Posted on

Homeowners Insurance Basics

Homeowners insurance exists because a home is a huge investment, often one of the largest purchases many people make in their lifetimes. Naturally, people want to protect the value of their precious property. Homeowners insurance is a contract between a homeowner and an insurance company. As long as the owner pays the required premiums and meets the other policy requirements, the insurance company guarantees to reimburse the owner for any losses incurred due to natural disasters or human-caused damage.

What Does It Cover?

A basic homeowner’s insurance policy protects the owner against any property damage that results from things like fire, lightning, wind or hail storms. It will also provide for motel and food costs if you are forced to leave your home while such damages are repaired.

A typical policy, however, does not cover flood or earthquake damage. Because these issues are usually specific to certain regions of the country and can cause extreme damage, these can be purchased as separate policies. If you live in a flood zone or near an earthquake fault line you may be required by your mortgage company to carry these protections.

A basic policy will also cover homeowners against loss from theft or vandalism as well as reimbursement for personal property destroyed in natural disasters. It will also provide for something that many people may not normally associate with home protection – liability coverage for lawsuits brought against the owner by people who were injured on the property. This includes the cost of legal defense up to the allowed policy limit. Additionally, most policies will have a provision that will cover the basic medical expenses for the parties.

Is It Required?

Homeowners insurance is almost universally required by mortgage companies with the purchase of a home. This is because the investment is almost as big for them as it is for you. They want to make sure the property is protected from major damages so that if you are ever unable to keep up with your payments, the lender can then reclaim ownership and be able to sell it fairly easily. And even if you own your home outright, a good insurance policy is still the best way to protect the value of your home in the face of the unexpected.

 

Posted on

Mechanics’ Lien

The Mechanics’ Lien law provides special protection to contractors, subcontractors, laborers and suppliers who furnish labor or materials to repair, remodel or build your home.

If any of these people are not paid for the services or materials they have provided, your home may be subject to a mechanics’ lien and eventual sale in a legal proceeding to enforce the lien. This result can occur even where full payment for the work of improvement has been made by the homeowner.

The mechanics’ lien is a right that a state gives to workers and suppliers to record a lien to ensure payment. This lien may be recorded where the property owner has paid the contractor in full and the contractor then fails to pay the subcontractors, suppliers, or laborers. Thus, in the worst case, a homeowner may actually end up paying twice for the same work.

The theory is that the value of the property upon which the labor or materials have been bestowed has been increased by virtue of these efforts and the homeowner who has reaped this benefit is required in return to act as the ultimate guarantor of full payment to the persons responsible for this increase in value. In practice, a homeowner faced with a valid mechanics’ lien may be compelled to pay the lien claimant and then pursue conventional legal remedies against the contractor or subcontractor who initially failed to pay the lien claimant but who himself was paid by the homeowner. Another justification for this result relates to the relative financial strengths of the parties to a work of improvement. The law views the property owner as being in a better situation to absorb the financial setback occasioned by having to pay the amount of a valid mechanics’ lien, as opposed to a laborer or material man who is viewed as being less able to absorb the financial burdens occasioned by not being paid for services or materials provided in connection with a work of improvement.

The best protection against these claims is for the homeowner to employ reputable firms with sufficient experience and capital and/or require completion and payment bonding of the construction work. The issuance of checks payable jointly to the contractor, material men and suppliers is another protective measure, as is the careful disbursement of funds in phases based upon the percentage of completion of the project at a given point in the construction process. The protection offered by mechanics’ lien releases can also be helpful.

Even if a mechanics’ lien is recorded against your property you may be able to resolve the problem without further payment to the lien claimant. This possibility exists where the proper procedure for establishing the lien was not followed. While it is true that mechanics’ liens may be recorded by persons who have provided labor, services, or materials to a job site, each is required to strictly adhere to a well-established procedure in order to create a valid mechanics’ lien.

Needless to say, this is one area of the law that is very complex, thus it may be worthwhile to consult an attorney if you become aware that a mechanics’s lien has been recorded against your property. In the event you discover that a lien has been recorded but no effort has been made to enforce the lien, a title company may decide to ignore the lien. However, be prepared to be presented with a positive plan to eliminate the title problems created by this type of lien. This may be accomplished by means of a recorded mechanics’ lien release from the person who created the lien, or other measures acceptable to the title company.

As in all areas of the real estate field, the best advice is to investigate the quality, integrity, and business reputation of the firm with whom you are dealing. Once you are satisfied you are dealing with a reputable company and before you begin your construction project, discuss your concerns about possible mechanics’ lien problems and work out, in advance, a method of ensuring that they will not occur.

