Tree root damage

Trees add aesthetic value to your home by adding color and foliage. They also attract songbirds. From another standpoint, older trees not only add aesthetic value, the shade they offer also serves to block the sun, which will lower your energy costs in the summer. 

Tree roots can also cause damage to your home and property. With proper maintenance, though, trees can add to the value without costing you an arm and a leg. 

The roots of most trees grow down and out. As the tree grows the roots spread; they don’t care what they come in contact with, what they move or what they break in order to provide oxygen and nutrients to a tree. 

Lawn and landscape

Because the roots grow out so wide and draw so much from the soil, it deprives other plants and grasses from getting the nutrients they need to survive. Roots can cause lawn damage ranging from visible aeration roots to bare spots. Talk to the experts at your local nursery to get suggestions about soil erosion and the best seed and topsoil to help keep your lawn green and lush. 

Concrete and asphalt

Tree roots are strong and stubborn. They move practically anything with which they come into contact. They are capable of lifting or cracking sections of driveway and sidewalk, creating an unsightly and dangerous footpath. They can also break through asphalt driveways and cause them to break apart and flake away. 

Home foundations

While tree roots are unlikely to cause damage on new homes with properly sealed cement, in older homes where the foundations are cracked, invasive tree roots can imbed themselves, causing serious damage. They can cause indirect damage by causing soil shrinkage. If you think you may have a problem, call a foundation expert who may offer solutions. 

Sewers

Anyone with clay pipes running to their sewer know the damage that can be caused by tree roots. Every growing season, the roots work their way in and eventually restrict the flow of water so much that the water backs up into the home. Proactive, preventative maintenance is advised; have a plumber auger the drain line every 12-18 months.

The problem with tree roots is that if you try to remedy the situation yourself, you could cause damage to the tree (even kill it.) Be safe. Call to get an expert’s advice about how to deal with tree roots.

Yakima Real Estate Market Report

The Yakima real estate market improved in nearly all measures in 2012 and the first quarter of 2013. Last year the quantity of homes sold increased 5.5% over the prior year. This is a welcome change for Yakima homeowners who have been anxious for the real estate market to be on the mend. While not a significant increase, this increase is notable that it is nearly the same level of sales activity that was achieved in 2010, when the market was artificially driven by the Federal Government’s stimulus in the form of a Tax Credit of up to $8000.

With the absence of any outside influence except for the continuation of the Federal Reserve’s policy of very low interest rates, the market found its footing. The acrimony of the Presidential Election may have dampened some people’s willingness to make a purchase decision, but it appears that many people returned to the marketplace. With the election well behind us and the stock market posting record gains, the overall economy has been improving in many categories including housing.

With a couple of exceptions, in 2012 the seasonal sales cycles returned to a more normal pattern over the year, where we saw more homes sell in the spring and summer months than during the holidays and early winter. From April to October, we typically see 9% to 10% of annual sales in the individual month, save for July when it seems too many people are on vacation. Somewhat surprising was the fact that August of 2012 was the single month with the most number of transactions, followed by September, when normally we would expect the peak month to be May or June. This may be a sign of increasing consumer confidence as the year wore on, and, coupled with the strong showing in the first few months of this year, we can have confidence that the market will maintain this improving trend as we get further into 2013.

This year began with typical seasonal trends of a relatively muted pace of closed sales in January and February, yet the activity that precedes escrow closings, including new purchase contracts written, presents the promise of a continued housing recovery. 2013 is shaping up to be a comeback year for housing markets across the country. In many metro areas, especially those that were hit the hardest by the downturn, the pace of sales and home prices themselves, have rebounded dramatically.

The first quarter of 2013 in Yakima saw similar though more sedate trends of improving market characteristics. January experienced a 22% increase in the number of closed sales, and in March we saw 37% more homes sell compared to the same month in 2012. All indications are that this trend will continue. We expect many home buyers will take advantage of today’s low interest rates and finally make that home purchase they may have been putting off.

2011 can safely be called the bottom of the Yakima Real Estate Marketplace. The only way to know that a marketplace has passed its lowest level is to see improvements across a number of metrics. Many of the indices that we follow, from quantity of sales to home prices, demonstrate that the Yakima marketplace has posted steady gains in 2012 and at the start of 2013, all of which have sustainability.

