myrick's blog

Whether you plan to sell or keep your home, a good first impression makes a huge difference.

"Curb appeal" is the first impression that your home makes when a visitor arrives...not to mention the name of a show on HGTV which really helps to drive my point. Whether you have your home up for sale or just want to spruce things up, the best place to start is the front of your home. 

Here are 7 ways to make a good first & lasting impression with your home:

1.  Driveway: A driveway is often one of the first things that a person sees when they arrive at your home. If you have a concrete driveway with oil-stains, check with Home Depot or Lowes for cleaners that can spruce it up. While you're there, get a crack repair compound and take care of smaller cracks before they become larger. For asphalt driveways, a seal-coat can often make a big difference in appearance and help prolong the asphalt as well.

For concrete or asphalt that is badly damaged, it's time to be thinking about replacement. You can replace the driveway with the same material as before & possibly even use a stained concrete to achieve a more updated look, or consider using paving stones instead -- paving stones hold up well in all types of weather, are several times stronger than concrete, are even earthquake resistant, and can even be a very satisfying do-it-yourself project.

 

2.  Walkways: When someone arrives, is there a clear and safe path to your front door? You may not mind walking across your front lawn, but guests and prospective buyers would definitely prefer a walkway that is well-lit during the evenings. In fact, landscape lighting also creates an inviting & ambiant setting for visitors.  There are lots of options for creating a new front walkway or replacing an existing one.  

 

 

3.  Landscaping: Speaking of landscaping, do you actually have any? Is it well maintained? Few things look worse out front than an overgrown or neglected yard, and you can often remedy things with a little hard work and some minimal expense. Cut back or remove trees and bushes that have gotten out of control. Feed the lawn to get it to green up again, or consider removing all or part of it and replacing it with low-maintenance materials such as flagstone or slate pavers.

If you have planter beds, be sure they're weeded and have fresh bark in them. Uplighting in planters can create a dramatic effect in the evening.  Plan your landscaping with an understanding of what style (modern, traditional, etc) best suits you.

 

4.  Exterior Paint: There is probably nothing that will help or hurt the outside of your home as much as how your paint job looks. A fresh coat of paint in up-to-date colors works wonders, while old, peeling paint in a color scheme that went out of style can really ruin a first impression.

If the paint is in generally good condition and just has a few bad spots, spend a couple of hours with a paint scraper and a can of exterior primer to get things ready for touch up, then have your local paint store match a gallon of paint and touch up the primed areas so they blend in. You might also want to consider repainting the window trim in a fresh new color to liven things up a little.

 

 

5.  A New Entrance: Your front door is one spot that every visitor has to pass though, and it can make a lasting impression. A fresh coat of paint or stain can sometimes do the trick, but if your door is badly beat up you should consider replacing it. Check with a local door company that specializes in doors and see about having a new door matched to your existing frame. The door company will cut the door, mortise the hinges, and drill for the locks using your old door as a pattern, so you can slip the new door right into place without expensive frame alterations or extensive carpentry.  

Door knobs, mailboxes, house numbers and front lighting are like jewelry for the front of your home and help to complete the look.  Replace them if worn and outdated to add sparkle to your new entrance.  

 

6.  Cleaning: Clean things up a little. Pick up any trash that's accumulated, including dead leaves and other small debris. Wash the siding to remove dirt, dust and cobwebs, and wash the windows. Hose off the walkways periodically, and make sure that all exterior lighting is operational. Finally, clean off the front porch -- including porch furniture and clutter -- so that that area is clean and inviting as well.

7.  Hire a professional:  You may have some really amazing ideas but fall short on execution.  If you're overwhelmed with the thought of doing it yourself but really want the front of your home to shine, then hire a professional.  A landscape architect, designer, or painter can help bring your vision to reality.  

Contact your local reputable real estate agent to get you in touch with the best professionals in your area.  Many good real estate agents have a wealth of resources, saving you time and money.

San Francisco residents in "the know" believe Historic Dogpatch is one of the next up and coming neighborhoods.  With an emerging arts district, this already bustling area boasts some of the city's finest art galleries, purveyors of artisan coffees, decadent chocolate shops, wine bars, local wine makers, hot dining spots, and destination bars.  This area also has a custom messenger bag boutique, a hand-crafted ice cream parlor, a French butchery and many more uniquely San Francisco shops.

  

This sunny microclimate, adjacent to the waterfront, is south of Mission Bay and east of Potrero Hill.  The borders of Historic Dogpatch are Mariposa to the north, I-280 to the west, 23rd Street to the south and waterfront to the east (see map below).  Just steps away from the 22nd Street Caltrain Station & T Third Street Light Rail make commuting a breeze.  Walking & biking are encouraged but if you prefer to drive, the I-280 is easily accessed.

