Kendra Ruminer's Two Cents of Real Estate

Take A Peek At Los Alamos, New Mexico

Tag: Living in Los Alamos (Page 16 of 16)

Make Your Home Improvements Count!

September 16, 2020 /

The subject of home improvement is always a tough one. After all, a home is one of the largest investments we can ever expect to make in our lives. Our home is our castle. And if you’re living in Los Alamos County, chances are you waited, watched, and eventually were so thrilled to move into your home, that the space itself has become nearly sacrosanct. Of course, there’s also a chance that you’re itching to get started on modernizing your house! If that sounds familiar, then let’s discuss a few important points when it comes to recouping cost on a few common home improvement projects.

Data is one of those valuable tools we’ve all become accustomed to looking at when we talk about anything these days. It may (or may not) surprise you to know that there are entities out there collecting data on remodeling projects. One of the most comprehensive reports out there is the Cost vs. Value report. The data is collected by Remodeling Weekly, a publication that caters to contractors and other construction professionals. But the data itself is compiled by surveying Realtors, lenders, appraisers, and other real estate professionals. The purpose, of course, is to help contractors tailor their advertising in a way that helps them push the kinds of projects that homeowners might be more interested in paying for.

That said, we can also spin that report. It’s based on geographical information. And while Albuquerque is the closest metropolitan city that they take into consideration, that still makes it very useful to us here in Los Alamos County. So, the question still remains. What ARE the kind of home improvements that really pay off by increasing your home’s eventual price point in the market?

The Projects That Count

  1. Manufactured Stone Veneer
  2. Garage Door Replacement
  3. Minor Kitchen Remodel
  4. Siding Replacement (fiber cement)
  5. Siding Replacement (vinyl)

It’s not surprising to find things like a kitchen remodel or adding a bathroom or even remodeling a bathroom further on down the list. In fact, you can see that the minor kitchen remodel is number three . According to the “Remodeling” website, if you spend $23K and change on the job, you’re likely to get as much as 78% of that cost back in added value to your home. This is the way the list works, by the way. It speaks in terms of percentage of dollar spent that you might be likely to see added to the value of your home at resale.

“But Kendra, I don’t even HAVE a garage!”

Let’s look at this list in terms of our community, shall we? While adding a manufactured stone veneer to the area around your front door or garage might look fantastic and dramatically increase your curb appeal, that kind of project, along with replacement of garage doors, isn’t always right for homes here in our area.

Reading Between the Lines

Updating is important. That’s a common theme demonstrated by the data trends. Buyers care about updated windows and exterior features like steel entry doors. There is also an element of energy efficiency here. We all know that the old windows in those quads and duplexes in Western Area are paper thin and don’t do much of anything to mitigate heating and cooling costs. If you’re considering doing any of those home improvement projects for yourself, then the good news is that they’ll pay off in the future when you go to sell your home!

Flash doesn’t get much of a return. This is a REALLY important point, folks. We constantly hear and see photographs or layouts of kitchen and bathroom remodels that are out of this world! These projects can cost thousands upon thousands of dollars. And yet the data suggests that buyers don’t really WANT your Tuscan Style Kitchen.

Neat. Clean. Updated. That is the rule of thumb for these projects. A modest kitchen remodel includes updated countertops, flooring, cabinets, and appliances. A bathroom needs a new vanity, sink, countertop, lighting, and paint. While that may seem like a lot, it doesn’t have to include marble tile, imported countertops, and hand hewn cabinets. Just head to your nearest DIY store and see what they have available. You’ll be comfortable in the home while you’re there, and the next potential owner will fall in love faster.

Outdoor living spaces are hot! The bottom line here is that a deck is still a great investment. Especially in our community. Patios aren’t going to net you nearly as much return on investment as a deck, but investing in your landscaping and making the exterior living spaces of your home inviting is always a good idea that gets a high return on investment.

