Simple and affordable do-it-yourself projects can greatly increase a home’s resale value, according to HomeGains annual home improvement and staging survey. The marketing company surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals to discover which DIYhome improvement projects five sellers the biggest return for their buck. Here are the six projects under $1,000 (approx.) that made the [...]
About Brian Ripp
Broker, CRS, GRI
Fremont, CA
Location
2698 Mowry Ave.,
Fremont, CA 94538
Posts
Update your Fireplace Mantle with Style
by Brian Ripp on April 23, 2012
A mantle can be the place where you highlight treasured family photos; it can also be a show-stopping focal point for your room. Whether you like minimalistic design or prefer to be surrounded with your favorite objects, here are some ideas to help you decorate your mantle: * Go Bold. If you tend to use [...]
2012 Job Outlook
by Brian Ripp on April 18, 2012
There may be some good news on the jobs front, which could give the housing market a boost. Some employersplan to add new jobs in 2012, but many are waiting to see how the enconomy fares before ramping up their hiring plans, according to CareerBuilder’s annual job forecast. Nearly onin four empoloyers (23%) say they [...]
Fixed-Rate Mortgages are Preferred
by Brian Ripp on March 20, 2012
Fixed-rate loans accounted for more than 95% of all refinance loans in the 4th, regardless of whether the original loan was an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) or a fixed-rate, according to a report by Freddie Mac. Nearly two-thirds of borrowers who had a hybrid ARM (58%) chose a fixed-rate loan during the 4th quarter, while the [...]
Cabinet Help
by Brian Ripp on March 9, 2012
Can’t afford a full kitchen makeover? Sprucing up the cabinetry is an easy fix for a fraction of the cost. There are two options: replacing or refacing. Refacing includes covering the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts with wood or plastic veneer and replacing knobs and door hinges; replacing cabinets requires removing them entirely and [...]
5 Ways to improve your Credit Score
by Brian Ripp on February 22, 2012
1. Pay your bills on time. Payment history accounts for roughly 35% of your score. So paying bills on time is the most important thing you can do. If you’re behind, get caught up and then stay current. If you’re struggling, contact your creditors to work out a payment schedule. 2. Increase the length of [...]
Helpful Tips to Save Energy
by Brian Ripp on February 17, 2012
Here are some suggestions to ensure that your home is energy efficient and ready for the colder winter weather. Test your homes energy efficiency. You can perform a simple audit of your home’s energy use by following the guidelines at EnergyStar.gov. You can also have PG&E or a home inspector evaluate the home. Turn down [...]
Remodeling Outlook Positive for 2012
by Brian Ripp on February 9, 2012
Like the residential housing market, the remodeling market is showing signs of improvement, according to two leading industry indexes. The National Association of Home Builders’ Remodeling Market Index (RMI) rose five points in the fourth quarter of 2011 from the third quarter, reaching its highest level in five years. Index components measuring current market conditions [...]
Get Your Finances Ready for 2012
by Brian Ripp on January 27, 2012
Key points • The new year is a great time to reevaluate where you stand financially. • Consider these five resolutions to reshape your finances in 2012, including tips on budgeting, estate planning and more. • Helpful information for everyone, regardless of age or income. It wouldn’t be the new year without resolutions. But whether [...]
Be a “Snoopy” Seller
by Brian Ripp on December 17, 2011
Before you put your home on the market,take the time to do a little “snooping” on your neighbors by comparing your home to others on the market and visiting open houses. Visiting a few open houses can give you a better idea of what your home is worth and can highlight needed improvements. If two [...]
When it’s too Hot in the Kitchen
by Brian Ripp on December 7, 2011
You’ve likely heard the joke that goes, “I can always tell when my wife’s cooking is done because the fire alarm goes off”. But fire is no joke. And most home fires do begin in the kitchen. So remember, the best way to prevent a kitchen fire is to stay near the stove whenever you [...]
