Getting and Staying Organized Through the Summer

Sometime about now in mid-summer we begin asking ourselves, "Why do things seem to be out of control? I planned on organizing my photos, painting that cute dresser I picked up at the yard sale last fall, and waking up without an alarm clock on Fridays. None of it has happened!"

This scenario is all too common - and yet there is good news. It’s never too late to get and stay organized for the remainder of the summer.

People tend to get busy with outdoor activities and become distracted by vacations, plus household schedules and routines tend to be different than during the school year. The most common areas that seem to spiral out of control are:

• Summer clutter
• Project procrastination
• Sleep routines

Here are my tips for getting and staying organized through the summer.

Summer clutter

We’re conditioned to create traditions and rituals. We buy new outdoor furniture and decorations for our backyard barbecue, and bring friends and family together for camping trips chock full of new-fangled gadgets and equipment. We have family reunions and summer vacations.

We’re used to buying, creating, and preparing for events - yet we don't really have a method or system to deal with the aftermath.

It may be time to say goodbye to the stuff we buy “on the fly,” like walkie talkies for playful banter on road trips, floaties for the swimming pool,  collapsible picnic tables for the beach, croquet sets for the backyard, and rain ponchos for the fast-moving and sudden rainstorm.

I recommend two steps for handling summer clutter:

1. Collect all the summer clutter. Empty the souvenir bags, toiletry kits, suitcases, and backpacks. Get it all in one place.

2. Evaluate it. I do this by using a value-based point system. Rate each item on a scale of 0 to 5. Zero means you have no real use for it in the future and don't like it at all. Five means you really love the item and can use it, or it brings you great joy to keep it.

Project procrastination

Often we feel more disorganized or confused about our perceived "free time" during the summer months. This can happen because we spend the first half of the year postponing projects until summer vacation.

Each year we stack the projects-in-waiting for summer, and each year we seem to forget that we would really rather enjoy some time off in nature, traveling, or getting together with friends.

If you want to reduce the pressure for yourself, release yourself from too many good intentions, like repainting the powder room; reading the stack of books you've collected; and that wishful photo-organizing project.

Instead, pick just one project and focus on it. By making one project the priority, you can do little bits of it from time to time. So, instead of putting off the project and feeling badly that it isn’t getting done, break your priority project down into doing one small step per day.

Sample summer project

Want to paint that dresser? Allow yourself 13 "moments" to complete the project and never miss a bit of summer fun. Use this project breakdown to make any project fit in around your unpredictable summer schedule.

Painting a dresser purchased at a yard sale

• Take a “before” picture: 30 seconds
• Make a list of supplies needed: 5 minutes
• Buy paint and supplies: 1 hour
• Stage the area where you plan to paint: 15 minutes
• Pull the drawers out of the dresser: 3 minutes
• Remove the knobs from the drawers: 10 minutes
• Sand the dresser and drawers: 35 minutes
• Wipe down the dresser and drawers: 10 minutes
• Paint just a drawer or two (repeat): 30 minutes
• Paint the frame of the dresser: 1 hour
• Re-attach knobs: 20 minutes
• Move dresser to preferred location: 20 minutes
• Take picture and post for friends to see: 3 minutes

Sleep routines

Most of us realize instinctively that sleep is important.

"You know that babies and children need sleep to grow,” says Val Sgro, a professional organizer and author. “You know that an injured body heals itself faster with good sleep. You know that if you don't get enough sleep, you become sluggish and cranky, and you have trouble thinking straight. That old saying, ‘I'll sleep on it,’ comes from the realization that the solution to a problem often seems to reveal itself after a good night's sleep.

“Contrary to common belief, your brain does not rest when you sleep,” she continues. “It is often more active than when you're awake. It's busy - busy making sure it stays organized."

And therein lies the key to getting and staying organized in the summer months. Though our sleep routines will likely be off kilter, it’s worth asking the question, "How will I be able to get seven or eight hours of sleep tonight? How will I fit it in?"

Maybe you need to grab a mid-day nap or put yourself (not just the kids) to bed an hour earlier. Getting more sleep will help you make better decisions when you pack (and thus have fewer items to "buy on the fly" while traveling).