Most Yakima neighborhoods shared in the increase in sales in 2012, though some had substantially larger improvements than others, while a few experienced a drop in the quantity of homes sold. Union Gap, though only a small percentage of the total sales overall, did experience the highest growth, doubling the number of homes sold. Selah saw nearly 50% growth, from 103 sales the prior year to 151 homes sold in 2012. Terrace Heights and the East Valley, along with West Valley area, both increased nearly 30% over the prior year.

The Yakima area is reflecting nationwide trends, with increased consumer confidence more homes are being sold. While the market statistics are not of the headline grabbing variety here, the positive changes are across the board and bode well for consumers who value all the benefits of owning a home.

Click here to preview the entire Yakima Real Estate Market report.

The three most important words in home repair

If you’ve got a project that you can’t DIY, there are three words that are absolutely essential when it comes to hiring a professional to do the work: licensed, bonded and insured.

The truth of the matter is that anyone can say they are, and a few will even advertise they are when they’re not. It’s very rare, but it does happen. By asking to see proof, you will be able to establish that you will be protected in the event of damage.

Simply put, if they don’t produce current documentation, don’t hire them. They may do good work, but the big “what if” factor comes in to play. What if something happens? What if they cause damage to your home? What if an employee gets hurt? What if they cause damage to your neighbor’s property?

Licensed

Being licensed means the contractor is registered to perform certain types of work. It is important to know what types of remodeling and repair requires a license. Electrical and plumbing usually requires a license, but other areas do as well. A quick call to your local building codes enforcement office will tell you what you need to know.

Bonded

Being bonded means the contractor has deposited secured funds, with a bond company and that money is available to pay any claims by a customer against the company. Companies that issue bonds require that the contractor go through an underwriting process that includes data concerning professional credentials, personnel, financial statements and ethics. Bond money is controlled by a state agency and used to pay a variety of claims against the contractor.

Insured

Last, but certainly not least, any contractor you hire should be insured as a protection of your liability. If a worker is hurt on the job and the company is not insured, the claim would be filed against your homeowner’s insurance. You may also be liable for worker’s compensation. You will be forced to pay for any damage caused to your home by the contractor’s negligence or be forced to file a claim with your insurance, which means you still have to pay the deductible. If insurance denies the claim, you have to go through the time and expense to sue the contractor.

Seeing proof that they are licensed, bonded and insured will go a long way toward reducing any question you have about the contractor. Determining if the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured is the first important step in hiring a remodeling contractor. Not only will this help you determine if the contractor is eligible to do the work, it can potentially save you a small fortune if something happens.

Recycling, Restoring and Reusing – 12 Ways to Reuse Bread Tags

You may look upon this simple, ubiquitous household item as something you just have to throw away. But there are some legitimate uses for bread tags that may have you thinking twice before tossing them. They can help with organization, offer material for craft ideas and even household cleaning. 

Organization

If you’re reading this on a desktop, chances are you’ve got a gnarled mess of cords going into an outlet strip or surge protector. Identify the cords by writing what they are and clipping a bread tag near the plug. 

Have you ever grabbed a roll of tape, only to have to struggle with finding the end? Simply mark the end with a bread tag. This works on masking, electrical and packing tape. 

Everyone has keys on a ring that they have no idea what it’s used for because they thought they’d remember what lock it went to. Write it on the bread tag and put it on the key ring. 

Use a bread tag to store rubber bands rather than a ball so they won’t break or lose their elasticity. They can also be used to store plastic ties that you find holding toys in boxes and shipping electronics, which can also be reused. 

If you’re a gardener, bread tags can be used to identify your plants. Just write what the plant is and slip a tag onto your garden fence. 

Laundry

No one likes doing laundry, and folding socks is perhaps the biggest pain in the neck. Save yourself some aggravation by clipping your socks together with a bread tag to hold them together throughout the whole laundering process. 

You can dry pantyhose, stockings and hose on a wire coat hanger by attaching them to the hanger with a bread tag. 

Cleaning

Got some gunk on the inside of your microwave or paint residue on a window? Bread tags are perfect as mini scrapers for getting that stuff out in hard to reach corners. 

