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Looking to Improve Your Home’s Value?

January 7, 2020

Looking To Improve Your Home’s Value

Are your toying with the idea of selling or staying in your home?  Whatever you decide, increasing the value of your home is a win-win.  Some improvements you can make will add to the beauty of your home, while others will make it more efficient or more comfortable.  Whether you want to build equity in your home or sell it for top dollar, there are plenty of home improvement projects that are worth considering.

  • CLEAN AND DECLUTTER:  Deep cleaning and decluttering can add as much as $4000 to your resale value according to a 2019 survey from HomeLight.  Even if you are not moving, this exercise will help decrease stress in your life by providing more organization and simplifying your life.
  • MAKE YOUR HOME MORE EFFICIENT:  An inexpensive way to improve efficiency and save money is to install a smart thermostat.  If you are tech-savvy, you can even control your home’s temperature from your phone while you are away.
  • FRESH PAINT AND FLOORING:  An inexpensive way to update and freshen up your interior and exterior is with a coat of paint.  Everyone loves newer carpeting and fresh paint. Most home buyers are looking for a turnkey home so they can just unpack their boxes and settle in without the hassle of renovating.  And if you are staying in your home, these simple upgrades will make you love your home even more!
  • UPGRADE DOORS:  Replacing your front door will do wonders to the overall curb appeal of your home.  Replacing interior doors or just painting and replacing the hinges and doorknobs can add freshness to your home.  Since the front of your home is the first thing a prospective buyer will notice, a new garage door is a great idea.  Garage doors take up the most amount of space on the front of your home, so installing an interesting take of the usual garage door could bring in more buyers and please your neighbors, too.
  • ADDING USUABLE SQUARE FOOTAGE:  This makes a lot of financial sense since the value of your home is based on livable square feet.  Adding a bathroom, a great room or an additional bedroom can greatly increase both the function and value.   A “Granny Unit” is another valuable addition that can become a possible income source as well as add value.

Your next question may be “How will I finance these home improvements?” 

One of the financing options available to homeowners who want a fast cash, have less than stellar credit or difficulty proving income, is a Hard Money loan – also known as Private Money and Alternative Financing.

Sun Pacific Mortgage has been coming to the aid of this demographic for over 3 decades.  We have helped thousands of clients who would otherwise have been left without the means to make improvements or to invest in real estate.  If you are interested in pursuing a loan from us, please give us a call at 707-523-2099 or check us out on our website at www.Sunpacificmortgage.com. 

See entire article:  https://www.bankrate.com/loans/home-improvement/cheap-fixes-to-boost-the-value-of-your-home/?utm_source=Pushly

Simple Ways to Make Your House Smell Like the Holidays

December 10, 2019

Simple Ways To Make Your House Smell Like The Holidays

Several behavioral studies have demonstrated that smells trigger more vivid emotional memories and are better at inducing that feeling of “being brought back in time” than images. Never is that more apparent than during the holiday season.   Winter holidays would not be the same without the warm, cozy scents of the season.  How can you incorporate this memory inducing phenomenon? Here are a few suggestions from the experts:

  1. Fresh greenery:  Wreaths, garlands and arrangements filled with winter foliage.  You can add to your sensory experience by adding sprigs of sage, rosemary or pine into your centerpieces at the table.
  2. Make pomander balls:  These are citrus fruits pierced by whole cloves, creating a great smelling decoration.  They are believed by some to bring strength and fortune…something we can use during the holidays!  To make these, use any firm citrus such as oranges. Carve a design into the skin of the fruit using a vegetable peeler.  Poke a row of holes into the fruit with a toothpick to make you design. Push the cloves into the holes and place the arrangement in a bowl to be used as a centerpiece.
  3. Light a scented candle:  This a simple way to bring home a sense of the holidays.  Choose a favorite scent and keep it consistent throughout the house…even the bathroom!  
  4. Simmer a pot:  A quick, easy way to fill your home with delightful seasonal scents is to simmer a pot with water (or use a slow cooker) and fill it with orange or apple peels, cranberries, nutmeg, cloves,  and/or a stick of cinnamon.
  5. Bake some treats:  There is nothing like the delicious smells of gingerbread, apple pie, or sugar cookies baking in the oven.
  6. Essential oils:  Add essential oils to a bowl of pinecones.  Unlike burning candles, essential oils are safe to use round the clock and provide a continuous mood-enhancing aroma. 

