Home Improvement

May
26

New Renovation Rule on Older Homes in the East Bay

Posted In: For Sellers, General Real Estate News, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance
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It’s the law! Federal law requires contractors that disturb painted surfaces in homes, child care facilities and schools, built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Always ask to see your contractor’s certification. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating six square feet or more of painted surfaces in a [...]
Feb
15

FHA-Backed 203(k) Rehab Loans Can Make All The Difference.

Posted In: For Buyers, Foreclosures & Short Sales, General Real Estate News, Home Improvement, Mortgage & Finance
FHA rehab what? You mean there are still loans available to help fix up a house? S-WEET!Here is the scoop: The FHA-backed 203(k) rehab loan is an increasingly popular option in today’s market because so many available properties, especially foreclosures, are in need of repair. And let me tell you, I have been in plenty of them. The bones may [...]
Jun
08

The Latest in Design Trends

Posted In: Home Improvement
Whether your budget is small or large, here are some design essentials you should know when it comes time to spruce up your home. Top 10 inexpensive ways to freshen up your home 1. Buy new towels for the bathroom 2. Upgrade outdoor lighting 3. Install new doorknobs and caminet handles 4. Make a centerpiece for your dining room table [...]
Mar
19

What I Saw On Tour Today in Albany…

Posted In: Albany, Home Improvement
…was quite creative! I was touring a house on Santa Fe in Albany, a cute little 3 bedroom house.  Downstairs, through a very narrow stairwell, was the 3rd bedroom.  In the corner, next to the stairs, was a small bookshelf, about 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide.  The bookshelf was on a hinge.  Swing “open” the bookshelf and you will find [...]
Mar
18

To Earthquake Insurance or to Not

Posted In: Home Improvement, Insurance
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Oh, the $10,000 question.  Or in most cases, the $75,000 question.  Most of my clients, and even my family and friends, will at some point ask me what I think about earthquake insurance and whether they should get it.  Each time I say “You need to contact an insurance representative, go over the costs together, and then make a decision.”  Or [...]
Jan
14

When CFL’s Break- You Need To Know!!

Posted In: Home Improvement, Home Maintenance
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We are all making an effort to become more green.  The easiest switch is changing out your lightbulbs.  So when I walked into a house over the weekend I noticed that one of the CFL’s was broken.  I thought, “Hmmm, this can’t be good.”  It never occured to me what would happen if it did break.  Here is what I [...]
Jan
10

Contra Costa County Homeowner Repair Loans

Posted In: El Cerrito, General Real Estate News, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance, Kensington, Mortgage & Finance, Richmond
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          Did you know that there are programs out there to help low-income homeowners fix up their homes?  In Contra Costa County there is a program called the Neighborhood Preservation Program which is operated by the CCC Building Inspection Department.  The program, created in 1975, makes loans to very-low and low-income homeowners to help fix up [...]