More sleep means being more alert driving on road trips; consuming less sugar or caffeine for a mid-day boost; and showing up with an overall better outlook for the day. And in the middle of summer travel or hosting guests who are visiting for a week, that couldn't be a more welcome benefit.

Related:

• 7 Must-Have Home Organization Tools
• 10 Tips for Organizing an Irresistible Yard Sale
• 5 Steps to Better Basement, Attic and Garage Storage

from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/getting-staying-organized-summer-202140/
via Reveeo

How to Pack and Organize a Storage Unit

If you’ve rented a storage unit, there’s a good reason for it. Maybe you’re in the process of moving house or renovating your home and need a safe place to store your belongings for the time being.

Perhaps you’re going to a different state or country for a few years and need a suitable storage option for your things in the meantime.

Then again, you may need extra storage space simply because your current home cannot accommodate all your stuff.

Whatever the reason, if you’re willing to pay for a storage unit, then the items you intend to put in it most certainly have high practical, monetary, or sentimental value and you don't want to lose them.

To make sure your stored belongings will remain in excellent condition, you need to pack them as safely and efficiently as possible.

How to pack items for storage

Here are some practical packing tips to consider when packing for storage:

• Separate your items by category (such as old books, kids' stuff, keepsakes, and items you may need to access soon), and try to pack them together.
• Make a detailed inventory of all the items you’re going to put into storage to keep better track of your belongings. Your inventory will come in handy if you need to file an insurance claim due to a natural disaster or some other accident at your storage facility.
• Use proper packing materials: clean and sturdy cardboard boxes, plastic containers, quality wrapping and cushioning materials, sealing tape and labels, and furniture blankets. Avoid packing your items in plastic bags, which increase the risk of mold developing.
• Make sure the items you pack for storage are clean and dry.
• Place heavy items at the bottom of a box and put lighter ones on top of them to avoid damage.
• Pack heavy items in smaller boxes.
• Provide sufficient padding to ensure the safety of your belongings. Use plenty of packing paper, bubble wrap, foam sheets, packing peanuts, towels or rags to wrap each individual piece and provide cushioning between the articles in one box. Be extra careful when packing fragile or delicate items.
• Fill the cartons tightly, as half-full boxes tend to collapse when stacked.
• Seal the boxes tightly to provide sufficient protection against dust, dirt, and pests.
• Consider packing in plastic containers, which will prevent moisture from affecting your possessions.
• Label every single box to indicate its specific contents. Use a permanent waterproof marker to write important notes (such as “FRAGILE”) or handling instructions (like “THIS SIDE UP”) directly on the boxes.
• When packing furniture for storage, make sure you remove all detachable parts and protect small protruding elements with bubble wrap or rags. Keep all detached pieces together and put small parts (such as bolts and hinges) in sealable plastic bags that you can tape to the corresponding furniture. Cover your furniture with sheets and blankets and apply furniture spray (as well as leather conditioner, when applicable) for better protection.
• Pack electronic devices in their original boxes (or ones of similar sizes, if you didn't keep the original boxes).
• Any appliances you put into storage should be thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. Freezers and refrigerators must be emptied and defrosted first. Attached cables and hoses should be tied down and secured. It’s a good idea to leave the doors of your household appliances slightly ajar when they are in storage to prevent condensation and ward off bad odors.
• Wrap dishes and other breakables individually and use lots of crumpled paper to provide extra cushioning between the items. Cups and glasses should always be placed with their rims downward.
• Hang clothes in wardrobe boxes for maximum protection against dust and dampness. Garments can also be kept folded inside drawers to save storage space. Either way, use insect repellent products when storing clothes for prolonged periods of time.
• Pack books flat to prevent damage to the spines, and make every effort to protect your reads from moisture.
• Wrap mirrors and paintings in paper and keep them stored upright in special mirror boxes.
• Store pillows, blankets, and other lightweight, non-fragile items inside wardrobes, washers, and dryers, as well as between furniture legs or in any other hollow spaces.

How to organize a storage unit

Once you have safely packed your items, you need to organize your storage unit in a systematic and practical manner. Your goal is to optimize the available space and have easy access to your belongings in case you need any of them while they're in storage.