Have a memory-filled holiday season enhanced by the many scents of pine, cinnamon, cranberry, and gingerbread.  And enjoy with friends and family! 

Taking the Fear Out of Home Buying

December 3, 2019

Taking The Fear Out Of Home Buying

The present state of the real estate market is classified as a “Seller’s Market”.  That alone is enough to frighten any potential home buyer. Add to that a first-time buyer’s anxiety and you have every reason for “buyer’s paralysis”.  It doesn’t need to be that way, though. With a well thought out plan, a trusted realtor, and a savvy mortgage broker anyone, even a first-timer, can find their dream home without losing their mind.  

Here are five tips included in a recent Realtor.com’s article:

#1:. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search. 

Understanding your budget is critical to a satisfactory search.  The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a home that is out of your price range.

#2:  Know the Difference Between Your Must-Haves and Would-Like-To-Haves. 

Before you start your search, list and qualify all your “needs” and “wants” and “absolutely must haves”.  This list will help you stay focused on what is important as you view properties.

#3: Research and Choose a Neighborhood Where You Want to Live.

Take a test drive of the neighborhood you are considering.  It is wise to do this during commute time and in the evenings to see how much time it takes to get to school and work.  Check out the amenities and the school district.

#4: Pick a House Style You Love and Stick to It. 

Not every style home is a fit for every family.  Placement and number of bedrooms become critical in families with children.  

#5: Document Your Home Visits. 

It is a good idea to take pictures as you tour homes, because as you see many homes, the houses may begin to blur together.  Keeping notes on what you liked and didn’t like about each home can be helpful.

After you find the home of your dreams, and you are looking for a trusted mortgage lender, give Sun Pacific Mortgage a call at 707-523-2099.  We are a Hard Money Lender and we have alternative finance programs for those who are looking for stronger purchase offers with all cash or fast closes. We also can help those who don’t quite qualify for a conventional loan.  We have helped thousands over the past 31 years, and we would be happy to help you too.

Furniture Arrangement Matters

November 25, 2019

Furniture Arrangement Matters

It is important to consider the use of the space when designing furniture placement in a home. Be it staging a house to sell quicker or catch a higher purchase price; How about setting up one’s home for better comfort and entertainment. 

Furniture makes the room, but the placement of the furniture matters just as much as the individual pieces.  Placement sets the mood of the room and signals the overall tone. To state the obvious, too many pieces of furniture in a room can cause the layout to feel cramped.  For instance, if when entering a room, you immediately walk into the back of a chair or sofa, the space will feel closed off and uninviting. Each piece of furniture should have its own space to breathe.

Pathways within a room should feel natural and provide the best flow within the room as well as between rooms.  Space between the sofa and coffee table, as well as the sofa and an accent table, should allow room to walk around. This placement will make the room feel much lighter.

Strategic placement of seating in the TV room is paramount for optimal viewing. With that in mind, place your couch parallel to the TV and angle the side chairs on each end with a table available for drinks and food.  

Balancing the weight in the room is an easy way to create visual flow.  Too many chunky pieces (e.g. sofas) need a more delicate coffee table to help the room from becoming too heavy.  Pops of color and similar shapes are other ways to tie together the look of a room.

In the bedroom it is best to focus on maximizing comfort and functionality.  For instance, it should be easy to get in and out of the bed, even in the middle of the night, without stubbing your toe on the dresser.  Additionally, there must be enough space to fully open dresser drawers.  

The dining room should have enough space to circulate around the table comfortable for food and plate delivery.  And there should be enough space to get in and out of chairs comfortably.

Measuring your space before purchasing a new piece of furniture is advisable in order to save yourself heartache and money.  Otherwise, that sofa you fell in love with, in the store may become a decision you regret for a long time!

