Structural Issues Due to Fill Dirt and Moisture Problems

 Fill dirt is used under all homes' foundations as a structural component but it can also harm the foundation of a home. According to NAHB fill dirt is the leading cause of structural failures in new home building.

Walt Keaveny, a professional engineer and geoscientist for 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, explains that this is not only the most common cause of structural failure but is also one of the most expensive repairs. In fact, around the U.S. on average it cost over $50,000 and in some states over $100,000!

Keaveny discusses fill dirt problems and tips for minimizing the problems in Let's Talk Dirt. Let's Talk Dirt is a new resource put out by the National Association of Home Builders Construction Liability. Subjects covered in the publication are about fill placement, density requirements, testing, and the benefits of working with a geotechnical engineer.

Another subject explored in the Ultimate Guide to STOP Basement Water Leaks is moisture found in basements. It is said that over fifty percent of all basements have moisture issues. The most common areas where a basement sees moisture problems are leaks in the walls and floors. If water leaks are not resolved, then the soil around the foundation will be compromised, wood framing will rot, drywall and finishes will be ruined and mold will occur.

When purchasing a home, it is best to work with a Realtor who can help you determine if the home you want to purchase has foundation issues.

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Buyers Who Are Looking For New Single-Family Homes Opt For A Single-Story

  According to the US Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) and information gathered by NAHB two-story homes are on the decrease. They found in 2020 the same amount of two-story homes started was equal to single-story homes.

Nationwide, the share of new homes with two or more stories fell from 52% in 2019 to 50% in 2020, while the share of new homes with one story grew from 48% to 50%.  The South region has seen the most increase in one-story homes for three straight years. One story new homes started in 2020 shows the most in West South Central with 62%. The least was in New England with 15%.

The 2020 Survey of Construction shows each region divided by new homes with a single story and new homes with two or more. The Pacific region shows 39% built were one story while 61% were two or more, Mountain showed 51% single while 49% were two or more, West North Central had 57% one story while 43% were two or more, West South Central had 62% one story with 38% two or more, East North Central showed 56% were one story while 44% were two or more, East South Central showed 61% one story and 39% two or more, the South Atlantic came in with 48% one story and 52% two or more, Middle Atlantic with 28% one story and 72% two or more, and New England with 15% one story and 85% two or more.

That means that four of these nine divisions saw the greatest newly-built homes with two or more stories. In fact, two or more story homes were seen in greater amounts in the divisions along the coasts around the country. As far as single-story homes, the Midwest and South won.

A surprising twist to the current home market that might have stemmed from the pandemic. If you are in the market for a new home, call a local Realtor in your area. A Realtor will be able to help you with your home search.

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Ways To Home Stage on a Budget

  One of the most important parts of the home sale process is staging your home. According to industry leaders, staging your home prior to putting it on the market will not only make you more money but will also help your home sell faster.

The National Association of Realtors reported that 96% of realtors believed staging had an impact on the buyer. Here are some great tips for staging your home before you put it on the market.

Go on a Cleaning Spree

For those on a budget, this is a great way to start the process of getting your home ready to sell. Most homeowners do weekly tasks to keep their home clean like dusting and vacuuming. When getting your home ready to sell, go the extra mile by scrubbing the grout in the bathrooms, soaking faucet heads in vinegar to remove limescale buildup, clean the baseboards and deep cleaning all the remaining areas of the house.

Declutter Everything

A big room can look small and cramped when it is filled with clutter. When staging a room, remember less is more. Just think, if you declutter now, there will not be as much stuff to pack when moving.

Keep Flat Surfaces Clear

Shelves, countertops, desks and tables should be cleared. According to top professional home stagers, this is one of the top on the list.  A few decorations here and there are fine, but clean lines are a home staging staple.

Remove Personal Items

A buyer does not want to see that this home belongs to the seller. The buyer wants to be able to envision themselves in the home. Remember you want to showcase your home's potential and keep distractions at bay. Removing family photos, knick-knacks or memorabilia that can distract potential buyers is a must.

Paint Walls with Neutral Colors

Bright or dramatic paint color can give a negative impression on buyers. In order to appeal to the widest range of buyers, repaint your walls in a neutral color. Use color schemes such as white, cream, beige or light gray. Studies show that neutral paint in homes can bring a seller an average of 107% return on investment.

