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Fix It And Flip It - How I Lost Money On Real Estate
I've known a lot of people who have lost money when they sold their homes. In fact, I'm one of those people, and it's happened to me more than once.

There are a number of factors can cause a financial loss when you sell your house, including the need to sell at the wrong time due to divorce or an impending foreclosure, or a downturn in the local real estate market. However, it's also common to lose money simply by making too many expensive changes to the house before putting it on the market. This is how I lost money on real estate, before I wised up.

My most resounding failure in the fix it and flip it market was a house I bought in Spokane, Washington. Knowing what I know now, I would have restricted myself to replacing the carpets and the kitchen and bathroom fixtures, painting inside and out, and buying new appliances. I probably would have replaced the old-style windows, too, to make the place look nicer and appeal to the energy-conscious buyer. These fixes could have been done easily within the two years I needed to live there to avoid capital gains taxes.

Since I didn't know what I know now, I made major renovations, which included moving the bathroom. I did most of the work myself, but the materials alone cost more than I could get back when the house was sold. With the exception of repairs done to the house to make it eligible for an FHA loan and watering the grass, I doubt that any of my major projects really helped me sell the house or increased its value.

If a house is actually sound, with no structural damage or insect problems, the biggest reason it will sell for less than its worth is usually cosmetic. This was certainly true of the house I bought in Spokane. Dirty carpeting, and a wall in the living room covered with mirror tiles, kept most buyers from going any further into the house. I could see past the cosmetic problems and see the home's full potential - but my imagination went a bit too far.

The floor plan was odd, and slightly inconvenient, but leaving the bathroom where it was would have been far more rational, financially. Why didn't I do that? Because my emotions and my nesting instincts took over, pushing aside all thought of future gain or loss.

Let's face it - most people don't buy their own homes with the intention of making a profit, although they certainly hope the house will be a good investment. In fact, the emotional stress caused by the process of buying a house and moving into it can be enough to completely erase any thought of moving again a few years later. However, I know several families who have made a very good living by buying underpriced homes, living in them and fixing them up, and then selling them when the IRS will allow them to do so without paying extra taxes. Clearly, these folks don't make any changes to these houses without carefully considering the bottom line.

After my Spokane adventure, I decided to learn from my mistakes, and find out how to stop losing money on houses. I read books by authors who are experienced in fixing and

Pot Racks - Don't Be Afraid to Hang Things Up

Reaching up for your favorite non-stick pan or a copper pot that you would like to use is obviously much easier than rummaging through drawers, pantries or cabinets. By having the pots and pans that you use the most hanging above your cooking space using pot racks, then you can simply reach up and grab for one whenever you may need it.

Besides, some of the styles of pot racks are so incredible, you are pretty much adding to the beauty of your kitchen and cooking space at the same time! For instance, you can get one crafted from hammered steel with a simple and stunning design that is perfect addition to just about any kitchen. What will put this piece's look over the top though is the way that it can be finished and there are actually quite a few different choices to choose from including something that is polished with a bright look, something a little more on the subdued side with a brushed finish, and there are even ones that can have an antique like oil looking finish.

What's really nice about pot racks is that they are pretty easy to install since normally included with one is absolutely everything that you need in order to hang it up with very little assembly required. Before you know it, you will be picking out your favorite, most used pots and pans to hang them up on one of the twelve angled hooks that come with it so they will be right where you need them. And, if you want more spots to hang your pots and pans, you can always purchase more angled hooks to get the job done.

One great way to find just the right pot racks for your kitchen space is to simply flip on that computer of yours and do some online shopping. Once on the Internet, you will see how you can browse all the online stores and their product offerings with ease. When you do happen upon something that you like, it generally will be at a pretty reasonable price and it will be shipped right to your home. So, you don't even have to spend time and money by leaving your home, now that is pretty convenient.

In the end, pot racks are just a practical selection that would be a great way to store your pots and pans in your kitchen. Plus, they'll add a decorative element to it as well. So, what are you waiting for? Get your's today so you can install it and start using it tomorrow.