It’s Okay To Suit Yourself

In the end, it’s really important to think about your plans for your home when you consider home improvement projects. If you’ve purchased the home as an investment property, then by all means, carefully choose the identity and scope of your projects to maximize the value. But if it’s your HOME? Don’t forget to be comfortable in your own space. It’s okay to change something to suit YOU. Whether its the gourmet Tuscan Style Kitchen you’ve always dreamed of, or a master suite that comes straight from the Royal Boudoirs Collection. Dream as big as your budget will let you. Love your home! And if you’re ready to turn that investment house into a property for sale, then give me a call. I’d love to talk to you!

Add Some Rot To Your Life

September 9, 2020 /

Oh yes. As we come to the end of a particularly hot summer here in Los Alamos County, it’s time to start getting outside again. Not that we aren’t outside nearly every month out of the year here in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. But with the uncertainty that has become a daily part of our lives, there is wisdom in the idea that new projects aren’t a bad thing at all.

With that in mind, fall might just be the perfect time to start a composting project. Yep. That’s right. Compost. And no. I’m not talking about that pile of stinky, rotting vegetables and yard waste you forgot to gather up and deposit in your brown yard waste bin either.

The truth is that compost can be “done” outdoors or indoors. So, don’t let being in an apartment, condo, or other dwelling without a lot of yard space keep you from having that compost pile. Another thing. Compost done right does NOT smell. If your compost is smelling icky, it means you’ve put something in the pile that doesn’t belong. Eggs, for example, or perhaps dog poop, meat scraps, or other taboo items.

For a full list of items that either belong or DON’T belong in your compost pile, visit the EPA’s website. There is a whole list of do’s and don’t’s for your compost project. Or, the NM Environmental Department has a handy brochure you can view HERE.

Of course, the most important thing to ask yourself when considering a compost pile is whether or not you’re ALLOWED to have a compost pile on your property.

For the most part, here in Los Alamos County, we ARE allowed to have a compost pile on our property. If you’re living in a covenant community such as Elk Ridge, or you’re renting an apartment or even renting a duplex or other single family residence, simply double check with your landlord or property management company regarding their rules for composting.

Composting Basics

There are three things you need for composting. The formula is often described as brown plus green plus water. And of course, you’ll need plenty of air. But before we start with the actual stuff, you need to have a suitable container.

If you don’t want to purchase a bin from a retailer, you can make one. I suggest picking up four wood pallets and wiring them together. You can also make a three sided enclosure using straw bales, providing they’re held together with string and not wire. Or, you could go old school and just make a heap somewhere out of the way in your yard. Make certain you have good access to your compost area since you’ll have to be out there turning it in order to help the process along.

Next Up: The Ingredients
You need four things to make your composting project a success. Brown. Green. Water. Air.
Brown = Yard Waste. Green = Food Waste.
And by the way, grass clippings are considered green and not brown. Water is pretty self-explanatory. Air is also an obvious thing, and yet it’s one of the items that so many people don’t really understand when it comes to successful composting.
Compost is basically the natural breaking down of organic material. Your yard waste brings carbon to the mix. Your food waste brings nitrogen. Water or moisture is a necessary component, and you need to turn that pile at least daily in order to allow air into the mix.

Now, you might be wondering whether composting is really the type of activity you want to be out in your yard doing. After all, composting is for gardeners, right?

Not necessarily. If you’ve spent much time at all trying to grow anything in our county, you know that our topsoil isn’t the greatest. In fact, I’m probably being generous saying it’s not great. The truth is that it isn’t suited to growing things at all.

That being said, even if you DON’T want to garden, you can take your compost and work it into your yard. The end product of the composting process is basically sweet smelling soil. Good, FERTILE soil. Adding that to your fall or spring grass seed mix could really give those green spots in your yard a helpful boost! If you’ve xeriscaped and don’t have grass, put the compost around the base of your trees. If you started a compost pile this weekend and committed to working that pile at least a few times per day, you’d have viable compost in three to four weeks. That would mean you’d have a nice mixture of soil just in time to winterize your yard.

