Even the strongest walls may need attention or repair from time to time. Here's how you can patch and tuckpoint wall cracks.   About this Project You may expect your walls to simply hold strong forever, but even those items need maintenance at times. Areas that are exposed to the elements, such as mortar joints, actually need to be tuckpointed every 30 years or so. Temperature changes can affect your walls, causing expansion and contraction - creating cracks. These cracks are usually uniform in width and creep along the joints between bricks or blocks. Cracks also happen from uneven settling of footings. You can find settling cracks tapering along vertical paths, wide at the top and fading to hairline cracks near the bottom. Horizontal cracking may appear in basement walls made of concr... 07/07/2009

Get creative, not overwhelmed, when it's time to make some remodeling measures in your home. These 11 ways to keep costs under control allow you to enjoy the elements created by a remodel.  1. Proper Preparation It sounds like a no-brainer, but some homeowners simply jump in and start construction or deconstruction before they have a solid plan in place. Your first step is to consider your family's needs. And you need to keep the present and future in mind. Kids grow, activities change, more kids may come along. Give yourself some breathing room. Look at reference guides for ideas and information. And keep that budget in mind. (The budget is tip #2, but you might as well keep it in mind for every step of your remodeling process.) Think through the spaces you're envisioning: Are they eco... 07/07/2009

Frustrating home renovations can be avoided by careful planning on the part of the homeowner. Here are some simple tips for keeping your renovation on budget and on time: What's your reason for renovating? Begin your renovation with a clear vision of what you are trying to achieve. Do you want to add living and recreation space to your home or are you merely trying to improve its resale value? Having a clear vision will help you plot your budget and timeline. Budget Figure out how much you can afford. Once you've come up with a sum that you're willing to spend, determine what materials, fixtures and appliances you want to use for the renovation. Itemize every expense on your budget, no matter how small. Hint: even the best-planned renovation projects tend to cost more than you anticipat... 07/07/2009

With relocation costs soaring, more and more homebuyers are choosing to stay put and renovate their existing dwellings to both make them more livable and potentially increase their resale value. If your home was built before the late 1970's however, chances are there may be some health risks looming behind those walls that may pose a threat to you and your family. In 1978, the government banned the use of lead-based paints. Yet before then, they were used to cover nearly every square inch of most American homes. If you're planning on living in your home while renovating, consider that extensive renovations in older homes could introduce particles into the air that could prove harmful. If you're home is old, it's never a bad idea to hire a home inspector to identify existing and potentia... 07/07/2009

Basements big and small are notorious catch-alls for unwanted stuff. But given that they already have walls, a ceiling, and some framing - it may be the most cost effective and easiest remodeling project you do to your home. Whether it's a need for extra bedrooms, home theatre, playroom, an office, the ever-popular home gym or a rental unit to generate extra income - basement renovation options are limitless. Upfront considerations Before deciding where to hang the big screen, consider work you can tackle yourself. That will have a large bearing on your budget, materials and the space you create. Keep in mind that finishing a basement requires some knowledge of wiring, plumbing, carpentry, insulation and a slew of other skills that you may or may not have. Next, consider what you want o... 07/07/2009

Be sure to insulate your basement as you finish it. Insulating your basement quickly could help you avoid some problems down the line. This article will give you the basics on how to insulate your basement.  About this Project As you work to finish your basement area, keep insulation in the plan. You can use a variety of types including rigid foam insulation planks or soft blankets or batts. It all depends on where you live and the space available to add it. R-values help tell you the degree of insulation. Mild winter climates can use an R-value of 7, while colder areas need to shoot for R-11 or so. To reach these numbers with blankets or batts, you must frame out 2 x 3 or 2 x 4 stud walls over you masonry walls. The insulation is then stapled between those built-in wall studs. Then you... 07/07/2009

Chances are, your home is your largest and most important financial asset.  Choosing the right contractor can add long-term value to your home that will easily be recognized by both guests and potential homebuyers. When choosing a contractor, it's important to consider: How long they've been in business. Their willingness to supply you with references. Whether you can see samples of their work. Whether they will be using subcontractors.  If so, who are they and what are their past experiences? Whether they have worked with your architect before. Their insurance coverage - if they don't have any, you could be held liable for any and all injuries that take place on the job. How many crews they operate and the number of jobs they take on in any given season. (Most good contractors are book... 07/07/2009

