Home Remodeling & Permits

How often do we hear in Real Estate that “X” was built without permits.  We may need to look at how important this is and what the ramifications might be.  I read an article from Dian Hymer’s House Hunting about some interesting scenarios:

“One homeowner who didn’t check the permit history before she bought found out after closing that a remodeling permit issued in the seller’s name had never received final city approval. She discovered this when her contractor applied for a permit to do some more remodeling. The city wouldn’t issue a new permit until the outstanding permit received a final clearance.

When the city inspector checked the work, he refused to pass it because it hadn’t been done properly. The homeowner had to make the corrections before the city would issue a permit for any further work on the property. This was an expense she hadn’t anticipated, and it delayed her remodeling.

Another homeowner converted a detached cottage on his property to a bedroom and bathroom for his daughter. This work was done by licensed contractors, but without a building permit. When the homeowner listed his house for sale, a neighbor reported the illegal living unit to the city planning department.

The city issued a violation notice to the homeowner. When the buyers were told of this, they insisted that the homeowner bring the unit into compliance with city requirements. The unit was so close to the property line that it was impossible to make it legal. The only way to comply was to remove the structure.”

Homeowners often remodel their homes without aquiring the necessary building permits.  They do this to save money.  In the long run, it may cost you more money.

Here’s a tip:  If you’re buying a home and suspect that there has been some extensive remodeling done, go to the municipal building or planning department to check the history of the permits.  Also ask for copies of the permits if the sellers claim that they have remodeled.

Buying Foreclosure Properties and Short Sales

So you’re going to get a smokin’ deal on a home?  Before you decide to buy a home in foreclosure there are many things to consider.  There is a great article from Elizabeth Weintraub on About.com regarding the purchase of foreclosure homes.  Some of the major red flags are not being able to inspect the property you are purchasing and even dealing with tenants who occupy the property, who you will need to evict.

Pay close attention in the article where she talks about condition of the home.  If you can’t inspect it, you won’t know if you’re getting such a great deal.  There may be thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars that need to go into the home just to make it habitable.

My advice to clients who ask me about buying a foreclosure home is this:  Let’s look for a home in your price range that we can inspect, receive disclosures on, and have a general idea of what we’re getting into ahead of time.  I’m sure we’ll find a fixer or two along the way.  We at Legends Realty  in Danville CA can help you find that diamond in the rough or just a home that needs a little TLC.

 Better yet,  go to our website at www.LegendsRealtyInc.com and see a list of Bank owned properties that we list directly from the banks.

Taekwondo in Danville CA

I signed my 5 year old son up for Taekwondo at Tao Sports in Danville CA.  They are located at 462 Hartz Ave. in Downtown Danville CA right next to Bridges Restaurant.    It’s run by Rick Kemsly who is a multi level black belt.  Wow are these guys great with kids!  Rick’s wife Diane spent a half an hour giving him a private lesson.  After that he joined the other kids his age and did a great job.

It reminded me of when I studied Shotokan Karate a few years back and the things I learned.  Self discipline, control of your body and mind, and mutual respect of your peers, your teachers and yourself.  Gee, all the things you would want your 5 year old to learn.  He even has to say sir and ma’am to the instructors.

 They have a Tykesport program for 3-5 year olds.  Also a great option.  I think my daughter is more into dancing and gymnastics like from my previous post on the Little Gym.  I wouldn’t rule out the girls though.  They usually have better coordination than boys at that age.

Anyhow, I am excited to watch him as he progresses.  Plus, I get to learn Korean with my son.  Wait a minute….I’ve got an 80 lb son who is learning martial arts.  Maybe I need to brush up as well!

Home Builder Goes Green

Home Builder Lennar plans to install solar pannels in all their new homes.  According to the article in the East Bay Business Times they have pledged to use solar penels in their new Milano community in San Ramon CA.  Centex is another builder toying with the idea.

Without taking sides, what a great selling point for new home buyers.  Energy costs are going through the roof and this is a great way to keep those costs in line.   Soon we’ll be parking our hybrid vehicles in front of our solar powered homes.  I guess the green 79th Annual Academy Awards oscars will have a greater impact than we thought.

Danville CA Real Estate Conditions

If you have been waiting to sell your home in Danville, CA now is the time to get your home to market.  Or at least start any upgrade projects and get them done quickly.  As you can see from the graph below, Homes for sale are rising as we get closer to spring time.  You will also notice that Pending sales are going up which means that the buyers are beginning to come out.  The idea is to be ahead of the curve.

The trend for homes on the market will continue to go up as we get closer to the end of spring and peak in the June time frame.   If you wait until the peak you run the risk of not getting top dollar for your home due to the increased amount of competition. 

We at Legends Realty understand market conditions and trends.  We are here to offer you a consultative approach to Real Estate with your needs in mind.  Contact us today to discuss your Real Estate Goals.

Incredible Ski Conditions

I played hookey from my duties with the Bay Area Team on Thursday of last week because I couldn’t help myself anymore.  After hearing about the 5 feet of snow falling in the Lake Tahoe area I had to go.  I didn’t really need a reason to bust out my fat powder skis but the amount of snow sure helps. 

I planned it just right.  There was a break in the storm and the drive to my rental cabin in Carnelian Bay only took me 3 hours door to door from Danville CA.  That’s with a quick stop at Del Taco and a gas fill up in Auburn before I headed up the hill.  I always get gas before I go up because you can always count on the gas to be 15-20 cents higher in Tahoe City.

I was amazed at how much the snow outside the slopes was tracked up already.  Apparently many of the locals got there before me.  Nevertheless, I was able to find some freshies of around 3 ft and promtly searched and destroyed.

The sky was cobalt blue and the views from Homewood Mountain Resort are spectacular.  I heard a rumor that Homewood might be building a lift up Ellis peak.  At 8742 that will give Homewood quite a bit more vertical and more elevation.  I’ll report more as I hear more about it.

There is still plenty of snow and you need to get up there.