You can turn a regular sponge into a scrubber sponge by wrapping a net produce bag around it and holding it in place with a bread tag.

Craft projects

Decorate wine tags to make things like bookmarks, wine charms and placeholders for knitters. 

Missing pieces from games? Have the kids decorate personalized bread tags. 

Spray paint them silver and gold to make a great clip for hanging lights around the holidays.

Of course, there are other ways to use bread tags. Some guitar players use them as picks, but that didn’t fit into any categories. What are some other ways to reuse bread tags?

How to know if your home has foundation problems

Early one morning, you go to the basement to do a load of laundry and the door sticks a little more than normal. It always sticks, but today is more noticeable. You don’t think much of it; just make a mental note to take a look at it over the weekend. 

Sometimes a sticking door is not just a sticking door. It’s a warning that your home may have bigger issues. Old home, new home… it does not matter. Both can develop foundation problems. If not addressed quickly, you may find yourself in a dire and very expensive situation. 

The most famous example of a building with foundation problems is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Tower had issues from the beginning: the soil shifted during the first phase of construction and they tried to make adjustments in order to complete the project. Modern techniques have stabilized the structure, ensuring that the landmark will be available for tourists to take goofy pictures for the next couple of centuries. 

Look for these warning signs

• Crawl space moisture

• Uneven floors

• Cracks in the brick

• Bulging, rotating or leaning walls

• Corners of siding/soffits that are not flush or are separating

• Dislocated or broken plumbing, wiring or utility lines

• Walls separating from windows, doors and ceiling

• gaps between cabinets and walls

• vertical and horizontal wall cracks

• cracks over doors and windows as well

• Problems closing doors and windows

• Cracks in floor vinyl or tile

• Uneven roof line or ceiling line

• Leaning chimneys 

What causes foundation issues?

A house gets it from all sides. Both environmental and manmade factors can contribute to your home’s foundation issues. 

Evaporation

Hot, dry wind and intense heat will often cause the soil to contract beneath the foundation. 

Transpiration

Tree roots dehydrate the soil beneath a home and the soil shrinks underneath the house. 

Poor soil conditions

Organic components and debris may cause consolidation over time. 

Plumbing leaks

Whether you have cast iron or PVC pipes, both can develop moisture to accumulate under your house. 

Improper drainage

Improper drainage or waterproofing can cause the build-up of excess moisture, which can erode or consolidate the soil. 

Inferior construction materials

Insufficient steel and inferior concrete will contribute to movement. 

Building site preparation

Especially during building of subdivisions, soil moved from one area of the lot to another may not be compacted sufficiently when home is built. 

Fixing failing foundation can be expensive, and it only gets more expensive as time goes by. It can affect your home’s value when it’s time to sell. If you notice any of the signs of foundation problems, call a specialist to come out for an inspection.

Negotiating The Contract – Will You Be Moving?

Congratulations, your hard work has paid off.

You have put in countless hours preparing to sell your property, carefully tending to the small details, all to ensure your home appeals to the widest range of potential buyers. You have thoroughly studied the marketplace and offered your home at a competitive price. You have left your home in the hands of your Realtor as car loads of strangers have looked through your home at Open Houses. Now you are about to review an offer from an interested buyer.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN AN OFFER

When it comes time to review the offer, you have one thing on your mind, how much is the buyer willing to pay? This is the most important factor of course, but is just one of many key points that affect the quality of the offer. Your Realtor will help you evaluate all the critical factors, including the buyer’s ability to qualify for any financing required and evaluation of all the contingencies in the contract. The price a buyer offers is just the beginning, and a careful evaluation of all the terms of the offer is critical to avoid getting stuck in a contract for months just to have the buyer fail to perform.

IS THE PRICE RIGHT?

Often times we feel that we need to leave substantial room for negotiation with a buyer when selecting an asking price. While it is true that buyers often offer less than the listed price, that is not always the case. In fact, in 2012, buyer’s in Yakima paid the full asking price 18% of the time. However, there were likely other terms that reduced the effective price such as the seller paying some of the buyer’s costs.

That said, we don’t see many contracts where the buyer makes low-ball offers. In fact in only 13% of sales last year the agreed to sales price was 10% or more below the asking price. Most commonly we see a buyer willing to pay within 5% of the seller’s offered price. This illustrates how important it is to offer the home at market value.

