Protect Your Home While It's on the Market

Ready to sell your home? Besides dusting every nook and cranny and pulling weeds from the garden, don’t forget to protect yourself and your home when it’s on the market! Here’s a few ways on how to protect your home while it’s on the market so that you can feel more at ease.

Hide the Valuables
Don’t keep high-end valuables visible in your home while it’s on the market, including jewelry, collectibles and other items that are easy to steal. Keep a safe in the home with the valuables locked up, or secure a safe deposit box at your local bank to keep them in while your home is for sale. Another thing to hide? Your social security number, bank information, blank checks, prescription medications, and anything else that someone is able to snatch while undetected.

Inform your Neighbors
Had an open house or buyer showing? If you’re not returning home directly after, inform the neighbors to check to be sure the doors were locked in the home. This will keep your home safe from unwanted visitors who know your home is for sale.

Accidental Property Damage
Potential buyers want to know the ins and outs of your home. Many will want to test the appliances and facets for functionality. Will they remember to turn off the gas burners and the bathroom sink? Avoid property damage that’s caused by fires, water damage and other threats by asking your realtor to communicate these concerns to the selling agent. The selling agent can double check to be sure everything is OFF before leaving the property.

Gun Safety and Dog Bites
You might think your gun is well concealed in your bedroom closet or nightstand, but potential buyers will poke around to get an idea of storage space. If you keep a gun in your home, make sure it is unloaded, locked in a gun box and completely out of sight. It will prevent accidental injuries and theft. And if you’re a dog owner? It’s best to remove the dogs from the premises. It will make your home more appealing to non-animal lover and eliminates the threat of dog bites. If you can’t remove your pets from the home, secure a crate that can be placed indoors or out, so that the animal is safely contained during the showings.

Slips, Trips, Falls
If someone gets hurt on your property, they may hold you liable and sue. Since potential buyers aren’t familiar with your home, make sure to prevent inquiries and lawsuits with preventative measures such as; repairing loose and uneven flooring (check porches and decks), remove ice and snow from the walkways and steps, secure rugs with non-slip padding, keep hallways and stairwells clear of clutter, and make sure your home is well lit (both inside and out).

Your Local San Diego Real Estate Expert,

Stephen Nissou
Nissou Realty Group   |   Keller Williams Realty
Direct 619-250-4541   |   Office 619-873-2772
E-mail: Stephen@StephenNissou.com
www.StephenNissou.com

CalBRE # 01443193

How to Clean and Maintain Your Gutters

Your gutters take care of your house, but who's taking care of the gutters?

Cleaning and maintaining your gutters is just as important as changing the oil in your car.

Why Gutters Need Cleaning

When your gutters get clogged, you'll see waterfalls pouring from their edges in warmer weather, and icicles glittering along the bottom in winter. That's not the worst of it. Improperly cleaned and maintained gutters can lead to:

Water leaks inside your ceiling and adjoining walls: Water exerts a tremendous amount of pressure. Like most things, it will find the path of least resistance. For some homeowners, this spells water damage inside the ceiling and walls (which leads to further problems).

Siding issues: Invading water can lead to mold and rotting wood – not what you want inside your home's walls. Unfortunately, by the time the damage becomes obvious, it's typically too late.

Damaged or detached gutters: The weight of waterlogged debris can cause gutter attachments to give, resulting in a fallen gutter.

Basement and foundation damage: Water is relentless. If it doesn't drain away from your house properly, it can flood the basement or crack the foundation. It won't get better without repair.

Tips for Cleaning Your Gutters

Most homeowners need to clean their gutters twice a year. First, in October, or when the trees are almost done shedding their leaves. Late spring is another good time, if a second cleaning is needed. If they haven't been cleaned for a very long time, the job may be more difficult. Keep several tips in mind when cleaning gutters:

Wear leather gloves and long sleeves while cleaning your gutters to protect your hands and arms. You may encounter sharp edges, hidden screw ends, or other hazards.

Spread plastic sheeting over shrubs and decorations you do not want exposed to the cleaning.

Position a wheelbarrow, trash bin, tarp or plastic sheeting on the ground under your work area. Throw the debris onto the tarp instead of carrying a garbage bag up the ladder with you.