By: Jennifer Akre
Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including http://www.gourmetdecorstore.com that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous indoor area by using luxurious dining furniture. One is just the thing to cap off the look of your space.]]>
Bathroom Ideas to Make Your Bathroom Look Larger
We all know that bathrooms come in different shapes and sizes ranging from extra large to extra small. Small bathrooms have the annoying tendency to become cramped especially when you have not quite mastered the art of storing things yet. There are ways that you can make your tiny overstuffed bathroom look a little bit bigger. It's all about using the right bathroom design ideas. If you want to enlarge the coast of your bathroom so to speak, try out these great bathroom design tips --

- Use Colors: Painting the bathroom a different color can make it appear bigger instantly. Some colors will make it appear smaller though so be careful in your choice. Bold bright colors are the way to go if you want the bathroom to have the illusion of being a larger space. Repainting not
only provides instant results but it is less expensive than remodeling the entire room.

- Tiles: It matters greatly what size tiles are used for the floor and walls of your bathroom. Normally larger cut tiles give the room the effect of looking larger and smaller tiles make it appear smaller. Extending the bathroom tiles from the floor to the wall will give the bathroom the illusion of
space.

- Bathroom cabinets: The size of the bathroom looks bigger if the appropriate cabinets are put up carefully. Along with giving you extra storing space, cabinets also give your bathroom a much neater and cleaner look. Rather than hanging cabinets that 'eat' up space, opt for small floor cabinets.

- Doors: Putting in slide doors instead of the normal doors can make your bathroom feel bigger. Slide doors essentially make your bathroom look less cramped.

In implementing these tips, remember- blend them in with the theme of your bathroom...

By: Joe Boyd
For more excellent ideas to spiff up your Bathroom, Please stop by my Bathroom Decor site. You also might find information about Beach Bathroom Decor]]>
Residential Heating And Cooling With Geothermal Heat Pumps
The term geothermal literally means Earth/Ground (Geo) Heat (thermal). Geothermal, or ground source heat pumps, take advantage of the constant ground or groundwater temperatures. These heat pumps use geothermal energy to heat and/or cool your home.

A refrigerant loop with a compressor extracts heat from one side (the ground) and pumps it to the heating loop in your home. It is essentially the same process that happens in your refrigerator: heat is extracted via a compressor and refrigerant loop from the inside of your refrigerator/freezer and rejected into your house.

In the summer the geothermal heat pump reverses its cycle, if you have an air-conditioning system, and heat from the home is rejected into the ground or ground water.

What makes geothermal heat pumps such a good choice for residential heating and cooling is that they do not depend on outside air temperatures. These heat pumps will heat your home as efficiently on a windy, zero-degree winter day as on a 40-degree day. Provided of course, that your house is well insulated and tight.

Geothermal heat pumps are also a very efficient way for heating and cooling your home. They use 25-50% less energy than conventional heating and cooling systems (Source: US DOE).

Residential applications of geothermal energy systems use water-to-water or water-to-air heat pumps.

Water-to-Water Geothermal Heat Pumps

Water-to-water geothermal heat pumps are generally used for heating only. They replace the gas or oil furnace that you might currently have to heat your home and water with.

It is important to know that heat pumps work most effectively when the temperature difference between the heat source (ground) and heat sink (floor heat or radiators) is small.

Ground temperatures range anywhere from 50 to 75 degF, depending on where you live. This means that geothermal heat pumps are generally not suitable for standard hot water baseboard applications, which are designed for heating water temperatures of 180 degF. Floor heat and low-temperature radiators require water temperatures in the range of 95 to 140 degF.

Some newer heat pump models are now equipped with so-called desuperheaters that can transfer excess heat from the geothermal heat pump compressor to the domestic water heater. Your geothermal heat pump can also effectively and quickly heat water for your bathtub, shower and sinks.

Water-To-Air Geothermal Heat Pumps

These types of ground source heat pumps are generally used when you need air conditioning. The Water is the heat sink, where you reject the heat from the house. The Air is the air that is distributed through your home via duct work.

Otherwise, these heat pumps function the same way as water-to-water heat pumps. And again, the efficiency of a geothermal heating and cooling system is far better than that of a traditional system.

