The Judy Niemeyer Team Blog

No, this isn’t just another timely spooky story, although it just may have to do with ghosts!  Be you a believer or a scoffer, the fact is that there are pieces of Mobile Eastern Shore real estate on the market which are purported to be haunted and thus far more difficult to sell than an ordinary home.  Known as “stigmatized” properties, these houses have the reputation of being haunted or are the site of a previous violent crime–and the perception of ghosts and gore is not easy to erase.

So what to do?  First, check with your Realtor to see if you’re required to disclose information about the stigma attached to your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate because you could be spooked by a lawsuit if you don’t.  Regardless of what the state dictates, being upfront about your home’s paranormal guests or ghoulish histories is always the best moral policy.  

Okay, that’s the first step.  Then what?  Be sure to pay attention the appearance of your property—inside and out.  To minimize the presence (imagined or real) of ghosts, your home needs to look spirit-free and inviting on the outside. Clean up a dark, forbidding atmosphere; clear away any dead trees, especially those with hanging branches; replace rusty iron gates with a white picket fence, get rid of unwanted residents like stray cats and spiders. On the inside, think warm, bright, and clutter-free. Getting rid of darkness and gloom that could promote the idea of spirits may require removing outdated, musty furniture, antique rugs, old pictures of ancestors, and other items that contribute to an “eerie atmosphere” so that you can alleviate any pre-conceived notions in potential buyers.

If you simply cannot dispel persistent beliefs about the “dark side” of your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate, you may have to resort to (gasp!) bringing in a ghost buster.  David Frankin Farkas, owner of HouseHealing.com, makes a full-time living by ridding properties of specters and/or negative energy.  Farkas claims that formerly-haunted houses frequently sell in a matter of days after he has completed his task.  Click here to find groups who will investigate paranormal activity in your home.
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Tags: judy niemeyer, mobile eastern shore homes, mobile eastern shore real estate, stygimatized property

Given the number and severity of natural disasters world-wide this year, it is no wonder that owners of Mobile Eastern Shore real estate are becoming increasingly concerned about their insurance coverage for damages caused by these disasters, especially floods. According to FEMA, flooding is the number one natural disaster across the United States, and this spring brings with it the probability of extremely high water and flooding.       

Since your basic homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover damage due to rising water, (i.e. water that collects as a result of an overflow of a body of water or surface water runoff), you would be well advised to research flood insurance policies for your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate. Think you’re safe because you live in a moderate-to-low-risk flood area? Think again. About 25% of all flood insurance claims come from areas with just such a designation!       

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program that offers flood insurance to homeowners who reside in an NFIP community. It is a good idea to determine your community’s flood risk. There are three types of policies available to owners of Mobile Eastern Shore real estate: the standard dwelling; general property (for businesses and apartments); and residential condominium building association, and each can be purchased through most leading insurance companies (you can call NFIP at 888-379-9531 for a referral) for a relatively low fee paid once a year. Average residential premiums cost about $570 a year, but a low-risk policy can be had for as little as $129 and covers the foundation of your home and the equipment needed for the home’s normal function (i.e. furnace, water heater, and electrical system). You can also purchase additional coverage for furniture, appliances, and personal possessions 

As with other types of insurance, it’s important to know exactly what your policy covers, information about deductibles, rates, payment, and claim procedures. One area not covered is the basement, so finished walls, floors, and personal belongings found there are not claimable. For residential policies the maximum coverage is $250, 000 for the structure and $100, 000 for personal property. For businesses and commercial properties the limits are increased to $500, 000 for both. Rates are set, do not vary from agent to agent, and depend on factors such as your home’s age, type of construction, and location. Like other policies, having a higher deductible lowers the amount of the premium but will reduce your claim payment.  Be advised that unless flood insurance is required by your lender, there will typically be a 30-day waiting period before your policy goes into effect.       
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Tags: flood insurance, insuring your home, judy niemeyer, mobile eastern shore homes for sale, mobile eastern shore real estate

In recent years of ever-increasing fees by service repair companies and continued belt-tightening by home buyers, the provision of home warranty protection plans by sellers has become a rather common–and even expected–incentive. The knowledge that they won’t be hit by unexpected repair bills in the first year after purchasing their Mobile Eastern Shore home is reassuring to buyers, especially first-timers who have no experience in home maintenance.

