Do Fence Me In, Here Are A Few Good Yard Fencing Options

Whether you just got a puppy, have newly mobile children or built a pool, there are a multitude of reasons for wanting to keep people and animals in your yard, while preventing other from entering.

Picking the perfect fence can be difficult, so below we've outlined the main fencing materials to choose from and characteristics to consider about each.

Wood

Wood seems to be the most common material used in yards across the country — especially when wanting privacy. Depending on the type of wood you purchase, you'll probably want to stain the planks to protect them from rot and ultra-violet light. Be prepared to retreat and maintain your wooden fence about every four years.

Chain Link

This economical option does its job well as a security fence. It'll keep pets in and people out. And with the new black or green plastic coating chain link comes in, it almost blends into any background.

Chain link fences shouldn't require any maintenance for at least 10 years, and they usually come with warranties for at least that long.

Wrought Iron

If you're in the market for an ornate fence that you can see through and provides high security, then wrought iron should be your pick. These fences are actually made from steel and aluminum and need virtually no upkeep. Don't expect to see any issues for at least 20 years.

Vinyl

You like the look of wood, but you hate the upkeep. Well, if you're willing to spend the extra dough, usually four to five times the cost of wood, then you can have a man-made product that looks like the real thing.

Faux-wood fencing is usually seen in white, but can come in a variety of colors and even look almost identical to actual wooden planks. The best part is — no maintenance required!

Whatever your reason for building a fence, such as privacy, security, safety or to add curb appeal, you'll have hundreds of options to choose amongst. Be sure you carefully consider each of the main fencing materials above, along with their look and maintenance requirements before you make the investment.

Which Additions Really Add Value To Your Home?

When you own a home, there are additions that you can make to the property that will improve the value of your home. For example, a newly renovated kitchen or bathroom is a popular choice that will really make the home more desirable to buyers.

Also, adding storage space or a well-thought-out family room or other practical space can be a very good investment that will bring up the home's value.

However, there are other projects that are not really worth your time or money and will allow very little opportunity to recover your costs when it is time to sell the property. Here are a few examples of things that you think might add to the value of your home, but really don't.

An Elaborately Landscaped Garden

A beautifully landscaped garden might make the home more visually attractive to buyers when they are looking at the property, but it will not likely add to the selling price.

This is especially true if the new buyer is not interested in putting in the effort to keep the garden well-maintained and sees it as a burden. If they don't have time to do the landscaping, they will need to hire a gardener which will add to their expenses.

A Hobby Specific Room

Are you tempted to convert a bedroom into a room that is specific to one of your particular interests, such as an art studio, a library or a wine cellar? This will not add a lot of value to the home, because the next buyer is not likely to share your passions.

It might even make the home less than desirable, because the next owner will not want to spend the time and money renovating the room back into a bedroom.

You can create a hobby room; just make sure that you make non-permanent chances to the room so that you can quickly and easily switch it back to a bedroom.

A Renovated Garage

Redoing your garage and turning it into a family room or a play room might give you a short term benefit, but you might regret it when you go to sell the home. Most people want a garage to serve its original purpose – as a place to protect their cars from the elements and store their shovels, garbage cans, leaf blowers and other outdoor things.

These are a few examples of home additions that will not add to the resale value of your property. To find out more about selling your home, contact your real estate professional. 

Don't Overlook These Important Factors When Buying A New Home

Most of the time when buying a property, there are a few obvious factors that you will consider – such as the location, the number of bedrooms, the accessibility to schools or your workplace, the need for repairs and any interior features. However, there are a few things that might not have crossed your mind during your house hunting but are still quite important.

Water Quality

Most home buyers don't even think about the water quality at the property until they get to the inspection stage. However, if you find out that the home has hard water this will dull your clothes when you wash them and irritate your skin.

Hard water will also create calcium deposits within your showers and faucets and even inside your washing machine and dishwasher. Have the water tested so you know its quality and can look into options for a water purification system.

Cell Phone Reception

When looking at a house, don't forget to pull out your cell phone and check to make sure that you get good reception. There are a number of "dead zones" throughout the country and you don't want to buy a house where you can't make a phone call on your cell.

If you have found your dream house but it has poor phone coverage, there is the option to buy a wireless cell phone signal booster.

Lead, Asbestos And Other Health Risks

When buying homes that are older, make sure that you have the home thoroughly inspected for any health risks such as lead paint or asbestos insulation.

These materials were commonly used several decades ago, before anyone realised how toxic they really are. If you find any toxic substances you can have them removed safely or look for a healthier home.