The impact of neighboring Mission Bay's new developments such as future site of UCSF's expanding campus, Salesforce.com's global headquarters, biotechnology research & development companies, restaurants and shops has created a demand for places to live nearby.  Historic Dogpatch is right next door and has a much more residential feel with some of the oldest homes in San Francisco dating from the 1860s along with newer luxury residences, appealing to all.

    

One of the relatively new developments in Historic Dogpatch is Esprit Park.  Built in 1906 as the Schilling Wine Cellars it was converted into the Esprit company headquarters then eventually converted to 142 luxe condominiums.  There are 3 separate buildings which surround landscaped sustainable courtyards.  Amenities include a fitness center and theater room.  The second phase (North Court) of this development was initially rented out during a stagnant housing market but now have slowly been released for sale and include 1 & 2 bedroom floorplans.

Take a stroll through Historic Dogpatch and explore all of its unique neighborhood charm.  For more information on condos at Esprit Park or other fine properties in San Francisco, contact Myrick Tantiado at 415.596.3405.

meet the neighbors (a listing in random order):

1.  Kitchenette Lunch Takeout

2.  Serpentine Restaurant

3.  Mr. & Mrs. Miscellaneous Artisanal Ice Cream

4.  Piccino Cafe

5.  Piccino Coffee Bar

6.  DIG Wines

7.  Just For You Cafe

8.  MAC Clothing

9.  Yield Wine Bar

10.  Rickshaw Bags

11.  Poco Dolce Chocolates

12.  LPSI School

13.  Treehouse Gallery

14.  The Ramp Restaurant

15.  Oralia's Cafe

16.  Triple Aught Design Outdoor Clothing

17.  Dogpatch Saloon

18.  Dependable Letterpress Quality Print Work

19.  Olivier's French Butchery

20.  Poquito Latin American Restaurant

21.  Sutton Handcrafted Wine Cellars

22.  Ampersand International Arts Contemporary Art Space

23.  Jolt and Bolt Bakery & Cafe

24.  Recchiuti Chocolate Lab

25.  Acupuncture Kitchen

26.  The New Spot Mexican & Salvadorian Restaurant

27.  The Sandwich Shop

28.  Cup of Blues

29.  Reno's Liquor Store

30.  Moshi Moshi Sushi

31.  Dogpatch Cafe & Art Gallery

32.  Decks at Mission Rock Bar & Grlll

33.  Cafe Cocomo Salsa Dancing Club

34.  UCSF Mission Bay Campus

35.  Royal Hawaiian Seafood

36.  Caffe le Stazione Coffee Shop

37.  Dogpatch Wineworks Hand-crafted Wines

38.  Hard Knox Cafe

39.  Magnolia Bakery (coming soon)

A nice green garden can create a sense of calm and tranquility. But what about a garden that's eco-friendly at the same time? There are a number of ways you can reduce noise, pollution, waste and water usage in your garden while saving yourself some time and money at the same time. A few simple changes can certainly add up, and the following are a few tips to get you started:

 

• Reduce your lawn area: The easiest way to reduce the impact of lawn mowing is to simply reduce the lawn. Another option is to consider planting all or part of your lawn area with lush, green, low-growing ground covers -- you'll get much the same look with a lot less water and a big reduction in maintenance.

• Use drought-resistant plants: In non-lawn areas, look for plants that do not need much water. Depending on where you live, there are any number of beautiful garden plants that require a minimal amount of watering.

• Add mulch or bark to planter areas: Adding a layer of mulch or decorative bark material not only creates a much more groomed appearance and reduces weed growth, but it also keeps plants cooler and reduces the evaporation of moisture from the soil, both of which help reduce water consumption.

• Cut down on water usage: Instead of the standard rotating or sprayer-type sprinkler nozzles, switch to an irrigation system that uses less water. Soaker hoses, low-flow sprinkler heads, and drip irrigation are all good options for reducing water usage. Also, rather than allowing your sprinklers to run until you remember to go out and shut off the faucet, consider using timers. These can range from sophisticated timers for underground systems to simple hose timers.

• Switch from gas-powered equipment: When it comes time to buy or replace lawn maintenance equipment, give some serious thought to switching from gas-powered equipment to electric or, better yet, equipment that's powered by rechargeable batteries. Great strides have been made in battery technology in recent years, leading to equipment that is powerful, quiet, and much, much cleaner.

• Keep mindful of costs vs value:  Be careful not to over develop since the value of your home may not increase exponentially on what you spend on landscaping.  However, something like an upscale composite deck addition can garner about a 83.5% return on your investment in San Francisco.

• Grow some of your own food: Last but definitely not least, planting a vegetable garden and/or adding some fruit trees to your garden will have a number of positive benefits. In addition to creating your own organic edible garden, garden vegetables help cool the garden and absorb carbon dioxide, and fruit trees can not only help shape the landscape but add beauty, privacy and shade.

 

If you need help in creating that special outdoor, eco-friendly retreat, one option would be to contact your local, reputable real estate agent.  Most experienced real estate agents have a network of reputable vendors that they can refer to you if necessary to help you with your eco-friendly garden so do not hesistate to reach out to them.