A home warranty plan is essentially a service contract that covers a major housing system, for example, plumbing or electrical wiring — for a set period of time from the date a house is sold. The warranty guarantees repairs to the covered system and is renewable.

How Much Does a Home Warranty Cost?

They are fairly inexpensive, typically ranging from $250 to $400, depending on coverage. Home warranty companies sometimes run special sales and either discount policy prices or offer additional coverage for the same price. The policies are prepaid for a year in advance, at which time they expire or can be renewed.

How Do They Work?

Although specific plans provide for specific types of coverage, most operate the same way.

• If a home system or appliance breaks or stops working, the home owner calls the home warranty company.
• The home warranty company calls a provider with which it has a business arrangement.
• The specific provider calls the home owner to make an appointment.
• The provider fixes the problem. If an appliance is malfunctioning and cannot be repaired, depending on contract coverage, the home warranty company will pay to replace and install the appliance.
• The home owner pays a small trade service fee (less than $100).　

Types of Coverage

Because all plans differ, you will want to ask specifically what is covered. Ask your real estate agent to recommend a proven plan and inquire if upgrades are available for your Mobile Eastern Shore home. Pay close attention to whether the home warranty company will pay for repairs to make certain types of systems or appliances compliant with new regulations and be aware that they won’t pay for pre-existing conditions. Usually covered are heating and cooling systems, water heaters, appliances, electrical systems, inside plumbing stoppages, ductwork, ceiling fans, and garbage disposals.

Advantages Of Offering a Warranty Plan
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Tags: home selling incnetives, home selling tips, home warranty, judy niemeyer, mobile eastern shore home, mobile eastern shore real estate

Installment I of this two-part series debunked widely-held myths concerning items inside your Mobile Eastern Shore home. Now it’s time to expose more money-costing beliefs dealing with credit cards, taxes, shopping, and insurance.

CREDIT CARDS:

1. Carrying a balance on your credit card is a good thing.

While using your credit card is beneficial for your credit score, carrying an unpaid balance just means that you will have to pay interest on that balance each month. It’s far better to save that money and buy something new for your Mobile Eastern Shore home–or for yourself, for that matter.

2. Using store credit cards will give you discounted prices and save you money.

Not always so. The APR on some store cards is sometimes more than double the average consumer credit card! You can check this out for a wide array of stores. Stores such as Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Sears are included on the site.

3. If you pay at least something toward my credit card debt, you’re not late.

Wrong. Unless you pay at least the minimum payment amount on time, you’re considered late and risk being reported to the credit bureau, and black marks on your credit record can damage your ability to borrow money, refinance your Mobile Eastern Shore home, get low insurance rates, or even get a job.

TAXES:

If you’re married, you must file a joint tax return.

Not so. Normally to do so is more expensive, but in certain situations (such as substantial medical expenses incurred by the spouse with a lower income), filing separately may pay off financially.

SHOPPING:

1. Coupons worth 25 or 50 cents just aren’t worth bothering with.

This may appear to be true, but they can turn into $1.00 or more worth of savings if you buy the item on sale and purchase at a store which doubles the value of coupons. Here is valuable information about coupons.

2. When it comes to holiday gift shopping, the earlier the better.

This may be a bad idea on two counts. Too often, gifts purchased prior to November 1^st may not be returnable or exchangeable after Christmas. It also pays to remember that  many stores have big sales and offer larger savings the closer the holiday approaches.

INSURANCE:

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Tags: homes for sale, judy niemeyer, mobile eastern shore, mobile eastern shore home

Far too many consumers hold beliefs, supposedly based on conventional wisdom, that simply are not true and may actually be costing them money. So, it’s time to debunk these theories and set the record straight!

HOUSEHOLD MYTHS:

1. You must rinse dirty dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

Your dishes won’t get any cleaner, according to tests by Consumer Reports. Just scrape off excess food into the trash or garbage disposal. Another reason not to pre-rinse is that by doing so, the detergent doesn’t have any grease or grime to stick to, so detergents attack dishes instead, making them appear cloudy, scratched or etched, according to the Whirlpool Institute of Kitchen Science. Rinsing in the sink wastes both water and energy because you’re probably using heated water to do so.

2. Ceiling fans help cool a room.

Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air in your Mobile Eastern Shore home. They create a wind chill that keeps skin cool, so don’t bother using a fan in an empty room, says the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star program. Using fans is a cheaper way to keep you cool only if it allows you to use less air conditioning.

