What To Do About A Neighbors Tree

For more Real Estate Information Contact: Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, 757-572-7244, leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com, www.LouisEisenberg.com

5 Tips for Creating An Outdoor Space

NORFOLK, VA, Feb 27, 2014—With Spring somewhere on the horizon, many homeowners are beginning to dream of warmer weather, and accompanying home improvement projects. Whether you want to up your home value for sale, or are just looking to luxuriate outdoors this year, you may be thinking about creating an outdoor living space.

“From outdoor sitting areas to full-on kitchens, outdoor living spaces are becoming increasingly popular home additions,” says Louis Eisenberg, Associate Broker REALTOR ABR SFR of Prudential Towne Realty. Below are five tips for planning your ideal outdoor living space.
1. Tour similar spaces. If you think you want a livable outdoor space, visit other homes with similar spaces for ideas about what you would and wouldn't like. “Luckily, with Internet access being what it is these days, you can get thousands of ideas from the web,” explains Eisenberg. But you shouldn't stop there, Eisenberg notes. “Try and do in-person research as well.” Have a friend or neighbor with a covetable deck or bath house? Invite yourself over to check it out in detail.
2. Plan ahead. Take your time while planning your outdoor space, and think about how you can best compliment your interior design. Find the right contractor, if you're using one, and take time to consider the cost effectiveness of your materials. “You should never rush a building project,” says Eisenberg. “You will hardly ever be happy with the results.”
“How will your new deck affect your inside spaces?” Eisenberg asks. “From darkening a room with a covered deck, to changing the view of the yard from the bedroom, don't forget to figure out all of the logistics before you begin building,” says Eisenberg.
3. Think about water access. Outdoor living spaces need to be weatherized, winterized and water-proofed, Eisenberg reminds us. “This may seem like a no brainer, but if done wrong, it can lead to costly repairs down the road,” explains Eisenberg.
4. Bring in a professional. If you're new to landscaping and home design, bring in a professional to give you advice, even if it's just a one-time consultation. “A professional designer can give you advice about things you may be overlooking, so it's important to get that expert opinion before you finalize your plans or break ground,” Eisenberg notes.
5. Do your research. Are those deck railings you're interested in up to code in your county? What are the laws about open pool plans in your area? “As building codes vary by location, before you open your wallet, make sure your plans are up to code,” warns Eisenberg.
For more information creating an outdoor space, please contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com, 757-572-7244, or www.LouisEisenberg.com

Contracting Your Home Contractor

NORFOLK, VA, Feb 26, 2014—Choosing a contractor for your home building or remodeling can be a big decision. In order to choose the right bid, it's important to be educated, says Louis Eisenberg, Associate Broker REALTOR ABR SFR of Prudential Towne Realty. It's a good idea to shop aggressively for the most reasonable bid, not necessarily the cheapest. “Inexpensive, but shoddy, work will only cost you more money in the long run,” Eisenberg reminds us.

However, once you've chosen who to go with, the decision making doesn't stop there – you still have to draft a contract. Many things should be covered in a contractor's contract, and not all contracts are outlined the same, says Eisenberg.

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, a well-written contract should contain the following information:

• The contractor’s name, address, telephone and license number, if applicable
• Details about what will and will not be done
• A detailed list of materials for the project, including model, brand name and color
• The approximate start date and substantial completion dates
• A written notice of your right to cancel a contract within three business days of signing, without penalty – provided the contract was solicited at some place other than the contractor’s place of business or appropriate trade premise
• Financial terms that are spelled out clearly, including payment schedules and any cancellation penalties
• A one-year minimum warranty identified as either “full” or “limited” to cover materials and workmanship, as well as the name and address of the party who will honor the warranty
• A binding arbitration clause, in the event a disagreement occurs

“You may also want to include a statement that you will not be responsible if payment to the contractors’ subcontractors and suppliers are not made,” suggests Eisenberg. Another tip? Eisenberg says you should consider establishing that the contractor should obtain all the necessary permits. In order to cover your bases, it's also smart to have your contractor fill in all blank spots in the contract with phrases like “does not apply.”


For more real estate information, please contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com, 757-572-7244, or www.LouisEisenberg.com

Number of DIstressed Properties Declining

Distressed Properties ( Short Sales and Foreclosures) have declined from 35% of existing home sales in January of 2012 to just 14% of existing home sales in January 2014.For more information on distressed properties contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA, 757-572-7244, leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com, www.LouisEisenberg.com

Home Sales And Prices Are On The Upswing In Virginia

Existing home sales and prices are on the upswing in Virginia. For more information contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty-Chesapeake & Norfolk Offices 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk , VA 757-572-7244 www.LouisEisenberg.com

Why Now Is A Good Time To Buy A Home

With home prices and mortgage interest rates rising, now is a good time to buy a home.

Home Tip - Green ways To Save Some Green