Rose Cottage Ltd

And the answer is as useless as usual…

“It depends.”

The real answer is there is no set rule for investing in real estate or even in making a purchase of a primary residence. What looks like a great deal to me may not look so hot to you. Financially, what looks like a good deal for purchase, may not be a great deal for investment…

Talking to yourself is normally frowned upon, but when it comes to a real estate purchase, you’d better know who you are, what you want, and what you are willing to do. Otherwise, no realtor will be able to assist you and chances are you will make a purchasing error.

I hate to keep picking on people from the HGTV Househunters episodes, but I’ve quickly realized that many home buyers can’t, don’t, or won’t distinguish between cosmetic upgrades and functional issues so here’s my take on what is important and what is not. Figuring out what is important to you will help you decide whether a property purchase is a “deal” or not.

If you want a turnkey property – meaning all you have to do is move in, then comments and concerns about paint colors and wallpaper are probably valid points for you because you don’t plan to or want to do anything to the property. Also, if you are expecting this to be a shorter-term property, you may not have the time or interest in doing anything that is near home “improvement.”

But for some on the HGTV series, they go in looking at homes “where they can raise a family,” (which they haven’t started yet!) and then immediately begin complaining about paint colors! Who cares? You can paint a room for around $150 – and that includes brushes! If you like the rest of the house and you plan on staying, worry less about the color of rooms and make sure instead that you have the square footage you need. Adding square footage is NOT a cheap improvement.

Ask questions about the age of the roof, and the age of the HVAC system, is the property prone to any flooding? Is the house on a well or is there a municipal water/septic system? These are the important and potentially expensive things to ask about – instead of complaining about icky paint colors and other minor dislikes. Only then can you decide whether your proposed real estate purchase CAN be a deal – even if not perfect at the moment.

On the flip side, (pun intended for Jeff Lewis fans!) are those who either overestimate their home improvement capabilities or, severely underestimate costs.

Take a look at this little charmer to the right. At least 95% of those interested in real estate should run like their hair is on fire from this property. No matter the “deal” price.

Without knowing or seeing anything else about this property or its location, I can guarantee it will require a LOT of work. Forget the neighborhood for the moment and forget comps. The property has been abandoned for who knows how long. Houses without electric (and possibly water) begin to “die” for lack of a better word – fairly quick. It looks like the front door is some sort of temporary deal – which may mean this house has been broken into – meaning who knows what may have been stolen or, how much damage may have been done.

I’m also concerned about the neighbor house. Can’t see a lot from the image but it looks WAY too much like the subject house. This would give me a first impression of a declining or declined neighborhood.

So could this still be a “deal”? Yes.

+ If you want a full-time job doing renovations – Yes.
+ If the rest of the neighborhood is full of renovated properties – Yes.
+ If you get inside and find all working appliances, no termites, etc., etc. – Yes.
+ If you can get this house for a “steal” price (whatever that is) – Yes.
+ If you have somewhere else to live during renovation – Yes.
+ If you have solid knowledge of the area – crime, economy, sales, etc. – Yes.

Otherwise – walk away.

This is an extreme contrast between turnkey and “fixer” but I am constantly amazed at how many people don’t seem to consider or even know the difference.

Most likely, the last blooms of this amazing Hibiscus for 2013…

I’m off to Lowe’s today for a few items and will be looking to see what their garden center has for me for Fall 2013 (September 22.) Believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about fall planting of bulbs, and to identify any mulching/protective landscaping to prepare for winter.

If you have outdoor furniture or barbecue items that need covers, or are looking for end-of-summer clearance deals, Exterior Accents is having a sale right now. If you’ve been procrastinating, here’s a little Exterior-Accents.com FREE SHIPPING link just for you!

Around this time each year I start to catalog what needs to be done around the yard and garden before it gets hot and buggy. This includes things like mulching and preparing for those inevitable weeds to start showing themselves, making sure the trimmer and lawn mower are good to go – literally, etc., etc.

But a few want-to do things always creep in like adding more garden color in drab locations by adding a few bulbs, finishing projects started but not completed like the patio, or maybe adding a few new what I call “special points of interest.”