Posted on

New EPA Rule

EPA New Rule “Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program”

Beginning this month, April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

The EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices on April 22, 2008 which is aimed at preventing lead poisoning from risks including common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition which can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint that can be harmful to adults and children.

After April 22, 2010, federal law will require you to be certified and to use lead-safe work practices. To become certified, renovation contractors must submit an application and fee payment to EPA. Contractors will need to take training with a provider that has been accredited by EPA to provide training for renovators under EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Program.

Posted on

The Art Of Staging

   

   

When it comes to Staging, what kind of wall art should you use? Since it is all about neutralizing, how can you choose a painting, a print or a picture that is not taste specific?

Well, first of all, try to stay away from flashy colors. Then, I would say that your choice will depend on the room you are staging. For example, in the kitchen, you should play with shapes for your art. Who said that every “chef d’oeuvre“needed to be presented in a frame? Be creative…

Depending on your color scheme, you could play with different shades and use pictures of drinks, food (such as spices), bottles…something really appropriate for the kitchen. Recipes can be really eye catching as well if nicely presented.

In the dining-room, wall art could be plates or placemats, but if you want to keep it simple, a landscape is great too. Landscapes are used the most in Staging because they pretty much go in every room throughout the house. Abstract is a genre of Art that suit the needs of a staged home. And, since Staging doesn’t mean boring, you have a lot more options than still-lives and landscapes. Just remember to keep it simple and to avoid portraits; they are just too personal and taste specific.

The purpose of putting Art on walls when staging a house is not only to look good and appealing. It’s also to anchor a piece of furniture or to create a vignette. (For example: a couple of paintings above the sofa).
Remember that to fill up empty walls; Art is not the only solution: think outside the box. You can also find some great architectural wall art and iron candleholders. Just shop around and you will find endless possibilities.

Good Luck!
Virginie Gill
Certified Staging Expert
Owner of Voilà Design

For a Realtor near you.
Tulsa Realtors
Broken Arrow Realtors
Bixby Realtors
Owasso Realtors
Skiatook Realtors

Posted on

From “Blah” To “Wow”!

There are 2 rooms in which we know that investing your money won’t be a waste. These 2 rooms are the bathroom and the kitchen, and here are a few tips to bring the “wow” factor in. This week, we will focus on the kitchen.

Make sure everything works well: cabinet doors, pulls and knobs, no leaking faucets.
New hardware for the cabinets is not very costly and it makes a huge impact. Preferably, everything should match in your kitchen (all glass, all stainless steel, all chrome or all oil rubbed brass).

Appliances need to be spotless.

Countertops are one of the most expansive upgrades for your kitchen, but for those of us on a budget, here is a simple fix. If you have laminate countertops, you can freshen it up with paint. Go to your local hardware store and ask for laminate countertops paint.

If you have butcher block countertops, oil them. A small can of oil or wax will do the trick.

If you have a bar, you need to emphasize it. It needs to be defined as an eating area, so stage it with a couple of bar stools and a few accessories. Every counter space counts and it is a great selling feature. If there is a breakfast nook in your kitchen, stage it with a small table and 2 or 4 chairs (depending on the size of the nook). Don’t forget to set the table to create a welcoming atmosphere so buyers can picture themselves living in your house.

It is very important that you de-clutter the countertops; you MUST show off the space. There is no better example of less is more. Pick ONE (yes just one!) small electric appliance (it should be the one you can’t live without and it should look clean): this one can stay! The rest MUST go. Then, use your imagination: wooden or stainless steel bowls with apples or lemons, fresh flowers, a kettle on the stove and you’re good to go.

But no, wait! Remember to bake cookies or a pie before you start your open house. There is nothing better than the smell of baked sweets to attract potential buyers!

There are many more things you can do to stage your kitchen but these solutions should help you get a better idea of what a staged kitchen should look like.

Staging tip of the week:
To clean stainless steel appliances, use a smooth cloth with a few drops of olive oil. Wipe gently and Voilà!

Good luck!
Virginie Gill, Certified Staging Expert
Owner of Voila Design

For a Realtor near you.
Tulsa Realtors
Broken Arrow Realtors
Bixby Realtors
Owasso Realtors
Skiatook Realtors

 

Posted on

Staging: How To Make A Small Room Feel Bigger

We are all well aware that today’s buyers are looking for spacious Tulsa homes with big and airy rooms. So, what can you do to make your small rooms feel bigger?

