6-12-19 Real Estate Weekly

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JUNE 12, 2019 • Volume 14 • Issue 24

RE WEEKLY RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGE • FARM • COMMERCIAL • AREA DEVELOPMENT 515-233-3299 • 317 5th Street, Ames • All REALTOR® ads within are REALTORS® licensed in the State of Iowa

Online at www.AmesTrib.com/realestateweekly


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Clay roof tiles

fire-resistant, low maintenance, eco-friendly - especially if made from recycled tires. Resilient and excellent at holding up to hailstorms. Lifespan of about 50 years. CONS: Unattractive flat black appearance … which can, however, be improved by coating with acrylic paint or purchasing rubber roofing strips to cut into “shingles.”

Slate

ROOF

TYPES

FACTSHEET

Pros and cons of 10 popular materials By Laura Firszt | More Content Now

A

ABOUT: Manufactured from clay, which is shaped and baked. aka “terracotta roof tiles.” PROS: Natural material. Has an attractive orangebrown color or may be dyed. Can be formed into a variety of decorative shapes. Relatively long lifespan of 40-plus years. CONS: Fire–resistant but not totally fireproof. Consider whether your building structure can bear the weight; you may need to have additional framing added.

Concrete roof tiles

re you looking to install a new roof this year? Jumpstart the project and prepare yourself with the facts on roofing materials before you even hire a contractor. Here’s a guide to pros and cons of 10 popular roof types.

Asphalt shingles ABOUT: Most common of all roof types in the U.S. today, asphalt shingles are the roofing material on almost 80 percent of American homes. Asphalt saturates both sides of their paper or fiberglass base, which is then topped with a layer of mineral granules. Choose between the popular 3-tab asphalt shingle and the longer-lasting architectural shingle (also called “laminate shingles”). PROS: Affordable and easy to install. Provide a quick upgrade on a house for sale. CONS: Only suitable for steeply sloping roofs. Don’t hold up well to severe temperature changes or intense, direct sunlight. Relatively short lifespan of about 20 years.

Asphalt roll ABOUT: Also known as “torch-on roofing.” Similar to asphalt shingles, but applied as one piece. PROS: Simple, quick installation means lower cost. CONS: Roof repair is not so easy. Lasts only 15 years on average.

ABOUT: Molded from concrete. PROS: Available in an interesting range of shapes and colors. Fireproof. CONS: Heavy weight. Not as long-lasting as clay roof tiles

Metal ABOUT: In the form of a single flat panel or shingles. Materials include aluminum, copper, steel, tin and zinc. PROS: Fireproof, hail resistant, durable, lightweight, excellent at shedding snow, reflective of sunrays to stay cooler in summer. Can last 50 years or more. CONS: Metal roof types tend to be noisy during rain and hail storms. Steel must be treated to prevent corrosion.

Rubber ABOUT: Rubber roofing is available in thicknesses ranging from 1 ¾ inches to 3 ½ inches; the thickness you’ll need depends on factors such as your roof pitch. PROS: Good insulator,

ABOUT: Composed of tiles cut from natural stone. PROS: Fireproof, water and weather resistant, recyclable natural material. Increase your home’s value. Often last more than 100 years. CONS: Expensive to install. Also costly and complicated to repair, requiring a slate tile specialist.

Solar tiles ABOUT: Roof tiles that incorporate solar technology. PROS: Eliminate the hassle of installing solar panels atop an existing roof, yet still convert solar energy to electricity for your home. Simplify roof repair. Great for harsh climates, as they stand up to strong winds and heavy hail. CONS: High cost to install solar tiles, requiring a specialist.

Tar and gravel ABOUT: After molten asphalt is used to “glue” layers of tarpaper roofing material in place, the roof is laminated and coated with gravel for additional protection. PROS: One of the few roof materials suitable for a low-slope or flat roof. Fairly inexpensive. CONS: Short lifespan compared to other roof types - up to 20 years.

Wood shingles or shakes ABOUT: Wood roofing shingles are machine cut; shakes are hand cut. Usually cedar or redwood. PROS: Excellent insulators. Add curb appeal and resale value. Last upwards of 25 years with the right maintenance. CONS: Pricey. Require expert installation. High maintenance. May require fire resistant treatment to comply with local code. In addition, you need to treat wooden roofing materials against mold and termite infestation. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS IMAGES

Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.


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DEAR MONTY

Will a zoning change cause our property value to drop? is seeking to tear down two homes right across the alley. A real estate agent friend told us that if this project is approved, it will negatively impact our property value. What can we do to stop it?