Set up your ladder on a stable area near a corner of the house (close to a downspout). Never stand above the third step from the top of a ladder or reach more than a couple of feet to the sides to prevent falling.

Avoid resting the ladder against the gutters. Use standoff stabilizers (ladder horns) to keep the weight off the gutters if needed.

Starting at the corner downspout, work away from it, scooping out any leaves, dirt and debris.

Scrub inside the gutter, if needed, with a soft- or wire-bristled brush.

Flush the gutters, using a garden hose equipped with a spray nozzle in order to create water pressure. Move the water through the gutters and out the downspouts.

Snake any downspout that appears clogged.

Clean the outside of the gutter, using hot, soapy water, and wash away any splatter or spills on the siding.

Gutter Maintenance and Repair

Slow down the debris accumulation in your gutters to make maintenance and cleaning easier. Some repair and maintenance tasks you may be able to perform yourself include the following:

Adjust the gutter slope if water doesn't flow readily and the downspouts are clear. Gutters should run downhill toward the downspouts at a rate of ¼ inch per 10 feet of travel.

Install mesh screens or a leaf-catching system. If you decide to buy one of these systems, be sure to get a type that can be easily removed when it's time to clean the gutters.

Check the gutter system every time you clean it. Look for rust, leaks, or loose connections. Watch for signs of water leaks into the house, dry rot of surrounding wood, or other damage.

To fix small holes, leaks or loose connections, use silicone caulk or gutter sealant as directed.

If your house is taller than two stories, consider hiring a professional. Get estimates from three companies before choosing the one you want to work with.

Your Local San Diego Real Estate Expert,

Choosing a Kitchen Sink to Match Your Style and Budget

If you're remodeling your kitchen on a budget – or equipping a new kitchen and haven't a clue where to start – focus on the kitchen sink. Yesteryear's limited selection of cast iron and stainless steel can't compete with today's stylish, modern sinks.

Simply choose the mounting type and style, then select the material. A new sink will transform your kitchen.

Kitchen Sink Mounting Types and Design Options

In general, your kitchen sink will either rest above or attach beneath the kitchen counter. Understanding installation types, styles and terminology will help you find the sink you really want.

Surface-Mounted Sinks: Surface-mounted sinks drop into a hole made in the kitchen countertop. If the sink is rimmed, it features an exposed flange that meets and seals to the countertop. Self-rimming sinks, on the other hand, lack the flat flange, using rounded outer edges to rest on the countertop instead. Both are fairly simple to install and work with most countertop materials.

Under-Mounted Sinks: For a kitchen countertop that looks seamless, consider an under-mounted kitchen sink. The countertop still features a cutout to accommodate the sink, but instead of dropping through the counter, it mounts to the underneath. The effect is a sleek counter surface. It's considered a low-maintenance design that looks especially good with modern interiors. Under-mounted sinks work best with solid counter materials like stone and concrete, not moisture-permeable countertops like laminate.

Tile-In Sinks: As the name suggests, a tile-in sink is surrounded by a tile countertop. The sink drops into a hole, like a surface-mounted sink. The difference is the height: Once the tile is installed, the sink rim is actually flush with the surrounding countertop. This makes cleaning the countertop a breeze and calls attention to the beauty of your tile, rather than the sink basin.

Integral Sinks: Some people mistakenly call these "Corian sinks," but Corian is just one integral sink and counter manufacturer. Integral sinks are made of the same material as the countertop and fused to it, presenting a seamless appear

ance that's also easy to keep clean.

Farmhouse Sinks: Another popular kitchen sink style is the farmhouse sink. Rather than referring to how the sink mounts, it's a design that features a front apron panel. It's a stylish look that highlights the sink itself. Farmhouse sinks may be under- or surface-mounted, and even tiled-in.

How Many Bowls Do You Need?

Bigger isn't always better. When selecting your new kitchen sink, consider the size of your kitchen and your work habits before settling on a bowl size or number. Most sink styles are available in single and double bowls, and sometimes triple as well. One bowl may be smaller than the others, especially with triple bowls, which often sandwich a smaller bowl between two larger ones.