Inspect for Success
by Brian Ripp on December 2, 2011
Most homeowners believe a home inspection provides valuable information that helps them avoid home maintenance problems and save money, according to a recent survey by Harris Interactive and the American Society of Home Inspectors. Seven out of ten homeowners surveyed say the home inspection on their current home helped them avoid potential problems with their [...]
“No Regrets”
by Brian Ripp on November 22, 2011
Despite the ups and downs of the housing market and the decline in home values, most homeowners, including those who are underwater on their mortgages, don’t regret owning a home. In a recent survey by the National Assoication of Home Builders, three out of four Americans believe that owning a home is the best long-term [...]
Determining the Possesion Date
by Brian Ripp on November 14, 2011
When you buy a new home,you’ll eagerly await the day you can move in. But how is that date determined? The date of possession is one of several details that must be negotiated between you and the seller. In most cases, possession will be transferred after you have signed your mortgage loan and a clear [...]
Bye -Bye buyers remorse
by Brian Ripp on November 8, 2011
These days, everyone is trying to keep a better watch on their money. But if it seems like all you’re doing is watching your slip through your fingers, it may not be entirely your fault. Marketing expert and author of “Buyology” Truth and Lies About Why We Buy”, Martin Lindstrom says that “we are much [...]
Settling into Your New Home
by Brian Ripp on October 28, 2011
After making the investment of buying your new home, you may want to postpone such expensive tasks as landscaping and adding a deck, but there are a few essentials that you shouldn’t put off. One of the first actions you should take is to change your locks. You never know if the previous owners gave [...]
app orchard
by Brian Ripp on October 21, 2011
Buying or selling your house? There’s an app for that. Well, not exactly, but there’s plenty of high-tech help available to guide you through the process. The iZillow app gives you access to date on more than 80 millions homes, including square footage and an estimate of fair market value. Take a drive around your [...]
Keeping your home “Hot” year round
by Brian Ripp on October 12, 2011
Buyers look for homes year-round. But since you may not be able to depend on spectacular landscaping to attract byers to your home, marketing your home during the winter months may require that you highlight its other features. Turn on all your exterior lights and open the curtains during the day to make the most [...]
Finding the Right Neighborhood Fit
by Brian Ripp on October 3, 2011
The place you decide to call home can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life. Neighborhoods, like their inhabitants, have unique personalities and charm. With a little investigative work, you can find your dream neighborhood – a neighborhood that is perfectly suited to your lifestyle and that makes you and your family [...]
5 quick fix up tips
by Brian Ripp on September 15, 2011
Here are five improvements you can make that might help your home sell faster in a cooling market: 1. Create a welcoming entrance. Make sure your front door is clean, polish the hardware (or replace it if necessary) and repaint the door if it is in poor shape. Finally, add a new doormat, update your [...]
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Carmen Brodeur: Very interesting! I better go buy more wrinkle cre...
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Ria Grace: What is good of having custom home is that you can...
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Patrick: A great online property management forum is agents...
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Kyle Pearce: Unfortunately, in every industry, there are some w...
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Carmen Brodeur: Real estate is definitely on its way back. We hit ...
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$10000 California First Time Home Buyer and New Home Tax Credit Extended
March 23, 2010
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Unite Against the Sarasota MLS Board
October 18, 2008
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Short Sale Heaven Coming April 5th 2010
December 9, 2009
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The Lones Group – Real Estate Social Media Marketing Firm – Sues Agent For Being A Zebra
February 26, 2011
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California Senate Bill 94 (SB94): Passes; Not even Attorneys can do it!
October 13, 2009
- Understanding Maui Micro Markets May 23, 2012
- Ocean View Homes For Sale Near The Victoria Beach Area May 23, 2012
- New Jersey Real Estate Sales Clouded By Sky-High Property Taxes May 21, 2012
- Homes for sale in Mesa, AZ May 21, 2012
- Emerald Terrace Homes Offer Alternatives To Emerald Bay May 16, 2012
