Landscaping: What to Look For

Buying a house? MSN shares some tips on what to look for when evaluating the landscaping:

• Plant health. Even if you're not a professional gardener, there are some tell-tale signs that a plant is sick. Wilting plants -- or brown and crispy leaves -- are warning signs. So are mushrooms and fungus at the bottom of a tree, as well as evidence of insect problems.
  
  
• Placement of tree limbs. Look to see if any limbs are touching a roof or could interfere with a power line -- both possible areas of concern. But be especially aware of a tree limb hanging over the chimney. Not only could animals climb down into the chimney, but a branch could block the draft and create higher carbon monoxide levels in the home.
  
  
• Problems underground. It's tougher to look for evidence of heavy root growth than it is to take a survey of the limbs above. But sometimes, roots will make their presence known by lifting or cracking a sidewalk or driveway, creating a trip hazard. Also, a depression in the yard could indicate a leaking sewer line caused by root interference.
  
  
• The lay of the land. Drive around the block and look at the ground on which the home is situated. Is it at the bottom of a hillside, at the top of one, or on flat land? It's important that rain isn't able to follow a downward slope toward the foundation (a condition that could lead to flooding).
  
  
• Foliage proximity. Watch out for foliage that is close to the house's exterior, because it can provide shelter for insects and rodents and gives them an excellent vantage point from which to enter the house. Also, if shrubs are too close to the building and the wind causes them to rub up against the house, the siding could wear out.
  
  
• Deck construction. Although a deck isn't a living part of the landscape, it's still an important one to inspect. The building of a deck is a common do-it-yourself project, and sometimes mistakes can be found in the final product. Make sure that the deck is fastened to the house correctly and is supported properly. It should have places for people to grab onto,and balusters should be close enough that a 4-inch ball couldn't fit through them (ensuring that a child's head couldn't get stuck).
  

Can You Get a Rebate on Your Next Home Purchase?

This past Sunday's Boston Globe included an article on how online agents are using rebates compete against traditional commission-based real estate brokers.

Savings to the consumer can be substantial, but there are tradeoffs. What's more, some states bar the practice of rebates, says the Globe, on the grounds they could be misused as kickbacks.

As you might expect, establishment brokers question whether a rebate really is in a customer's best interest. For instance, an agent may not be able to negotiate a lower commission or may reduce the level of service they provide because they owe the rebate company 35% of their commission. Then there are those who feel that the whole practice of hawking rebates is "undignified".

Online agents, on the other hand, counter that customers can have it both ways -- good purchase prices and money back in the form of a rebate.

Don't expect this debate to be resolved any time soon....

Sellers: Create a Child-Friendly Home

Quicken Loans shares these suggestions for making your home more attractive to buyers with small children:

• Cabinet locks. Install in areas where potentially dangerous items are stored (such as under the kitchen sink cabinet).



• Appliance locking straps. These easy-to-install items prevent kids from opening ovens, dishwashers and toilets.



• Fireplace gate. Fire = hot = ouch! Need we say more?



• Smoke detectors. Install one near every bedroom and in common areas throughout the house. (Consider adding a carbon monoxide detector, as well.)



• Electrical outlet covers. This inexpensive and easy fix can help potential buyers visualize their child playing or living in your home.



• Curtain/blinds cord cleats. Eliminate a potential choking hazard by installing next to windows and using them to wrap the cords.