 

Smart Home Gadgets to Increase Your Rental’s Appeal

November 13, 2019

Smart Home Gadgets To Increase Your Rental’s Appeal

If you are looking to upgrade your rental property without spending a fortune, here are some high-to-moderate tech improvements you can implement that can appeal to potential renters: 

  • Smart Door Locks-$200:  These allow the renter to remotely lock and unlock the doors with a mobile app allowing contractors to access the property without a key.  It also records who enters the property when. 
  • Smart Thermostats-$200:  The most important benefit of this improvement is the potential to save energy when no one is home.  They are also controllable by a smartphone. (example: Nest)
  • Smart Security System-$200:  These systems allow you to monitor what’s going on at home from anywhere.  You can also set up alerts to notify you if motion or sound is detected. (example:  Canary)
  • Smart Smoke & CO Detectors-$100:  False alarms can be silenced through your mobile app.  This feature is especially appreciated when you burn dinner, and your smoke alarm shrilly announces it to the entire neighborhood.  Low battery chirps can be controlled, too. 

 

These suggestions can also be implemented in your own home to simplify your life and add a sense of security.  

If you want more information on these gadgets see:   https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/2016-07-07-landlords-invest-smart-home-tech7-gadgets

Landscaping 101: Blunders and Remedies

October 15, 2019

Landscaping 101 Blunders And Remedies

Landscaping can be an expensive item on one’s household budget.  Making mistakes can be costly and disappointing. Here is a list of some factors to consider that can assist getting a greater yield on your investment:

  • Improper Plant Placement:  Sunlight and exposure are extremely important to the health of any plant.  You need to be aware of how big the plant will get. Check the tag on your plant or ask advice from your neighborhood nursery. 
  • Trees:  One of the quickest ways to kill a tree is to plant it too far into the ground. This is the surest way to encourage root rot. The hole should be the size of the root ball.
  • Plant Like a Painting:  Place your containers where you want them, and then go inside and look through your window to see what they’ll look like before you plant.  It should look like a painting framed by your window.
  • Curb Appeal:  Instead of putting your energy and money into the backyard, which many homeowners do, improving the front of the house where first impressions are made could be a better use of your funds.  Three simple improvements go a long way: paint the front door, keep the grass trimmed, and plant colorful flowers.
  • Make a Plan:  Buying plants without a plan can be tempting, but very expensive.  Before setting out to the nursery, decide on a color palette that you would like.  Consider the color of your house and then choose one color that really frames it.  

 

Landscaping can be 30% more expensive than any other type of home improvement project.  There is always a lot of sticker shock at the nursery. We tend to think, “It’s just a couple of plants.”  When we are faced with the total bill for the wagon load of beauties we have chosen, we realize we just blew the entire budget!   Avoid unnecessary do-overs or “buyer’s remorse” by doing your research before you go to the garden center. 

Home Improvement Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

September 17, 2019

Home Improvement Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank

Keeping costs down while improving your property is a definite “must”, especially for a rental.  Some of the more cost-effective ways to achieve the best return on your investment may be the following:

Paint:  You can change the entire perception of a property with the right paint color choice.  For example, paint can make a small room look larger or a dark space look brighter.

Hardware:  Replacing hardware like doorknobs and hinges or cabinetry handles can make a considerable difference to a space.

Fans:  These go a long way in giving a room an inexpensive facelift, especially if the existing fans are outdated.

Flooring:  Ripping out carpet and replacing it with vinyl plank, laminate or a less expensive prefab wood, can be done for quite an affordable price today.  Most renters would prefer an easy-to-clean floor covering.

Blinds:  Replacing older “apartment like” blinds with newer, modern versions is cost effective and can make a room pop.

Appliances:  Purchasing used appliances in nearly new condition can make any rental unit more appealing and possibly get you more rental income or increase home value. 

Countertops/cabinetry:  While this may be a more expensive upgrade, there are sources of countertop choices that are both economical and durable.  Cabinetry can be updated with paint or door replacement.  

Backsplash:  Believe it or not, this is a game changer for many renters and can transform a kitchen for well under $500.

Bottom line is even when on a tight budget, homes and rental units can be upgraded and updated to realize a higher value.

No Surprise! Pet-Friendly Homes Are in High Demand

August 27, 2019

No Surprise Pet Friendly Homes Are In High Demand

In a recent study, it was reported that $72 billion (with a “b”) was spent on pets in the U.S. in 2018.  This statistic makes it easier to understand that when someone buys a home, they are considering the needs of their whole family, and that includes the family pet(s).  89% of pet owners say they would not give up their pet due to a housing restriction.

