Adding Value by Dennis O'Hagan

Looking To Purchase A Home??? Call, Text or Email Me And I'll Help You Shorten The Search...

Whether it's finding the right home, or fixing up a home - it takes a lot of work. But I can take a load off you by helping you find the ideal house. Call, Text or Email me now so I can lighten your burden! 

Home Renovations...

Custom renovations are fun, but can make it difficult to sell your home later on. Message me to understand the impact of your planned renovations on your home's value. 

Agents Can Help...

I'm here to make the home buying process go smoothly so you don't have to worry. Interested in buying a home? Send me a message - I'm here to help!

HUMOR: Santa After The Holidays...

Landscaping Tips To Sell Your Home...

The landscaping around your home is the first things prospective home buyers see when they pull up in the driveway. That first impression creates a lasting impression, and it is worth investing the time and effort to ensure your grass, trees, flowers, and shrubbery look their very best. As you prepare your home for its place in the real estate market, the following landscaping tips will help you set the stage for a successful sale. 

 

• Clear Away Clutter
  Get rid of garden gnomes, pink flamingos, rusty children's toys, and anything extraneous that detracts from the landscape. Simplifying the landscape creates a comfortable, calming ambiance. This helps home buyers envision their own lawn decorations in their new yard.
  
  
• Trim, Trim, and Trim Some More
  Trimming trees and pruning shrubbery helps them stay healthy. Removing dead branches also protects gutters, the roof, and fencing from damage. It's worth hiring a professional tree trimming service to do this as they will perform the work and remove the debris from your property. Whenever possible, it is best to do this in the fall or spring as this gives them a chance to grow and thrive. 
  
  
• Repair the Sprinklers
  Broken sprinkler heads and leaky sprinkler systems are significant concerns for potential buyers. A sprinkler system that works correctly is a selling point your real estate agent can use to put their fears to rest. A properly functioning system will also make it easier for you to keep the landscape watered until your home sells. 
  
  
• Green Up the Grass
  Grass is the foundation for most landscapes. Brown spots, bare patches, and dandelions stick out like sore thumbs. You should apply weed killers, turf builders, and fertilizers one to two months before you plan to put your home on the market. This gives your grass a chance to recover and grow before the first buyer ever sets foot on the lawn.
  
  
• Add a Splash of Color
  Planting bright, visually appealing landscapes creates a happy, festive atmosphere. The presence of colorful flowers in standing pots or permanent flower beds invites prospective buyers to rest and relax as they ponder purchasing your home. Red, blue, pink, yellow, and green flowers are guaranteed to put potential buyers in the mood to sign a sales contract.
  
  
• Paint and Repair the Exterior
  Pull out the brushes and paint any areas that are starting to show their age. Repair damaged light fixtures, siding, gutters, shutters, or railings. If you have a wooden deck that is looking worse for wear, you should sand and restain the wood. If you have a concrete patio or sidewalks, use a power washer with detergent to brighten these up. Once the concrete is clean, fill and repair any cracks you discover.
  
  
• Mend Your Fences
  Take care of any broken slats, leaning posts, or slacking links. The fence frames the landscape, and you want it to appear strong and stable. If the fence is past its prime and requires replacing, consider offering a new fence to buyers as a concession within the sales contract.     

Finally, don't attempt to do it all yourself. Invest in the services of professionals to ensure that the job is done right. This is especially important when it comes to tree trimming, sprinkler repairs, electrical work, and exterior repairs that require specialized tools and experience. This means that the finished appearance your investment buys will be worth its weight in gold when the ink on the contract dries. 

Does A Finished Garage Add Value To My House???

Whether you're selling your home soon or you're looking to add value long-term, the garage may not be the first room you think of when upgrading your home. For many homeowners, the garage is a place to store things and work on projects, so aesthetics take a back seat. If you're looking for a unique way to wow potential buyers, however, a finished garage is one potential tool in your arsenal. But does a finished garage truly add value when selling your home? The answer depends on what you're trying to accomplish, and what sort of buyer you intend to attract.