RICHARD MONTGOMERY

R

eader question: We own a small, well-cared for, older home in a moderate neighborhood in a small Midwestern city of about 30,000. We are one block off of a feeder street near downtown that has both similar single-family homes plus a few apartments and small medical offices. The zoning allows for a medical office under conditional use. A sizeable dental office

Monty’s answer: While it is true that rezoning can negatively affect nearby property values, it can also increase or not change the value. Neighborhood data can often help provide guidance based on fact, rather than an off-the-cuff opinion.

Gather data Many cities of 30,000 residents will have a variety of data points online that allows you to gather information from home. Zoning ordinances and municipal code on the city website are legitimate

sources of the specifics of a particular type of zoning. Zoning maps in their GIS system can give you a big picture overview that helps identify potential locations to dig deeper. There are also maps from sources like Google Maps or Bing that come with 3D and street views or aerial photography. Ask your real estate friend to search for a recent sale with a business in the backyard. There will be a few behind the feeder street near downtown. 1. Identify a specific house that sold. 2. Search for similar homes that sold nearby in the recent past. 3. Adjust the sale prices of the comparables based on the differences in features. 4. Then compare the adjusted sale prices to see if there is a pattern of higher sales prices away from the backyard business subject property.

The big picture You have many positives that suggest there will be no drop in value, such as an affordable price range, proximity to downtown and you are close to amenities. If there is a negative pattern, it could influence a zoning board if you display your findings well. Consider asking an appraiser friend to confirm your results and present them on your behalf. Richard Montgomery is the author of “House Money - An Insider’s Secrets to Saving Thousands When You Buy or Sell a Home.” He advocates industry reform and offers readers unbiased real estate advice. Follow him on Twitter at @ dearmonty.


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Contemporary paint colors By Laura Firszt More Content Now

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rom avocado green to millennial pink, trends in interior paint colors have come and gone. So how do you choose a color palette that looks fresh right now but you’ll still love tomorrow? Find out in my exclusive interview with Sherwin-Williams color expert Sue Wadden. What defines a contemporary paint color for home interiors? Contemporary home design is all about the “now” and making a bold design statement. There’s currently a strong movement toward saturated earth tones and inspiration from nature - blues, greens and earthy browns. Our goal is to inspire DIYers and designers alike to update spaces in big and small ways with modern colors. The Sherwin-Williams 2019 Color of the Year, Cavern Clay SW 7701, is an earthy, versatile terracotta that feels classic, yet contemporary. How can homeowners choose the best paint colors for their house and lifestyle? When it comes to choosing paint colors, I always say, “Start with what you love.” If there are certain objects that you love in your home, like a throw pillow or rug, use them as inspiration for your color palette.

Trends are cyclical, and we often see colors come back in style after fading for a time. Homeowners and renters should select colors they enjoy and will feel comfortable with, even as trends shift. How can someone use bold modern house colors without overwhelming their decor? Accent walls are still very popular and a great option for people who want to incorporate bold color without overwhelming their space. This is a perfect way to incorporate a striking, contemporary hue - especially if you’re just starting to experiment with color. What are simple ways to update your home without repainting the entire space? Painting your kitchen cabinets or island can give your kitchen a fresh, updated look. For the exterior of your home, adding a pop of color to the front door is an easy and inexpensive way to instantly boost curb appeal. What are good colors to paint a house for sale? To sell your home, create a space that buyers can envision themselves living in. Warmer neutral colors make an interior more inviting. Accessible Beige SW 7036’s gray undertone works beautifully with wood tones and open floor plans. Mindful Gray SW 7016 is a timeless greenish-gray which also suits a variety of interiors. Dover White SW 6385 is a warm, welcoming

neutral that complements architectural styles from Colonial and Victorian to Craftsman, Ranch and Modern. What are the hottest paint colors these days and where do you recommend using them? The past few years have been dominated by cooltoned paint colors like grays, blues and greens. Now we’re seeing a shift toward warmer, more welcoming colors for the home. Cavern Clay SW 7701 creates the perfect backdrop in a dining room or kitchen, especially when paired with bright tiles, warm stone, and sculptural greenery to complete the desert modern look. Exuberant Pink SW 6850 is a bold color that works best as an accent wall in a home office, entryway, or bedroom. Charming Pink SW 6309 offers a lot of versatility and can be used just about anywhere - kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and more. Can you give a few insider tips on choosing and applying paint colors? Choosing a paint color is a commitment, so I recommend using color tools to narrow the choices and preview selections in your home. Get a wet sample to create multiple swatches of color on your wall so you’ll be confident that the color works in all lighting scenarios. Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.


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Realtors, do you want to reach a wider group of potential buyers? Advertise in the RE Weekly. In print and online.

Call Ali Eernisse 515-663-6956

RE WEEKLY


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