Important To Know

The first step towards making a geothermal heat pump system be a reliable and efficient heating (and cooling) system for your home is to minimize the heating and cooling requirements with a well-insulated building envelope and strategically placed windows for passive solar gain.

Not only is your first cost reduced, because your system will be smaller. You will also tremendously increase the comfort of your home.

Geothermal heat pump systems are best designed and installed by professionals. It is not recommended to DIY. These systems must meet specific requirements. Especially the piping laid out in the ground, or down to the ground water table, must be designed and installed correctly to ensure that your geothermal heat pump system works as intended.

By: Christiane Perrin
Christiane Perrin is a registered professional HVAC engineer with a passion for the environment. She is excited about the building industry going green and wants to support homeowners on their journey to building and remodeling green homes.
http://www.greenandsustainablebuildings.com]]>
How To Build A Patio
BUILDING A GARDEN PATIO

Building a garden patio with brick or stone pavers is probably the best way to accomplish any patio project. Laying the correct patio can be a relaxing and idylic retreat for those lazy summer days, but that's why it is important that you make the right choice. That means you have to make sure it is ideally positioned in your garden.

You should not erect/build your patio in an area where it will be isolated, but consider to build it in an area with the best views. This means that the positioning is especially important, I would place my patio in a positioned where I get the sun and a degree of privacy! But this is personal preference and is upto you and your lifestyle.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL CONCRETE PATIO OR BRICK?

To build a garden patio can be very satisfying and look really good. The work is fairly straightforward if you are relatively decent with your hands. The first and foremost points to remember are good planning and preparation, without the two you will find the project harder than you expected and your results will be sub-standard.

Remember to look at the positioning of the sun, not a massive point but none the less a factor worth considering! Check out your landscape, have you got any trees obstructing the light?

YOUR CHOICE

The patio can be many shapes and designs, but if you're not confident, then it is probably best to have a square patio, although a circular one is also possible, but you would have to start cutting bricks. Circular patios can be purchased from most do-it-yourself stores and at reasonable prices.

Don't forget that you will need at least two inches on the edges to place brick edging. Clear the area you have chosen by digging it out to a depth of about 8/9 inches. Make a frame up the same size as your project and place it around the edges. Don't forget you will need to put a slight slope onto your patio to enable rainwater to run freely off. Make sure you run the slope off in the opposite direction of the house and below any damp courses!

After this you should now do a run with your bricks just to make sure everything is lined up and going to fit.

PRACTICAL GUIDE

Pour Lime Stone or any hardcore aggregate into the area to a depth of about 5/6 inches. When the area is covered with this you need to tamper it down ideally with a whacker plate. Alternatively, get a plank of wood about 8" wide by 3" thick and as long as needed and simply place it across the hardcore and hit it down with a lump hammer.

Once this procedure is completed you now need to place a weed blanket over the area to protect your patio from weeds growing up through the surface. Now you can pour your sand and it must be a minimum of 2/3 inches deep. You now need a screed to level the sand , check for a good level up against your framework.

START LAYING BRICKS

At this stage you can begin to lay your brick. Make sure you have a line to keep you on the straight and narrow. Keep checking for level as you go along laying your bricks. Always start at a corner and work your way along, you will need a rubber mallet at this point to gently tapp the bricks into place whilst using a spirit level for trueness.

Assuming you will be using standard 4 x 8 bricks at 2 inches thick, you can continue with the weave pattern this pattern looks good and is very effective because it interlocks the bricks very well and makes for a stronger job! Once your bricks are laid you need to put sand on top and sweep this into the cracks and crevices.

SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE VIEW

If you are using paving slabs then the principles are basically the same. But remember to continuously check for the right level, using pavers will probably be quicker but visually just as effective. Any cutting you need to do can be done with either a grinder, hammer and chisel or a brick splitter, I recommend purchasing a simple brick/paving slab splitter.

By: Dane Plant
http://buymyworld.com]]>
Does Vinyl Siding Add Value to Your House?
Home improvements are a great way to get more money for your home when you get ready to sell it. But some improvements will bring more value to your home than others. Recently, installing vinyl siding has been recognized as the best thing you can do to add value to your home. Here are a few of the reasons this improvement is the single-best thing you can do for your "bottom line" when selling your house.