BUYER’S CLOSING COSTS

In addition to the offering price, it is extremely common for a buyer to ask the seller to pay a portion of their closing costs. This simply allows the buyer to roll these costs into the overall price of the home, but it does lower the net value of the offered price. Lenders allow a seller to pay these costs, and in more than 90% of offers where the buyer is obtaining a loan we see anywhere from 2% to 4% of the asking price being credited to the buyer at closing.

Why should a seller pay some of the buyers’ closing costs? It simply comes down to the buyer’s ability to purchase. The biggest challenge for most homebuyers is saving all the cash necessary to close on a home. With down payments ranging from 3% to 20% of the purchase price, many buyers would not be able to buy without this closing costs assistance.

CONTINGENCIES

Most contracts today contain numerous contingencies, such as the buyer qualifying for a purchase loan. In addition to the financing contingency, the majority of buyers elect for a professional inspection of the property. Buyers hire home inspectors who spend hours investigating the condition of the home. This may lead a buyer to terminate the sale if the inspection turns up significant issues. More commonly, the buyer may ask for a few things to be repaired by the homeowner. Other contingencies can include evaluation of the septic system, the buyer’s ability to obtain fire insurance and the condition of the property’s title. A careful assessment of these contingencies, their time periods and terms of execution are critical to arriving at a fair agreement for both parties.

Paint like a pro

Painting is one of those home improvement projects that can give your room a fresh, new look. It can be done quickly, doesn’t cost much and you can do it yourself. 

It can also be frustrating and difficult, which is why there are so many professional painters out there. Here are 12 of their secrets. 

Prep your new roller covers

You can avoid leaving fuzz on your freshly painted walls by taking a couple of minutes to wash new roller covers before using them the first time. Use a little bit of dishwashing soap and water. And you don’t have to worry about letting them dry. 

Avoid flashing

If you have to patch areas of the wall with drywall compound, those areas will look dull compared to other parts of the wall because the material is porous and absorbs paint. Use a primer to seal the patch so the paint won’t sink in and look dull. 

Clean all surfaces

Use a painting degreaser to clean the grime off the wall before painting. Paint won’t stick to greasy or dirty areas that build up on your walls over time. This is especially necessary in kitchens and bathrooms. 

Taping

The time you spend in prep cuts down on mistakes. Use high quality painters tape. When you’re taping, make sure not to stretch the tape; it can leave areas where paint can seep in. As you’re taping, run a putty knife or piece of cardboard over the tape to press the tape down to stop any paint bleeds. 

Don’t tape windows

Don’t bother taping. It takes a lot of time. Paint ends up on the glass and you end up scraping them anyway. 

Pulling tape

Pro grade tape doesn’t leave a residue and can stay on the wall for a few days. Paint starts to dry immediately and how long it takes to completely dry depends on the type of paint, the climate and the time of year you’re painting. Wait 24 hours to pull the tape, but before you do, score the paint on the edge with a blade to avoid tearing off pieces of dry paint. 

Use cotton drop cloths

Plastic is slippery, even if you tape them down. Any paint you spill on plastic stays wet, which means it can get tracked to the other parts of the house. Although they’re made to prevent damage, large spills can seep through canvas, so clean up any spills with paper towels. 

Order counts

Paint the trim first, then the ceilings and walls. You don’t have to worry about taping the walls when you’re painting the trim. Same goes for the ceiling. Saves a ton of prep time. 

Cutting edges

Brush marks are likely to show in corners and areas next to trim. Brush on paint in those areas and immediately go over the area while the paint’s still wet. 

Finish a wall before starting another

Many DIYers will paint the corner first, then paint out to the walls. You’ll get better, more seamless results my cutting in one corner and rolling it out. 

Boxing your paint

This helps you achieve consistent color, which may vary from can to can, even though you bought the paint at the same store on the same day. Boxing the paint is mixing two cans together. Use a five gallon bucket to do this and paint from the bucket rather than the tray. 

Load the brush

Don’t scrape the brush after dipping it in the paint. Load up the first 1-1/2 inches of the brush, then tap it a couple of times to avoid drips.