Benford Real Estate, Silicon Valley, Santa Clara County

Much has been made of the rise in mortgage interest rates from below 6% to about 7% in the last two years. But in the context of the last 35 years, this change is just a blip on the radar. In fact, from 1972 until the middle of 2002, interest rates had never been as low as they are now. These favorable rates, combined with a soft market in many parts of Silicon Valley, make this an ideal time for qualified buyers to purchase their dream homes.

*Graph created from data provided by Freddie Mac (http://www.freddiemac.com).

How homeowners can avoid costly mold problems

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, mold has become a hot issue. Health concerns and potential damage make mold a red flag for buyers. And even if you’re not planning to sell any time soon, taking care of mold problems now can help prevent bigger problems in the future. Contrary to what some people think, mold is not a geographic problem-it can occur anywhere, no matter where you live. Here is some basic information about mold and how to deal with it.

What is mold?

Molds are microscopic organisms that are found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. There are thousands of different kinds of mold. Their natural function is to help break down dead materials such as stumps and leaves so the nutrients can be used by the environment. For molds to grow, they need two things: an organic food source-such as leaves, wood, paper or dirt-and moisture.

Problems associated with mold

Mother Nature uses mold to decompose plant material. Unfortunately, when present indoors, it can be equally destructive. Mold growth can damage furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets. Left unchecked, it can also cause serious damage to walls and structural elements in your home.

Mold is present everywhere, and most people tolerate exposure with no adverse effects. If allowed to spread, however, it may cause problems. As molds grow, they release thousands of tiny spores that travel through the air. When inhaled in large enough amounts, these spores may increase the risk of adverse health effects in some people, particularly respiratory problems. A less-common strain of mold called “black mold” can be particularly troublesome to those who are especially sensitive.

Common causes of mold problems

Don’t think that just because you live in a hot, dry climate, your home is not vulnerable to mold. There are many sources of mold problems, from faulty air conditioners to poorly positioned sprinkler systems. Federal standards for energy-efficient home-building have even contributed to the problems. By making homes more airtight, construction techniques in newer homes also trap moisture inside.

Here are the most common sources of mold inside the home:

· Flooding
· Leaky roofs or damaged gutters
· Heating or cooling system problems
· Poor drainage next to foundation
· Plumbing leaks from toilets, refrigerators and dishwashers
· Damp basement or crawl space
· Leaking windows or doors
· Steam from shower or cooking
· Indoor exhaust from clothes dryers

What to look for

If you can see or smell mold inside your home, it’s time to take measures. Any area that has sustained past or ongoing water damage should be thoroughly inspected-you may find hidden mold growth in water-damaged walls, floors or ceilings. Walls and floors that are warping or discolored can also indicate moisture problems, as can condensation on windows or walls.

Preventing mold in your home

Since mold is always present, there’s no way to eliminate it completely. You can control indoor mold growth, however, by controlling moisture.

1. Remove the source of moisture by fixing any leaks or other water problems.
2. Make sure bathroom fans and dryers are properly vented to the outside. Always use the exhaust fan when cooking or showering.
3. Use a dehumidifier or air-conditioning system. Make sure your AC system is well maintained and is the correct size for your home. A faulty AC system can cool the air without removing the water vapor, creating high humidity.
4. Insulate your home well to prevent indoor condensation.
5. Have your heating, ventilation and cooling systems professionally cleaned annually. Air-duct systems can easily become contaminated with mold.
6. Regularly clean moist areas such as the bathroom with products that treat mildew.
7. Dry-clean, rather than wet-clean, your carpets.Avoid carpeting bathrooms and basements.
8. Clean any moldy surfaces as soon as you notice them.

Mold clean-up

Mold is a manageable problem. Unless it is dealt with correctly, however, it will continue to come back. If your mold problem is severe or if you have extensive water damage, it’s best to call an experienced, professional contractor who specializes in mold removal. If you have a mold problem that is isolated to a small area, less than a square yard or so, you can try to resolve it yourself.

Porous items that are hard to clean, such as carpet and drapes, should be discarded. Moldy Sheetrock and ceiling tiles can be removed and replaced.

Hard, nonabsorbent surfaces such as glass, plastic and metal can be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Allow to dry completely.

For solid items that are semi-porous, such as floors, cabinets and wood furniture, scrub with an ammonia-free cleaner and hot water to remove all mold. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. After cleaning, apply a mildewcide to kill mold and spores.

When cleaning mold, remember to wear gloves, a mask and eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area. Throw away any sponges or rags that you use for cleaning.

Whether you’re looking to buy a home, remodel your existing home or improve your home for resale, it’s good to be on top of the latest developments in the housing market. What’s hot in homes today? Here are a few trends that are changing the way we live.

Quality over quantity

While new homes in general are slightly larger than they were five years ago, builders are reporting that a growing number of homeowners are trading more square footage for higher-quality finishes and amenities. The enormous success of the book The Not So Big House gave a name to the movement. However, the desires of homebuyers have really fueled the trend. Given the choice between a bigger house with fewer amenities or a smaller house with higher-quality amenities, 63 percent of the home-owners surveyed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) opted for the latter.

The trend appears to cross both age and income boundaries. An Urban Land Institute study of first-time homebuyers in their twenties indicates that Generation Y buyers will gladly sacrifice space for higher-end materials and construction. On the other end of the spectrum, the assumption that luxury-home buyers only want very large homes is also being challenged. Real estate research firm Permar Inc. reports that there is a strong demand for “small high-priced homes that are very well appointed.”

The way we utilize the space in our homes is changing, too. While upscale homeowners still want a living room, in moderately priced homes, the living room has often morphed into a study or extension of the kitchen/entertainment space. According to the NAHB, about a third of potential homebuyers say they are willing to buy a home with no living room. As people continue to spend more time “nesting,” the home is becoming a luxury refuge. This includes the creation of “sanctuary spaces,” such as small yoga rooms or reading alcoves, throughout the home.

Going modular

A flood of interest on the part of hip young architects has transformed the design of modular construction. The latest modular homes look like conventionally built structures, often with a cutting-edge modern style. Features such as fireplaces, French doors and decks are all being incorporated.

Why go modular? Because these homes are built at a factory and then erected on the site by cranes, they can be put together much more quickly than site-built homes. Carpet and other flooring are done at the factory, along with the trim and paint. Most modular homes are move-in ready 8 to 10 weeks after they’re ordered, about half the time it takes to construct a home on-site. Since the modules need to be strengthened for transport and assembly, the quality of these homes is high. The cost per square foot is usually quite a bit lower than standard construction as well. And because they are truly modular, most homes can be expanded and modified as the needs of the home owner change. (Still not convinced? Check out www.glidehouse.com to see an award-winning “green” modular home design.)

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