1. Install shelves, making sure you leave a passage through the middle of the storage unit for easier access to your items.
2. Place your largest items closest to the walls and arrange smaller ones in front, so that you have a clear view of your unit. Store large furniture pieces vertically and stack chairs to save space.
3. Make sure you don't put anything on top of fragile items.
4. Keep some distance between your items and the walls to ensure free air circulation, and consider using a moisture absorber to avoid mold and mildew.
5. Place the things you might need frequent access to in the front of your storage unit.

To avoid headaches and troubles down the road, make sure you store your cherished possessions in a secure, well-kept, and climate-controlled storage facility.

Related:

• 5 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• How to Label Boxes for Your Move
• 5 Things You Might Not Know Your Insurance Covers

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/pack-organize-storage-unit-201374/
via Reveeo

House of the Week: A Converted Fire Station for Home and Work

The future of real estate may not be all the bells and whistles of technology, but instead homes with great spaces for both work and play. This restored fire station is just the ticket, heating up the idea of owning a space that can serve your housing needs and much more. With 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a list price of $849,000, this Sanford, FL home offers a piece of history that looks toward a stylish tomorrow.

The bottom level of the property is a commercial space boasting 3,700 square feet of fire truck bays, a foyer, and a workshop, offering plenty of ways to develop your dream business close to home.

The property was restored by an artist who was also a real estate agent at the time. She “wanted to have a place for her agents, then she realized the light upstairs was a perfect place for her to paint,” said listing agent Kase Ellers of Mainframe Real Estate.

Upstairs there’s a loft-style living space that would make any artist swoon and any New Yorker pack their bags for central Florida.  Exposed wood beams, ducts and columns create a lovely backdrop, and track lighting makes the modern aesthetic even brighter.

The exposed brick walls bring out the best in the hardwood flooring, which glistens in the natural light provided by a plethora of picture windows. Ceiling fans, freestanding stacked double ovens, and an exposed sink create a no-frills style that shows luxury is not necessarily about grandiose accouterments, but rather stylish finishes tastefully done. To top it off, the living area includes a charming fireplace.

The 1887 building is in one of the first settled cities in Florida. It originally had three stories, but the top floor was removed during a renovation in 1928.  

“One of the coolest things about the home is the history that ties into the town,” Ellers said. “The firehouse attracts a lot of people.”

Photos by UNEEK.

Related:

• Rebirth in the Rust Belt: A Converted Firehouse & More
• A Lavish Colonial With Vibrant Flair
• A Floating Home in Seattle

from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/repurposed-fire-station-201905/
via Reveeo

The Space-Saving Rolling Pantry: A DIY Tutorial

10 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Slugs and Snails

Despite their destructive habits and overall “ick” factor, the soft and squishy bodies of snails and slugs are anything but formidable. In fact, there are so many creative ways to repel or kill them outright that you might have a hard time choosing just one.

Commercial snail and slug killers might also work, but they're dangerous and can harm the “good” creatures in your garden as well. Save money and choose one of these easy home remedies instead.

Give them a bath

Snails and slugs hate baths nearly as much as toddlers. Every time you go out in the garden, bring a little bucket with a few drops of dish soap mixed in. Pick off any soft-bodied pests you see, throw them into the bath, and dump out their remains the next day. The small amount of dish soap prevents snails, slugs, and even caterpillars from escaping.

Get them drunk

If you're going to kill the slimy little guys, you might as well let them die drunk and happy. Set out saucers of stale beer, making sure that the pests can find their way over the ledge and into the dive bar. They'll be naturally drawn to the yeasty smell of the beer, fall in, and drown in a bath of beer. Don't use this method if pets or young children are present.

Put out a tiny barbed wire fence

Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around vulnerable plants and walk away. It's like putting out a bed of microscopic razor blades and shards of glass, so snails and slugs will do their best to steer clear of the stuff. Use this trick sparingly though, since it can slice away at “good” bugs and critters, too.

Just add salt

It might not be the kindest or cleanest method, but salt really does kill slugs and snails by drying out the mucus coating their permeable bodies. Sprinkle a very small amount, since it doesn't take much to harm nearby plants. But if a slug is close enough to kill with salt, you'd be better off picking the thing off by hand.

Put out a banana trap

Choose this method if you'd rather not touch the snails and slugs at all. Leave a banana skin, grapefruit peel, or melon rind out near affected plants at night, and dispose of the peel - critters and all- in the morning. Use a shovel to ensure you don’t get slimed!