These can either be a new birdbath or gazing ball, or a planting of herbs, or maybe a new edging, border or flagstone walking path. Time and money availability will usually impact these decisions so here’s a chance to get some quick, inexpensive, and new ideas for Spring/Summer 2013.

I like this Cape Hatteras light house as a garden structure. This amazing yard and garden lighthouse replica is meticulously handcrafted from synthetic stucco and masonry over a solid foam core making it virtually impervious to the elements. Includes decorative windows with curtains and a highly detailed six panel door.

Hand-painted with industrial marine paint to replicate the actual lighthouse in North Carolina, these are the finest quality lawn lighthouses on the market today. The lighthouse illuminates a soft continuous light or you can upgrade to a rotating beacon or to a solar-powered beacon.

Available in 5″, 8″ and 12″ high sizes.

These unique garden gazing globes contain luminescent crystals that absorb sunlight during the day and then emit a soft green glow at night for up to four hours. (I’ll be interested to see what the local geese think of these!)

Beautiful during the day too! Hand-blown glass.

Size: 10″ Diameter. Stand not included but you can find it here.

Check out Exterior Accents for hundreds of other ideas for your new season “want-to” additions to your yard and garden! They have a 10% off sale going on right now…

Winter low temperatures are on the way. I’m expecting my first few mornings in the 20 degree range this last week of November. It might be nice to have an outdoor thermostat that also adds a nice design touch to the garden. Here are a few outdoor thermometers (some with clocks,) with a bit of style…

This Moon Outdoor Thermometer combines functional quality with a unique decorative flair that may be used indoors or out. The rust-free durability of aluminum and upscale finish combine to provide a beautiful and durable patio accent. Your choice of French Bronze or Verdigris finish.

Size: 12″ Diameter.

Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Sunface Outdoor Clock also available.

Have a friend or family member who loves to fish?

This Bass Outdoor Thermometer Clock provides time and temperature info at a glance.

In French Bronze (shown) or Antique Copper finish. Clock runs on one AA battery, (included.)

Size: 14″ Diameter.

This Lab Outdoor Thermometer Clock combines functional quality with a unique decorative flair that may be used indoors or out. The rust-free durability of aluminum and upscale finish combine to provide a beautiful and durable patio accent. Your choice of French Bronze or Antique Copper finish. Clock runs on one AA battery, included.

Size: 14″ Diameter.

The Pinecone Outdoor Clock Thermometer is on sale right now and for just under $100, it also makes a very nice gift.

Features:

++ Unique decorative flair
++ Rust-Free aluminum
++ Antique Copper finish
++ 14 inches diameter

Save $25 on orders over $199!
Use coupon code SV25 at checkout!

Gifts under $100 from Exterior-Accents.com!

It’s been so hot lately that I’m refilling my 2 bird baths twice a day. By about 2pm, the cold water I added at 8am is already bathwater warm. This may sound great for a human bath, but it’s not very refreshing for birds to drink.

I also think the sound of running, splashing, or trickling water can make one at least “think” if not “feel” a little less overheated. Below are some fountain ideas for you and for your feathered friends – for garden, or tabletop use…

Blue is a “cool” color. Add it wherever you can in your Summer garden. This
Fish Solar Fountain is similar to one I have on my patio table…

There are absolutely no running costs and set-up is as simple as placing the solar panel in direct sunlight and adding water. The low voltage pump sends water to the top urn where it trickles back to the basin to be recycled creating an amiable environment perfect for any garden, patio or balcony. Weather Resistant.

Dimensions: 10 1/2 ” H x 17″ W x 17 1/2 ” D

Taking time for some peaceful reflection? This Solar Buddah Fountain may help!

Black Iron Finish and operates on battery power at night.

Includes remote control underwater integral solar panel & pump system. Low voltage water pump with filter, removable and exclusive wild bird wading deck. No wiring, simply install and enjoy.

Fountain measures 20.25″L x 18.75″W x 21.9″H

The Calming Bamboo Fountain will help you carry on with your peaceful reflections – and add a tropical flair to your garden table.

This skillfully hand crafted table top fountain is designed by a team of gifted artisans. This piece creates a striking focal point wherever it is placed. The fountain’s gently flowing waters provide a calming effect as they soothe nerves and restore body, mind and spirit. Stones and greenery included. Pump Included. Decorative and Functional.