Here are a few tips:

  • Wall color is crucial. Choose a light color, such as beige, cream, taupe or light green. After all, staging doesn’t have to mean boring!
    Also, by painting the farthest wall from the entry way one or two shades darker, it will become an accent wall and your room will appear bigger and deeper. It will naturally attract the buyers’ eyes. (This works especially for living rooms).
  • Open the window curtains and roll up the blinds to maximize the natural light.
  • Use mirrors (one or two maximum in the same room) to reflect light, as well as shiny objects like candle holders, vases and other accessories.
  • If you have dark floors like hardwoods, try a big white rug to soften up the feel of the room. It helps define a sitting area for example and opens up an entire space.
  • Use fresh cut flowers, like sunflowers.
  • For bedrooms, choose white bedding so it won’t overpower the entire room.

Each of these solutions should help to make your rooms feel bigger, and in turn, make a great impression!

Staging tip of the week:

When you remove heavy furniture, it usually leaves dents on the carpet.

Easy fix: take an ice cube and let it melt on the dents. Once melted, use a scrubbing brush and…Voilà!!

Good luck!

Virginie Gill, Certified Staging Expert
Owner of Voila Design

Posted on

The First Impression

The first impression is very important when you are selling your Tulsa home. When I hear “first impression”, I think “curb appeal”. An attractive curb appeal is critical if you want to sell fast.

If your house doesn’t look good from the outside, chances are that Tulsa buyers won’t even stop to visit it. In order to show how beautiful the inside is, your Tulsa home needs to catch the potential buyers’ eyes right away. A few little changes go a long way.

Below are a few solutions you can adopt:

  • Clean up; rake leaves and kill weeds. Trash cans and cars should be out of sight because you want people to focus on your house and nothing else.
  • Add color to spice up the front of the house. Simple but colorful flowers, foliage and fresh mulch are all you need to make potential buyers feel welcome.

The impression the front door area makes is crucial. Tulsa buyers have plenty of time to look around and notice the flaws while waiting for the agent to unlock the door. Therefore you should:

  • Replace the house numbers (if needed) or spray paint them black.
  • Replace mailbox if dated or spray paint it black to freshen it up.
  • Make sure your doorbell works.
  • Add a welcome door mat.

Last but not least, don’t forget to clean up the windows to maximize natural light.

All this should help you make an amazing first impression. Your curb appeal will show nicely, your Tulsa home will look well maintained and buyers will be eager to discover the inside.

Staging tip of the week:

To clean your windows inside and out, you need a window cleaner along with a squeegee. Use a vertical motion on one side and a horizontal motion on the other. That way, you will know what side streaks are on for follow-up cleaning.

Good luck!
Virginie Gill, Certified Staging Expert
Owner of Voila Design

Posted on

Small Fixes, Big Impact.

If you need to sell your Tulsa home, Broken Arrow home, Bixby home, Owasso home or Skiatook home fast and for good money, you can be sure that staging is the key to your success.

Today, we will focus on the small things, you know, these things that we don’t even pay attention to because we are so used to them! Staging doesn’t have to be a big expense. When people hear ‘staging’, they think ‘furniture, accessories, art, colors’. Yes, it’s true, these things are essential but before all this; small fixes and little touch ups can make a big difference for prospective buyers. Most of them are looking for a Tulsa home in move-in condition. They certainly don’t want to tackle one project after another and I am sure you’re not going to let these small details ruin your sale.

Here are a few examples:

  • Make sure that your shower curtain in 100% clean. If Tulsa buyers see a dirty shower curtain, they might think that it reflects the entire house. A nice white curtain makes a bathroom look impeccable. This is a very inexpensive staging tip.
  • One weekend you started putting up chair rail and molding in a room but didn’t finish. Well, it happens to everyone, but make sure you have no unfinished projects on open house day.
  • Your door bell doesn’t work? Remember, buyers will make up their mind very quickly so everything must be perfect! Installing a new door bell is really quick and inexpensive. (I recommend a wireless door bell). This, along with a freshly painted mailbox (if needed), will make a great first impression.
  • Don’t forget to fix any dripping faucet, replace broken doorknobs and clean dirty spots on carpeted areas. These little tricks will make your house do-it-yourself projects free for potential Tulsa buyers, and that’s just what they like!

Plus, you won’t have to worry about those little things anymore because they no longer exist!

Remember, staging is not about hiding the flaws of your Tulsa home but to showcase its best features.
Staging tip of the week: This is a DO NOT. Never put a rug on top of carpet when you stage your Tulsa homes for sale. Buyers could think that you are trying to hide something!

Good luck!
Virginie Gill, Certified Staging Expert
Owner of Voila Design

Click here for our flyer!