Tangle them up

If your furry friend is shedding a lot, put that hair to good use and spread it around the base of affected plants. The fur will stick to slugs’ and snails’ mucus coating and keep them from getting much further.

Your own hair will also trap slugs. But if you feel obliged to mulch the garden with human hair and find that it works well, it's probably best to keep that secret to yourself.

Don't bring home hitchhikers

Slugs often enter the garden by hiding out on nursery plants. When purchasing, thoroughly inspect each plant, also checking the debris or dead leaves on the soil surface. Remove any snails, slugs, and other stowaways.

Clean up dead leaves

Dead leaves in the garden are usually a good thing because they provide a natural habitat for lots of little critters that benefit your soil and plants.

But if you have a slug infestation, dead leaves have to go. Whether you throw them on the compost pile or bag them up just to play it safe, a “cleaned up” garden will at least help you get a handle on the snails and slugs.

Attract natural predators

Just as there are lots of ways to kill slugs and snails, there are lots of animals who will happily take them off your hands. Attract snail-eating frogs, toads, lizards, and even snakes (most are harmless) by providing hiding places such as stones or logs in or near your garden. You might even choose to keep those dead leaves, if you're going this route.

Include native plants, bird feeders, and birdhouses to attract snail- and slug-eating birds. It takes a while to build up a diverse garden, but you'll have fewer pest problems in the long run.

Grow something else

It isn't what you want to hear, but if your garden is brimming with slugs and it seems like nothing can get rid of the slimy plague, consider growing plants they won't eat.

Besides, a garden with big pest problems is a garden that is out of balance. Diversify!

Related:

• Getting Rid of Garden Pests
• Do’s and Don’ts of Summer Landscaping
• 5 Tools Every Gardener Should Splurge On

from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/get-rid-slugs-and-snails-201985/
via Reveeo

Report: Kendall Jenner Buys Emily Blunt and John Krasinski's Home

In the kind of star-studded real estate deal you find only in Hollywood, model and Kardashian little sister Kendall Jenner has bought the home of actors Emily Blunt and John Krasinski. And Jimmy Kimmel is her new neighbor.

She paid $6.5 million, the Los Angeles Times reported, which is $1.5 million less than Blunt and Krasinski initially asked.

The 4,800-square-foot home has all the right angles and giant windows of a modern masterpiece built in 1958. Blunt and Krasinski renovated it with 10-inch walnut flooring and other glamorous touches.

Arranged on three stories, the home offers ample space for relaxing and playing. The living room, which blends into the backyard deck and pool area via a retractable glass wall, shares a fireplace with the formal dining room that also boasts floor-to-ceiling windows.

The chef’s kitchen, with high-end appliances and an eat-in island, sits opposite a family room accented by a wall of white bricks. It’s ideal for settling in with a casual meal on the sofa while watching the latest episode of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.” There’s also a more formal media room for extended viewing.

The master suite is a luxurious oasis that offers the privacy of trees outside its walls of glass, beyond which you can peek at the city of Los Angeles. The suite’s spa-like bathroom includes a marble-top dual vanity plus a soaking tub with its own wall of glass. The walk-in closet is a room of its own, with a center island and built-in drawers.

Krasinski designed the deck that opens off the third story. Its dining and lounging areas are enhanced by sweeping views and warmed by a fire pit for cool California evenings.

If Jenner becomes buddies with Kimmel, maybe he’ll gift wrap the house for her, too.

The listing agents were Kurt Rappaport and James Nasser of Westside Estate Agency.

See more of Jenner’s new Hollywood Hills neighborhood.

Don't miss out on the next Zillow video! Subscribe today to see the latest. 

Related:

• Kylie Jenner Asks $3.9M for Her Tuscan-Style Mansion
• Scott Disick Lists His Home Near the Kardashians
• Kris Jenner, House Collector, Buys Another … But for Whom?

from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/jenner-blunt-krasinski-home-202176/
via Reveeo

Before & After: A Sacramento Traditional Goes Transitional

Sanctuary: An Astronomer's Home Observatory

What It's Like to Move to a High-Priced Rental Market

When my husband told me he got a writing instructor job at the University of California in Santa Barbara, I immediately envisioned myself out on my California bungalow porch, watching the sunset from a front row seat: my hammock.