• What Is a Finished Garage?
  In many homes, the garage simply doesn't get the same attention as other rooms. An unfinished garage is basically your average garage--stuff stored all around, unfinished walls and ceilings, and very few creature comforts. A finished garage looks more like any other room in the home, with a clean, put-together look and plenty of open space. Finishing the garage creates a new usable space in the home, especially for homeowners who love working on cars or home improvement projects.
• How a Finished Garage Impacts Appraisal Value
  If your only goal is to increase the appraisal value of the home, then a finished garage may not offer the best bang for your buck compared to other renovations. While that may sound ominous, it only tells part of the story. A finished garage may not add much to the appraisal value outright, but it can still be an important factor in convincing a buyer that your home is the right choice for their needs.
• The "Wow Factor" of a Finished Garage
  While a finished garage may not add to the home's appraisal value, it can certainly be a factor in convincing a buyer that the home is right for them. It can make your home stand out from the pack and holds major appeal for potential buyers who love home improvement projects. This is ultimately where the value comes in finishing your garage, but since it's subjective it only adds value for the right buyer.
• Considering the Cost of a Finished Garage
  Finishing the garage definitely isn't cheap, but it won't set you back as much as renovation projects in some other rooms. The typical cost for finishing a garage checks in around $10,000, so the upfront cost is significant. Whether the investment is worth it is in the eye of the beholder – and the buyer.
• Why Finishing Is Better Than Converting
  If you do plan to update your garage, it's better to finish it than to convert it completely by removing the garage door. A converted garage is ultimately just another room, while a finished garage still retains the character and utility of the typical garage.
• A Middle Ground for Your Garage
  If you want to make your garage more impressive without finishing it completely when selling your home, there's a middle ground. By cleaning your garage thoroughly, organizing it neatly, and fixing any glaring maintenance issues, you can give your garage a fresh, appealing look without the investment that would be required to fully finish the room.

While finishing your garage may not add resale value in a concrete way, it can be an important subjective factor in attracting the right buyer. Not every buyer will be interested in a finished garage, but the right buyer may love it. Your real estate agent can help you decide whether to finish the garage, or whether you're better off investing those funds in another room.

10 Safety Hazards In Your Home...

The home is supposed to be where you and your family are safe and protected but every year accident and emergency units deal with serious injuries and sometimes fatal accidents that occur in the home. It is not just children and the elderly that can come to harm in the home with things like chemicals and choke hazards. Accidents in the home claim 18,000 lives each year in America alone. It also accounts for 21 million medical visits annually, which costs a staggering $220 billion a year.

Many of these accidents are preventable and dealing with a serious accident that could have been avoided can lead to a lifetime of guilt.

We have put together this quick guide to alert you to the hazards in your home so that you can keep your family as safe as possible.

1. Falls

Falls are the leading cause of death when it comes to home accidents. They make up a third of all fatalities. The elderly are most affected by this type of accident. Fatalities aside, when an elderly person falls the associated problems are far more serious. While younger people may also suffer a broken bone, a broken bone is a far more serious problem for an older person in terms of healing.

Hip fractures are a serious problem in particular for those aged 75 and over and can lead to long-term care needs and serious mobility issues. Follow these tips to stay safer.

Minimize The Risk

• Staircases: Keep children safe from tumbling down steps by installing safety gates at both the bottom and top of staircases. Keep everyone safe by making sure the lighting is good and the handrails and steps are solid and well maintained. Elderly people with less mobility should consider installing stairlifts or consider moving to a home without stairs to avoid falls.
• Bathrooms: Anyone is susceptible to falls in the bathroom due to slippery wet surfaces. Whilst not the most hygienic type of flooring for a bathroom, those at risk of falling should consider having bathroom floors fully carpeted. Showers should have rubber mats to prevent falls from wet surfaces. Have mats or towels placed on the floor when getting out of the bath or shower. The elderly should consider investing in hoists or seats to make showering and bathing safer as well as a water-proof medical alert device.

2. Poisoning

The second leading cause of fatalities is poisoning which leads to 5,000 deaths a year in the U.S. This is a particularly heartbreaking statistic as for the most part curious young children are affected by this type of hazard. Prevent your child from serious injury and becoming one of these statistics by following the following safety tips.

Minimize The Risk

• Any cleaning products and harmful substances if kept in the kitchen should be stored in cupboards out of the reach of small children in higher cupboards. If they are kept in lower cupboards, make sure you invest in inexpensive childproof locks for these cupboards.
• Store paint and pesticides in garages and sheds that are locked and on high shelves away from children.
• Monitor children in the kitchen and do not leave them unattended.
• Label all unmarked containers and do not store products in food containers.
• Have the details of the poison control centre number in your area to hand and have it stored on your mobile phone. In the event of poisoning, you need to act fast.

3. Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer. Unlike gas, it cannot be detected be smell. You can keep your family safe by following these steps:

Minimize The Risk

• Ensure that you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home and test them regularly.

• Ensure your heaters are checked annually to prevent danger from carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Some home security systems have carbon monoxide detection and will alert you early to unsafe levels in your home.

4. Fire Hazards

With over 3,000 American lives claimed each year from fire hazards, this is the third biggest killer as far as home accidents are concerned. Follow these steps to avoid fatalities and devastating burns to loved ones as well as damage to your home and belongings.

Minimize the Risks

• Install smoke detectors in the kitchen, bedrooms and basement.
• Test your alarm monthly and ensure you replace the batteries twice a year.
• Consider a home alarm system that detects smoke. This will not just raise an alarm like a usual smoke detector but it will contact the local fire department and help will be on its way. This is particularly useful should a fire render the householders incapable of response due to smoke inhalation.
• Be careful when cooking and NEVER leave a pan of oil for deep-frying unattended. If the pan catches fire use a damp tea towel to deal with the flames, never try to put the fire out with water.
• Have your electrical wiring tested regularly by a qualified electrician.
• At Xmas, a major hazard and devastating tragedy is fires, which can start from faulty Xmas tree lights. Ensure your festivities are not ruined by a fire by switching off all Xmas lights before you go to bed.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• If you smoke, take care to extinguish all cigarettes carefully.
• Never leave a candle burning overnight.
• Have a fire safety plan that everyone knows and carefully plan how you will exit the home.

5. Drowning

Children aged from one to four years old are at serious risk of drowning. In fact, it is the leading cause of fatalities and injuries in this age group. Children this age can drown in just two inches of water and 800 deaths occur each year in the U.S. alone in this tragic kind of accident. Follow these steps to keep your little ones safe.

Minimize The Risk

• Always supervise babies and young children when bathing. If the phone rings at bath time, then leave it. It is not as important as your child’s safety. Ring them back when bath time is over!
• Keep toilet lids closed.
• If you have a swimming pool or pond then it should be in a fenced area. Never leave children in an unsupervised situation when water is about, including paddling pools.
• Don’t use electrical items in the bathroom.

6. Choking

Choking is a hazard for small children who have a tendency to put small objects in their mouths!

Follow these tips to keep your child safe:

Minimize The Risk

• Always watch small children.
• Know how to perform first aid on your child should they start to choke, this includes knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on your child if needed.
• Make sure your child plays with toys that are age-appropriate and from reputable companies with no possibility of small breaking parts.
• Follow safety procedures when putting babies to sleep and ensure there are no choking hazards in the bed.
• At mealtimes, cut up food into small pieces for young children. Teach them to chew and swallow and do not give them large hard candy which is easy to choke on.

7. Sharp Objects

We all have plenty of sharp objects around the home that are necessary but in the hands of small children, they can be lethal. Follow these steps to keep your family safe.

Minimize the Risk

• Keep kitchen knives and graters away from children in locked drawers.
• Learn how to use knives safely and efficiently, if you don’t know how to chop, slice, and dice without risking your fingers then watch some short videos online.
• Store sharp knives with shields to cover the blades and take care when washing.
• Keep items such as rakes, saws, and lawn mowers, locked away safely in garden sheds. Follow safety procedures and use caution when using garden tools. Remain vigilant to avoid accidents while gardening such as tripping and stumbling and electrical hazards.

8. Stoves

Stoves present a significant danger for a variety of reasons. Keep safe by following these tips:

Minimize The Risk

• Use the burners at the back if children are about to make it more difficult for children to reach up.
• Pan handles should face inwards so that children cannot grab them.
• Correct installation is essential to make sure that the stove does not tip over.

9. Dishwashers

Dishwashers are a great time saving addition to any household but they do pose a danger. Follow these steps to avoid accidents occurring:

Minimize The Risk

• Ensure that, when you place knives and forks in the dishwasher, blades and prongs are facing downwards to avoid cuts.
• Unload the dishwasher after use so that small children are at minimal risk of getting their hands on sharp objects or wash them separately.
• Never leave the dishwasher preloaded with detergent.
• Dishwashers work by washing your dishes at high temperatures. Make sure that the dishwasher is securely latched so it cannot be opened mid-cycle, which could cause burns from steam and hot water.

10. Suffocation

Toddlers and young children are at risk of suffocation in your home. Follow these simple steps to avoid accidents and potential fatalities.