People see their home as a direct reflection of themselves. But if your tastes are extreme, it can increase your listing time. When it's time move or simply redecorate, beige is beautiful. By ensuring your home is as inviting (and neutral) as possible, you stand to substantially increase your home's appeal, not to mention the selling price. If you're in the midst of staging your home or just remodeling, consider how the following will ensure it sells quickly at or above the asking price. 1. De-cluttering your clutter   Everything in your home has a home - your job is to find it. If the space is cluttered, buyers won't see your home's full potential. While showing your home, consider renting a storage area or borrowing some space in your neighbor's garage. Remember, selling your house in... 07/01/2009

Taste in art is incredibly subjective. If your home even slightly resembles a museum, consider that one person's treasure can be another's trash. When getting ready to sell your home, it's important to keep the artwork simple so you can get the best selling price.  Before listing your property, consider having a candid chat with your Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty Real Estate sales associate, or a close friend. Both can give you a better sense of pieces destined for the Guggenheim, and those better suited for the basement. Remember, it's the walls that are for sale, not what's on them. Remove extra pieces Overcrowded walls can make a room feel smaller. Many people cluster together family photos and art in groups-a design strategy that sings in some spaces and sinks in others. Take... 07/01/2009

Take a good look at your home as if you were about to buy it tomorrow. While throwing out clothes and collectables from yesteryears can be heart-wrenching, making sure your property is junk-free prior to listing is the most important step toward selling your house. The following should help you answer every seller's most important question: should it stay or should it go? A little help from your Realtor® If you can't afford to professionally stage your home, ask a Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty sales associate to give you sage remodeling ideas that will help increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers. Take their advice and get rid of any furniture or décor that's inconsistent or unnecessary in the home. First impressions Coat racks are a staple in the entrance of almost ... 06/17/2009

Sometimes home staging is just a matter of rearranging the furniture to make the space appear larger and more aesthetically pleasing.  Rockland Home Staging recently did a consultation with the owner of a one bedroom condo. The unit was overpowered by the large entertainment center and bulky furniture. We had a budget of $0 for this project.  I was called in to to a consultation and the homeowners did all the heavy lifting! Here are the results. The photos on the left are the actual MLS photos, mine are on the right.  I think choosing a good angle and having a wide angle camera also help. BEFORE                                                                                                 AFTER   BEFORE                                                                                    ... 06/17/2009

Regional and National Connections Because we want to provide the greatest possible market for our listed properties, Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Rand Realty partners with some of the best companies in the world to create a regional, national, and international flow of potential buyers for your home.   Regional Connections As the dominant real estate company for New York City's northern suburbs, we've become the relocation broker of choice for both independent and franchised brokers in Manhattan and throughout the tri-state area. Because we are the only regional real estate company with offices and experience in all of the northern suburban counties, we are the only broker able to provide a single point of contact for regional referrals. We have cultivated extensive relationsh... 06/16/2009

Rockland County Real Estate LLC:  Let us be your Rockland resource.  Feel free to email me with any real estate concerns.  No matter how big, small, simple or complex, I would be happy to help!   May 2009 Nanuet Single Family Home Sales Address BED BATH SQFT DOM OLP$ LIST $ Sold Price 17 VINCENT ST 4 3    27 675,000 675,000 662,000 17 FLORAL CT 5 2.1 1880 113 530,000 460,000 435,000 5 SPRUCE DR 3 1.1 1429 18 427,500 427,500 415,000   May 2009 Nanuet Condo Sales Address BED BATH SQFT DOM OLP$ LIST $ Sold Price 18 AUTUMN DR 2 2.1 2316 126 424,900 400,000 385,000 7 NORMANDY VILLAGE   1 1 762 27 199,000 199,000 179,000   Previous Months SalesAprilMarchFebruaryJanuary   Michael TruianoRockland County Real Estate LLC845-480-2366 06/08/2009

Starting The Home Buying Process Your home is probably the biggest purchase your family will ever make, and it involves many decisions that go beyond simply choosing a home you like. As a Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty professional, my experience and expertise can help make your home buying a less stressful process. - You will have full access to ALL homes available on the market, and my expert local knowledge of the Hudson Valley area should be invaluable to you, not just in terms of real estate, but also schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more. As a buyer, it costs you nothing to hire me Anthony Stokes-Pereira as your Real Estate professional to help you find and purchase a home-- I am paid from the commission the seller pays to his Realtor, use the links to the rig... 06/04/2009