On the subject of working that pile…

Composting can be great exercise. It gets you outside in the yard. Not only are you picking up leaves and brush, you’re carrying your kitchen scraps out to the pile several times a day. That’s an activity to add some steps to the daily total! And in order to move the compost process along, you have to be out there turning the soil. It’s like adding a little bit of cross fit to your daily routine. And I don’t know about you, but with the kiddos learning at home and most jobs involving some kind of hybrid work from home scenario, anything that involves going outside and doing something physical is a bonus for your mental and physical health.

Compost Troubleshooting

A few things to keep in mind when you’re playing in the pile.

  1. If your compost pile stinks, you’ve either put in some no no items, or you’ve got too much moisture. Try adding dry material like leaves or dry grass clippings to get your moisture a little more balanced. If that doesn’t do the trick, check the EPA’s list HERE.
  2. If your compost pile is dry and flaky in the middle, you need more water. Try watering each layer of the pile as you turn it, and then cover it with a plastic sheet or a scrap of carpet to increase the moisture content. (Think greenhouse).
  3. If it’s taking too long to get from your compost starter to a usable product, increase the number of times you’re turning that pile. This is a way of getting air into the mix. More turning=more air=equals faster composting.

All right. I’ve given you resources and information. It’s time for you to add the rot and get composting! As always, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just looking for Tips to enjoy life in Los Alamos. I’m here for you!

Those Big Ticket Items

September 2, 2020 /

The words “Big Ticket Item” can be applied in so many ways. But they do seem to have a rather broad application when it comes to home ownership. A home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. The amount of planning that goes into the initial purchase of your home is nothing compared to the satisfaction you get from walking through the door at the end of each day and just knowing you’re HOME.

But as with any investment, you might want to keep a few things in mind when it comes to maintaining and protecting your home. Whether you’re considering the purchase of a new or new to you home, or trying to make some vital decisions about necessary maintenance on your current home, these are some things to keep in mind.

The Roof

Architectural shingling is the most common roofing material used in the United States. However, here in Los Alamos County and in the Southwest in general, we see a lot of flat roofs on adobe style homes as well as metal roofing options.

Asphalt shingling comes in 20, 30, 40, and 50 year ratings. These ratings are established by the manufacturer, but they don’t necessarily take into account the brutal UV rays experienced here in our community. Lighter colored shingle roofs will last longer than darker colors, and choosing a lighter color for your shingles can also cut down on cooling costs in the summer.

Flat roofs tend to need repair or even replacement in 10-15 years. They require frequent inspecting to make certain that puddling of water doesn’t occur. In some cases, older flat roofs need a buildup of fiberglass or other material to create a slope to encourage appropriate draining.

A metal roof such as Pro Panel roofing can last from 40 to 70 years. Though some homeowners mention that metal roofing can be “louder” during rain or hail storms, proper insulation in your ceiling can eliminate this issue. Metal roofing also comes in a variety of colors and has a better fire rating than other roofing options, which sometimes makes it attractive in communities like ours.

Now. When considering your roofing options, whether the roof is on a house you want to purchase, or your current home, think about age. Age of the home. And how long are you planning to stay in that house? Metal roofing is more expensive than shingles. Sure. You might get 70 years out of the roof, but if you’re only planning to be there for ten years, you’re not going to be the one truly benefitting from that large investment. When pondering the options for replacing your roof, really be honest with yourself about your budget, your expectations, and how long you intend to be in this home. You’ll be glad that you did.

Siding

Saying that our town is filled with an eclectic collection of colorful dwellings isn’t just talk. A strong part of our town’s identity is in our individuality and sometimes that comes out in the paint choices. Even if it means that one half of a duplex is blue and the other is brown.

Some of these color choices come down to what sort of siding is covering the exterior of a home. We have brick, vinyl and hardboard siding, and also plenty of stucco. The durability of these choices is largely affected by whether or not they were properly installed to begin with. Vinyl siding has a 60 year lifespan, hardboard siding tends to be less, 40 years or so, and stucco will last you approximately 50 years. All of these estimates are affected by weather and climate. Replacement costs have more to do with your home’s size, construction, and whether or not the current exterior material must be removed. If you ask Google, the average cost of replacing your siding falls somewhere between $8K and 12K$. Truthfully, this number is generally higher here in our zip code, sometimes because we are located in a remote area, other times because of our tax rate.