3. More coils means a better mattress;

A queen-size mattress with at least 390 coils has plenty, says Consumer Reports. Even mattress companies say the most important buying tip is to actually lie on the mattress to determine if it’s comfortable.

4. Store batteries in the freezer to prolong their life.

Not required or recommended for batteries produced today. In fact, humidity from cold temperature storage can harm batteries. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures with moderate humidity levels.

5. Freshen your garbage disposal with lemons.

No! Citric acid from lemons will corrode the metal inside the disposal in your Mobile Eastern Shore home.

6. In-tank cleaners for toilets are fast, easy, and efficient.

Fast? Yes. Easy? Yes. Not efficient, however. They don’t get completely rid of buildup which can ruin the toilet. It’s better to pour vinegar down the overflow tube of the toilet in your Mobile Eastern Shore home. It’s more efficient and much cheaper!

7. It’s better to keep the AC on all day than to try to cool down a hot house at the end of the day.

No! Cooling a hot house uses less energy than leaving the AC on all day, even at a high setting.

8. Turning a computer back on uses a great deal of electricity.

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Tags: household myths, judy niemeyer, mobile eastern shore home, mobile eastern shore real estate

All owners of Mobile Eastern Shore homes recognize that keeping cool in hot summer months means paying higher utility bills. However, in the face of the ever-rising cost of living, family budgets strained by the spike in utility use, and the awareness of the need for environmental efficiency, the following money and energy saving tips can certainly help you manage both your comfort level and your finances this summer.

AIR CONDITIONING:

• Keep it off as long as possible.
• Turn the thermostat up before leaving for work or for a vacation. You can save 1-3% per degree above 72.
• Invest in an inexpensive programmable thermostat that will begin cooling your Mobile Eastern Shore home before you arrive home after an absence.
• Use lights only when necessary in order to keep room temperatures cooler. Remember that LED lights use less energy and don’t produce heat.
• Close blinds, shades, and curtains on the sunny side of your house.
• Replace AC filters regularly. Saves another 1-2%.

REFRIGERATOR:

• Cool hot foods before putting them into the refrigerator.
• Be aware that a full refrigerator keeps it cooler. Reasons? The solid food retains the cold, and the tightly-packed items keep the cold air from rushing out an open door.
• Refrain from opening the door too often.
• Store wet foods in tightly-sealed containers to lessen the strain on the condenser.
• Clean the condenser coils and check to ensure that the magnetic rubber seals around the door are tight.

DISHWASHER:

• Save water and energy by doing only a full load.
• Select a shorter cycle.
• Let dishes air-dry.

WATER:

• Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees.
• When taking a shower to cool off, using cool rather than hot water will save energy and reduce the effect of humidity.
• Wash clothes in cooler water and rinse in cold.

COOKING:

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Tags: energy saving tips, judy niemeyer, keeping cool, mobile eastern shore home, mobile eastern shore real estate

As the real estate market and economic conditions change, so do strategies for buying and selling homes. Listed below are a few recommendations to help both buyers and sellers of Mobile Eastern Shore real estate be successful.

SELLERS:

1. Choose a successful, aggressive real estate agent.

You will want someone who is familiar with your neighborhood and will be proactive in selling your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate. Ask in advance about his/her plan for marketing your property and make sure it includes, at the very least, an MLS listing, on-line and newspaper advertising, and regularly scheduled open houses.

2. Remember the importance of curb appeal in attracting would-be buyers.

3. De-personalize and de-clutter your home.

Put away family photos and prized collections. Clear countertops. Potential buyers need to be able to envision themselves, not you, in your home and clearly view the favorable features of the property without being distracted by too much “stuff.”

4. Hire a professional appraiser.

An “expert” third party opinion is quite useful in supporting your asking price.

5. Be realistic about pricing your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate.

Look at recent comps, listen to your realtor’s advice, and be competitive. Don’t let your emotions interfere with price negotiations and understand that a “designer décor” doesn’t make the home worth more.

6. Offer incentives to attract buyers.

Such items might include helping defray closing costs or moving expenses, making repairs, replacing appliances and/or carpeting, etc. You should also consider providing a home warranty program for the first year.

7. Be flexible.

You certainly don’t want to lose a buyer because of a settlement date or a request for a conveyance of furniture, tools, draperies, etc. Keep an open mind in your negotiations and be willing to meet the potential buyer halfway. 