It looks good. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and styles to fit your preferences. But in addition to that, the trim and soffits complement your home's color perfectly. You can even get several accessories to complete the look for your home that you want to create. Whether you have a ranch home, a modern-style home or a turn-of-the-century Victorian, you can find a style of vinyl siding that matches your needs.

It lasts for decades. Vinyl siding is the most popular type of siding now. Its durability adds to its popularity because it stands up to rain, snow, sleet, and rain. It won't crack or peel in the sun or hot weather. And it can take a beating without showing signs of wear and tear. If the neighborhood kids hit it with a ball, it won't dent or scratch like other types of siding. When it needs a cleaning, all you need to do is rinse it with soap and water. Afterwards, it looks like you just added a fresh coat of paint to it.

It's a great value. When you get ready to sell your home and you add vinyl siding to it, you can usually recoup about 100 percent of the money you spent for the siding. Sometimes you can add even more value to the house than what you spent for the siding. Vinyl siding is typically less expensive than aluminum, too. And you don't need to worry about people ripping off the siding to sell at the scrap yard, either.

It's easy to do. Many handy homeowners have been able to install their vinyl siding without hiring a professional company to do it for them. This can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the size of your house. It's more flexible and you don't have to worry about creases in the metal or deep cuts from the jagged edges.

If you have to choose which home improvement project to do for your home, vinyl siding should be at the top of your list. With its appearance, durability, and affordability, it's the best thing you can do for your home's overall value.

By: Jeff Lundquist
Jeff works in Edina, Minnesota home of the first indoor mall. His website provides information about Edina realty. If you are looking for a property in Edina his site has a search of the Edina MLS along with information on Edina homes.]]>
Suspended Ceilings - What Types Are There?
Suspended ceilings are like a second ceiling, it is placed underneath the existing ceiling and is used to hide pipelines or ductwork. They are generally attached and suspended on wires from the ceiling above and are laid out in a grid where tiles are fitted in. Suspended ceilings can be made with a lot of materials, for example, wood.

Once the suspended ceilings have been installed you can fit in fluorescent lights or install air ducts etc. They are used a lot to cover up this kind of work anyway so suspended ceilings being installed to cover air ducts can easily be integrated in. Also you can install insulation into your suspended ceilings which absorbs heat and sound.

Suspended ceilings are also implemented so that maintenance can take place in the void that is made when the ceiling is installed.

When designing and purchasing your suspended ceilings you are going to need to decide whether or not you want the ceiling to be demountable or completely non-accessible. If you make you suspended ceilings demountable then this will allow you to easily access the ceiling void and perform maintenance on the ceiling or on other objects that the ceiling is concealing. If you make your suspended ceiling non accessible then you will not be able to perform ceiling maintenance easily as you will not be able to get into the ceiling void.

You should consider the above very seriously as the ceilings will need to be redone if you wish to be able to change a non accessible ceiling into a demountable one.

There are many different types of suspended ceilings systems but all are different depending on your requirements yet the concept is the same. For example there is the free span suspend ceiling system that is mainly used for corridors. This kind of system is made up of ceiling planks which are held by the perimeter trim on their short edges. This kind of system can be installed quickly and pretty easily, also it can produce a very nice effect when finished which is usually smooth. These types of suspended ceilings can be made de-mountable for maintenance or non-accessible; if you opt for the de-mountable type then the ceiling planks are removed to allow you your easy access.

Another suspended ceiling system is the bandraster system; these types of suspended ceilings are very flexible and can be made to match with any kind of building architecture. Once again these suspended ceilings can be made accessible or non accessible. These suspended ceiling are design with either concealed or exposed sections which link up to achieve lateral bracing, therefore these systems can be modified to fit any building.

Another system is the exposed suspended ceilings system which is another system which can be installed quickly and efficiently and also allows for you to do maintenance work in the ceiling void easily. These types of suspended ceilings have tiles slotted into a suspended grid allowing for it to be edited easily as well.

I hope this has helped in your search for your suspended ceilings.

By: Tony Savour
AMF Ceilings ]]>
Home Improvements That Increase Energy Efficiency (and Save You Money)
Why should you care about energy efficiency?

