San Francisco Real Estate - Janice Lee

So you’ve prepped your home cosmetically in every imaginable way and now you’re ready to hit the market! But before you proceed with putting the “For Sale” sign in the ground, there are several key pieces of information you should consider gathering that many of today’s savvy buyers are going to want to know. Survey – Do you have a copy of a current survey of your home? Buyers want to know about property lines, easements, conservation buffers, if there is room for a pool, if the property line extends to the water behind your home, etc. Having a survey will help eliminate potential concerns for prospective buyers  Floor plan or Appraisal Sketch – Buyers often want to know room dimensions as it helps with determining furniture placement in their new space. A floor plan sketch, or an appraisal with accurate square footage of the home, will be extremely helpful. Utility Bills – Buyers want to know what they can expect with their future heating and cooling bills. Review your bi...

Whether you’re able to make a big investment into cutting your energy costs or just looking for a few free and simple ways to save money, here are 10 helpful tips for keeping your energy bills down this winter.  No Cost Set your thermostat to 68 degrees. Your heating system will operate less and use less energy. By turning it down an additional five degrees at night, you could save up to $70 on energy costs each year. Set your water heater to 120 degrees. Your water heater won’t have to work as hard if it’s set to a lower temperature. In fact, each time you lower it 10 degrees, you’ll save 3-5% on water heating costs. Open window coverings on south-facing windows. This will help warm your house during the day. At night, cover all windows to help keep the heat in. Use cold water when washing clothes. Washing clothes in cold water could save you around $40 a year with an electric water heater and $30 with a gas water heater. Some Cost Repl...

It is common for homeowners to think that selling a home is an expensive endeavor. From repairs to staging, the process can seem overwhelming. However, with the advice of a knowledgeable real estate professional, sellers often find there are ways to keep costs low and come out on top during the selling process. WORK WITH A SEASONED PROFESSIONAL Those who are unfamiliar with the selling process may try to take on everything themselves,which can lead to errors regarding documents, home staging, repairs and inspections. While many individuals initially opt for the “go-it-alone” approach to save money, working with seasoned professionals can help avoid costly errors. A real estate agent can provide sound advice on current market trends, accepting offers and enhancing listings to attract more buyers. A home inspector is another seasoned professional you should take advantage of, and can also help to save money. Remember, buyers w...