BUYERS:

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Tags: home buyting tips, home selling tips, judy niemeyer, mobile eastern shore homes for sale, mobile eastyern shore real estate

A new category of homeowners has emerged in recent months–those who voluntarily walk away from their mortgaged property. The rising ranks of this group are not comprised of people who can’t afford their mortgage payments and thus go into foreclosure; rather these defaulters are homeowners who choose to let their Mobile Eastern Shore real estate holdings go rather than continue to pay on a home which is worth less than what they owe.

Such a phenomenon is new to the United States, where proud homeowners of the past would make every sacrifice necessary to keep their home–and their dignity–and it is a thorny issue in terms of moral responsibility and finances.

The Mortgage Bankers Association has voiced concern about the message these “walkers” send to their families and the community, and even President Obama has urged homeowners to follow the responsible course and honor their financial obligations. Such words too often fall on deaf ears, however, as anxious owners of Mobile Eastern Shore real estate watch lenders unload their mortgages with impunity and private businesses practice “strategic default” by letting a company fail rather than continue putting money into it.

One prevailing viewpoint is that homeowners must operate under a moral constraint while lenders and businesses are free to maximize their profits–an unfair and unbalanced system in the eyes of the “walkers.”       

There are, of course, many social, moral, and financial arguments against voluntary default. An increase in foreclosures in a community depresses the value of the homes and drives prices down, thus making your neighbors suffer the consequences of your choice. In a May survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of Americans believe it is ethically and morally wrong to default on a mortgage contract with a lender. Perhaps having a greater impact, however, are the financial repercussions of simply not paying the mortgage on your Mobile Eastern Shore real estate, including the following:      

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that over one million senior citizens are treated in emergency rooms for home-related injuries each year. CPSC believes that many of these accidents result from often-overlooked hazards which are easy to detect and correct. Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems which may be present in your Mobile Eastern Shore home and use it periodically to re-check your residence.

 THE LIVING ROOM

        1. Arrange pieces of furniture and electrical cords so that you have unobstructed passageways.

        2. Remove electrical cords from under carpeting and furniture to prevent damage and/or fire hazards.

        3. Use tape, not staples, to attach cords to walls or floors.

        4. Place space heaters away from passageways and all flammable items such as curtains, furniture, and rugs. Carefully follow safety instructions when using the heater.

        5. Make sure that any wood-burning stove has been installed correctly and follow local codes. Allow proper ventilation for the room in which it is used.

BASEMENT/GARAGE/WORKSHOP AREAS

        1. Make sure that these areas are well lighted, especially if using power tools.

        2. Check that stair areas have lighting sufficient to allow you to see each step, particularly the edges, when you are using them to go up or down.

        3. Place light switches at both the top and the bottom of the stairs of your Mobile Eastern Shore home.

        4. Check the stability of handrails and the condition of the steps.

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Tags: home safety, judy niemeyer, mobile eastern shore home, mobile eastern shore homes for sale, mobile eastern shore real estate, safety checklist

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that over one million senior citizens are treated in emergency rooms for home-related injuries each year. CPSC believes that many of these accidents result from often-overlooked hazards which are easy to detect and correct. Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems which may be present in your Mobile Eastern Shore home and use it periodically to re-check your residence. This checklist is organized by areas in the home and will be presented in an easy-to-follow series of articles.

 THE BATHROOM

        1. Apply textured strips/appliqués to the bottom of tubs and showers to prevent slipping.

        2. Use only non-skid mats in the bathroom area

        3. Securely attach grab bars to help you get in and out of the shower/tub and to prevent falls. Check existing bars for strength and stability.

        4. Lower the water setting on your hot water heater to no more than 120 degrees to avoid scalding.  Always check water temperature before entering a bath or shower.

        5. Install a night light or replace the existing light switch near the door with a “glow switch” that can be seen in the dark.

        6. Unplug all small appliances such as hairdryers, shavers, curling irons, etc., when not in use.

        7. Keep small appliances away from water at all times.

        8. Make sure that all medications are clearly and correctly labeled. Throw away those that are out of date.  Store medicines beyond the reach of children.

 THE BEDROOM

        1. Arrange furniture so that light switches and lamps are close to beds.

        2. Remove sources of heat from areas around bedding.

        3. Don’t smoke in bed!

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Tags: home safety, mobile eastern shore home, mobile eastern shore homes for sale, mobile eastern shore real estate, safety checklist