Dimensions 10″ L x 10″ W x 11″ H

Estate Fountains – For larger yards and garden areas…

The Double Oblique W/ Ball Fountain Amatrice is made of heavy duty watering cans and vases that are hot dipped in zinc for a lifetime of protection and use. Hot dipping prevents leaks and rust while keeping the watering cans looking brand new year after year.

Features: Designed for free flow of water without spills
Holds: 2 gallons

I love the look of this Nova Fountain (Ancient).

Constructed with Glass fiber Reinforced Concrete, which is makes it lighter and more durable than cast stone. Sure to be unique to your backyard, deck, patio or landscape. Our pumps are commercially designed to last. Unique Designer Model.

Includes Commercial Pump Great for any Landscape. 14 Colors to Choose From. 4-6 Week Lead Time Free Shipping!

Lots of options to choose from with this fountain – pick out the style and color just right for your outdoor living space!

Hundreds of other fountains and products for Summer 2012 from…

If you’re a NASCAR fan, this item may well be a “no brainer.” I remember my Father sitting in our backyard in the summertime, listening to the Motor Racing Network on a small radio – with aluminum foil on the antennae. If he was lucky and weather conditions were good – he could HEAR most of the race. Not sure how much we’d have seen of him if outdoor televisions had been available in the 1960s and 1970’s!

One of the top desired outdoor products for 2011 was a high quality and high definition outdoor TV. For 2012, we are about 2 months away from the start of the Summer Olympics in London – you’ll want to be ready to catch all the action – anywhere!

Think of this product as another weapon in your arsenal for those rare moments when a good book is not available, your chores are completed, and you just want to sit for awhile, be entertained, and just enjoy being outside.

Here are a few good outdoor TV options you might want to consider…

We’ll start with this top-of-the-line 55″ HD All-Weather Outdoor LCD TV.

Designed with a durable All-weather Environmental Feature-Set, SunBriteTV engineers their televisions for permanent outdoor installation.

The bright 55-inch full-HD 1080p LCD screen with 120 Hz frame rate is integrated into an all weather exterior that protects the internal components from rain, dirt, insects and scratches. Quad-fan Airflow system keeps the unit cool and dry in temperatures up to 122 degrees F. Internal thermostatically-Controlled Heater protects TV in temperatures as low as -24 degrees F. Innovative Water-tight Cable Entry System with pass-through design keeps cables dry and allows for easy hook-ups. Anti-Reflective Window reduces glare, increases contrast and protects the LCD screen.

Note: You can still get this TV delivered in time to see if “I’ll Have Another” takes the Triple Crown at Belmont in June!

This TV is on sale right now and is eligible for free shipping!

Slightly smaller for smaller outdoor space, this 46″ HD All-Weather Outdoor LCD TV is also on sale and is eligible for free shipping.

The innovative watertight cable entry system with pass-through design keeps cables dry and allows for easy hook up. An internal thermostatic heater is activated automatically when internal temperature sensor reads 32 degrees F or lower and protects TV in temperatures as low as 24 degrees F. A contrast-enhancing, anti-reflective and scratch resistant window protects the LCD screen from rain, dirt and the elements. Includes water-resistant remote control and tabletop stand. Compatible with nearly all video sources including off-the-air antenna, cable TV, satellite TV, DVD players and PCs (S-Video and composite video).

Need a smaller TV but want the same superior quality, AND free shipping?

The 32″ HD All-Weather Outdoor LCD TV (Powder-Coated Aluminum Exterior) also comes with a ASA Plastic Resin Exterior option.

Features:

+ HDTV compatible
+ Three color options: Platinum, Black or Marine White
+ Resolution 1366 x 768
+ Standard VESA 75/100 mounting hole pattern
+ Incl. Tabletop Stand & Water-resistant remote control
+ RS232 Serial Control
+ Discreet IR Control
+ Concealed IR window inside water tight cable door
+ Detachable speakers

Look for these and thousands of other products to make your summer and your garden more enjoyable…

Over 2500 products in 30 categories…you are sure to find the perfect item for your outdoor living space here!

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