Lacey Helen Blog's

Wednesday, 27 November 2019

Former Chicago Singer Peter Cetera Lists Rockin’ Idaho Home for $2.2M

Former Chicago lead singer Peter Cetera has listed one of his Idaho homes for $2.2 million.

The harmonious home in Hailey, ID, was last on the market in 2015 for $1.998 million, according to real estate records.

Cetera, a former native of Chicago (the city, that is), has been a long-time Idaho resident. His name was in the news back in 2013, after wildfires threatened his main residence in nearby Ketchum, ID.

As for the Hailey home, it’s located on what’s described as a “grandfathered Bigwood River view.” Freshly remodeled, it was originally built as a fishing cabin and comes with a two-bedroom main house as well as a completely redone two-bedroom guest apartment.

Located just a few minutes from Ketchum, the property also features a three-car garage, a fenced yard for horses or other pets, and space for gardening.

Built in 1962, the 2,926-square-foot layout features an updated kitchen with bar seating. The modern cook area opens to a space for living and dining with a fireplace as a focal point.

A bright and sunny family room opens out to the patio. In addition, the master suite includes carpet and large windows. Plus, the cozy guest quarters include a full kitchen and a living area with fireplace.

Located on 2.32 acres, decks surrounding the home offer water and woodsy views.

“This is an anglers’ paradise, a few minutes from skiing and resort amenities, and just one mile from the Valley Club, a private golf country club,” says listing agent Tom Drougas with Sun Valley Real Estate. “The property offers exceptional privacy, within a wooded site.”

At 75, the distinctive crooner was an original member of Chicago, which formed back in 1967.

After leaving the band in 1985, he launched a successful solo career. As a solo artist, he scored six Top 40 singles, including “Glory of Love.”

Chicago was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2017, Cetera was one of three songwriters inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for their songwriting for the band.

The post Former Chicago Singer Peter Cetera Lists Rockin’ Idaho Home for $2.2M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/peter-cetera-lists-rockin-idaho-home/

Hate Black Friday? Here’s a Saner Alternative That Could Boost Your Property Value, Too

Daily: Hate Black Friday? Here's a Saner Alternative That Can Boost Your Property Value, Too — iStock/kali9

Do you cringe at the idea of stampeding to the mall to snag Black Friday deals? Then you might embrace shopping its far saner cousin: Small Business Saturday.

This event was started by American Express in 2010—during the dregs of the Great Recession—as a way to lure shoppers back to main street and encourage folks to buy from local businesses. The idea quickly caught on. As of 2018, over 7,500 stores and organizations in all 50 states participate with deals on anything you might need to stock those boxes under your Christmas tree, and more.

And there’s something in it for you, too: Not only are you getting deals on merchandise, you’re also exposed to plenty of unique stuff that might be tougher to find on, say, a ginormous retailing website named after a river in South America. And wouldn’t it be nice to give your niece a one-of-a-kind hat-and-glove set from that cute knitting shop around the corner rather than that cookie-cutter set everyone will be getting from Gap?

Here’s more about Small Business Saturday, why it’s good for consumers and their communities, as well as how to participate in your area. (And no, you don’t need to use an AmEx card to join in on these deals.)

When is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday takes place right between two of the biggest shopping days of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s no coincidence since its purpose is to serve as a counterpoint to both.

“The Friday and Monday events are a big deal for big-box retailers and online giants, while this day is about supporting small merchants, with an emphasis on brick-and-mortar stores,” explains Kristin McGrath, editor and shopping expert at BlackFriday.com.

And the benefits of shopping this event abound: Shopping at a small business feels good, helps neighbors, and keeps the money you shell out right in your own community. In fact, studies show that for every dollar spent at a local shop, 67 cents gets funneled back into the local economy, keeping those mom and pop businesses running.

A vibrant shopping area not only makes living in your area better, it also enhances your home’s appeal whenever you decide to sell your place.

What are the best Small Business Saturday deals?

Sure, if you’re in need of a megasize flat-screen TV, heading to a Black Friday doorbuster at a chain store makes sense. But if you need something small for a stocking, Yankee swap, or early Hanukkah gift, going local will get you something far more special.

“Small businesses are great for white elephant gifts because you’ll find plenty of unusual items that anyone would like, from coffee beans to soaps and candles,” says McGrath. You can help out local shops by encouraging members of your book club, block association, or office pool to adopt a “small business theme” and buy from local shops downtown.

