Thursday, May 28, 2015

Beautiful Chino Hills Home. Great Area!! Offered at $619,000

Located in Chino Hills in the Images Community. This wonderful 4 bedroom 2.5 bathroom in a super nice neighborhood. Drive up to this two story home with great curb appeal. Walk up to your private front door and you are greeted with vaulted ceilings and beautiful slate floors with an open and bright floor plan. Proceed to your bright and open Kitchen that overlooks your backyard and the family room. Walk into your family room that boasts a fireplace and beautiful wood floors and overlooks the backyard and is open to the kitchen. Walk up to your elegant stone covered staircase where your master bed and master bathroom awaits you. Turn to find the nice sized 3 bed rooms with new carpet. Add to this a spacious 3-Car garage and award winning school district and walk to the local school and shopping make this a must see home!



Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Bathroom Remodeling Tips from $1000 - $10,000

Remodeling the bathroom is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner -- whether you're planning to live in your home for ten years or sell it within the next five. In fact, improving the atmosphere and functionality of the bathroom offers a huge benefit, especially if you're starting with a cramped or outdated space. The biggest question, of course, is: How much budget do you have for your remodel? Not everyone can spend tens of thousands of dollars on a bathroom remodel.  

So here are some projects that will improve your bathroom, whether you have a budget of $1,000 or $10,000:

$1,000:

A budget that caps at $1,000 doesn't give you a lot of room to hire professionals. You're going to have to do most of the work yourself -- except when it comes to plumbing and electrical work. That's best left to the professionals, and letting them handle it will save you money and hassle in the long run anyhow. Focus on the smaller DIY improvements that will revitalize and renew the bathroom's appearance. Some projects to consider are:

Repainting the walls: If your bathroom walls are looking particularly drab, then adding a fresh coat of paint could do a lot for the room. Choose a shade that brings it into the 21st century and creates a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere. Make sure it matches your linens so you don't have to replace those as well.

New tiling: Think about the tile in your bathroom, maybe the wall behind your bathtub or on the floor. If it's cracked or outdated, now might be a good time to replace it. Vinyl and ceramic tile is quite affordable -- costing anywhere between $2 and $5 per square foot, depending on the design. Generally, you'll pay around $400 for 200 square feet of tile. Plus, you'll have to lay it yourself. In comparison, professional tile installation averages around $900 to $2,100 -- way outside your budget.

Additional storage: Depending on the size of your bathroom, you might want to look at how you can optimize storage. Think about a new medicine cabinet, baskets or a standing shelf if your bathroom has the room. You could spend anywhere between $100 and $200 on storage depending on which kind you decide to install.

Regrouting: To make your bathtub or shower look fresher and cleaner, regrout the tile. Scrub with a brush and a bleach solution. If you can't get the debris off, think about removing the grout and reapplying a new layer. The cost of grout is about $20.

New exhaust fan: The exhaust fan in your bathroom helps prevent mildew and mold growth. If the exhaust fan is worn down and not running properly anymore, it's time to replace it. The cost of a new bath fan averages at about $100, but it's a worthwhile investment to avoid mildew growth.

Green showerhead: How much money are you paying for water right now? Do you like long, luxurious showers? To avoid cutting down your time in the hot water, think about replacing your showerhead with its green alternative. Low-flow showerheads can cost as little as $50 and are easy to install. Plus, you can still get high water pressure.

New faucet: Another investment you can make in your bathroom is to replace your faucet. A new faucet can really change the look of your sink and cut down costs on your water bill as well, depending on which one you choose. Most faucets cost about $50 to start, though the best types will cost upwards of $100. If you want an efficient faucet, keep an eye out for the Watersense logo.

$10,000:

When you have a more sizeable budget, you don't have to rely so much on your two hands to do the work. You can hire local contractors for some of the projects in the bathroom, which saves you a lot of time and hassle. That doesn't mean you can have the bathroom gutted and completely remodeled, though. A project like that will cost upwards of $22,000. But at least you can make some more major changes to the room including:

Granite countertops: Granite countertops have always been a popular investment for kitchens and bathrooms. However, they can cost a lot of money -- about $3,100. So to save a few dollars, choose granite that has imperfections or countertops in neutral colors.

New accessories: Little accessories can make a big impact. Maybe it's the overhead lighting, towel racks or drawer handles in the vanity. While these seem insignificant, together they can drastically increase the appeal and atmosphere of the bathroom. Do not replace your lighting fixtures on your own, but changing out bulbs with their LED or CFL alternatives is okay -- and it cuts down on your electricity costs.

