Making the Most of StorageWhether buying or selling a home, storage becomes an issue. Buyers want ample storage areas -- indeed, it can be a make-or-break feature when buying a home. Sellers need it both for eliminating clutter from rooms while showing a home, and for containing their own personal items. Learning how to best utilize the storage will increase the functionality and presentation of your home.Once you've reduced the amount you would like to store - items have been sorted, unwanted and useless things have been discarded - presumably the remaining items needing storage are wanted, useful, and/or valuable in some way. Here are the steps that will ensure success: Assess: Storage Areas and Items to StoreWhat you have and where you will store it are both questions that are pertinent to the task at hand. Storage of dishes or books, clothing or car parts, may require different solutions. The only way to do this is to take a good look. Simply having a lot of space is only part of the puzzle; being able to access your belongings is equally important.Inventory the storage areas on your property to better understand "reality". Having an attic or basement does not mean that you have more storage if they are difficult to access, wet, unduly hot or cold, infested with mice or mold - so check these areas and really look at their condition. Similarly, cabinets and closets with particularly high shelving or excessively deep shelving provide wonderful storage for items that are not often in use. Don't overlook non-traditional storage - alcoves, and places where storage furniture or built-in furniture could exist. Your space might have a perfect place to put an armoire, bench seat with storage, or built-in bookshelves. Mantels and large porches, sheds and garages often have places where storage is possible. If these areas are exposed to view, containers should be attractive and appropriate to the spot. When assessing where to store each item, keep in mind that having items close to the location where they will ultimately be used is often essential to it having value. Items you cannot access might as well not be there. If you are keeping something, consider "charging it rent" - is it worth the space it takes up? If in your assessment of space and items to store you have far more items than space, then further reduction of possessions might be in order. An alternative is to "find more space" by creating more storage in the home or on the property possibly by building an addition, garage, or shed. Otherwise, if you have more stuff than fits in storage, you will either live with it in your way day-to-day, or have to rent storage space out of the home, which is expensive and inconvenient for accessing your items. Or perhaps you just need a bigger home! Prepare: The Space, the Items, and the SystemAfter you have assessed the storage space, it is time to remedy any issues found. Creating access, resolving moisture or pest infestation, heating or cooling issues, and cleaning an area can ensure that items stored there will retain their value and usefulness.Storage space that is climate controlled (not too hot or too cold), dry and easily accessible is the most valuable storage on your property. Renovations that add additional storage of this sort may increase your home's value. Any time that you consider removing storage, eliminating closets or shelving, consider the consequences carefully and determine if that storage will be available elsewhere. Storing items in containers that are strong, helps keep them in good repair. While storage containers might be expensive, storing your valuables poorly can result in loss or damage, which might be equally costly. Cardboard boxes are subject to moisture and are often difficult to move, and can result in content which is difficult to see and access. Shelving can provide an alternative to stacking boxes on the floor and make them easier to access. Moving one box to get to another is acceptable, but stacking too many boxes on top of each other can make retrieving items from lower boxes a daunting task. If you cannot get to your stored items, they can become a burden rather than a help. Using boxes or containers that are sized to the contents will ensure that each box does not get too heavy. Fragile items that are stored in large boxes can be broken more easily, and items with many pieces should be stored together. Ensure that shelving and containers work together, and that items of like kinds are stored near each other, in a place that makes sense. Labels are a wonderful way to cut down on searching for things, but be sure to update them when the contents shift. Achieve and Maintain: Principles of StoringNow that you understand what you have in the way of stuff and storage space, and you have prepared the items and the spaces and created a system, placing things is much easier. By this time, you probably understand what you have and whether it will be actively used.Generally there are levels of storage - long-term, seasonal, and active-use. Understand the nature of what you are storing. Items being held for future generations, which might not be accessed for years, belong in long-tem storage. If they are well-stored and secure, putting them in a far corner that is not very accessible might be fine. This is the time to consider attic and basement space, but only if the items are well-stored and the space is properly prepared. Similarly, decorations and house wares that are seasonal will get in the way if they are taking up prime space in the wrong place. Consider dedicating "seasonal storage" that can be rotated so that the next season's items are in the front, ready to be taken out