In the end, what you choose to put on the exterior of your home should be influenced by your personal preferences and your budget. It’s also drastically affected by how long you intend to be in your home. Be aware if it isn’t your direct concern, it could be a concern for the individual who purchases your home from you down the line.

HVAC – The hot and cold in YOUR life

Air conditioning was not part of the original equipment in a good number of Los Alamos homes. If you’re considering the purchase of a home without A/C, don’t make the assumption you can just add that in later. Ask your Realtor or consult with your building inspector and get all the facts. If that home doesn’t have a central heating system, adding “aftermarket” A/C can be problematic. Ventilation systems and ductwork can be costly or impossible to install if there’s no place for them to go.

Many homes in Los Alamos have hot water baseboard heating. This tends to be a very effective heating solution for many homeowners. Combined with a wood stove or the use of a fireplace, it can be cost effective and cozy. Many homes in our area have passive solar features as well thanks to the brilliant sun that shines an average of more than three hundred days a year.

If your home DOES have A/C, you can expect that system to last 10-15 years. Your furnace and A/C do need regular inspections. Inspections for gas furnaces can be free, so take advantage of this service to avoid costly repairs down the road. If you do need to replace a unit, you can expect to spend between $5K and $10K depending on the size of your home and your family’s needs. When purchasing a home, make sure to ask when the system was last serviced and if the A/C unit has needed “recharging” (a refill of the system refrigerant). Then begin budgeting for any repairs or replacement well in advance. This is one situation where a little bit of planning can avoid some uncomfortable days and nights waiting for emergency service.

Appliances

When it comes to a modern home, there are a LOT of appliances! Here are some basic stats regarding how long those suckers are likely to last.

Hot Water Heater – 6-13 years

Stove 13-15 years (gas stoves tend to last longer)

Refrigerator 10-18 years (the larger the longer lived)

Dishwasher – 10 years

Microwave – 7 years

Some things to think about when it comes to replacing appliances.

First? NOBODY wants to be without hot water. Know how old your hot water heater is and what kind of shape it is in. The water in Los Alamos has a lot of minerals that tend to collect inside a hot water heater reservoir. While these don’t necessarily kill the hot water heater, they can diminish the amount of space inside the tank and effectively create situations where you simply don’t have enough hot water to handle more than one shower in an hour. This could shorten the number of years your hot water heater can handle your family’s needs.

It’s also important to consider the new options for hot water that don’t even require a tank. On demand tankless hot water systems can be a viable option here in Los Alamos. Many of our homes already have gas powered hot water heaters and that can decrease the cost of installation on a tankless system. In the end, it comes down to your family’s needs and your budget. While a tankless system can cost a lot less per year, they tend to cost three times as much up front. That means you need to be in your home for a number of years to break even on that expenditure. Talk to a qualified dealer or a highly rated plumber to find out if this option is the right one for you.

We’ve all seen those older refrigerators, stoves, ovens, etc. that seem indestructible. They’re ancient, and they’re some bizarre color like bright red, golden yellow, or avocado green. Remind yourself that all of those colors were popular at one time. When choosing your new appliances, try to go with a color and finish that is easy to clean, light, bright, and appealing. Even if you’re only replacing appliances one at a time as they need it, plan ahead and think timeless and not trendy.

I hope this information has given you some ideas about your home ownership journey. As always, if you have more questions or any comments, please feel free to Contact Kendra. I’d love to hear from you!

The House of Tomorrow Here in LA

August 26, 2020 /

The residents of Los Alamos County are used to the concept of housing shortages, creative solutions, and making do with what we have. After all, our surroundings boast some of the most incredible views the world has to offer. You can certainly embrace an eclectic house when you’re looking at panoramic views. But you might be interested to know that housing shortages aren’t a new thing here in Los Alamos. As early as the 1940s Los Alamos was looking for solutions to the lack of housing. In 1949 we were eager enough to jump onto a rather unique, quick, mass produced housing bandwagon called Lustron Homes.

