September 2020 | Jeff Howard's Las Vegas Area Real Estate blog
Maintaining Your Kitchen Garbage Disposal
We all love our garbage disposal and we take it for granted that it will work every time we throw some bits of debris and turn it on. That of course is how it should work if we maintain it correctly, however like any home appliance something can go wrong.
What not to put in the disposal – first of all don’t overload it. If you have a lot to get rid of put some of it in to grind away. When that is gotten rid of put another small amount of debris and repeat. Also do not put banana peel, fruit pits, rinds of watermelon or any melon, all of these can form a clog and wrap around the blades causing the blades not to work.
Also stay away from stringy foods, rice, potatoes or beans – they can swell up with water causing a clog. Don’t throw grease down the disposal either. They can cause a film of on the blades making them less effective, plus cause an unpleasant odor.
Never put non-food items down the disposal, it cannot break down anything but foods.
A very good thing to do is to run your garbage disposal once a day even if there is very little in there. This will keep debris from building up or corroding the interior of the appliance. A very good thing to do is drop a few ice cubes down the disposal every so often – this will keep it clean and sharpen the blades. Don’t forget to run water before, during and after running the disposal. Do you know that lemon peel in the disposal will make it smell nice and kill germs?
Most garbage disposal units last around five to ten years and, if you don’t have a home warranty, replacing it is a good DIY project for the moderately skilled person with a bit of plumbing and electrical knowledge. Or, just call me, your Realtor for life, and I will recommend someone that can install it rather quickly for a fair price.
Author phinfanPosted on September 25, 2020 September 25, 2020 Categories Helpful tipsLeave a comment on Maintaining Your Kitchen Garbage Disposal	
Top Home Selling Points – Kitchens, Baths, and Decks/Patios:
For whatever reason the time has comes time to sell your home, and of course you want it to look its best so you can get the best price, quickly. If you’re trying to figure out the best parts of the home to give special attention to, there are definitely areas that buyers are looking closely at -the kitchen, bathrooms and decks.
Considering the Kitchen – A lot of people feel the kitchen is the heart of the home so homebuyers will want to make sure that the kitchen meets their needs and is kept clean and tidy as well as updated with new appliances. Most potential buyers are looking for a big, open kitchen with modern appliances and usually a few key features like a dishwasher or kitchen island. Obviously, your kitchen will not always have everything that buyers are looking for, however you can do your best to unclutter the space so it looks fresh and clean.
A Focus on Bathrooms – All the bathrooms are very important rooms in a house. Homebuyers want to be confident that things will work well in the bathroom when they’re in there. There’s a lot that goes on in the bathroom, though; beyond the obvious, this is also where people get ready in the morning, take their showers or baths, brush their teeth and fix their hair.
Potential buyers are looking for a certain WOW factor when they see a bathroom. Nice looking fixtures as well as cleanliness is especially important. Make sure the lighting is correct and the bathroom has sufficient mirrors. Most bathrooms only have a limited amount of space to work with, but you’d be surprised how much of a difference you can make with a few tweaks and upgrades.
Enjoying the Deck/Patio – Not every home has a deck/patio, but those that do always get oohs and aahs from potential buyers. A lot of homeowners want to be able to enjoy their time outside of their home, and having a deck or patio can make this a lot easier since you can set up tables, chairs, a grill or anything else in a secure and flat area outdoors.
If you have a wood deck, take the time to make sure it’s recently painted or stained and is otherwise in good condition. A deck can make a big impression, but an ugly or damaged deck can make the wrong sort of impression on your potential buyer.
Sprucing Up the Whole Home –There are other parts of the home that you can make changes or updates to if you’re getting ready to sell your home. General repairs, remodels or upgrades can interest potential buyers regardless of where they occur. You might want to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls with neutral tones.
As your Realtor I will come to your home and advise you what to do to help the sale be quick and at the right price – after all I’m your Realtor for life.
