Q: I’m thinking of putting my home on the market and need to know its square footage. How do I calculate my home’s square footage?

A: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) offers these suggestions for measuring your home’s square footage:

• Always start by measuring the outside of the house. Begin measuring from any corner and work your way around the house. Move counter-clockwise so the numbers on your tape will be right-side-up.
• Measure from the exterior face of the walls. Include any features that are on the same level as the floor, such as chimneys and bay windows.
• If there are stairs, include them on every level they serve.
• When there are openings to the floor below, subtract the opening from that level.
• For split-level designs, measure each level. You can add multiple floor surfaces into one level if they are within two feet of each other.
• Exclude any areas, such as porches and converted garages, that are not finished or heated the same as the rest of the house.

However, most houses are not perfectly square, and because regulations may vary from one region to another, it’s best to consult a professional appraiser for a truly accurate measurement of your home.

If you are ready to buy or sell a home in the Lodi or Stockton, CA areas, I am here to help. Let me guide you through this complicated process. Call me today.

I bet I got you really excited and thinking, “how can I get ME some tacos delivered?” right?

As crazy as this all sounds it either may be something really happening, thanks to TacoCopter, but if the FAA has anything to do about it…uh, no way!  Strict laws and guidelines would pretty much prevent anything like this ever coming into real existence, but getting your favorite foods delivered to you on the beach, while on a hike, or just dropping in on you in your own backyard would be wildly crazy and make you want to go on more hikes in the wilderness.  Well, maybe not so much in the wilderness, but maybe more walks to the park to have a picnic meet you there.  LOL

Here is some more info about this concept…CLICK HERE.

Tell me what you think about this idea.  Would you ever use it if it was available?  Do you think it has a chance to “get off the ground”? I’d love to read your opinions on this!

I hope your weather is as great as it is here where I am in the Lodi / Stockton area.  It’s amazing outside right now and with home prices SO LOW and interests still at their lowest, it’s great weather to be out looking for that new address to put on your return mailing labels. ( That is if you even still use mailing labels.)

Have a wonderful day, and enjoy your tacos!

At Realty World Premier Associates, we take GREAT PRIDE in assisting our clients in every way we can.  If you’d like to know what your credit score is or whether or not you can qualify for a mortgage loan to purchase a home, then contact me directly and I’ll match you to an amazing local lender at NO CHARGE to you.

Happy Easter weekend!

Related articles

• Understanding Your Credit Score (loans.org)
• What Information Goes Into My Credit Report (And How Can I Improve My Score?) (myinvestingblog.com)

We had several families bring in their children, and for some this was their child’s 1st Christmas. That made it even more special for all of us.  One couple brought in their 4 month old twin girls.  They were SO adorable!

I even got a chance to take the opportunity and sit with Santa and tell him how good I was this year and let him know what I’d like for Christmas.  I hope, I hope, I hope he brings it to me!  ;-)

I want to thank everyone that came by our office today with their children and especially thank you for bringing your gifts to help out with the Marine’s Toys for Tots.

Thank you also to everyone that allowed me to assist them with their real estate sales and purchases.  I really appreciate your trust and support!

Image via Wikipedia

Summer brings with it abundant sunshine, fresh foods and fun activities which is why the season inspires many people to be happy and healthy.

Chelsie Hightower, the Emmy-nominated professional dancer from the hit show “Dancing with the Stars,” has put together some healthy lifestyle tips:

1. Make healthy meal choices. “I personally love sushi. Fish and vegetables are essential for my weekly protein, and it’s even healthier with brown rice,” says Hightower.

2. Hop in a steam bath. After working out, steam helps relax sore muscles and boost your immune system.

3. Use summer as a reason to try new activities. Take hikes, go swimming, or learn yoga.

4. Keep a food journal. Once you see everything you eat written down in front of you, it’s easier to make more realistic goals and changes.

5. Dance to your own beat. Realize that no two body types are the same and what works on others won’t necessary work for you.

6. Make healthy food more interesting with unique and delicious recipes. ”I enjoy finding recipes online and then trying them at home. Old London has some great recipes on their Facebook page,” Hightower says.

And while you’re out enjoying the nice weather, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Realty World Premier Associates if you’d like to do some summer-time home shopping as well.  Many home prices in the Lodi, Stockton and surrounding Central Valley areas are making mortgage payments even lower than what you’re paying for rent right now.