Focus On The Family

By improving the exterior you can sell a fixer-upper!

The saying you broke it, you fix it can somehow apply to the business of buying and reselling property. Only this time, it’s you buy it and you fix it.

One of the first areas a buyer of a house will notice when checking out property is the exterior. It is the task of the landscape architect to make the garden top notch and appealing for a possible client.

Similar to that of the engineer and the building he constructed, a landscape architect envisions the planning, design, rehabilitation and preservation of the man-made property, such as in this case, real estate or simply fixer upper homes.

Hiring professionals to assist you in the landscaping of the property’s exterior maybe costly, that is why if you can do it by yourself, why not? Here are some guidelines that may assist you in improving the landscape’s exterior.

1. Make the best out of curb appeal
Now there’s something aesthetically appealing with a downward slope portion of the ground when checking out a garden. It’s simple but landscaping on slopes isn't an easy task.

First, you need a retaining wall. Think of it like you’re getting retainers after years of wearing braces. A retaining wall assists in preventing erosion.

You can build your own stone-retaining wall. All you need are a mason’s hammer, shovel, garden hose and a couple of stakes.

Terrace the slope by building retaining walls that could hold the soil in two or more places. A mortar-less retaining wall comes in with a drainage system which means water seeps through the cracks between the stones. However, when damage from such water pressure takes place, it can easily be repaired.

Choose stones that have two flat sides which will be placed atop the retaining wall. The heavier the stones, the more stability it will provide. The heavier the stones, the greater work you’ll have to do lifting it. It’s for the best anyway.

For your wall to withstand external pressure, dig a trench about eight to ten inches deep, fully submerging the first row of stones. Check that the stones are leveled. Just because it is a downward slope doesn’t mean the stones should be jagged when lined up. After completing the first layer of the foundation, continue with the next course of stones. Tuck in soil when there is a gap in between the terraces. Cascading plants such as lobelia and thyme are also appealing when planted in stone retaining walls.

2. Cleaning out and replacing flower beds
Of course, even plants need a fresh start. In landscaping, it is also advisable that plants get replenished. Treat the weather like it is spring and you’re about to embark on a change, so that’s why you clean out the flower beds.

Remove the dead foliage from the past seasons. Make sure that the flowers are given enough fertilizer and water to be replenished again. The flower bed soil must be healthy so that the nutrients will be taken in by the plants.

By replacing flower beds, make sure that the flowers you will purchase and plant are those that are in tune with the season. Ask a flower expert about the right care for the plants.

It is also advisable that the cleaning extend not only up to the flower beds but also to the lawn. A green, lush healthy garden is always something that captures the attention of a possible buyer.

3. Maintaining the lawn
What could be one of the hardest tasks in bringing out the beauty of a garden yet again is the lawn. First step you must do is to get the right type of grass to plant. Afterwards, purchase the fertilizer and ask the plant specialist when it is advisable to fully water the lawn.

Getting a gardener to maintain and water the lawn once a week will help in improving the lawn’s beauty to the onlooker’s eye. Make sure to get someone who you can trust, who will do the job efficiently and quickly with an asking price that won't be a hassle for you to shell out.

Some landscape architects also consider providing xeriscape to the exterior. This is where the retaining wall comes in. When done correctly, then erosion and the unwanted water can be suppressed from coming in and destroying the plants in the garden.

It is the landscape architect’s job to improve the exterior of a buy-and-sell house just as it is an architect’s job to improve the interior. Just like when you’re checking out someone you see in the bar, the physical appeal also matters.

In low income housing arrangements become quite difficult. Therefore to save on home lighting and flooring, one has to do quite a bit of research. This means visiting numerous stores for lighting as well as looking options other than carpet for flooring. The bathroom design has to be compromised upon for the time being as well.

- Leon Edward

Focus On The Family Life with Family News , "Best of Web" Articles, Tips Daily on the Topics Your Family Loves: Hobbies, Relationships, Music , Education, Career, Sports, Parenting, Life, Love, Career, Self Improvement, Vacation, Travel...all at  http://www.focusonthefamilylife.com . .
AND Visit our blog ...  Focus On The Family Blog

Leon Edward provides parents and loved ones with online child predator warning signs, dangers and steps to protect your child online...
Learn to Protect Your Child Online at  Internet Kid Safety with a FREE  STOP Child Predator Report

Get a Free Identity Theft Prevention Checklist at  http://www.preventidentitytheftfraud.com/preventidentitytheft.html

As Seen on FOX NEWS TV , This Work At Home Program is changeing peoples lives, visit http://www.cashmonthlylifetime.com

For Peace Visit Here

Leon Edward helps people to start, build, market and promote internet based home businesses and ways to  earn money at home.

Earn Up to $100 per hour ! Start FREE! at Start A Home Business Free . Get  a  constant flow of the fresh, pertinent information and advice you need to succeed.

Receive one-of-a-kind business-building arsenal of your own , join the  Home Business Association .Stone Evans will help you earn money from ome online as he has helped Millions . Discover 3 Easy Steps to Make Money Online !  If you want to make the most money online , grab your free copy of Website Magazine to Increase Website Traffic and master website optimization .