Pricing Your Home Right / Value Theories and Pricing The correct pricing method is a (CMA) comparison of your home to similar homes which have recently sold and which are currently on the market. If the market is rapidly changing the most valuable sales will be the most recent. Generally, a sale that is aged more than six months is too old to provide a realistic picture of what the current market is doing. Comparable homes are chosen using a number of criteria: Proximity to your house Size - the square footage should not be more or less than 15 percent of the size of your house's size Age - the age of the comparables should be as close to the age of your house as possible Basic appeal to a market - number of bedrooms and baths, number of stories, and the garage size should be similar A... 06/04/2009

A Better Real Estate Company With Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty   A World Class Real Estate Broker, Right in Your Hometown. Twenty-five years ago, Marsha Rand founded a real estate company committed to the core values of professionalism, integrity, and service. Today, Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Rand Realty is the preeminent family-owned real estate brokerage in the country, acclaimed by national magazines as one of the Top 60 companies in the nation. Recognized as an industry leader in technological innovation, marketing skill, and exceptional client service, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty combines this national reputation for excellence with local expertise in our hometown communities throughout the entire Hudson Valley region.   Our Family to Your Family Real ... 05/23/2009

Marketing is a Key Factor in the Sale of Your Property A World Class Real Estate Broker, Right in Your Hometown.   Hiring a real estate agent to find a buyer for your home is serious business and I'm sure you've given it much thought. If all that was needed to do to sell a home was to put a sign on the front lawn and enter information into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), real estate agents would have a very easy job and so would sellers. Today especially, a marketing plan and promotion strategy are critical to attracting buyers to a property and ultimately to the sale of the property.  And that's where merchandising strategies come in. Have you ever noticed displays in the retailers store windows of the products they sell? This is merchandising. Retailers spend a great deal of time... 05/23/2009

Hire A True Professional for All Your Real Estate Needs Can a real estate agent really help me in buying and selling property? The answer is YES!  Answers the most commonly asked questions about selecting the right Realtor to help you sell your home. Why Buyers Choose Me Your home is probably the biggest purchase your family will ever make, and it involves many decisions that go beyond simply choosing one you like. Buying a Home Requires Many Difficult Decisions. Would you like to know Why Buyers Choose Me Why Sellers Choose Me Selling your home is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. How much is it REALLY worth? How long will it take to sell? How do you handle buyers making undesirable offers? Get the Straight Facts About What Can Make or Break the Sale of Y... 05/21/2009

Rockland County Real Estate LLC:  Let us be your Rockland resource.  Feel free to email me with any real estate concerns.  No matter how big, small, simple or complex, I would be happy to help!        Nanuet Home Sales: April 2009 Address BED BATH SQFT DOM OLP$ LIST $ Sold Price 23 BLAUVELT RD 4 3 2800 582 769,000 549,000 545,000 74 TENNYSON DR 4 2.1 2332 16 499,000 511,000 505,000 46 HIGHVIEW AV 4 2.1   112 485,000 449,000 425,000 9 SPRUCE DR 4 3 1682 217 479,900 439,900 397,500 41 OAKLAND PL 4 1.1 1920 5 389,000 389,000 390,000 54 FREEDMAN AV 4 1   157 419,900 399,000 365,500 5 PIERCE ST 2 1   193 269,900 221,500 190,000   Nanuet Condo Sales Address BED BATH SQFT DOM OLP$ LIST $ Sold Price 8 LONG VALLEY DR  2 2.1 1820 178 399,900 399,900 360,000 68 EAGLE RIDGE WY 2 2      310,000 310,... 05/14/2009

A Better Real Estate Company With Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty   A World Class Real Estate Broker, Right in Your Hometown. Twenty-five years ago, Marsha Rand founded a real estate company committed to the core values of professionalism, integrity, and service. Today, Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Rand Realty is the preeminent family-owned real estate brokerage in the country, acclaimed by national magazines as one of the Top 60 companies in the nation. Recognized as an industry leader in technological innovation, marketing skill, and exceptional client service, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty combines this national reputation for excellence with local expertise in our hometown communities throughout the entire Hudson Valley region.   Our Family to Your Family Real ... 05/09/2009