Single-bowl sinks work best for smaller kitchens (less than 150 square feet). Triple bowls are the ultimate luxury, allowing you to stack dishes to dry, have dishes soaking, and still peel vegetables in the third basin.

Sink Materials                        

Stainless Steel - Stainless steel is easy to clean, reasonably priced, and strong. Look for the gauge (thickness) of the steel and the sound-deadening ability. The lower the gauge, the thicker the steel, making it more durable. Spray coatings and special pads on the bottom of the sink reduce noise. Choose a satin finish, rather than a mirror finish, to lessen scratching. Look for varying bowl shapes for added style.

Cast Iron - Cast iron sinks are coated with enamel and come in a variety of colors. Cast iron is heavy, but a bigger issue is that it chips and scratches easily. Exposed iron will rust, requiring replacement or repair. Also, cast iron doesn't keep water hot for very long. It's favored for the glossy finish and stain resistance. Use cast iron with farmhouse sink styles for authenticity.

Composite - Composite sinks encompass three specific types: quartz composite, polyester/acrylic composite and granite-based composite. Of these, the polyester/ acrylic composites are more budget-friendly and provide a shiny look. Quartz composite sinks are more durable. Composed of 70 percent quartz and 30 percent resin filler, they resist damage and also come in various colors and finishes. Granite-based sinks are a higher-end choice and offer the greatest scratch and chemical resistance of any sink material.

Take your time when shopping for your new kitchen sink. Look online and at various stores to get ideas and find the sink you'll love. 

Check out our Pinterest page  to see sinks we love! www.Pinterest.com/NissouRealty

Your Local San Diego Real Estate Expert, 

Stephen Nissou
Nissou Realty Group 

Keller Williams Realty - El Cajon
619-250-4541 DIRECT
619-873-2772 OFFICE

Email: Stephen@StephenNissou.com

www.StephenNissou.com

CalBRE # 01443193

Just Listed in Alpine, CA! 3 Homes on 1 Lot!

Home off Japatul Rd in Alpine, CA, 91901!

3 Homes on an 11.5 acre lot!

Offered at: $375,000 - $419,000

Rare Find!! Zoned A72 and Duplex. 3 homes on a 11.5 acre lot! Cute 3 bed, 2 bath home and an adorable single story house with a beautiful setting to enjoy the quiet and the beautiful views! Unit B is a 2bed/1bath double wide, currently rented for $700/month but valued at $1295. The 3rd home is a 1 bed/1bath single wide. All homes are private and placed apart from the others. Build your dream home on the lot! 

2nd lot next door is also available, See MLS #150009041. Package deal for both is $560,000.

To view this listing on the MLS, click here! 

To schedule a private viewing of these homes, and for additional information, please contact Stephen Nissou today!
Direct: 619-250-4541
Office; 619-873-2772
E-mail: Stephen@StephenNissou.com
www.StephenNissou.com

Your Local San Diego Real Estate Expert,

Stephen NissouNissou Realty Group   |   Keller Williams Realty - El Cajon619-250-4541 Direct  |   619-873-2772 OfficeStephen@StephenNissou.comwww.StephenNissou.comCalBRE # 01443193

Events for Earth Day 2015 in San Diego, California!

Earth day marks the anniversary of what many consider to be the birth of the environmental movement of 1970. It capitalizes on the emerging consciousness of our environment, channeling energy of the 1970 anti-war protest movement and puts environmental concerns front and center. It’s day is honored around the world on April 22. Many communities observe Earth week or Earth Month, and organizes a series of environmental activities throughout the month of April.

Here are some Earth Day events in San Diego!

Earth Day Fair 2015
When: April 19^th, 2015 from 10:00am – 5:00pm.
Where: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Price: FREE!
Call for more information at 619-239-0512!
San Diego hosts the largest free annual environmental fair on the planet! With over 80,000 visitors each year, Balboa Park celebrates living and environmental friendly pursuits. There are over 300 exhibitor boots, including alternative health care products, organic gardening, wildlife conservation, ecotourism, pet adoption, and much more! With an art gallery, vegan cuisine, and a childrens Earth Parade, there is so much to do!