when needed. Packing seasonal storage too tightly and not rotating it may render it useless, so this is one area where establishing a system can really pay off. Active storage is important to keep organized and not over-filled. Items should be easy to locate, retrieve and replace, and what you want should be where you want it; kitchen and food items in their proper spots, health and beauty items in a hygienic location, and cleaning and maintenance tools where they are likely to be used and serviceable. Items that are out of place breed clutter and chaos, so well ordered active storage is a key to a well-functioning home. Kitchen cabinets are typically sorted and items stored close to the stations where they will be used. Cabinets that are deeper might store items that are used rarely toward the back, and frequently used tools up front. Everyday plates and utensils should be easy to access and put away, while holiday dishes and party platters are better out of the way. Garage and sheds and even bathrooms and bedrooms follow similar rules. Enabling access to tools and materials while ensuring clear areas is a key to successfully living and working in a space. Items that you use a lot need a "home" - either in storage or in plain sight. Having items you love and places to keep them will ensure that cleanup is easy and your rooms look tidy. If you are storing something that you don't use or love, it is taking up valuable space. Every so often, go into the back of your cabinets and drawers to find items you no longer use or love - this is one of the quickest ways to gain storage space without spending money on shelves or storage systems. Similarly, if you are storing something to give to future generations, ask yourself if they will really want it or if they might be ready to receive the item now - then it doesn't spend years in storage and you gain space! Refine: Love What Works and Don't Let Trouble ContinueEvery so often, a homeowner will look up and find that they have a "trouble spot". When tools are hard to return to their storage areas, or holiday items linger in boxes by the door, it is usually a sign that the storage area is too difficult to access or the system of storage hinders use. The ability to return items to storage is as important as the ability to get to them easily - so you might need to refine your system to overcome any challenges you find.Annual inspections might reveal that there are items to purge, spaces to improve, or systems that need upgrading - but most of all, you stay in touch with your home and its real value to you. While you are at it, don't forget to appreciate what is working well. Storing stuff you love in a way that works makes your home a haven and a place that allows you to function at a high level. It's the best way to get value out of your home, and give you a new perspective on what you really have. After all, as a homeowner you want to be in touch with your most important asset! |
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Making The Most Out Of Storage
*All information from http://reliancenetwork.com I do not own this content
Existing Home Sales Near 5 Year High
Existing-home sales near 5-year high
NAR's year-end stats show housing markets flirting with pre-bust growth
By Inman News, Tuesday, January 22, 2013.
New listing sold image via Shutterstock.At 4.65 million units, 2012 existing-home sales were up 9.2 percent from 2011, according to NAR's preliminary totals for the year. That would be the highest volume since 2007, when 5.03 million were sold.
Bolstered by low inventories, the national median existing-home price was up 11.5 percent from a year ago in December, to $180,800. December saw the 10th consecutive month of year-over-year price gains, a trend not seen since May 2006.
For 2012 as a whole, the national median existing-home price was up 6.3 percent, to $176,600, the largest annual price gain since prices surged by 12.4 percent in 2005.
At 1.82 million units at the end of December, existing-home inventory now represents a 4.4-month supply, the lowest level since May 2005, near the peak of the housing boom.
"Likely job creation and household formation will likely fuel (market) growth," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in a statement. "Both sales and prices will again be higher in 2013."
Article continues below 
Source: Calculated Risk blog
A survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released today showed builder confidence holding steady in January at the highest level since April 2006.
"Conditions in the housing market look much better now than at the beginning of 2012, and an increasing number of housing markets are showing signs of recovery, which should bode well for future home sales later this year," said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg in a statement.
Existing-home sales, which make up about 90 percent of total home sales, slipped 1 percent from November to December, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.94 million units.
Existing homes were on the market for a median of 73 days in December -- up from 70 days in November, but down from 99 days in December 2011. About a third of existing homes for sale in December were on the market for less than a month, NAR noted.
First-time buyers accounted for 30 percent of purchasers in December, unchanged from November.
Distressed homes, with an even split between foreclosures and short sales, accounted for 24 percent of all existing-home sales in December -- up from 22 percent in November, but down from December 2011's 32 percent. Foreclosures and short sales sold for 17 percent and 16 percent, respectively, below market value.
