OK, a tool box is not the most glamorous or newsworthy of topics to blog about.  But, having a good basic tool kit  is something everyone should have in their home.  Now if you are a very handy do-it-yourself kind of person, then this blog contains nothing you don’t already know.  However, there are a lot of us out there and you know who you are, where a tool kit contains nothing more than a hammer and screwdriver you’ve had since you were 20. 

Get ready, here’s the list of tool box basics:
Hammer
Screwdrivers – be sure to have a regular screwdriver and a phillips head in various sizes.  There are a lot of cordless screwdrivers out there that come with several heads and that may be all you need.
Tape measure
Wrenches
Pliers
Utility knife with retractable blade
Level
Ruler
Scissors
Screws and nails in variety of sizes
Picturing hanging hooks
Duct tape
Electrical tape
Finally, a latching tool box to put everything in one place

Yes, there are some good deals out there and many are thinking buying a foreclosure property is the way to go.  Whether you are savvy, experienced real estate investor or not, there are some things to keep in mind if you are going the foreclosure route and buying property.

See the property.  Just like any other major purchase, you don’t want to buy the property site unseen.

Research the neighborhood.  Here is where doing your homework is important.  Gathering as much information and data will help.  Is the area depressed?  Will you be able to recoup remodeling dollars?   These are just a sample of questions you should ask yourself.

How long has the property been empty?  The longer the property is vacant, there is the risk of a lot of maintenance items including plumbing, pests, etc.

What is the condition of the exterior and landscaping. As a foreclosure property, there is a pretty good chance the property hasn’t been maintained.   Take a look at the siding, roof, windows as well as the yards.  Trees, bushes, vines left untrimmed can cause problems.

Get an inspection.  If you’re paying cash still get an inspection if you can.  If you are getting a mortgage the lender usually requires a current inspection.

Have a realistic budget.  While the price of the property may be a “great deal”, think about repairs and/or remodel expenses.  If you are planning to rent out the property, can you carry the overhead if the property doesn’t rent quickly.  These are just a few of the budgetary items to consider.

Good luck on your real estate adventure.

Sierra Nevada College’s next Fireside Chat, hosted by Andy Whyman, will feature Read the rest of this entry »

The students at Incline High School won the Nevada State We the People.  .The Citizen and the Constitution competition at the Nevada State Legislative building in Carson City.  The event was help on February 6th and the Incline Village community is very proud of the students.  What’s next?  Seventeen seniors will compete in the national event in Washington D.C., Read the rest of this entry »

Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC offers tips to what should be a home owner’s annual home safety check.

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Getting your home ready for sale can take anywhere from one to six months, depending on the condition, age of the house and how long you’ve lived there. So go over the property to determine Read the rest of this entry »

All of Us at Schwartz-Stanton Group Wish You a Very
Happy New Year
and May 2010 Bring You Much to Celebrate.

Nearly all real estate experts recommend conducting extensive home inspections. Home inspections are designed to protect you from unexpected repairs and costs after move-in. If any problems are found during a pre-sale inspection, the buyer can Read the rest of this entry »

If your home is on the market, you have probably already taken great care in cleaning the interior and making necessary renovations that could help attract prospective buyers. However, before your home is shown to any buyers or agents, you should consider performing a few tasks to help protect your privacy. Not only should you try to Read the rest of this entry »