Lots of items on display on Small Business Saturday are not just sold locally, they’re also likely to be crafted nearby, including wooden items, local clothing, and home decor accessories like pillows and artwork.

“Many jewelry designers can’t get into big-box stores, so you’ll find these unique wares in small local shops,” notes McGrath.

American Express makes it easy to pop in your ZIP code and find participating stores in your area. Head to the Shop Small homepage, and click on “Find Small Businesses Near You.” Another way to plan your shopping is to keep an eye out for signs in store windows that advertise Small Business Saturday participation.

Small merchants often advertise these special Saturday sales on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. And you might sign up for your favorite retailers’ mailing list if they have one, says McGrath. And since many local farmers markets are on Saturdays, this group is a top pick for local shopping.

“The farmers market is made up completely of local merchants, makers, and crafters, so stopping by is an easy way to participate in Small Business Saturday,” says McGrath.

Granted, the savings at small businesses won’t be nearly as impressive as those at the big-box stores on this same weekend, but many shoppers would be happy to pay a little extra if it keeps their local community humming.

The post Hate Black Friday? Here’s a Saner Alternative That Could Boost Your Property Value, Too appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/so-over-black-friday-shop-small-business-saturday/

Tuesday, 26 November 2019

‘House Party’ Podcast: Absurd Items in Marie Kondo’s Online Shop That Make Us Ragey; the Case Against the Instant Pot

“House Party” is realtor.com®’s official podcast about the overlapping worlds of real estate and pop culture, hosted by Natalie Way, Erik Gunther, and Rachel Stults. Click the player above to hear our takes on this week’s hot topics.

With the holiday season upon us, there’s no doubt we’ll all be spending a little more time in the kitchen. While some of us relish the opportunity to flex our culinary muscles, others of us like to get it over with—in an instant, you might say. To the rescue: The Instant Pot! This multifunction contraption promises to make cooking and cleanup a breeze. But is it really all it’s cracked up to be? Does it truly hold up under the pressure of our scrutiny? We take sides.

Then, remember when Marie Kondo wanted you to clear your home of everything unless it sparked joy? Well, the organizing guru is back to tell you that now she wants you to buy some stuff to fill that empty space—specifically, her stuff. We take a look at some of the most ridiculous—and expensive—items in Kondo’s new online store.

Stories we discussed on ‘House Party’ this week:

I Hate the Instant Pot: 5 Reasons This Popular Pressure Cooker Isn’t Worth the Hype

8 Ridiculous Items Marie Kondo Wants You to Clutter Your Home With

P.U.! Why Open-Concept Bathrooms Could Spread to a Home Near You

Joe Pesci Selling $6.5M Mansion on Jersey Shore

Elin Nordegren’s Florida Mansion Gets $5M Price Cut, Now Offered for $44.5M

‘Breaking Bad’ Star Aaron Paul Selling Spanish-Style Home for $2.2M

The post ‘House Party’ Podcast: Absurd Items in Marie Kondo’s Online Shop That Make Us Ragey; the Case Against the Instant Pot appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/podcast/episode-44-house-party-podcast/

Oceanfront Retreat Once Owned by Grateful Dead Drummer Bill Kreutzmann Is Listed for $4.75M

An oceanfront retreat on Northern California’s coast once owned by Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann is on the market for $4.75 million.

The current owners bought the Mendocino County getaway from Kreutzmann in the early 2000s. They proceeded to buy up neighboring land and added a second house to the property, while also updating the original residence. The oceanfront escape along Highway 1 now encompasses almost 5 acres.

The owners don’t use the place much anymore, and have decided to let another family enjoy it, according to listing agent James Eldridge of Mendo Sotheby’s International Realty.

This leaves Deadheads everywhere an opportunity to take the “golden road” to this pedigreed property. Kreutzmann, 73, was born in Palo Alto, CA, and played for the Dead for its entire 30-year run. The drummer still performs with various offshoots of the Dead legacy.

Two connected homes in California’s Mendocino County
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Each home has a living and dining space.
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Each home contains a kitchen.
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Enclosed breezeway connects the two homes
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While each home has its own address and formal entry, they’re linked by an elevated, enclosed breezeway.

But a new owner could redesign the second floor and separate the two buildings. In fact, the flexible space allows for multiple options.

The new owner could choose to stay in one home while renting out the other. Or two families could even go in on the purchase, with a house for each. Or it could simply work as a comfortable compound for extended family and friends.