Perhaps the biggest reason is to save money. A home that isn't energy efficient takes more energy to heat in the winter and cool in the summer. This means you are spending extra money every month on energy bills, bills that can be significantly lowered by undertaking a few simple home improvements.

The key to making your home more efficient to correct air-flow problems. Make sure air is flowing where it needs to be and isn't flowing where it shouldn't be.

A few small cracks in your home can be as bad for your heating and cooling as a window left open. Older homes frequently have undergone small changes to accommodate updated wiring, and this can be an energy sink. Caulk all small holes where wires go through walls or floors. Check brick facades and the outside of your home for small cracks and signs of wear that may be counteracting insulation.

If your home has a chimney make sure it is sealed with high-temperature cement and metal flashing. Keep the flue closed when it is not in use to prevent air flowing indoors from it. Tight fitting glass covers can also help keep cold air where it belongs.

Plumbing stacks also need to be sealed on the outside. In general look for any holes between the attic and the heated space and seal them as much as possible. Use weather stripping on the entry to the attic as well as insulation on the attic-side of the door.

Now, how's your insulation? Making sure you have enough insulation is key to keeping your home efficient. 18 inches of fiberglass batting or cellulose will greatly improve your heating and cooling systems. The attic does need air flow, however, so make sure air vents are clear and unobstructed.

Each window needs to be checked to make sure it closes completely and locks. Windows can be weather stripped just like doors. Outlets and switches provide access for cold air to enter, but this can be prevented by installing foam gaskets behind them. Child-safety plugs for the outlets also reduce cold air flowing from the sockets.

Old windows and doors need to be checked every year. If one doesn't fit properly, seal it with caulking or weather stripping. If the piece is warped heavily replace it with a new energy efficient model. Expanding foam is also an option to use around door- and window-frames.

Every hole on the outside face of your home can increase inefficiency. Seal laundry vents, water faucets, electrical outlets, and other hookups. Install storm- windows and doors where you don't already have them to create a buffer of air that retains heat and coolness. When it comes time to change siding, add foam insulation behind it.

Basements and crawlspaces need to be checked and sealed. If you have a crawlspace, place a layer of plastic over it to help insulate. Regular basements with concrete walls can be a major problem for efficiency. Consider adding insulation and drywall over the concrete.

Appliances are rated for their efficiency. Choose products with Energy Star ratings and choose compact fluorescent light bulbs that fit in standard sockets.

These fairly inexpensive home improvements can save you a lot of money in the long run. It's definitely worth taking steps to increase your home's efficiency, and as you can now see, it's not even that hard.

By: TC Thorn
TC Thorn has written more articles on home improvements and energy efficiency at Luxury Housing Trends. Her article on green kitchen appliances discusses improving energy use in the kitchen.]]>
Frequently Asked Questions About Fireplace Design
Here are some frequently asked questions, and answers, about fireplaces.

1 - How high should a fireplace chimney be with respect to the height of the house, and what features of design affect its efficient operation?

ANSWER: A chimney should extend at least three feet above flat roofs and at least two feet above the ridge of a peak or hip roof. Solid masonry is the most commonly used material. Satisfactory performance of a chimney flue is determined by its size, direction, shape, height, tightness and smoothness.

2. Is there a particular kind of mortar that should be used in fireplace construction? How is it mixed and where is it used?

ANSWER: The brick around a fireplace and flue should be laid with cement mortar, since it is more resistant than lime mortar to the action of heat and flue gases. The best to use, except on firebrick, consists of one part portland cement, one part hydrated lime, and six parts clean sand. Firebrick is best laid in fire clay.

3. What is the purpose of a damper, and how is it constructed?

ANSWER: A damper affords a means of regulating the draft and prevents excessive loss of heat from the room when the fire is out. It consists of a cast-iron or steel frame with a lid hinged so the width of the throat opening may be varied from a closed to a wide-open position.

4. What is the proper procedure for connecting the chimney to the roof so as to guard against fire, and to allow for expansion due to temperature changes, settlement, or slight movement of the chimney during heavy winds?