Refresh with Mild Scents

Another sense that buyers use when touring a home is smell. Bad odors such as pets or cigarettes can detour buyers. If your home has been exposed to such elements over time, take baking soda and sprinkle it on soft surfaces such as carpet and furniture. You will want to leave it there overnight and then vacuum it up the next day. Another trick is to wash your windows and clean the walls with mild soap and water. Steaming cleaning your floors will also help with pet odors and stains.

Remove Evidence of Pets

Not all potential buyers are pet lovers. Pets can cause damage to the home such as scratch marks, odors and stains. If these reminders are left, it can detour many buyers from purchasing your home. A tip for pet stains is to treat them with a mixture of vinegar, water, baking soda, peroxide and detergent. If a pet has scratched hardwood floors, purchase a hardwood repair kit to fix the scratches. Just like the sellers leave when someone tours your home, the pets should also.

Let in Natural Light

When looking at home listings many always talk about the open and bright spaces. Letting in the sunlight is a free staging tip and can make a world of difference in a space. Both professional home stagers and real estate photographers believe a well-lit room is a strong selling point for those looking to purchase a home.

Choose the Right Light Bulbs

Most homes still need light fixtures to brighten the rooms. Do not use fluorescent bulbs rather use soft white bulbs that some say mimic natural light. Some homeowners often use daylight bulbs which send a blue hue into the rooms. These work well in kitchens, bathrooms and home offices.

Create More Space with Mirrors

Just like magic mirrors can give the illusion of more space in a room. In order to make your square footage "stretch," you will need to strategically place mirrors. An example would be to take a large mirror and place it at eye level near a light source in a room. This makes the room feel bigger and more comfortable.

Upgrade the Cabinets

Dated cabinets can make your kitchen look old and run down. A way to fix this problem without breaking the bank is to transform your existing old cabinets. To do this you can add a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.

Organize the Closets

Buyers always look at how much storage space a home has. Storage space is one of the top features on the buyer's list. A great trick to use is to organize and clean out your closets. Clear floors and neatly hung clothes can make a closet appear bigger. You want to create the feeling that there is a lot of empty space that can be used.

Rearrange Your Current Furniture

When working on a tight budget, a good solution is to work with what you already have. Make sure your floorplan and furniture create an easy flow for potential buyers to navigate. Change your furniture around to create a nice flow to each room.

Use Existing Items

As mention earlier, use what you got. If you need to purchase something on a budget a great place to find items is at estate sales, garage sales, thrift stores, antique stores, Facebook Marketplace or Etsy.

Place Decor Using the Rule of Three

A great insider tip is to group decorative pieces by three. For example take a large, medium, and small decor piece and place it next to one another on a coffee table. Another great idea is to take a tall vase and place it with two smaller candles.

Buy New Bedding

Worn bedding or mismatched bedding can mess a whole bedroom design. A well-made bed is a plus in staging a bedroom. Use neutral color bedding when staging.

Put Slipcovers on Furniture

Give your outdated or dirty sofa and throw pillows a lift. An easy way to do this is by putting slipcovers over the sofa and throw pillows. A tip is to always choose slipcovers that match the room decor. This is a much less expensive way to update a room over buying all new furniture.

Try Virtual Staging

Sometimes it is hard for buyers to envision a room when it is vacant. A vacant property can still be stage without bringing in furniture and decor. Virtual staging is a great way to stage a home on a budget. Virtual staging makes the area look really staged and can be completed by a virtual stager at $50 per photo.

These tips won't break your bank and will help you get more bang for your buck when you sell your home. It is still wise to hire a Realtor that is experienced in selling a home in your area.

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Pat's Rest A While a New Restaurant in Mandeville

 Chef Pat Gallagher is one of the most accomplished restauranteurs on the north shore. He is known for Gallagher's Grill with the original location in Covington and two additional locations in Slidell and Mandeville and Band's Grocery, a sandwich shop in Mandeville. Now he has opened Pat's Rest A While in Mandeville.

This unique spot opened its doors in January 2021 and has different buildings and interconnected areas — from the cypress-lined main dining room, across the broad open-air
deck, into one cottage turned into a private dining area and to another turned into a cozy, club-like bar. The view from each area of the restaurant is a picturesque scene of Lake Pontchartrain. The lake is definitely the unifying characteristic of this restaurant that serves dishes that you can find at a laid-back beachfront hut to a refined white tablecloth restaurant.