I was so excited about moving to California that about 10 minutes after he accepted the job, I was picking out mid-century modern furniture that would go nicely with the little built-ins I would undoubtedly have for book storage.

California dreaming

We had lived on a graduate student and copy editor budget for four years in Fort Worth, TX, and we were both craving some space in our lives.

Our one-bedroom apartment was charming, but I was growing weary of my desk being in the kitchen and holding conference calls while my husband tried to quietly prep his morning cup of coffee three feet away from me. We were looking forward to finally making more money and getting all the square footage that came with it.

After my husband accepted the job - and the major upgrade in pay from grad student to professor - we decided to casually browse some Santa Barbara rental listings to see what was available in the area. My eyes widened when I glanced over the listings. There were two-bedrooms listed for $3,000 per month, and studios for $1,500 per month.

Rent is how much?!

My husband and I are both from Oklahoma, where the average rent in our hometown of Norman is less than $1,000. My first apartment was just $300 per month with utilities included.

To say we had sticker shock is an understatement. When we found out how much we would potentially be paying per month, we were embarrassed to tell our parents because we thought they would try to talk us out of moving.

We also felt like we were behind schedule. Most of our friends back in Oklahoma had already started purchasing their first homes. We knew that a move to Santa Barbara could potentially set back a home purchase for several years, as the average home price in Santa Barbara is around $1 million.

An ever-expanding budget

Still, we pressed on toward our future. At first we said we would spend no more than $1,500 on rent so we wouldn't go above that golden rule of not spending more than 30 percent of your monthly income.

But when we saw what was available for $1,500, we quickly changed our minds. Though we adore each other, I saw no reason to test the waters by moving into a studio, and I had really wanted a separate office space for work.

Our budget then stretched to $1,800, and we finally landed on a two-bedroom condo near the university for $2,150 per month - just shy of $700 over our original budget.

The pros and cons

Our condo has a beautiful mission-style roof and stunning views of the mountains, and it’s biking distance to work for my husband. However, it's still a far cry from the amount of space and charm I thought we would get at our income level.

The condo has wall-to-wall carpet, some of the fixtures could use updating, and it's in the back of a doctor's office building, which is not exactly the dream neighborhood I'd imagined. Nevertheless, we've learned to manage and budget in an expensive market.

Life in Santa Barbara may be pricey, but it’s full of adventure with all the biking, hiking, surfing, and views it has to offer. Being able to bike to the beach is a luxury most people don't have, and I never want to take that for granted while we’re here.

Life’s a beach

After living in Santa Barbara for almost a year, we've discovered we spend so little time indoors that we can downsize back to a one-bedroom apartment to help save money for special trips and our future dream home.

In the South and Midwest, where we hail from, it's valuable to have a lot of space for friends and family to gather. But as we’ve discovered in our year in California, here it's all about living small indoors and living large outdoors.

So even though it may be painful to write that check each month, all I have to do to relieve the sting is grab my bike, head to the beach, and think, "Yeah. I'll pay whatever it takes to live here."

Related:

• RV Living in the City: Dodging the Rent Crisis
• 5 Ways to (Really) Save for a Down Payment
• Here’s Why Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Matters

from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/live-high-priced-rental-market-200893/
via Reveeo

Homes for Sale at Under Half a Million Dollars

If you have a big home shopping budget, you’ll find a wide variety in desirable locations, with styles ranging from traditional to modern.

See what you can find across the country when you loosen your purse strings. These 10 homes priced at less than $500,000 are yours to explore.

Portland, OR

2265 SE Spruce Ave, Portland, OR
For sale: $475,000

When they say good things come in small packages, they might be talking about this delightful Pacific Northwest bungalow. Graced with an inviting front porch and an attractive brick chimney, this home’s exterior hints at the beauty you’ll find inside. Highlights include a white brick fireplace, arched doorways, and a dining room that boasts a giant picture window, plus French doors leading to the outside.

Discover your next Portland home.

Phoenix, AZ

14636 S 14th Way, Phoenix, AZ
For sale: $499,000

Spacious with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, this desert oasis nestled in between mountains offers a luxurious retreat after a long day’s work. Featuring a lagoon-style pool and well-kept lawn, the home promises you’ll spend many nights relaxing outside. Inside, you’ll find several formal spaces for entertaining guests, a mix of plank flooring and tile, and a palatial kitchen.