Minimize The Risk

• Keep trash bags away from children and other bags that are a hazard.
• Keep strings, cords, and ropes out of the reach of children. In particular, pay attention to curtains that have cords and make sure cots and beds are not near this strangling hazard.

We hope you found this quick guide useful and you and your family keep safe at home.

What Baby Boomers Want In Their New Homes...

Baby Boomers have led the way in many areas, and now they're redefining what retirees want in a new home. Unlike the generation before them, Boomers, who are between ages 55 and 73 in 2019, are not ready to live the easy life. They want homes that support their active lifestyles without sacrificing other amenities.

The following are some of the attributes Baby Boomers are looking for when they're buying a house:

• Diversity
  Rather than looking for a quiet retirement community, many Baby Boomers are looking for diverse communities that have residents from all age groups. They want to interact with everyone from young families to older residents, and communities that have amenities like clubhouses can make this easier.
• Luxuries
  Some Baby Boomers may want to downsize their homes a bit when it comes to square footage, but they want upscale features. Superior construction is important to them, and they want to have the latest finishes, wood floors, and upgraded trim. Because they may have lived in an older home for a while, newer amenities are important to them in what they see as their dream home.
• Accessibility
  One-level homes or two-story homes with first-floor master suites are important to Baby Boomers, who are thinking about current or future mobility issues. Other features that increase accessibility, such as raised dishwashers, lowered microwaves, and multi-level countertops, are also popular among this age group.
• Low maintenance
  Boomers are usually still quite active and have more free time than younger homeowners, but they don't want to spend their time mowing the lawn or making repairs. Buyers who are moving from older homes appreciate newer homes that are move-in ready and won't need many repairs in the near future. Although they like to have a lawn and patio, they don't have to be large. Having outdoor maintenance taken care of as part of a homeowners' association agreement is also a plus.
• Location
  Location is a priority when you're buying a home, no matter what your age. While younger home buyers want a home in a good school district, Baby Boomers often want to move closer to their children and grandchildren. Many, however, prefer to live close to their current home so they can maintain relationships with friends and be close to their favorite restaurants, doctors' offices, shops, and other familiar locations.
• Proximity to recreation
  Since Baby Boomers are more active than previous generations were at this age, they want to enjoy recreational pursuits now that they finally have the time to do so. Many want to live near the water, and communities that offer amenities such as a pool, tennis court, and fitness center are also popular. Living near places to hike and play golf is also a priority.
• An office space
  A dedicated office space that allows Baby Boomers to work at home – either full-time or part-time – is a priority to many who are buying a house. They're putting off retirement until a later age when compared to previous generations, and they want a separate room to work in that gives them privacy and lets them draw a clear line between work and leisure time.

Baby Boomers have different priorities than their parents, and other generations have had at a similar age. They're usually still quite active, and they're looking to spend their time on leisure pursuits and possibly their profession rather than on chores at home. As a result, they're focused on buying a house that makes it easy for them to age in place with what they value.

Tips On Selling Your Home...

Selling your home can be tough and usually associated with some strong emotions which can make it harder to sell.

That's not just because you might be tempted to procrastinate. How we feel about a home can create a challenge: Putting the wrong price on it.

It's easy to overprice a property because of its sentimental value. Luckily, a local real estate expert can help. By researching recently-sold homes in the area, he or she can price any property to attract buyers.

Although pricing is best left to the professionals, there are many things you can do to help in selling your home faster. With these tips, you'll make it much more likely to connect with the right buyer and get to closing without a hitch:

1. Decide on the Best Timing
   Timing is the second-biggest factor in selling your home, right behind price. Timing should strike a balance between meeting your needs and taking advantage of the home market's busiest seasons. Research has shown listings in early April tend to over-perform others in both time-to-sale and final price. Both spring and summer offer some great opportunities.
2. Work on Any Crucial Repairs
   Necessary repair work is another factor that influences timing. Virtually all today's buyers will insist on a complete home inspection that discloses all issues in need of repair – and some insurers even require it. Problems that tend to spook buyers include electrical faults, sewer and septic, roofing near the end of its functional life, and signs of pest infestation. Especially termites!
3. Stage Your Home
   Staging is an essential part of selling any home. You should plan to clean the house thoroughly and de-clutter. Removing large furniture items and clearing your closets makes a home look more open and airy. It's also a good idea to improve lighting: Use brighter bulbs and maximize natural light by removing any heavy window coverings. Your agent will have other suggestions, too.
4. Get Professional Photos Done
   Photos are an essential piece in promoting any home. Would-be buyers want to see the whole property at its best. That means both interior and exterior images taken by an experienced photographer. The cameras used by professionals provide crisp, clear, vibrant photos that no cell phone can match. These will help your online home listing to stand out from the crowd.
5. Get Ready for Open House
   An open house is the best way to attract buyers who are motivated to take action fast. Visitors will either learn that the property isn't right for them – saving both you and them some time – or end up more excited than ever. Work together with your real estate agent to make sure each visitor gets the personal touch from start to finish, including a folder of home photos and perks.
6. Be Ready to Respond to Offers
   Buyers' offers come with an expiration date, so line everything up to move quickly. Look at all the practicalities – especially what it will take to get you out the door in time for closing day. Compare offers from various movers and discuss your move-out timeline. Consider moving inessential items to a storage facility. Ideally, you should aim to respond to buyer offers within three days.
   