The restaurant is housed in several 19th-century buildings that have been refurbished. Originally the Frapart Hotel, the property became known as the Rest A While when it turned into a summer camp for needy families and orphans.

Unfortunately, when Hurricane Katrina hit, the property was severely damaged. Jill and Barrett McGuire, local real estate developers, purchased the property and raised the elevation on the buildings. When they purchased the property, they pictured it as a restaurant and this came to fruition with the help of Pat.

This unique restaurant has many personal touches and intimate spaces. In the main dining room, there is a beautiful tapestry of local cypress and oak. The bar has a clubhouse feel under open rafters and there are room numbers along the walls throughout that show where the structure was once divided into different rooms. An old toboggan-like sled that used to be on the lake is displayed as well as a photo of a group of women who used to work at the Rest A While.

Patrons and pets alike can enjoy this Mandeville spot. This July an open-air bar opened with water bowls for visiting pets. Come by 2129 Lakeshore Drive in Mandeville and enjoy some local seafood and drinks.

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Tips To Follow When Purchasing a Home in the Current Market

While today's housing market is not in the buyer's favor, people are still purchasing homes. Most potential buyers will need a mortgage and there are many steps to this process. When deciding if this step is right for you, take into consideration the following things regarding the process.

Now may still be a good time to buy a home

This is a personal decision, there is no right or wrong time to purchase a home in general. Whether a buyer's market or a seller's market you should take the leap when it makes the best sense in your life. Ann Thomspon, with Bank of America, says that consumers will always want to purchase a home and need to purchase a home.

Especially with the changes we have seen in the last year due to COVID-19, our home has become our live, work and play space. People have placed a greater emphasis on the value of a home.

“A second bedroom that can be used as a home office, or an outdoor space, are now more desired, prompting many people to move or buy for the first time,” says Rick Rudman, CEO at Curbio, a home renovation technology company.

Get pre-approved ASAP

The first step before even looking at listings is to see how much home you can afford. Pre-approval is the first step to let you know what you can afford and to prove to others that you are financially able.

In the current seller's market, a buyer needs to prove to agents and sellers that they are serious. “These days, in some markets, you need a pre-approval just to start looking at homes,” says Ann Thompson, retail sales executive of the West with Bank of America.

Prepare for bidding wars ahead of time

A seller's market means bidding wars are inevitable. The record-low mortgage rates coupled with low inventory is causing a panic among buyers. Sellers are entertaining multiple offers, many receiving multiple all-cash offers.

“Potential buyers now should prepare themselves by discussing, with their real estate agent, how much a home is worth beforehand, so that they can go into a bidding war with the strongest offer tactics, while also knowing when to back away if the price escalates,” says Thompson.

Understand appraisal gaps

With bidding wars comes bids over the asking price. These high bids cause appraisal gaps. An appraisal gap is a disparity between the offer you put on a property and what the property is deemed to be worth by a lender.  Even if you are approved for $350,000 and you offer $350,000 on a $300,000 listing price that doesn't mean the lender will give you the full $350,000 on the home. If the appraisal comes in at $300,000, you will have to come up with the $50,000 out of pocket.

“In this market, we are seeing a lot of appraisal gaps being written into contracts. Please be sure to understand how that works before agreeing to it,” says Shanon Schinkel, branch manager and mortgage lender at HomeTown. “Also, check with your lender before agreeing to it. Using that money for an appraisal gap can change your ability to qualify.”

Keep track of changing rates and terms

Today's mortgage rates are beginning to rise and the historical low rates we have seen in the last year will be a thing of the past. Schinkel reports that over the last six weeks, the rates have crept up. You will want to keep track of where the rates are and where they will be going during your home buying process. Shop around for rates and terms for the best deal.

Research down payment assistance programs

This market is hard for buyers but especially challenging for new home buyers. Down payment assistant programs can help. There are programs offered through government organizations and private agencies. You will want to research all of these avenues to see if you are eligible.