Barely visible in this picture is the trademark zigzag trellis that was a Lustron Home signature feature.

Yes. Lustron Homes. The name today (if you’ve never heard it before) has a cult following not unlike the Airstream RV crowd. People are fascinated by the story, the space age style product, and of course, by the same “house of tomorrow” fever that probably has us moving toward a life straight out of “The Jetsons”. Although, this particular house of tomorrow is rather retro.

It all started with the return of GIs after WWII. The economy was recovering. Factories were booming. The middle class was a growing section of the population. And there was nowhere to live.

Enter Carl G. Strandlund. He pitched an idea to the government funded Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) to build prefabricated homes. A $9000 home that could be manufactured in one place and shipped anywhere. These homes would be available in several model styles boasting either two or three bedrooms. They could be assembled by a team of six men using an assembly manual in only a few days!

The RSC granted Strandlund $34 million dollars in loans and set aside a good chunk of steel for his project. Lustron Homes are made of porcelain enameled steel. All of it. Interior, exterior, ceiling, roof, and some models even boasted ivory colored steel venetian blinds! They included bizarre built ins like radiant ceiling heat, a bedroom vanity, china cabinets, and even a clothes washer/dishwasher.

By 1949, Los Alamos jumped on the wagon and 6 of these homes were ordered and constructed on Fairway and 44th Street in the Western Area. The home in the picture above is Dove Gray. Other available colors included Surf Blue, Desert Tan, and Maize Yellow. The homes are made entirely of enameled steel. The company even had to come up with an upbeat decorating guide that included a picture hanging kit. Let’s just say that when decorating your Lustron, magnets are your friends.

Okay. So Lustron Homes never achieved their 100 homes/day goal. Their production line never managed to exceed 27/day. By 1950 they were bankrupt. They’d managed to crank out just under 2500 homes and had defaulted on orders for 8000 more. At the height of their production, the Columbus, OH factory was using more electricity than the rest of the entire city combined. It was a modern factory experiment that completely underestimated the cost of actually shipping these mass produced houses all over the US.

The Lustron Homes story is typically seen as a bit of a failure. The homes had limited decorating options. You can’t even repaint the interior walls. The steel plates are rather susceptible to rust. And it’s not like you can do much in the way of expansion or renovation.

However, 5 of the original 6 Lustron homes are still standing here in Los Alamos. And honestly, for our climate and the reality of living here they’re not such a bad investment. Instead of exterior paint, you just pull out the hose to refresh your look. The roof of a Lustron is totally maintenance free. The desert climate doesn’t exactly promote rusting so our Lustrons don’t have this issue. And on top of other considerations, they’re essentially fireproof.

Besides, they fit perfectly into our Los Alamos landscape. They are a piece of Post World War II history and that is very much a part of the identity of Los Alamos. Many of the Lustrons still standing around the US have been placed on the historic register. Wikipedia has a list of Lustrons HERE. You’ll notice that all of ours are conspicuously absent from that list. Go ahead and have a chuckle. After all, being absent from any list is such a vintage part of life in Los Alamos. There are so many old school examples of building and architecture here in our town. The quads and duplexes. The entire Denver Steel area, Fuller Lodge, Bathtub Row, and countless other examples of American culture frozen in time. Viewed through that lens, it seems rather fitting that we have some Lustron Homes on that list.

I’ll leave you today with a YouTube video courtesy of the Ohio Historical Society. Take a peek and enjoy a look back at what life used to be like. Sometimes as we talk amongst ourselves about spotty Internet service, online school, and work at home, it feels as though a return to a simpler time wouldn’t be so bad.

A Snapshot of Life in the 50’s.

See you soon! Keep looking for more blog posts featuring local real estate tips and ideas for Living in Los Alamos. And as always, Call or Email Kendra anytime!

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