See more Phoenix homes for sale.

Austin, TX

9508 Hopeland Dr, Austin, TX 78749
For sale: $465,000

This traditional home offers a world-class porch, as well as 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. The large gourmet kitchen includes an island and plenty of room for both meal prep and storage. You can peer out into the family room, which features a tile-surround fireplace and plank flooring. The back porch rivals the front, offering a great hangout overlooking the sprawling backyard.

See more listings in Austin.

Cincinnati, OH

716 Mannington Ave, Cincinnati, OH
For sale: $499,000

Like something out of a fairy tale, this darling Tudor-style 3-bedroom, 3-bath home is even more than meets the eye. Ornate tile designs enliven the bathrooms, hardwood floors throughout the home lend elegance, and the kitchen blends classic style with modern flair. An impressive dual-level sun deck is sure to be the highlight of many summer gatherings.

Find your next Cincinnati home.

Memphis, TN

6343 Old Orchard Cv, Memphis, TN
For sale: $480,000

If you’ve ever imagined being President but don’t have the time to run for office, you’ll delight in this White House style abode featuring 4 bedrooms and 4 baths. This colonial revival includes plank flooring, an ornate brick-surround fireplace, and large formal dining room with a chandelier.

See more Memphis homes.

Tampa, FL

2903 W Bay Court Ave, Tampa, FL
For sale: $499,900

This contemporary 3-bedroom and 4-bath home is a geometry lover’s dream. A large open living room offers both a view of the loft-style upstairs and the large dining area lined with plank flooring. Picture windows provide a stunning look into the backyard, which boasts an attractive patio, swimming pool and hot tub.

Discover your next Tampa home.

Los Angeles, CA

5323 Arlington Ave, Los Angeles, CA
For sale: $429,900

This picture-perfect craftsman home with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath offers a welcoming place to rest your head away from the limelight. The open-concept kitchen with track lighting and a bright island leads directly into the quaint living area. Dark plank flooring runs throughout the home, and large picture windows provide ample sunlight. The bathroom shower’s on-trend tile looks like something straight out of a magazine.

Find more Los Angeles homes.

Denver, CO

3553 Yosemite St, Denver, CO
For sale: $475,000

A winding walkway and picket fence lead to this idyllic two-story home. Arched doorways, hardwood flooring and plenty of windows create an airy feel throughout the 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom dwelling. From the kitchen, you can see both the living room and dining room while you prep meals at the granite-countertop island.

See more listings for Denver homes.

Charlotte, NC

6924 Huntfield Dr, Charlotte, NC
For sale: $449,000

This charming brick colonial provides a garden-style front yard, along with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Wood floors and many windows brighten the home’s interior, and a classic brick-surround fireplace with built-in shelves on either side serves as the focal point of the downstairs living area. Host movie nights in the upstairs home theater room complete with projection screen.

See more homes for sale in Charlotte.

Philadelphia, PA

9 E Willow Grove Ave, Philadelphia, PA
For sale: $489,900

This elegant stone home in the city of brotherly love features 5 bedrooms and 2 baths. Hardwood floors throughout and a classic fireplace are among its many charms. Each bedroom includes several picture windows, and a quaint study provides a welcome space to lounge.

View more Philadelphia homes for sale.

Related:

• Midwest vs. New England: What $250,000 Buys in Each Region
• Homes on the Market for $150,000 or Less
• Homes For Sale With Mother-In-Law Suites Fit for a Queen

 

from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/homes-for-half-a-million-201903/
via Reveeo

How to Avoid Breaking Your Lease

Renters often plan out their lives in six- to 12-month increments. But sometimes life brings an unforeseen circumstance.

Whether you just accepted a new job that's in a different city, or you need to make room for a new baby, the idea of breaking your lease might make you a little nervous.

Before you fork over the remaining rent on your lease, it's good to explore all of your options with your landlord or property management team.

Start with a conversation

If your situation has changed or you’re dissatisfied with your rental, don’t assume you’re on your own.

"When you're unhappy, go talk to the management,” says Tracy Atkinson, director of global marketing and relations for Goodman Real Estate in Seattle. “Millennials, in particular, want to do everything online. But come down and speak to someone. Be articulate in letting them know the circumstances. Tell them why [you need a change]."

