A deck adds valuable outdoor living space to your home's square footage, but to be an asset, it needs to be well-maintained. If your deck has missed a few annual cleanings or is showing popped nails, splintered boards or water damage, consider resurfacing it instead of replacing it. The money you save will be significant. Here's how:
Look for rot, termite damage, warped or weakened boards and missing screws. Fix any problems you find by replacing individual boards and railings with similar materials. Make sure everything is structurally sound and sanded smooth before moving forward with the next step.
Step two involves giving your deck a good scrubbing to remove all traces of algae, dirt, mildew or mold that may have formed. You'll need a good wire broom or brush, eye protection and waterproof gloves, because some deck wash can be damaging to skin. You'll want to protect any nearby plants as well. Cover them in plastic while washing down your deck.
Deck wash can be painted on, sprayed on with a garden hose, or applied with a pressure washer. A simple mixture of laundry detergent, bleach and warm water may be all it takes to begin bringing your deck back to life. Once applied, work the cleaning solution into the wood using your brush or broom. Rinse clean and allow the wood to dry before proceeding to the next step in resurfacing your existing deck.
Lastly, you'll need to re-stain to apply a protective coating to your freshly cleaned decking. For older wood that still shows imperfections, try using a semi-transparent stain, instead of something that's clear. This will help to hide flaws and resistant stains.
You can spray, roll or brush the stain onto the deck, or you can use a combination of techniques such as spraying the stain down, then using a brush or roller to even out puddles and to trim out around railings. Apply the stain evenly, and then add the second and third coats while the stain is still damp. This helps keep old, thirsty wood from absorbing all the stain. Once applied, you'll need to re-stain your deck every other year to keep it looking its best.
The total cost to replace your old deck can run upwards of $10,000, says ProRemodeler. Compare that with the $4,000 you might spend to replace worn boards and connectors, and you're looking at a significant savings. If your existing deck is worth repairing, that's usually the better option. But it must be structurally sound by the time the work is done. If you're unsure, call in a pro for an inspection.
Maybe you’ve thought about buying rental property. Wouldn’t it be great, you think, to own something that someone else pays for? It can work out that way, with your property increasing in value while you pocket money every month. But with the wrong home, the wrong tenants or the wrong management, it can go horrendously sour. Here are eight ways to make your first venture as a landlord a successful one.
Start small. Buy a single house, townhouse or condo rather than an entire apartment building.
Decide how much work you’ll take on. Are you a DIYer? Can you make minor repairs yourself? Are you willing and able to recruit tenants and deal with them on an ongoing basis? If this isn’t you, you’ll be wise to hire a property management company to handle these items.
Really, really, understand your income and expenses. Project them forward 5 to 10 years and make sure you have a margin. There’s more than mortgage, taxes, insurance and utilities. There also can be landscaping, pest control, landlord insurance and minor repairs. Be especially aware of big ticket items. If you’ll need a new roof eight years from now, set aside for it. Be aware of property tax trends so you won’t be caught be surprise. Consider what will happen if a tenant leaves and your property is vacant for several months.
Arrange financing in advance. Most mortgage lenders will pre-qualify your loan. It helps close the deal if you can show this to a buyer.
Know the neighborhood. If you’re not familiar with it, drive around. Talk to people. Research it online.
Learn how to be a landlord. Talk to other landlords. Join a landlord’s association. Familiarize yourself with tenant rights and local regulations.
Know your tenants. The right tenants can make your experience a joy and the wrong ones can make you rue the day you got into this business. Use a screening service. Have a written lease ready to go and specify exactly what is expected: when the rent is due, what the grace period is, what’s the penalty for being late, who pays utilities, what - if any - maintenance the renters are required to do. Insist on prompt rent payment right from the get-go. No matter how much you like your tenants, it's imperative to keep the relationship professional. Visit your property from time to time. You’re not permitted to barge in, but a drive-by can tell you a lot.
Keep business and personal finances separated. Maintain separate bank accounts and credit cards. Be clear on which is which for record keeping and tax accounting.
People have put children through college and financed their retirement through rental property while also working at paycheck jobs. But being a landlord is not for the timid, the inflexible or the careless planners. Think before you make the leap, and if you decide to go for it, all the best!
Your real estate agent will ready your description for listing. But only you know your home the way its next owner will come to know it. Here's how to give your realtor that knowledge.
Many descriptions have similar text, and could apply to a whole neighborhood. Buyers want an idea of what it's like to live in your home. What's your home's relationship to the neighborhood's best perks? For example: What grocery store is within walking distance? Can the route be enjoyably walked?
Each home, no matter how modest, has unique traits that will endear it to the right home shopper. Sure, talk up that kitchen renovation or your new AC, if you have them. But personalize the heart of your description:
You get the picture. So paint it. Let that perfect audience respond, "Wow. This sounds perfect for me."
Omit basic data from your description (footage, bedrooms, baths). Those facts already appear in the listing fields. Use your word limit to show off your home's personality instead. At the same time, avoid anything that could oversell your home's features. Be charming, yet be real!
Avoid generalizations. If a certain room is unusually spacious, point that out. Overall, though, your footage and listing price speak for themselves. Rather than announcing an "updated" kitchen or bathroom, specify the enhancement. Let your potential buyers quickly grasp the value of the work you've done.
Avoid even the appearance of exclusivity. Sellers' language, by law, must not discourage buyers on account of their of nationality, race or religion, disability, gender or family status.
Finally, check your description for errors or overused words. Thoughtfulness is the key.
Remember to connect the home to its surrounding benefits. Does the property have a nearby walking and cycling trail? Is it near a wonderful park or farmers' market?
As for the interior, think of the aspects that aren't obvious in your photos. Does the new, granite countertop have ogee edges? Is the floor stone imported from Italy? Specify brand names and materials. Your realtor can tag your photos with features, engaging the visual buyer.
What's next? Your real estate agent will handle all final edits, ready the listing, and intrigue that perfect buyer!
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