Kathy G Realtor ~ since 1999 in Greater Birmingham Alabama: 2012

Monday, December 31, 2012

Home Insurance is not a Warranty

When entering into a home purchase you will need to know about both, a home warranty and home insurance. Home insurance is not a home warranty. Insurance is typically considered the policy that you purchase through your local insurance agent, like State Farm, Allstate, or Alfa, etc. That type of policy will typically cover your home for wind, fire and theft but may not cover you if the HVAC unit goes out. The policy that covers events such as the HVAC or the electrical outlets malfunctioning is a home warranty. An entirely separate policy purchased with a home warranty company may give you coverage for those damages. At the closing of your home purchase, you have an option to purchase a home warranty. This warranty and coverages vary by company but generally covers appliances, electrical outlets, and much more. The key item to remember about a warranty is that you must contact the company that issued the home warranty before calling the contractor. No coverage will be provided if you call the contractor first. Not sure of the company? Your settlement statement will list the warranty purchase in the 1300 Section of the HUD1 (bottom of page 2) or contact me Kathy G, your Realtor.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Room's Flow

Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Room's Flow

When selling your home, the best way to get the premium price is to follow these 10 tips for improving your home's flow. In true David Letterman fashion, the reveal is from 10 to the #1 way to improve the room's flow.

10. Remove busy patterns especially wallpaper. Busy patterns even in table cloths or bedspreads often do not photograph well either.
9. Add low line centerpiece of flowers to the kitchen table. Many people like to over accessorize tables but a simple centerpiece will enhance the room with over powering.
8. Hang light fixtures (preferably higher) out of walking eyesight. Height of 5'3" - 6'3" is considered eyesight for most people.
7. Change bookcases to display shelves leaving space on each shelf. Bookshelves unless in a library or study look cluttered and get dusty easily.
6. Keep blinds open revealing as much natural light as possible. If you have screens on your windows, remove them to achieve optimum light penetration.
5. Create walkway big enough for two people to fit in where possible.
4. Remove furniture from walkways. Feng Shui basics indicate that removal of clutter is essential in restoring proper flow.
3. Remove excess wall paintings and posters. A popular trend is to hang a wall of mirrors. This is extremely distracting to buyers just as the wrong paint color would be.
2. Trim trees and shrubs away from windows. Letting Mr. Sunshine in creates a positive energy flow. Watching the sunrise from the home gives a sense of new beginning. Another Feng Shui basic is to have good quality light. More sunshine = more $$$ for the sale of your home.
1. The floor plans and furniture style will determine the best layout for optimum flow. Need help to determine optimum flow? Call me, Kathy Gipson for all of your real estate needs. I have sold homes within weeks after staging a home to optimize the home's flow.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Top 3 Things to Know About Chinese Drywall

These plus other Chinese Drywall

hot buttons will be discussed in this video.

Should the home you are considering purchasing be checked for Chinese Drywall?
What tests are there for Chinese Drywall?
Does a seller have to disclose a home with Chinese Drywall?
Does a buyer have any rights in the class action lawsuit if they are the second owner?

This video is for information purposes only and is provided as a courtesy for clients of Kathy Gipson. This video is not intended to represent Kathy as an expert on Chinese Drywall contracting or for legal advice.