Most of us consider the comfort and ease-of-living with our pets when we are considering buying a new home.  It makes sense then, that when we list our home, we emphasize the pluses of living in the house with our furry friends.  

So, if you are a homeowner looking to sell in today’s pet-friendly environment, it could be a good idea to point out the features of your home that will attract pet owners.  Some of these features would include: a fully fenced backyard; nearby dog parks, walking paths or pet-friendly beaches; proximity to veterinarians, groomers and pet supply stores.

As a seller, considering the pet-friendliness of your home can be a key criterion in marketing your real estate today.  Take advantage of this love for pets to promote your home accordingly, getting an edge over the competition!

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Drama du Jour – Real Estate Stability

June 26, 2019

Real Estate Stability

Lately, we have seen the financial media spouting fear, uncertainty, drama, and doubt.  Wall Street sends us on a roller coaster ride every day, while the Everyman continues to go to work, get the same paycheck, pay the bills and largely tries to ignore all the drama.  This explains why investing in Main Street has proven to be so attractive. 

While stock prices are on a dizzying ride, the real estate market offers some modicum of stability.  Real estate’s resilience isn’t invincible, just consider the pain of the 2008 market, but investors in real estate can usually react in time to avoid disaster.  These investors continue to collect their passive income and acquire equity, untouched by all the drama on Wall Street.

Watching macro-trends is still vitally important to any investor.  These provide clues about long-term patterns and warn of systemic breakdowns.  Staying abreast of market fluctuations makes for a successful investor.

The Wall Street roller-coaster ride may be exciting for the young and daring, but most folks want stability, ease, and the ability to keep ahead of real-world inflation.  This is the main reason income-producing real estate is so attractive right now. 

Renters, coming to the realization that they are paying someone else’s mortgage, not their own, are entering the home buying market in increasing numbers.  With prices stabilizing and inventory inching up, home buyers are beginning to look once again at becoming homeowners. In addition, some existing homeowners are taking the appreciation gained over the past several years and investing in a rental unit.  It behooves Realtors and Lenders to relay this to their potential clients. 

Don’t want to deal with the messy issues involved in being a landlord?  Perhaps, you might want to consider becoming a private investor in hard money loans.  In this scenario you achieve passive income on your investment but avoid the “landlord blues”.  Your money is much safer with real property and, if borrowers are vetted well, you can rest easy that your hard-earned money is safely preserved and producing more than the normal return interest for you.

Sun Pacific Mortgage is a family owned and operated hard money lending business.  We have been in business for 31 years and enjoy a sterling reputation with our investors and our borrowers.  

Brokers & Lenders, Realtors and potential Investors feel free to give us a call at 707-523-2099 to discus the various ways we can assist you in increasing your success rate or diversifying your portfolio. 

You can also find out more about what we offer and how you can work with us on our website at www.Sunpacificmortgage.com 

Four Things Parents Should Consider Before Buying a Home

June 4, 2019

Four Things Parents Should Consider Before Buying A Home

Parents shopping for a home have different considerations than other demographics.  As parents, their primary concern is the safety and well-being of their children, at the same time, they are also concerned with the happiness of the entire family.  

Most buyers start their home search with a list of “must-haves”.  When children are a concern, there are some additional factors to be considered.  While they may seem obvious, it is tempting to forget them when under pressure to find a home quickly, or when you discover a fantastic feature in a home that you “can’t live without”.  The following are some of suggestions to keep in mind as you look for your next family nest:

  1. Placement of the bedrooms:  Depending on the age of the children, you might want them on the same floor as your master bedroom, or if you have older children, you might opt for more separation.
  2. Yard placement:  Most parents want the visibility to observe their children at play in the yard.
  3. Walking distance to amenities:  Life will be easier if you can avoid or shorten car trips to deliver children to their activities and their schools.
  4. Neighbors:  This is a vital part of any parent’s concern.  It makes sense to check out the neighbors who live nearby.  There are helpful websites to access, like Megan’s Law, and simply meeting the neighbors before purchasing, may be reassuring.

When all is said and done, life will be less stressful after the move if these considerations are part of the decision making.

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