Refinishing fixtures: While you might think about replacing one or two of your bathroom fixtures, you shouldn't try to replace all of them. Instead, think about refinishing some of your fixtures like the sink, shower and bathtub. If they're made of cast iron, porcelain or fiberglass, this is a cheap investment with great results. Your fixtures will look almost brand new for a fraction of the cost to replace them. For example, the cost to refinish a bathtub is $300 on the low end and $1,000 on the high end, as compared to replacing it for $2,200 on average.

More green updates: There are a lot of green updates you can make around the bathroom to save money on your utility bill. As reiterated before, CFL and LED lighting helps, as do low-flow showerheads and Watersense faucets. In addition, you can invest in dual-flush or no-flush waterless toilets, also under the Watersense label.

Conclusion

Bathroom remodeling doesn't have to be an expensive investment. Despite your budget, there are always ways to save and still end up with a new, revitalized space. If you don't have the budget to do what you want in the bathroom, you can at least make a few adjustments until you're ready to gut the space for more major changes

Monday, May 18, 2015

5 CLEANING TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME FASTER

Home buying and selling can be a lengthy process. If you are selling your home, then you want to receive the highest offer possible. A clean and well-maintained home can bring you more money than a home that needs deep cleaning and repairs. There are a number of ways to improve the look of your home.


The first step to cleaning is to declutter every room in your home. Your home needs to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Decluttering is an effective way to accomplish this task. This rule also applies to rental cleaning of your domestic investment properties. Read about the following five most common spring cleaning tip suggested by Hygienic Solutions Australia  that may sell your home faster.


1. Clean kitchen and bathroom cabinets with a hot sponge and a cleaner that contains orange oil. An easy way to heat up your sponge is to place it in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Wear gloves while cleaning to protect your delicate hands.


2. Shower doors and bathroom tile attracts scum, mold and mildew. The easiest way to get rid of this is to use a glass cleaner. A razor blade makes scraping off tough residue easier. Use a dry cloth to dry of areas as you clean.


3. Use microfiber cloths instead of paper or cotton towels for window cleaning. They also lift dirt and dust faster than other clothes because of the tiny fibers. Microfiber cloths will not scratch delicate surfaces on your electronics. Clean them by tossing them into the washing machine when you are finished.


4. Use a leaf blower instead of a broom to sweep the garage of dirt, dust and debris. You can buy an electric model for under $50 and it is faster than a broom. A leaf blower is also a great way to clean driveways, patios and walkways.


5. Remove unwanted pet hair from upholstered furniture using duct tape instead of vacuum cleaning. Wrap duct tape around the shell of a paint roller for faster cleaning. This will also work well on your vehicle’s cloth upholstery. 

Monday, May 11, 2015

Fontana Home in a Great Area!! Offered at $355,000

Beautiful two-story home, located near Ontario Mills Mall and Victoria Gardens mall, close to shopping centers, close to major freeways. Interior features granite counter tops, canned lighting, ceramic tile flooring, carpeting in bedrooms, separate dining area leading to outside patio,skylight, washer and dryer hookups located downstairs leading to the three car garage, fireplace, large backyard.



Just sold your home. What should you be doing??

Moving can be very stressful. To make your move a little less stressful, below is a moving and packing checklist for you. It will help you remember items you need to transfer, update, cancel, and simply help you prepare for your move. 
ITEMS TO TRANSFER, CANCEL OR UPDATE, INCLUDING:
  • Cable, Internet service, telephone, newspaper
  • Lawn Care, Pool Service, Pest Control
  • Car registration and driver’s license
  • Post Office
  • Update your friends, relatives and other contacts with your new address
  • Bank accounts and safe deposit boxes
  • Utilities, including electric, gas, water, sewer and trash
  • Insurance policies, including property, auto, medical and dental
  • Alarm monitoring company
  • Voter registration
  • Physician, dentist and other medical providers
  • Veterinarian
  • Health clubs
  • Your children’s schools and daycare centers

PREPARE
  • Separate items you will and will not be taking with you.
  • Box and label the outside of all the boxes.
  • Make a List: It will help you keep track of what is in every box.
  • Hiring a Moving Company?: Create a list or spreadsheet of all of your belongings take pictures of anything you feel is valuable.
  • Movable Storage Units: The new trend in moving is the movable storage unit. They can be loaded and stored off location during the sale of your home. Once you are ready to relocate, the unit can meet you at your new location.
  • Unwanted Items: This is a great time to donate or trash unwanted or unneeded items.