ANSWER: Where the chimney passes through the roof, provide for a two-inch clearance between the wood framing and the masonry. The chimney must be flashed and counterflashed to make its junction with the roof watertight. Corrosion-resistant metal, such as copper, galvanized metal, zinc, aluminum, or lead is best for the counterfiashing. When tin is used, paint it well on both sides.

5. Is it necessary that a flue be lined, and if so, what are the advantages in lining it?

ANSWER: Chimneys can be built without linings, but those with linings are more efficient. When the flue is not lined, the mortar and bricks directly exposed to the action of fuel gases disintegrate. This disintegration and that occuring from changes in temperature often cause cracks in the masonry, which reduces the draft.

6. What is the proper way to build the smoke shelf?

ANSWER: The smoke shelf should be made by setting the brickwork back at the top of the throat to the line of the flue wall for the full width of the throat. The depth can vary from six to twelve inches or more, depending on the depth of the fireplace.

7. Does the kind of fuel to be burned have anything to do with the selection of a fireplace design, and does the size of the opening affect the operation?

ANSWER When a fireplace design is being selected, the kind of fuel to be burned should be considered; also, the design should harmonize with the room in proportion and detail. Years ago, when cordwood was plentiful, fireplaces seven feet wide and five feet high were common, but they required large amounts of fuel and were often smoky. Where cordwood is cut in half, a 30-inch width is desirable for a fireplace, but where coal is burned, the opening can be narrower. Thirty inches is a practical height for the fireplace where the width is less than six feet. The higher the opening, the greater the chance of a smoky fireplace. In general, the wider the opening the greater should be the depth.

Following these guidelines, a satisfactory chimney may be selected.

By: Russell R. Freeman
Would You Like Tips On Fireplace Design?
I've Got Loads Of Great Ideas And Expert Advice To Help Design Your Fireplace.
Click Here For Free Ideas: http://www.fireplace-design.org/]]>

flipping houses - and then read them again. When I saw that most remodeling projects almost never recoup their costs when the house is sold, I was a little shocked, because I had been guilty of almost every mistake on the list at one time or another. I know many people who have also made the same mistakes, even when they started those remodeling projects with the intention of increasing the value of their homes.

When I bought my next house, I kept that list very firmly in mind. For instance, my kitchen was badly in need of a major overhaul, (or so I believed), and it was far too small. I pored over the latest home decorating magazines, and ideas came flooding into my head. I thought about knocking out some walls, and I even tried to imagine adding on to the house to make the kitchen bigger. New cabinets would be needed, and new appliances...

In the end I painted the kitchen cabinets and replaced the sink with a new one I purchased at Ikea. I covered the chipped orange Formica counters with printed cotton fabric, and coated it with many layers of water-based Verathane that was intended to protect wood floors. The complete "remodel" cost less than $400, as opposed to the thousands of dollars that I would have spent if I followed through on my idle dreams of a "perfect" kitchen. Since the house sold at a very good price within two weeks of listing it, my buyer obviously didn't mind that the kitchen didn't meet my idea of perfect. Because I kept my costs down, I made a handy profit on the sale.

Would I have been able to sell the house for more money if the kitchen had been remodeled and expanded? Perhaps, but not enough to cover the cost of the remodel. Although the National Association of Realtors lists a kitchen remodel as one of the projects that will increase a house the most, they still advise that you should expect to get back only 80% of the costs. If your new kitchen is far fancier, bigger, and more expensive than any other kitchen in the neighborhood, the returns will be even less. A full kitchen remodel can cost thousands of dollars, so the 20% you don't get back can be a big chunk of change.

Does this mean that you shouldn't make changes to your home that would make you happy? Not at all, especially if you intend to live there for many years. But it does pay to sit down with your spouse or partner before you start making your remodeling plans, determine exactly how long you'll be staying in the home, and then think about the full financial implications of the remodeling project. Even if you don't think of yourself as a professional house flipper, it might pay to slow down a bit and find ways to improve the home without spending money you'll never see again. As a bonus, your family might be able to avoid the stress and disruption of all that remodeling mess.

Jonni is the author of a new report that shows how she used these fix it and flip it ideas - and how the profit allowed her to buy her next house with cash. Visit - www.BuyAHouseWithCash.com