“There is a shortage of houses in many markets. This is creating bidding wars, offers over asking, and appraisal gaps—houses are going quickly,” says Schinkel. “But there are still many great opportunities if you’re patient and have a great real estate agent and lender.”

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May 2021 Home Sales Highest Level Since 2005

The past year has been a whirlwind for the housing market in a good way. There has been a boom in sales

as seen in pending home sales up the highest level of sales for May since 2005. According to the National Association of Realtors, May 2021 was up 8% compared to April 2021 and 13% from the sales in May 2020.

“May’s strong increase in transactions – following April’s decline, as well as a sudden erosion in home affordability – was indeed a surprise,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “The housing market is attracting buyers due to the decline in mortgage rates, which fell below 3%, and from an uptick in listings.”

All four regions saw an increase in pending home sales in May. The Northeast had a 15.5% increase, the Midwest climbed 6.7%, the South rose 4.9% and the West increased to 10.9% month over month.

Although the market is still hot, weekly mortgage demand did take a 7% downturn in May 2021.

“While these hurdles have contributed to pricing out some would-be buyers, the record-high aggregate wealth in the country from the elevated stock market and rising home prices are evidently providing funds for home purchases,” Yun said.

The could have stemmed from the home price increases. The S&P Case-Shiller National Home Price Index rose 14% year over year in April 2021. This increase was the largest gain in its 30-year history. The median home price has also increased which has made it harder for first-time homebuyers.

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Checklist For Getting Your Home Summer Ready

Summer is a fun time where most of us can enjoy the outdoors. When it comes to your home, you want to keep the hot summer days out. There are several things you can do to help keep cooling costs down and prevent hot-weather mishaps. Getting your home ready for the hot, humid summer days is a task every homeowner should do. According to the Good Housekeeping Institute and Trane Residential, there is a must-do summer checklist.

“Between the soaring temperatures and uptick in extreme weather, your home might have to work a lot harder this summer,” says Rachel Rothman, the institute’s chief technologist. “Plus, you want to make sure all major systems are in order before heading off on any long holidays.”

Take Care of Cooling Equipment

Many homeowners forget these important tasks, in order for your central system to work efficiently a homeowner should change the HVAC filter every 90 days. A dirty filter can send dust and dander back into your home. Worst of all a dirty filter can add stress to your HVAC system.

Your central AC system should be serviced at least once a year, preferably every season. A professional will run a range of maintenance duties that a homeowner is not able to do. Annual tune-ups will extend the life of your equipment by several years or more. A typical service will run between $100 to $300 per service.

Check the Temperature

Having a thermostat that will adjust the indoor temperature throughout the day can save tons on your utility bill. In fact, Wi-Fi-connected devices can lower cooling costs by as much as ten percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Keep Humidity and Air Pollutants in Check

Bugs and other pests love humidity. Moist air creates a perfect environment for dust mites, mold, and other allergens in your home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a homeowner should keep humidity levels below 60%. The study concludes that ideally, a home should have a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent.

A stand-alone dehumidifier is a perfect tool to lower moisture levels in a small space such as a basement. If you live in a drier climate, then a humidifier can help put moisture back into your home's air.

Be Prepared for Extreme Weather

Summer means unpredictable weather and is a high time for storms in many areas. Storms mean power outages and for this, a homeowner should look into getting a backup generator. Storms can also wreak havoc on your gutter system so make sure they are in good working order. Clean them out and make sure the water drains properly away from your home.

FEMA suggests every homeowner have an emergency kit with 72 hours worth of supplies. Each kit should include (3 gallons per person), non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, dust masks, a whistle to signal for help, and a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

Be on the Lookout for Pests

Summer is the season for ticks, termites and carpenter ants. These insects love moist soil and rotting wood so make sure your gutter system is cleaned out and working properly. Keep things like mulch, firewood and dense shrubbery away from the foundation.

A good way to determine if you have any pests is to look for piles of sawdust along baseboards—a telltale sign of carpenter ants. Termites, meanwhile, like to shed their wings along windowsills, walls, and other entry points.

Make your home and its surroundings a negative space for insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. Remove all standing water from birdbaths, gardening pots or any other container around the outside of your home. Keep your grass mowed. Ticks love tall grass in shady parts of the yard.

Being a homeowner is a lot of work but well worth it. If you are in the market for a new home, contact your local Realtor.

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