 

 

 

Have you thought about what the return on investment (ROI) would be for your next home remodeling project?  It might be prudent to consult with your local, reputable Realtor to discuss the best bang for your buck.  It may help you decide on what project to tackle next and how much you should spend.

Here are the most recent National & San Francisco averages on rates of return on some household improvements (based on Remodeling Magazine's 2010-2011 Cost vs Value Report):

 

Remodeling

Midrange Attic Bedroom  - 72.2% (National); 104.6% (SF)

Midrange Basement - 70.0% (National); 107.1% (SF)

Upscale Major Kitchen - 59.7% (National); 87.8% (SF)

Upscale Bathroom - 57.2% (National); 74.4% (SF)

 

Replacement

Midrange Entry Door (steel) - 102.1% (National); 131.3% (SF)

Midrange Entry Door (fiberglass) -  60.0% (National); 81.9% (SF)

Upscale Garage Door - 69.8% (National); 103.7% (SF)

Upscale Siding (fiber-cement) - 80% (National); 103.1% (SF)

Upscale Siding (foam-backed vinyl) - 72.4% (National); 73.3% (SF)

Upscale Windows (vinyl) - 71.6% (National); 93.3% (SF)

Upscale Windows (wood) - 72.4% (National); 104.5% (SF)

 

Addition

Upscale Deck (composite) - 57.7% (National); 83.5% (SF)

Upscale Bathroom - 53.0% (National); 79.8% (SF)

 

It is interesting to note that exterior replacement projects make up 9 of the top 10 spots in the national ranking.  These exterior projects are typically among the least expensive projects from the list and help to increase the overall curb appeal, appealing to the price-concious remodeling consumer and helping to create a good first impression for potential home buyers.

 

 

If you have been thinking of owning and currently rent or have been trying to convince your friends, colleagues or loved ones to purchase a home, than write or suggest a list of the benefits of each scenario.  Here are some key points to help with the decision-making process: 

Benefits of Renting an Apartment:

1. no burden of maintenance.
2. no financial obligation associated with owning.

Benefits of Owning a Home:

1. offers significant tax benefits (federal tax deductions for mortgage interest and real estate taxes - consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest).
   
2. freedom to make decisions about your home.
3. lock into monthly housing costs by securing a fixed-rate loan (long-term homeownership can yield savings over rising rents, especially if long-term, fixed-rate financing is used).
4. depending on home-price appreciation, one may yield a substantial profit on a nominal front-end investment.
5. homeowners build equity as the mortgage is paid back (payoff accelerates over time, as less of your monthly payment goes to interest and more goes to principal).
   
6. fosters pride of ownership.
7. instills a sense of community.

With the combination of current mortgage rates being at a record low and affordable home prices, we are in a "perfect storm" of opportunity for home buyers. 

San Francisco has seen a an increase of 14.9% compared to the same period last year (according to trulia.com's San Francisco Real Estate Overview) which may not be the case in other parts of California or the country for that matter.  It is for this reason that what might be a wise and prudent decision for one may not be ideal for another, depending on where they live and what their specific situation may be.

Bottom line: visit your local, reputable real estate agent to help you weigh your options.

 

If you are considering remodeling your home, here are some questions to ask yourself: 

* How much money is available, either from cash reserves or through a home improvement loan, to remodel your current home?  Contact a local reputable loan officer in your area to help you determine what renovation loan options are available to you.

* How much additional space is required? Would the foundation support a second floor or does the lot have room to expand on the ground level?  You would need to consult with a structural engineer to determine the feasibility of adding a second floor.  Typically, a reputable licensed contractor would be able to provide you with a local structural engineer to help evaluate your project.  You may want to also employ the help of a licensed architect to help create your vision.

* What do local zoning and building ordinances permit?  You may want to visit your City Planning Department to determine the building restrictions in your area.  If you live in San Francisco and don't already have an updated 3R Report (Report of Residential Building Record), you may want to order one as well to confirm the authorized occupancy of your property and what past building permits have been pulled on your property.  The 3R Report only states that the permits were issued and does not verify that the work was done to code.  Plumbing and electrical permits are excluded.  3R Reports may or may not be accurate and you should verify information with the Department of Building Inspection (tel: 415-558-6081) and have qualified inspectors verify any information that hints at being incomplete, inaccurate, or cause for concern.  This info may be helpful to both you and your contractor.

* How much equity already exists in the property?  Contact your local reputable loan officer to help you get your property appraised and determine your loan options. 

* Are there affordable properties for sale that would satisfy your changing housing needs?  A licensed, local reputable realtor may help show you purchasing options if you decide that remodeling your home is more than what you want to handle. 

Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual needs, the extent of work involved and what will add the most value.  Consult with your real estate agent to obtain an accurate idea of what return on investment (ROI) you can expect from the area you want to renovate.  Also, make sure you employ licensed, reputable people to help achieve your desired results.