Peninsula Pie Picks
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One of our favorite parts of the holiday is the food – specifically dessert, and even more specifically, pie! That’s why we’re excited to try these spots that readers of TheSixFifty.com recommended for the holidays.
Chic vs. Geek: Buying Brand New
/When you purchase a newly constructed single family home, there are a few important details that you need to navigate, including these contract specifications…
CHIC (Pearl)
Everything from the fit and finish of cabinets and mirrors to flooring, interior and exterior walls, countertops, paint finishes and trim can fall under a seller warranty against defective materials and/or workmanship, provided the seller receives notice within one year of the date of occupancy. The buyer can always waive this coverage for anything they’ve already had inspected.
GEEK (Kevin)
To make sure the seller follows through, there’s also a seller completion obligation, under which the seller agrees to provide all labor and materials to make necessary improvements and file all the applicable paperwork with local authorities. But supply shortages, labor disputes, buyer inaction, and other unforeseeable circumstances can cause delays.
Chic vs. Geek: Ready for rain?
/You may have noticed some strange water droplets falling from the sky this week. It’s called rain, and we haven’t had enough of it lately. Is your house prepared? Here’s what you can do!
CHIC (Pearl)
Make sure to check the house for leaks after every rain, especially in those nooks and crannies you rarely visit. You never know when a minor issue could turn into a massive headache, and you don’t want to be caught bailing out a closet when the next heavy storm comes calling.
GEEK (Kevin)
It’s not glamorous, but clearing your gutters now before the real rainy season hits will save you a major pain digging through the muck of wet leaves and debris. And definitely don’t trust those fancy filters you see on TV. If a solution seems too easy, that’s because it probably is. Do it yourself!
Geek's Number Talk: Demand. Demand. Demand.
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When it comes to buyer demand, it’s important to take the long view. Have a closer look at the short and long term trends, and suddenly going to market may not seem like a bad idea…
Chic vs. Geek: Home Warranty
/A client who bought a house last year asked us if it was worth it to invest in a home warranty. Here’s what we told them…
CHIC (Pearl)
You don’t know what you don’t know, which is why it makes sense to buy a home warranty when you move into a new house. You never know what unexpected trouble is lurking below the surface. Like insurance, a warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, However, buyers need to take the time to closely review the different types of coverage described in the contract and understand the limitations. Premiums, exclusions, and caps on benefits can vary widely. Buyer beware! (Cue spooky Halloween music)
GEEK (Kevin)
From personal experience as a homeowner, after living in the house for a while, you’ll get to know what works, what doesn’t, and what really needs fixing. Like Pearl suggests, you could pay annual home warranty premiums to get some peace of mind. Or you could consider saving extra dollars in an emergency fund for unexpected expenses that arise after you move in. Depending on your household budget, it may be a better option than paying premiums to cover repairs that may never be needed.
