ever-changing. Homes require constant repair of some kind, and upgrades are never-ending, as they increase the value of your property.
Price support is what it is all about. So where do you go when you need help and education? How do you know what is the best price for work to be done? These answers are most often found when you call your local agent and then take the time to research with experienced service people.
Today many companies are starting out or hiring part-timers. You want references, generations of skilled individuals who have spent time being the best they can be. A realtor knows these workers. Keep in mind that the issues you are having are common and the professionals who sell homes go through these dilemmas with all their clients over the years.
You can meet great architects, masons, surveyors, flooring specialists, etc. Budgeting for work to be done is always the top question, so why waste time and money trying to call someone on your own? Every year you should complete a few small projects; you will reap the profits down the line.
Many times, the work to be done is something you cannot see with the naked eye. This is why you call your resource – the agent – to make sure you can trust those who give you a great estimate. An active realtor knows the good and not so good “home specialists.” Make that one phone call.
Never sell yourself short. From the landscape to the basement, if you are not sure how to handle a problem, you can also contact a home inspector to give you another perspective. This individual is good at preventative advice. In my business, this week’s advice was to power wash your air conditioning compressor outside if it is dirty. Also check its wiring and add moth balls around the wires, as the mice like to chew there and do major damage that can be costly.
Another new idea is an accessory dwelling unit, a freestanding unit on your grounds for multigenerational families – or even for income. All towns are unique in their rules, but this new idea is really taking off. It is driven by a need for affordable housing, and builders are jumping in to assist along with the realtor to get financing and zoning approvals.
These beautiful two-bedroom, two-bath with two-car garages are sold for under $300,000. You can find out in an hour if your property qualities for the space, but to add 1,000 square feet of living space, even attached, is now what some towns are approving. These long-overdue homes are custom-made and budgets come in at an even lower cost.
Here is a realtor’s information. ADUs could be the answer to where mom and dad should be, or your young newlywed children who cannot afford today’s prices yet.
If you need more information on these issues, email Barbara.Lehrer@cbmoves.com.