The 6,000-square-foot property has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two bonus rooms. Along with a formal entry, each dwelling includes a staircase, second-story living area, chef’s kitchen, living and dining areas, and dramatic ocean views.

“It’s certainly a vacation home,” Eldridge says. The San Francisco Bay Area locale is definitely a draw. “It’s about three hours from Silicon Valley. It tends to be a vacation destination.”

The gated compound also comes with a three-car garage and an elevator. A property management company currently maintains the property. Smart home systems allow the owner to remotely monitor heating and security.

“It could be a vacation rental or a long-term rental,” Eldridge says. “It’s extremely versatile. You can use the property in any way you can think of.”

Whoa. It sounds like the ultimate opportunity for a buyer who’s open to expanding their mind.

The post Oceanfront Retreat Once Owned by Grateful Dead Drummer Bill Kreutzmann Is Listed for $4.75M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/oceanfront-retreat-once-owned-by-grateful-dead-bill-kreutzmann/

Fired Arkansas Coach Chad Morris Looking to Sell $3.8M Mansion

Fired Arkansas Coach Chad Morris Selling Fayetteville Mansion — Getty Images/ Wesley Hitt

After being unceremoniously dumped as University of Arkansas football coach in the middle of the season, Chad Morris is ready to tackle the sale of his Fayetteville, AR, mansion. The home is on the market for $3.8 million.

In 2017, Morris signed a six-year, $21 million contract to head up the Razorbacks, but was let go after fewer than two seasons. With no reason to linger in northern Arkansas, Morris is drawing up a play to part with his luxury home.

Morris, who purchased the place in May 2018 for $3.8 million, is simply looking to break even on the real estate front. (He will, however, walk away with a $10 million buyout from the school.)

Custom-built in 2010, the home is “beyond breathtaking,” according to the listing, which also notes it was “built to engage and entertain.” The 3-acre property is located in an exclusive enclave of East Fayetteville.

Mansion belonging to Chad Morris
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The 13,591-square-foot main house has seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, and two half-baths. The spacious master suite includes a sitting area and a luxurious bath.

The layout includes a formal living room, dining room, kitchen, and family room. The game room and bar are adorned with Razorbacks memorabilia. Other amenities include a media room, gym, home office, and home theater.

A one-bedroom, three-bath guesthouse comes with the property.

Outside, there are covered patios, a pool, sport court, hot tub, fire pit, and privacy landscaping.

Before accepting the job at Arkansas, Morris coached Southern Methodist University from 2015 to 2017. After putting up a 4-18 record over nearly two seasons in Fayetteville, the university pulled the plug and decided to eat the rest of Morris’ deal. Arkansas owes Morris his remaining compensation, adding up to $10 million through 2023.

Jana-Wrenay Heck with Lindsey & Associates holds the listing.

The post Fired Arkansas Coach Chad Morris Looking to Sell $3.8M Mansion appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/arkansas-coach-chad-morris-selling-fayetteville-mansion/

Kanye West’s Grand Building Plans Hit a Roadblock: Will It Land Him in Prison?

Kanye West may have fame and fortune galore, but that doesn’t mean the superstar can do whatever he wants. Case in point: His grand plans to build an amphitheater on his recently purchased ranch in Wyoming have ground to a halt because he hadn’t procured the proper permits.

According to the Missoulian, West had purchased the 4,500-acre Monster Lake Ranch in September, and had submitted an application to build a 70,684-square-foot amphitheater on the property. But rather than wait for the approval to come through, he broke ground anyway.

County officials visited the site, saw that work was already in progress, and said it had to stop, pronto.

West will now need to submit a new building permit application before construction can continue—a decision that has been applauded by building experts since it sends the message that no one, not even celebrities, should be able to break ground and build without the proper paperwork.

“City officials showed Kanye West no favoritism, which is very refreshing for most of us,” Benjamin Ross, a real estate agent with Mission Real Estate Group in Texas, told realtor.com®. “Without proper permits, anyone, including Kanye West, must cease all construction immediately. Kanye should be thankful they caught him early.”

If the violation was detected further down the road, Ross adds, “it could have cost him big.”

What does ‘breaking ground’ mean?

Although it has an official ring to it, “breaking ground” basically means you’ve begun construction, which typically starts by preparing the earth on which a structure will be built.

“’Breaking ground’ is a common term because most projects start with digging something like a foundation or sewer lines,” says Tyler Drew, a California-based real estate developer.

The process also helps contractors and homeowners know what to expect on the land where they’re building.