GET PACKING
  • Collect or purchase boxes.
  • Packing Accessories: Make sure you have enough tape, bubble wrap, newspapers, garbage bags and markers.
  • Furniture: Take apart furniture if needed.
  • Fragile Items: Make sure to take extra care when packing any fragile items.
  • Moving Company: Schedule movers as needed and keep a completed bill of landing until everything is delivered to your new home, the charges are paid and if there are any claims, they are settled.
  • Rent a Truck: Are you renting a moving truck? Ensure you get your truck booked in advance. Make sure you have carpet to protect items and at least one hand truck.
  • Recycle: Do you have any flammable materials or containers that may leak like batteries, acids, cleaning fluids, paint, etc.? If so, make sure you properly recycle those items.

FINALIZE YOUR DETAILS
  • Car: If you are moving a long distance away, ensure you have your car serviced, tires checked etc.
  • Accommodations: You should plan out your trip and stops in advance. If you have pets, make sure those arrangements are pet friendly.
  • Final Check: Do a final walk through of the house. Check all closets, cabinets, attic and rooms one last time to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.
  • Make sure all lights have been turned off, set the air conditioner or heat on a comfortable setting that may not run a lot. Once you are sure you’ve got everything, lock up!

PREPARE FOR CLOSING
  • Homeowner’s Insurance: Maintain homeowner’s hazard insurance for 2-3 days after closing.
  • Leave appliance manuals, warranty information, garage door openers and spare keys in the house. Bring at least one key to closing.
  • The house should be at least “broom clean” and all trash and debris should be removed from the property. This includes the garage, attic and yard. If there was any damage to the house done during the move, have it repaired! This should be completed before the buyer’s final walk through.
  • Bring a driver’s license or other form of photo ID to the closing. Items are notarized and you will need to prove your ID.
  • If you are selling a condo or co-op, be sure to schedule your move well in advance. Check your condo/co-op docs for moving rules and restrictions. There may be items that you or the new buyer need to complete before closing.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development American Housing Survey, the median age of an owner-occupied home in the United States was 35 years in 2011, and it's even older now. With few new homes being built post-recession, the chances are good that the home you buy is in need of some major renovations.

For most homebuyers, the most important room is the kitchen, the heart and soul of any home. But if your kitchen is from another generation, it might not meet your needs. It may be closed off the way kitchens were in the 1950s or have outmoded cabinets, drawers and appliances that don't function as well as today's products.

No matter what needs to be done, get ready to spend some real money. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) suggests that you allocate your kitchen remodeling budget somewhere along these lines. One third of your budget is going to cabinets and another 25 percent to appliances and ventilation, and countertops. Approximately one fourth of your expenses will go toward designer fees, labor and installation. You can also get a lot of bang for the buck with new faucets, lighting, doors and windows.

Obviously, the quality of materials you choose will make a big difference to the amount you spend. The cost of living impacts labor, and you could find yourself paying quite a bit if you make changes to the footprint of the kitchen like relocating the sink or range and tearing out walls. Change orders for the contractor can also drive up costs.

So what will you pay to renovate your kitchen? Cost estimates are all over the place.

HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost to remodel a kitchen is $20,000, with most homeowners spending between $10,630 and $30,000. Houzz says the average is about $25,000, but that figure includes do-it-yourself kitchens as well as those that used kitchen designers.

Kitchen designers work with interior designers for a seamless ambiance with the rest of the home. A HadleyCourt.com survey of professional kitchen designers, remodelers and HVAC experts found that a 200 square foot kitchen remodel in major metros was $120,000 to $150,000, and $80,000 in secondary real estate markets.

The best way to determine the cost of remodeling your new home's kitchen is to decide whether the changes you want to make are mostly cosmetic or structural. Then decide if you want to DIY or hire professionals. You can certainly paint, install new tile and countertops, and buy new appliances, but if you want to improve the functionality or size of the kitchen or move any plumbing or electrical, you should hire a kitchen designer for best results.

Don't avoid buying a home you love because it needs renovations. Chances are good that you're going to get the home at a discount because it needs updates. This is your opportunity to make the home your own.