Leon Edward looks at top home businesses and how they perform in key categories at his home business opportunity reviews . Find Online Business Ideas , legitimate home based internet business ideas or open your own ebay business store. Learn How To Sell on ebay , get your free Business Marketing Online Newsletter, FREE Content in his Internet Maketing  Blog and Home Business Blogs , Download his FREE Report  - How to Find A Legitimate Home Business Opportunity without Getting Scammed! - or his Free internet business library all at
http://www.HomeBusinessIT.com  

Start Online Business , Earn Money Online, Improve yourself in every aspect of your personal development at Success University . Get Success Tips  and Boost Your Career and respect among peers. Improve IQ , Goal Setting ,  Public Speaking , Career Development   at Self Improvement Training .

Let The Power of The Subconscious Mind guide you , learn how to reprogram your mind power for success .

Get Off to a Top Earning Start  your first year in network marketing and learn how to generate leads at lead mlm  . .

Posted by leonedward at 05:32 AM | Permalink

Fixer uppers are homes that usually need a moderate number of home repairs generally not requiring special knowledge or expertise on your part, as the homeowner.
Fixer upper homes can be excellent bargains when the “asking price” is significantly lower than comparable homes nearby but in good or excellent condition.

An fixer upper needing a cosmetic fix-up can be a great property.  They generally need some repainting outside and inside (paint can do a lot of wonders), floor refinishing or new carpets, new lighting fixtures, little repairs, complete cleanup and landscaping.

If the home necessitates massive repairs such as electrical and plumbing problems that usually are expensive, it will slash your profit back or worst, eliminate it.

Before purchasing a house you believe is an effortless fixer upper, a professional home inspection should be considered because the inspector can provide you an accurate idea of what existing problems the home has and what repairs are needed as well as an approximate repair cost.

Here are frequently found fixer upper defects that might need your attention:

• Roofing

• Insulation

• Plumbing system

• Electrical system

• Central heating

• Central cooling

• Water seepage

• Structural
 
These defects requires expensive professional repair especially when talking about the value these repairs will return upon resale.

Most often, these major defects go unnoticed because fixer upper buyers usually can't see the inside workings, hidden out of view behind walls or covered inaccessible areas that are often taken for granted.

Cracked “heat-exchanger” in the heating system, faulty wiring, termite damage and safety and health problems like lead accumulation, water pipes as well as asbestos insulation are common physical flaws that you can't see immediately.

Indications of these hidden problems are as follows:

• Moisture stains that can be found on ceiling and walls could mean plumbing problems.

• Separations between wall and floor specifically for outer walls could mean structural problems.

• Sawdust piles near woodwork or wall corners can be an indication of termites.

A home inspection from a professional

A professional home inspection can cost about 200-325 dollars depending on the kind of property, location, square footage, etc.

When hiring a professional home inspection of fixer upper houses, it is wise that you obtain quotations first from several competing companies. However, the lowest bidder shouldn't be immediately given the job; aside from the price, you must inspect the “quality of service” they offer as well as the company name.  It is important to choose a company with a good reputation.

Several home inspection companies have some kind of computer-like machines which can supply inspection reports and descriptions instantly then the company adds their “pre-printed” sections which are very helpful for you in order to understand the fundamentals of repairing, fixing and replacement.

Furthermore, home inspection companies supply an entirely impartial appraisal and assessment of the house, inspecting everything carefully from electrical systems, plumbing to structural to make certain that the fixer upper house you are purchasing is sound.

Professional home inspectors can make certain that all major systems (air conditioning, plumbing, furnace) are working properly or they can pinpoint defects to you because these kinds of repairs will cost you a great deal of money.

However, do keep in mind that major repairing problems don't automatically indicate that you shouldn't purchase the fixer upper home, because they can and should be added in the home’s price negotiations.

A good fixer upper seller or realtor will and can factor in said considerations or concerns and you possibly can purchase the home for even less if you put it clearly that you will be responsible for the repair or replacements. Just be careful that you don't get tricked. Never take anybody’s word that the plumbing, the furnace or the electrical have no problems at all; you have to make certain.

Sometimes you can easily “walk away” from an excellent fixer upper home deal in a terrible neighborhood. At times, when you can specifically pin point what repairs and replacements are necessary, you can obtain a substantially lower price.

The trick in fixer upper homes is to discover those necessary repairs because often, the home seller won't point those out to you.

Banks usually do not like granting loans for bad credit, particularly with a history of bankruptcy. This is why entrepreneurs grab on a business opportunity and apply for a small business loan to come out of a tight fix, instead of making false reimbursement claims on their life or travel or health insurance. And this is precisely why banks advise to go through car insurance quotes too, to avoid facing fraudulent claims.

-  Leon Edward

http://www.focusonthefamilyblog.info
Family News , "Best of Web" Articles, Tips Daily on the Topics Your Family Loves: Hobbies, Relationships, Music , Educaion, Career, Sports, Parenting, Life, Love, Career, Self Improvement, Vacation, Travel...

Leon Edward also provides a FREE Identity Theft Prevention Checklist and provides information online on identity theft prevention at his websites
Prevent Identity Theft   | Indentity Theft Information 

Leon Edward also provides parents a free report of online child predators at http://www.ChildPrivacyOnline.com

Leon Edward is an Independant Associate of Identity Theft Shield (tm.) where you can find protection for your family from Fraud Thieves. Learn more Leon Edward , Identity Theft Protection and Affordable Legal Services at http://www.preventidentitytheftfraud.com/about.html

Subconscious Programming | Career Development | Home Business |  Family Estore 

Posted by leonedward at 06:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)