“Breaking ground means you can obtain more information about the site and see where potential issues may come up,” says Jared Duff, owner of Kraftsmen, a Windsor, CT–based home remodeling company.

Can any work be done before a permit is procured? Technically, no.

“By law, no work is allowed to be started on any property without obtaining a permit from the local building department. Period,” Duff says.

What happens if you break ground without a permit

While breaking ground without a permit might not seem like a big deal, West could be in for a harsh reality check.

“Breaking ground without a permit is not just foolish but also illegal,” Duff says.

Permits ensure that no issues exist underground with electrical wires, gas or plumbing lines, conservation land, or endangered species. If an accident occurs as a result of construction, a permitless homeowner would be liable.

“Permits keep the homeowner and the contractor protected under the state’s contractor code laws,” Duff adds.

Homeowners without permits could face fines or delays, or projects could be canceled indefinitely. Local inspectors could also direct federal officials, like from the Environmental Protection Agency, to the project. If federal inspectors find proof that a homeowner willfully violated the law, they could impose a prison sentence.

“Some state and local authorities may even mail any known suppliers, threatening them with fines if they continue to supply your job with materials,” Drew adds. “Often the local police are involved, and will drive past your site to enforce the orders.”

Get a permit before your project goes too far

The take-home lesson? If you’re gearing up for a building project, get your permits squared away—or else!

The first step is to consult with a reputable architect and builder before you put your shovel in the ground, Ross says. For renovations on existing structures, hiring a competent contractor is key. Check with your local licensing authority that the individual is a licensed general contractor in good standing.

Once you’ve chosen a contractor and architect, you’ll work out the plans for what will be built. But, before you get too far, visit your local building and zoning department to find out what permits are needed, Duff says.

“Ask if the project would be approved based on the plans,” he says. “They will steer any homeowner in the right direction and make sure they are not starting a project that can’t be completed.”

The post Kanye West’s Grand Building Plans Hit a Roadblock: Will It Land Him in Prison? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/kanye-west-building-plans-hit-a-huge-hitch/

New-Home Sales Fell in October, but the Housing Market’s Trajectory Remains Positive

The numbers: Sales of newly-constructed homes in the U.S. decreased 0.7% on a monthly basis in October to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 733,000, the government reported Tuesday.

However, the figure for September was revised up to 738,000 from 701,000. As a result, September’s new-home sales surpassed June’s figure, which had broken a 12-year record at the time.

The MarketWatch consensus estimate for October was 705,000. This was the first time since 2007 that the annual pace of single-family home sales remained above 700,000 for three consecutive months. New-home sales were nearly 32% higher on an annual basis in October.

What happened: The median sales price for new homes was $316,700 in October. The government estimated there was a 5.3-month supply of new homes available for sale, down from September’s 5.5-month supply. The supply of homes peaked around seven months back in December 2018.

Regionally, home sales increased in the West and Midwest, but fell in the Northeast and South.

Big picture: The small sample size of the new-home sales report from the Census Bureau lends itself to wide swings and significant revisions, as were seen in the October release.

“The new home sales numbers are among the least reliable of all the regular closely-watched economic reports, with a margin of error typically in excess of +/-15% per month,” Ian Shepherdson, chief economist for Pantheon Macroeconomics, wrote in a research note ahead of the report’s release. “These numbers often are revised substantially, so the best approach to each new report is to treat it largely as the announcement of a random number, and to look instead at the underlying trends.”

As with other indicators of the U.S. housing market, new-home sales have improved as mortgage rates decreased toward the end of summer and then remained at those low levels. New-home sales were also hampered at the beginning of the year by changes to the U.S. tax code that capped the federal tax deductions for state and local taxes.

Home-building activity has continued to improve, a sign that new-home sales should remain strong in the months ahead. However, weather will become a factor as winter approaches.

“New sales are captured when contracts are signed, which often takes place at new home development sites,” Shepherdson wrote. “Traffic at developments always falls during the winter, but very bad weather can overwhelm the seasonal adjustments.”

Market reaction: The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 increased slightly in Tuesday trades, and the 10-year Treasury note’s yield was down.

Shares of home-building firms, including PulteGroup, D.R. Horton, and Lennar Corp. all rose in morning trading following the new home sales report’s release.

The post New-Home Sales Fell in October, but the Housing Market’s Trajectory Remains Positive appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/new-home-sales-fell-in-october-but-the-housing-markets-trajectory-remains-positive/