Flower Fields of San Diego
Where: Carlsbad Flower Fields
Price: $12 for adults and $6 for kids
What’s better in San Diego than enjoying the beautiful flower fields of Carlsbad? Enjoy 50 acres of many different Tecolote Ranunculus flowers, with tractor rides and a walk-through of an orchid greenhouse.

Spring Garden Festival
Where: Cuyamaca College
When: April 25^th, 2015 from 9:00am – 4:00pm
Price: FREE!
Cuyamaca College is hosting their annual Spring Garden Festival, showing us ways to conserve and recycle in order to preserve our beautiful city! There are also classes on how to be a better gardener, with plants being sold at the event!

Happy Earth Day! Leave a comment and let us know how you celebrated this day helping the environment!

Your Local San Diego Real Estate Expert,

Stephen Nisssou
Nissou Realty Group   |   Keller Williams El Cajon
619-250-4541 Direct   |   Office 619-873-2772
Stephen@StephenNissou.com

CalBRE # 01443193

What Counts As a Comp For Your Home?

From replacing a rusted out bathroom sink to laying laminate flooring, Americans are hooked on the DIY craze. Some things, however, are better left to professionals. Establishing your home's current market value before putting it on the selling block or pursuing a refinance is one of those things.

To determine its value, appraisers and real estate agents will compare your home (the "subject property") to those that have recently sold in the area (known as "comps"). They will adjust the comps' prices up or down, according to how similar each home is to yours.

Read on to learn how a home qualifies as a comp for yours.

Status

The market value of a home is, simply, what a knowledgeable and willing buyer will pay it. This figure is reflected in the sales price of recently sold homes.

Appraisers and real estate agents use the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database in their research, to look for homes that have sold within the past six months. Only real estate licensees that pay an MLS membership fee will have access to this database, so a DIY consumer will find it challenging to locate a full and accurate list of sold properties.

Location

Since location is one of the principal indicators of property value, appraisers and real estate agents seek sold homes that are in close proximity to the subject property. Some lenders give strict location requirements to appraisers, for example a comp in an urban or suburban area must be no more than one mile away, and rural comps no more than five miles away.

Real estate agents, on the other hand, have a little more leeway and will typically begin their research close to the subject property and then widen the area until they've found three comparable properties that have sold in the past six months.

Neighborhood characteristics that influence a home's value include:

Nearby parks

Proximity to shopping

Neighborhood condition

Traffic, airport or other noise

The quality of the school district

Number of distressed properties in the neighborhood

Declining values or oversupply of homes in the area

Price Per Square Foot

You may see sold homes or homes for sale that list the price per square foot in addition to the price of the home. This figure takes into account only the home's square footage and nothing else. Because it fails to account for the diverse aspects and special features of the house, it isn't an accurate reflection of value.

That said, with all other aspects being equal, a larger home will most likely sell for more than a smaller home.

Condition

Deferred maintenance will drag down the value of a home. Deferred maintenance includes all of the items you have been meaning to fix, but never got around to.

Examples include:

Leaky faucets

Cracked windows

Loose or missing hand rails

Structural damage

Overgrown landscaping

Dirty or damaged carpets or other flooring

The Process

Since it is unlikely that your agent or an appraiser will find a home that's identical to yours, he or she will need to make adjustments to the sold prices of the comps to account for the differences.

If the comparable home is inferior to the subject property, value is added to bring it up to par. Conversely, if the comparable is superior to the subject, value is removed.

Here's an example of how this works:

The subject property has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a pool. The comparable property, located three blocks from the subject, sold three weeks ago for $387,500.

The comparable property has three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, but it doesn't have a pool.

The appraiser or agent will deduct value from the comparable for the lack of a pool and add value for the extra half bathroom. The amount to deduct or add depends on the value the local market places on items such as a pool or a half bathroom.

The adjusted price range of the comp will reflect the current market value of the subject property.

Determining a home's market value isn't rocket science, but it does require current, accurate information and some experience with the process. A professional real estate agent will not only determine the current market value, but will also give you tips on how to get top dollar for the home.

Your Local San Diego Real Estate Expert,

Stephen Nissou
Nissou Realty Group | Keller Williams Realty
DIRECT: 619-250-4541
OFFOCE: 619-873-2772

Stephen@StephenNissou.com

CalBRE # 01443193