Author phinfanPosted on September 21, 2020 September 21, 2020 Categories Helpful tipsLeave a comment on Top Home Selling Points – Kitchens, Baths, and Decks/Patios:	
It’s true… many HOAs do not allow sheds or any other type of outer building on your property, however if you do not have an HOA or your HOA allows sheds, there are many reasons to have one. Maybe you just want some extra storage space or need a place to put your mower and gardening tools to keep them out of the weather. You might want a shed to create a home office or other workspace so you don’t have to rearrange your entire home. Regardless of the reason you might want a shed, there are several options available for getting one.
The first thing that you need to do is figure out just how much space you want for your shed. This will depend on what you plan to do with it, as a storage space for a push mower will obviously be smaller than an external office space or kids’ play area. Sheds come in a wide range of sizes, so take the time to consider your needs and calculate your space requirements (including taking measurements of furniture, equipment or anything else that will take up a good bit of room) to figure out just how big of a shed you’ll actually need. You’ll also want to see if your local municipality has any requirements such as distance from the main house or fences. You don’t want to go through all the work of putting it up only to learn it has to be moved (or removed).
Building a Shed – One option that might appeal to DIYers is building your own shed. There are a number of plans available which can guide you through the building process or at least to give you a starting point for your own design. Keep in mind that building a shed isn’t for everyone, though; it is more complex to build than some other around-the-house DIYs, so be prepared for that.
Shed Kits – Maybe you’re looking for a slightly easier shed build or are trying to find a way to save a bit of money, shed kits are available that let you build a small shed from pre-made materials. In most cases these kits are for metal sheds, though some kits for sheds made of wood, plastic or other materials may be available from some retailers as well. These sheds tend to be on the smaller side and often use thinner materials, but they can go a long way toward meeting your basic storage needs.
Buying a Shed – Whether you need a bigger and sturdier shed or simply don’t have time to build one yourself, pre-constructed sheds are available from a number of hardware stores and other retailers. These sheds vary in size and design, going from basic square sheds to barn-like units that might even contain loft space. In most cases these sheds are made of wood, though some other materials may be available as well. The price depends heavily on the materials used and the size of the shed, with some models costing a few thousand dollars, but providing a significant amount of storage space or room to convert into an office space, playhouse for the kids or even a home gym.
Shed Delivery – For most shed options, having the shed delivered and set up for you is possible. Delivery can typically be scheduled within a few days of purchase, or in some cases even on the same day. Any special considerations such as having a level area prepared for the shed should be discussed while arranging the delivery. If you want the shed placed on a concrete foundation, that will need to be in place before delivery. Even if you don’t opt for a full foundation, it may be beneficial to have a gravel bed or some other material spread out and ready for the shed to provide a more solid surface and prevent sinking or settling.
Need a Custom Shed? – If your needs aren’t met by kits or pre-constructed units, contractors are available to build a custom shed that meets your exact specifications. You know me… I have lists for any type of work you need done. I can help you find the right contractor for the job. Just call me, 702-735-5669, after all I’m your realtor for life.
Author phinfanPosted on September 14, 2020 September 14, 2020 Categories UncategorizedLeave a comment on Shedding Some Light on Sheds	
For the last several months we have been living in uncertain times and maybe you have been sitting back and worrying your time away hoping things will work out. Worrying will not get you anywhere. If you have been wanting to buy a home or refinance this year, don’t discount the possibility just because your income may have dropped. It’s true that qualifying for a mortgage is getting trickier for many potential borrowers, but you still have plenty of options and opportunities for a home loan.
There are many industries that are facing uncertain futures and what are likely to be unstable paths of recovery. For this reason lenders have become increasingly concerned about borrowers’ abilities to repay loans. That’s not to say that there’s no hope in sight for workers or business owners, just that from a lender’s perspective, the pandemic has introduced an additional level of risk that has never been factored into home lending equations before now.
It’s not that you’ve done anything wrong, or that home buyers in general have done anything wrong, but lenders like to see that incomes are stable and will continue to be stable for the foreseeable future. In the current economic climate, this is pretty much impossible to forecast. Given this, lenders are getting more selective about who they will lend to. Minimum credit scores are going up and, in some cases, so are down payments. The good news is that lenders are still issuing loans for home purchases and refinances, even to buyers who have lost income during the pandemic.