But before you make an appointment to go speak to your landlord or property manager, be sure to really evaluate your situation to determine whether you actually need to break your lease.

Is it a situation where your roommate is moving out and you can't afford your rent alone, or are you just disturbed by your neighbor's habits? If you’re simply having issues with neighbors or the property itself, you can most likely work with the manager to solve the problem.

"Whether the problem is that they have noisy neighbors, or the unit they've chosen is too far away from the clubhouse, we do try to be proactive,” says Atkinson. “We deal with these kinds of problems on a weekly basis.

“The very first thing we do is bring in [residents] and have them share their story,” she continues. “We ask them what has made them unhappy. We try at that point to solve the problem. If it's a noise issue, we try to deal with the neighbor. Seven out of 10 times we can solve the issue."

You have options

After you discuss your situation with the manager and you both determine it’s necessary for you to break your lease, you can then consider your options. Depending on the size of the property management company and the terms of your lease, you may have several choices.

If you need to up- or downsize, one option is to move into a different unit in your building. This can be an especially appealing choice if you’re about to have a baby and need more space, or if your roommate is leaving and you need a smaller apartment.

Another opportunity is to check for availability in a sister property or another landlord-owned property. Some property management companies own buildings in several states, so if you’re relocating, it’s a good idea to see if there’s an option to transfer.

These changes in the lease, however, may come with fees, which will depend on your lease or rental agreement terms and tenant laws in the state.

Ask up front

Though you may have some options to move into another unit or building that management owns, the best way to get out of a lease is to negotiate from the beginning, Atkinson says.

If you think you may buy a house, try to negotiate a mortgage clause. When you buy a home on a short sale or you are building a home, timing can often be unpredictable, so it's good to have a flexible lease.

Or if you know there may be a job relocation for you in the near future, try to add a relocation clause to the lease.

Although you can't predict every major life change, for the ones you can, you should add a loophole to the lease. "Ask up front. It's always at the beginning that you have the negotiating power," Atkinson says.

Ultimately, breaking your lease depends on what the lease itself defines.

"At the end of the day, a lease or rental agreement supersedes everything,” Atkinson says. “The key is understanding that lease or rental agreement before you move in.”

Related:

• Lease Agreements: 5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Negotiate
• Hidden Fees and Add-ons to Watch for in Your Lease
• 5 Ways to Score a Lease in a Competitive Market

 

from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/avoid-breaking-lease-201734/
via Reveeo

3 Ways to Protect Your Escrow Deposit

You've made an offer on a property, the seller has accepted, and maybe you’re about to sign a contract. Now it's time to put some money down to show that you’re serious about moving forward.

The amount of money a buyer puts down (and when it’s put down) varies by state and local market. For many, it's a few thousand dollars, up to three percent of the purchase price. In some parts of the country, it can be up to 10 percent.

The deposit is a good-faith gesture to the seller, indicating you're serious about buying their home. Once deposited, this money can't be moved or touched without written consent from both buyer and seller. Upon the close of escrow, the earnest money deposit is applied to the balance of the down payment.

Like price and terms, the deposit amount is negotiable. But if you put in much less than what's customary in your market, it won't fare well with the seller - particularly in a competitive market.

That doesn't mean you can't get your deposit back - or lose it, if you aren't careful. From the time you put up the deposit until you close escrow, a lot can happen.

Here are the top 3 ways to protect your deposit.

1. Get to know the property

Every house, no matter if it's a 100-year-old Victorian or a modern marvel, should have some type of inspection before it's sold. Your contract should include a "contingency" for such an inspection, to protect you from unwittingly buying a money pit.

In an older home, the inspector will look at the foundation, the roof, and everything in between. You can have specialized inspectors go to the property as well, such as a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) specialist, a pool inspector, a termite inspector, or a structural engineer if the property merits it.

Even in a new condo, you'll want to inspect the interior systems.

Should the inspection uncover some problems, it's time to decide if you can live with them or not. Inspection contingencies are often so general that the buyer can get out of the contract and have their full deposit returned. Some call it the "cold feet" contingency, because sometimes buyers walk after the inspection, even if there weren't major issues.

2. Get it in writing

You need to get written notice that your loan has been approved, and make sure the property doesn't appraise for less than the purchase price.