   Last but not least, be sure to give yourself time to bid your home, "adieu." It can be a bittersweet time, but you are on to even greater adventures! An orderly selling process means a stress-free closing, and you can start to enjoy your new home even sooner.

Just The Facts...

Trump Economy to Boom in 2020

A net 68 percent of respondents to Bank of America's Global Fund Manager Survey say 'recession is unlikely in 2020'.  

We are living in the best economy in the world.

Big money managers are expecting the Trump economy to get even hotter in 2020, according to a new investor survey.  A net 29 percent of fund managers questioned by Bank of America expect global growth to improve over the next year, and many are betting on gains in American technology and growth stocks, along with government bonds.   The U.S. economy grew at a 2.1 percent annualized rate in the third quarter, according to a final estimate released Friday by the Commerce Department, and the two trade agreements reached this month are expected to provide a tailwind in 2020.  The USMCA alone, which the Democratically-controlled House of Representatives passed on Thursday, encompasses more than $1.3 trillion of commerce between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.  The agreement, which is expected to be ratified by the Senate before being signed by President Trump, could add as much as 1.2 percentage points to U.S. economic growth and create as many as 588,900 jobs, according to estimates from the International Trade Commission, with many of those jobs in Texas.  On Dec. 13, the U.S. and China reached a phase one trade deal that deescalates the more than 21-month-long trade war between the world’s two biggest economic powers. As part of the deal, China agreed to buy $200 billion of new U.S. products in the next two years.

 

“Everywhere you look right now, it's Goldilocks, an economy that's in really good shape and no inflation to speak of and very, very low interest rates,” Greg Valliere, chief U.S. policy strategist at Ontario, Canada-based AGF Investments, which has nearly $39.5 billion.

• Fox Business News, December 21, 2019

 

CNN Poll: US economy receives its best ranking in nearly 20 years

As 2019 comes to a close, the US economy earns its highest ratings in almost two decades, potentially boosting President Donald Trump in matchups against the Democrats vying to face him in next year's election, according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS.   Overall, 76% rate economic conditions in the US today as very or somewhat good, significantly more than those who said so at this time last year (67%). This is the highest share to say the economy is good since February 2001, when 80% said so.   Almost all Republicans (97%) say economic conditions are good right now, as do 75% of independents and 62% of Democrats. Positive ratings are up across parties compared with August of this year, when 91% of Republicans, 62% of independents and 47% of Democrats said the economy was in good shape.  Looking ahead, nearly 7 in 10 expect the economy to be in good shape a year from now (68%), the best outlook in CNN polling since December 2003. The new finding includes 63% who say things are good now and will continue to be good next year, while just 9% say they economy is currently good but will turn south in 2020.

• CNN, December 20, 2019

 

Dallas Unemployment Drops to 3% - Lowest in 50 Years

Texas Records 115^th Straight Month of Job Gains

The Texas jobless rate remained at 3.4% in November for the sixth straight month, while Dallas’ jobless rate dropped to 3% . That’s the lowest since the state began its tracking in 1976.  Texas employers created 37,500 new jobs in November, marking the 115th straight month of gains, and unemployment held steady at a historic low rate, according to data released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission.  “Texas employment growth strengthened in November,” said Christopher Slijk, assistant economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. “Growth in the goods-producing sector surged, with construction employment accelerating and manufacturing rebounding sharply from October’s weakness. Service sector employment remained robust."  Slijk said the growth suggests “a solid pace of economic expansion” going into 2020.

• Dallas Morning News, December 20, 2019