Getting a Loan With a Salary Drop
Revenues in many industries have taken a huge blow, and many workers are being asked to take a salary cut in order to maintain the integrity of the workforce. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you would be denied a loan, although you may need to provide additional documentation so your lender has a better picture of your overall financial picture. But a lower income can still affect your loan in one or more ways:
It can reduce the amount you’ll qualify to borrow. This one is pretty obvious; if you’re making less, even temporarily, you won’t be able to make as large of a loan payment. Your lender may still be more than happy to make some kind of loan to you; however it may be for much less than you expect. So if you must borrow while on a reduced income, brace yourself for purchasing down. The upside to this, though, is a home that you will owe less on and be able to pay down more quickly once your income is back to normal.
It can change your debt to income ratio. A lot of borrowers walk the debt to income line, especially as housing prices continue to increase. If you were close to the cap before your income was reduced, be prepared to have to make some changes to your plans. You may need to pay off debts strategically, sell items like extra vehicles that are encumbered with loans or settle for a much smaller loan.
It can increase your down payment. If you’re determined to borrow within a specific price range, or you have already made an offer and your income changed during the sales process, a quick way back to the home of your dreams is to make a bigger down payment. There are many ways to increase your down payment, such as a gift from a relative (provided they do not expect you to repay the gift) or liquid funds from things like savings or a 401k. Before you cash out investments or savings, though, check with your lender to ensure you’ll have enough money remaining in any accounts that may need to contain reserves.
It could actually help you get free down payment money. There are programs out there that will “gift” the down payment and (sometimes) closing costs that your previous income may have been too high to qualify for. With your recent adjusted income, you may now qualify
Low credit score and plenty of down payment just might get you there. If you think your credit score is too low to qualify, I know a lender who just told me he can get you a loan with a 500-credit score… with 20% down.
The good news is that just because one lender may have new requirements that reduce your loan amount or make you ineligible for a loan right now, others may not. Offers vary from lender to lender and from program to program, so it is worthwhile to shop around for mortgages. If you’re not sure where to start, contact me at your earliest convenience and I’ll recommend 3-4 professional mortgage lenders that may be able to help you purchase the home of your dreams. Give it a shot!
Author phinfanPosted on September 3, 2020 September 3, 2020 Categories UncategorizedLeave a comment on Salary Drop? You Can Still Get a Mortgage	
You Really Should! (Use a Painters Mask When You Paint)
One of the best things about owning your own home is how much you can do to make it your own. Although big jobs like laying tile and building decks might be more than you’re ready for, a paint job is a simple and easy way to make a big change to the atmosphere.
Of course it’s important to have all the safety equipment you’ll need on hand. Many paints contain a variety of particles that can become airborne and get inhaled, which is not very good for your lungs. That’s why painter’s masks are absolutely a good idea!
By now, most people are pretty familiar with cloth & paper face masks. While paper masks may all look the same, there are actually some pretty major differences between surgical masks and painter’s masks. Surgical masks, which are generally sold for medical purposes, offer very little protection from inhaling airborne particles. They’re only good at preventing you from exhaling germs onto someone else. This is why you don’t see surgical masks for sale in the same department as painting and sanding masks; they simply don’t do the same job.
Painter’s masks, which can also be made from a paper-like material, are specifically designed to prevent particles from penetrating their surface and getting into your lungs. Also known as dust masks, these masks are actually filtering devices and offer various degrees of filtration, much like the air filters you use in your furnace.
Mask Ratings: What Do They Mean?The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has very specific ratings to help painters and other professionals determine exactly what type of mask to use in a given situation. It’s not uncommon for a professional painter to have a variety of filtering masks on hand for different working conditions. For most homeowners, there are two main factors to consider:
For most homeowner projects, a 95 percent filtration mask is adequate protection, but if you’re working in a home that is known to have asbestos or other fine and dangerous particles, you may need a more powerful filtering device.
Sometimes a paint job can be a bit much to tackle as a DIY project and you just might want professional help. Just contact me! I have a list of skilled painters that can help you update your home.
Author phinfanPosted on September 2, 2020 September 2, 2020 Categories Helpful tipsLeave a comment on You Really Should! (Use a Painters Mask When You Paint)	