Slope Of The Land

Take a walk around the property and look at the land around the house. Is it flat, or does the earth dip or slope in one corner of the property? Keep in mind that when it rains, water will flow to the lowest point on the property.

If the house is at the bottom of a slope you might have issues with dampness collecting around the foundations. This can be corrected only with serious landscaping, so it's much easier to buy a house on higher ground.

These are just a few factors to consider that you might not have thought of when buying a house. For more real estate tips on property, contact your real estate professional.

7 Simple Steps To Finish Your Basement This Holiday Weekend

Not only does the Labor Day weekend signal a little time off work, but it also indicates a close to the summer season, which means it's time to get ready for colder weather.

So get in the spirit of the long weekend and put the labor of love into your home by creating a cozy hideaway that your family can retreat to once the outdoors become too chilly.

One of the best places to create this snug space is to mimic hibernating animals and go under ground — to the basement.

Whether your lowest level needs a facelift or is completely unfinished, Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to make a game plan and get started on remodeling your basement.

Step 1 – Obtain A Permit

Before you can just slap up insulation and drywall, you need to make sure your basement is even fit to dwell in.

Check with your city to ensure there aren't any permits you need to obtain and that the space is up to code. If you don't do it right, then this update could haunt you when it comes time to sell.

Step 2 – Get The Air Flowing

You'll want this space to be warm in winter and cool in the summer. Contact a contractor to see if getting air to this lower level will be as easy as tapping into your current HVAC system and whether or not your existing appliance can handle the extra space.

Step 3 – Design And Frame

Now comes the fun part. Decide what you want down there! A bedroom or two, a man cave, or TV room; a blank slate provides all sorts of exciting options. Once you've got a plan, start framing it out.

Step 4 – Add Emergency Exits

This underground level needs exit points that go directly outside. So, install a back door or windows that someone could fit through in case of emergency. If there are bedrooms in the design, they also each need their own exit point.

Step 5 – Insulate And Drywall

While the ground surrounding your home provides some insulation, you'll want to properly insulate around the perimeter and in between rooms to provide a noise barrier. Then put up the drywall.

Step 6 – Install Flooring

Pick out your flooring, such as wood, tile, carpet or vinyl. It mostly depends on what type of rooms you're planning to create. Make sure your floors are level before you lay anything down. It's especially common to find slanted floors in older homes.

Step 7 – Paint And Decorate

You're almost finished! Pick out your paint colors, move in your furniture and enjoy your new cozy hideaway. Colder weather will be here before you know it, so use the long Labor Day weekend to get this project started.

Clever Ways To Pay For A Renovation Of Your Home

So you want to renovate your home, but you don't have the cash at the moment for the project and you don't qualify for a home equity line of credit?

What can you do to get the money you need to upgrade your property?

Here are a few creative solutions to the problem, so that you can find the money you need to fund your renovations.

Take In A Renter

If you have a spare bedroom or a basement suite, you can rent out your home for a while to help you save money toward the renovations. Taking in a renter can be a great way to earn extra money, but it is important to interview your prospective tenants to make sure that you are renting to someone trustworthy and compatible.

It is also a good idea to make a rental contract so that you and your tenant can be sure that you are on the same page if any conflicts or confusion arise.

Get Rebates And Financing From Your Utility Company

Since the government is pressuring utility companies to reduce their energy use, there are a lot of financial incentives out there for renovations that increase your home's energy efficiency.

Some utility companies will offer you a loan for the money or rebates on your costs if you are making green upgrades. You might be able to pay off the balance of the loan over the long term as part of your monthly utility bill.

Sell Your Unwanted Stuff

Another way to raise some extra cash for a home renovation can be to sell the extra items that are taking up space in your attic or garage. Try selling them online, or directly to your relatives and friends.

Most families have all sorts of valuable items that they never use, from treadmills to bikes to couches to clothing and kid's toys. Not only will selling off the things you don't use make you some extra money, it will also give you more storage space in your home to work with when you are remodeling.

Put In Some Sweat Equity

Why not cut down the cost of your home renovation by doing as much of the work as you can on your own? For most tasks you don't have to be a professional contractor, you will likely be able to do with the instructions that you can find online.

This can save you thousands of dollars on remodeling costs. However, you should still use a professional for any of the skilled and potentially dangerous tasks, such as installing wiring.

These are just a few ways that you can cover the costs of renovating your Brooklyn, NY home without a home equity loan, so why not get started right away? For more useful property tips, call your trusted real estate professional today.