Jason Burns' Real Estate Blog

With the decline in the market place and less construction work being done, the cost of having granite counter tops should be considered when remodeling your kitchen.  Granite counters can enhance your kitchen dramatically without changing much of the kitchen cabinets and other items already in place.  Be sure to contact 3 qualified licensed contractors specializing in granite.  There are also several variations of appearances and finishes, and due to these variables, you have to see and consult with your local showroom.  Price may range due to a variety of items including, the type of granite, the edge treatment you choose, and labor and handling requirements that may affect price.  You just need to see what works best for you since some layouts are more labor intensive to fabricate than others.

Granite is a countertop material of choice due to its outstanding durability, scratch- and heat-resistance and natural beauty. Granite is also available in an amazing array of colorful and unique patterns and no two granite tops are exactly the same. However, with its great looks comes a mighty high price tag. In fact, when installed in solid pieces it is the most expensive option in countertops. It is definitely less expensive to have the stone installed in pieces.

To reduced costs, many homeowners install their stone countertops in square pieces and have them applied like ceramic tiles with grout. By doing this, you are achieving the same natural beauty at a much lower cost than solid stone. Furthermore, if there ever comes a time when you need one of the pieces replaced, you could have an individual square removed without bothering the remaining countertop. During the time of purchase, it is recommended to get several extra squares so that the pieces can be used to make repairs in the future.

Keep in mind, granite countertops do require some maintenance in order to ensure that they stay beautiful and protected. Due to granites porous surface, you will need to regularly seal the surface in order to repel water-and oil-based stains. Failure to seal granite will lead to stains and a reduced shine. Luckily, professionals can clean and polish granite to restore the shine back when it has become dull and hazy. However, if the granite countertop cracks, the entire surface will need to be replaced.  Replacing the countertops in your home is a great investment.

Like hotels, granite can also be placed on fireplace mantels, shower and tub surrounds, on bathroom counters, front faces of counters.  Granite can work on furniture and other places in the home that you might think would use to unify the look of your home utilizing granite.  You’ll want to make sure you are choosing the right countertops for your house and your BUDGET $$$.  Be sure to check and compare if you had other alternative material such as ceramic tile or other material and it makes sense to go with granite. Don’t forget to get quotes from local, reliable countertop contractors. 

Good luck in your home improvement!

FOR A SPARKLING BATHROOM…

• Glass shower doors shine up in a hurry with white vinegar on a sponge.
• Polish metal fixtures with plain kerosene on a rag.  smell disappears quickly; shine stays on.
• Put shower curtains in the washing machine in warm water with 1/2 cup detergent and 1/2 cup baking soda; toss in tow large bath towels.  Add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle only, and hang the shower curtain immediately without spinning dry or washing out the vinegar.

SLICK TRICKS FOR FLOORS & CARPETS…

• For carpet stains, blot up as much as you can FAST.  Don’t rub; this will spread the stain.
• For fresh stains, plain club soda is amazing.  Shaving cream is also good; rinse it with club soda.

GENERAL CLEANING

• Remove musty odors from a trunk or from drawers by placing an open coffee can filled with baking soda overnight.
• Vaseline will remove many minor scratches from wood.  apply a generous amount and let it set for a while.

CLEANING AROUND THE KITCHEN

• Use club soda for quick cleanups.  It cleans and polishes at the same time.
• Do not put coffee grounds in the sink.  Put them in the trash.
• For can opener, use an old toothbrush to loosen grime, then run a paper towel through the cutting process.
• Ovens:  Use an inexpensive overnight oven cleaner.  Set oven on “warm” for 20 minutes; then turn off.  Put a small dish of ammonia on the top shelf, a large pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf, and close the oven.  Next morning, air out the oven and wash off even hard, baked-on grease with ease.
• For grease-clogged drains, pour in a cup of salt and a cup of baking soda, followed by a kettle of boiling water.
• Do not put coffee ground in the sink.  Put them in the trash.
• For refrigerator, put a box of baking soda to absorb odors.
• A little vinalla on a paper towel or cotton ball will import a clean, sweet smell in the refrigerator.
• To whiten a porcelain sink, spread paper towels in the bottom and saturate with bleach for an hour or so.
• Remove water spots from stainless steel with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar on a sponge.
• Club soda will shine up stainless steel in a jiffy.  It’s a nice bartenders’ trick.

JJB

Equity is the difference between the fair market value (appraised value) of your home and your outstanding mortgage balance.  Let’s use the example:  If $250,000 is the appraised value and the outstanding balance is $150,000, the equity will be $100,000.  If you are working on a refinance or just getting an idea of what your equity is, get the latest and recent complete balance information from your current financial institution.  You can contact me for an estimated value of your home at (559) 975-9048 or email jasonjburns@yahoo.com.  Thanks for reading.

www.HouseLogic.com

is a great resource for home owners and consumers.  It provides information on the market, finance, and home improvement information that can help you make a decision on your next real estate activity.  If you have questions regarding the local market in Madera, call Jason Burns at (559) 975-9048 or email jasonjburns@yahoo.com.  Thanks for reading.

Don’t Forget April 30, 2010 is the last day of the extension for FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER CREDIT.

Looking for details of First-Time Home Buyer Credit, check out this link.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=217784,00.html

Consult your accountant, financial advisor, attorney and appropriate professional for tax, legal and other related advice.