Given tougher lending standards since the housing and credit crisis, the appraisal/loan contingency is more important than ever. A contingency clause allows the buyer to receive full written approval from the lender, before moving forward to the closing. So, if your loan is denied for whatever reason, you can exit the contract and get your deposit back.

If your loan broker isn't willing or able to give you written notice that your loan has been fully approved, do not remove this contingency. If you do, you risk forfeiting your deposit. Some lenders will pull out or deny the loan at the last minute - like the day before they're set to fund.

To protect your deposit, grill the loan broker, and don't feel pressured by the seller to move ahead. It's absolutely appropriate to ask the seller for an extension if necessary. Everyone in the transaction should want to work together to make the deal go through. But if you sign off that you're approved and then you're denied a loan, you risk losing your deposit.

An appraisal contingency should be added to the loan contingency as well. The property needs to appraise at no less than the purchase price. Some buyers have a larger down payment, and they may get loan approval even if the property appraisal comes in low. This isn't good news. And as the buyer, you should be able to walk away or renegotiate the purchase price if the appraised value is less than the contract price.

3. Review the property disclosures

Sellers are required, in most real estate markets, to complete a series of disclosures regarding their knowledge of and experience with the property. By law, they're required to disclose property defects, neighborhood nuisances, or anything that would negatively affect the property.

Additionally, you should have the opportunity to review any local or state reports, like a building permit history or a flood/earthquake map.

You should receive the seller's disclosures and any required reports soon after your offer is accepted. In some markets, you may receive these disclosures before you make an offer. If you discover something negative about the property, this is your chance to say "no thanks" to the seller.

However, you'll be required to sign off on these disclosures and reports at some point. Once you've done that, your deposit is at risk. So take your time. Review everything carefully. Don't be afraid to ask questions about what you've learned.

If you feel something is vague, or if a particular disclosure brings up an issue for you, investigate it. Go back to the listing agent or the seller and ask for additional documentation, because your deposit is at stake.

For example, in one case, a seller disclosed there was some leaking in one window in the rear of the house. On the surface, it appeared to be a small leak. Upon further discussion and investigation, however, the prospective buyer discovered that the leak was part of a much bigger roof and gutter/dry rot problem

Thousands of dollars are at stake

Depending upon a home's price, a buyer's earnest money deposit can be a significant sum. A three-percent deposit on a $450,000 property, for example, would be $13,500. That's not the kind of money most people would want to lose. So take your time as you move from offer to contract to closing.

Related:

• Avoiding Home Buyer’s Remorse
• 5 Signs It’s Time to Walk Away From a Home Purchase
• How Buyers Should Prepare for Their Final Walk-Through

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/protect-your-escrow-deposit-54041/
via Reveeo

House of the Week: A Colonial Mansion in Posh Bel-Air

Some people dream of owning a luxurious home in a part of the world so glamorous that everyone knows its name. Others are fortunate enough to spend their lives that way.

This colonial mansion in prestigious Bel-Air belonged to accounting magnate Kenneth Leventhal and his wife Elaine, who called it home for 60 years. They have passed away, and the home is on the market for the first time in all those decades for $13.95 million.

“It’s very elegant, very traditional and very Old World,” said listing agent Sally Forster Jones of the John Aaroe Group. Set on almost an acre of manicured grounds with stone pathways, rose gardens and fountains, the 10,000-square-foot home “has this whole feeling of substance,” she said.

The 9-bedroom, 10-bath estate is filled with light and luxurious touches, from an ornate coffered ceiling in the dining room to modern-looking walls of windows in a corner sunroom. Almost all of the bedrooms are suites, and one area is essentially a guest wing. But perhaps the greatest luxury is an elevator that carries passengers to a level beneath the basement, where a tunnel leads across the grounds to a pool.

“This is a first for me, and I’ve seen a lot of houses,” Jones said.

Alongside the pool is a large guesthouse with its own living room, fireplace, kitchen and bar, plus changing rooms and bathrooms. It’s easy to picture glamorous poolside parties that end with sipping whiskey and telling stories by the indoor fireplace.

Related:

• A Lavish Colonial With Vibrant Flair
• A Tuscan Villa on Hilton Head Island
• Home Featured in ‘Father of the Bride’ Up for Sale

from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/1930s-colonial-mansion-bel-air-201831/
via Reveeo