Preparing Your Fireplace for Santa

by | Nov 8, 2013 | Blog, Home Improvement |

by Gary Belk It’s getting close to the time of year when Santa will be using your chimney not to mention there’s a chill in the air, and one of the nicest parts about cold weather is sitting by a blazing fire. Most likely, you haven’t used your fireplace since February. It’s unwise to just toss in some wood and a match without any proper maintenance beforehand, so what can you do now to ensure you’re ready for cozy fireside nights when the weather cools? The average number of annual U.S. home fires caused by fireplace, chimney, and chimney connectors between 2003 and 2005 was 25,100, and the average costs for those fires was $126.1 million, based on the most recent statistics from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). That’s roughly $5,024 in damage per home. Annual chimney maintenance removes flammable creosote, the major cause of chimney fires, and identifies other performance problems. There are basically three levels of inspection. Read on to see which one is a fit for you and your fireplace. 1. Level One: This is a visual check with typically no roof climbing—or dancing to musical numbers a la Mary Poppins—involved. The inspector comes to your house with a flashlight, looks for damage, obstructions, creosote build-up, and soot, and tells you if you need a sweep. If so, he’ll grab his brushes, extension poles, and vacuum, and do it on the spot. A level one typically runs about $125. Add a sweep, and you’re talking another $80, or about $205 for both services, according to CSIA. 2. Level Two: If you’ve experienced a dramatic...

Fall is Upon Us: It’s a “perfect storm” for buyers of real estate

by | Oct 16, 2013 | Blog, Home Improvement, Neighborhoods, Properties with Potential, Real Estate, San Francisco Real Estate |

by Gary Belk After a busy 3 quarters of rising prices, bidding wars and limited inventory the traditionally calmer 4th quarter has arrived. During autumn our market tends to be a bit slower paced and easier for buyers to navigate.  If you are in the market, you are in luck for two reasons: First, many buyers are distracted by the start of school, the end of summer and the coming holidays.  Second, a seller with their property on the market at this time of year is a motivated seller. This is the time of year we see many relocation’s, probate and distressed properties on the market because they need to sell.  We also have a few properties that were overpriced in the summer and now the sellers are starting to be realistic.  All of these factors combined make for the ‘perfect storm’ buyers.  So grab your all weather gear and give me a call! Here is a selection of some of my favorite properties: Great property for Land bank Land banking is buying a property for the future development of the land.  This property is a perfect example.  It is located on an RH-2 lot (can be up to 2 units).  Hold this property for 10 years and you’ll be sitting on a gold mine.  In the meantime rent the house and pay the mortgage. Perfect home to update This home is located in popular Noe Valley.  It has un-permitted space on the ground floor and needs cosmetic upgrades.  With these issues remedied you have a great family home for a great price in Noe. Best home for a...

Good ideas for narrow homes

by | Sep 29, 2013 | Before and After, Blog, Home Improvement, Properties with Potential, San Francisco Real Estate |

by Gary Belk Good ideas for narrow homes: The home in this article is only 10′ wide, makes the SF standard 25′ wide home feel spacious! Other by Washington Architects & Designers KUBE architecture Good ideas for narrow homes: Design Lessons From a 10-Foot-Wide Row House Architecture, interior design, and more ∨Browse living room ideas, from sectional sofas to chandeliers and floor lamps, for your next interior design project. Browse inspiring bedroom design, then outfit your own beds, convertible sofa beds ordaybed with luxury bedding and decorative throws....

Bush St. Review Before Renovation Video

by | Apr 25, 2013 | Blog, Home Improvement |

Bush St. Review Before Renovation with your Renovation Realtor Gary Belk from GaryBelk.com A home renovation can involve many decisions and these decisions can be daunting to make on your own. There are homeowners who understand but they either refuse to do a needed home renovation at all, or end up with in an unfortunate situation with their contractor. Here’s were I come in as a renovation consultant and help you organize and make those important decisions. In this second video I share the before pictures of the property with description of what the photo’s are and walk you through on what’s going to be done.     If you want to learn more about the planning processed that took place read Bush St. Planning Process Don’t forget to come back and join me next week when we share the pictures of the finished property....