All-cash deals accounted for 29 percent of December's sales, just 2 percentage points below last December's portion. Investors accounted for 21 percent of existing-home sales in October.
Existing-home sales, December 2012
| Seasonally adjusted annual rate | 4.94 million |
| % change from December 2011 | +12.8% |
| % change from November 2012 | -1.0% |
| National median price | $180,800 |
| % change from December 2011 | +11.5% |
| Unsold inventory (months' supply) | 4.4 |
| Share of all-cash buyers | 29% |
| Share of investor buyers | 21% |
| Share of first-time buyers | 30% |
| Share of distressed sales | 24% |
Regionally, the Midwest led the way with a 15.5 percent year-over-year increase to an annual pace of 1.12 million units and a median price of $144,800, up 12.3 percent from last December.
The South saw home sales increase 14.7 percent from a year ago in December to a yearly pace of 1.95 million units, with a median price up 4.6 percent, on an annual basis, to $161,100.
Existing-home sales in the Northeast were up 10.3 percent in December to an annual pace of 640,000 units from December 2011. The median sales price was up, too, to $231,600, 5.3 percent above last December's median price.
In the West, sales were up 8.8 percent from a year ago to an annual rate of 1.23 million units in December, and the median price jumped 17.3 percent from last December to $239,900, the largest yearly proportional price jump of any region.
* All content gathered from http://www.inman.com/news/2013/01/22/existing-home-sales-near-5-year-high
Thursday, January 24, 2013
1834 Root St. ~ Reduced to $102,900
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1834 Root ST - Crest Hill, IL
| Type | Single Family |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Year Built | 1972 |
| Total Rooms | 6 |
| Lot Size | Less Than .25 Acre |
| Assessments | $0 |
| Township | LOCKPORT |
| County | Will |
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| DESCRIPTION |
| SIMPLY ADORABLE 4 BEDROOM RANCH -GREAT DECOR, MOVE RIGHT IN. HARDWOOD FLOORS, ALL APPLIANCES EVEN WASHER AND DRYER STAY. GREAT LOCATION NEAR WEBER ROAD -HOME BACKS UP TO RICHLAND SCHOOL! EAT IN KITCHEN, LARGE FAMILY ROOM. NICELY LANDSCAPED, GAZEBO AND FRONT PORCH TOO. PRICED TO SELL! NEW ROOF, SIDING, FURNACE, GARAGE DOOR & OPENING AND STORM DOOR! |
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| Posted on 1/24/2013 |
1103 Kensington St.
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1103 Kensington ST - SHOREWOOD, IL
| Type | Single Family |
| Bedrooms | 4 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Year Built | 1988 |
| Total Rooms | 8 |
| Basement | Yes |
| Lot Size | Less Than .25 Acre |
| Assessments | $0 |
| Township | TROY |
| County | Will |
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| [see additional photos below] | |
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| DESCRIPTION |
| Beautifully maintained and updated in desired Shorewood location. 4 bedroom 2 bath home features. Formal living room with volume ceilings & paliadium window. Master bedroom with double closets. Updated kitchen with custom cabs, silestone counters, crown molding, all stainless steel appl & more!. Bright familyroom with woodburning fireplace. Anderson windows through out. Large yard with paver patio for entertaining. |
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| Posted on 1/24/2013 |
3265 E 26th Rd
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3265 E 26th RD - MARSEILLES, IL
| Type | Single Family |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 3.1 |
| Year Built | 1997 |
| Total Rooms | 7 |
| Basement | Yes |
| Lot Size | 3.0-3.99 Acres |
| Assessments | $0 |
| Township | MILLER |
| County | La Salle |
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| [see additional photos below] | |
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| DESCRIPTION |
| 3.9 acres of countryside living! 4 bedroom cedar ranch boast formal living, expansive kitchen with island. Hardwood floors through out the main floor. Beautiful family room with volume ceilings and woodburning fireplace. Mastersuite with private bath. 2 year old above ground pool, deck, additional heated detached garage + large pole building! Newer 95% efficent furnace and AC! A 10! |
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| Posted on 1/24/2013 |
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