Real Estate Information Archive

Good Monday Morning!

It's hard to believe, but we are at the last day of October and that means it is Halloween time.  I found the following article in "Realty Times", that gives some great ideas on how to have a fun, yet safe Halloween.

It's just a few days until Halloween, and you're probably rushing to find the last Pokemon, Size Small in the state and find "the good" candy instead of the jawbreakers and Tootsie Rolls that seem to be the only thing left at Target. But while you fill your mind with costumes and sweets, don't forget to brush up on your Halloween safety. Here are 11 tips you'll want to follow.

1. Let them glow

Glow sticks, necklaces, bracelets, and the like can help make it easier to see your kids on a dark street. You can find a number of different varieties at the Dollar Store. Glow in the Dark duct tape is another cool idea that could help with visibility. For an easy solution, have a roll (or two!) of Glow-in-the-Dark Duct Tape on hand for the big night," said Red Tricycle. "You can tape up everyone's buckets, shoes and costumes for a unique look that's easy to see from afar, and it even works on those wagons you'll be using to tote the tiny trick-or-treaters from house to house."

The dark streets and sidewalks can make it hard to see your kids, let alone tell them apart from all the others. Head to the Dollar Store, where you can buy glow necklaces, bracelets, crowns, and various other varieties of light-up items that will help you keep track of them.

2. Discourage running

When kids get hurt on Halloween, it's often because they tripped or fell. No big surprise there, what with all the running in the dark. The best way we've found to curtail it: Threaten to take away their candy. Seriously, it works.

3. Make safe costume choices

Back to the running…accidents also happen because the child's costume is ill-fitting. Step on too-long pants and they could take a tumble down the porch stairs or off the curb into the street. The pants length can be adjusted without having to take them to a tailor (because who has time for that?!). Tuck them into socks or boots, use some masking or duct tape on the inside, or use Stitch Witchery, a fusable tape that allows you to create a hem by bonding it to the fabric with an iron. Make sure all costumes marked "flame retardant," which is extra important on Halloween since they may be coming into contact with open flames in pumpkins. Well-fitting arms that are not too long are important for the same reason.

When it comes to masks, use your best judgement. If your child's vision is impaired, that could contribute to an injury or other unsafe situation. Masks can also compromise breathing, and may not be suitable for children with asthma.

A new wrinkle this year is anything clown-related. If you've waited until the last minute and all that's left in the store is a red nose and a rainbow wig, trust us: Let it go.

4. Stop the props

The bonus to keeping props at home: You don't have to carry them three minutes after you leave the house.

Many of today's costumes come with accessories - a foam sword here, a princess wand there, and, this year, more Poke balls than you can imagine. Chances are, your kid will carry this prop for about three minutes—just enough for it to become a burden. Then it's yours to deal with. If you already anticipate having to help carry your children's heavy candy bags and pumpkins (and you will), encouraging them to keep the props at home is a good idea.

5. Pick a good candy-carrying bag

There's research that says ongoing use of a heavy backpack could injure a child's back. Will a few hours (or less) carrying a heavy pumpkin or bag filled with pounds of candy do the same? Probably not, but it could make for an unpleasant experience - for all of you. And, it could make the child unsteady and more prone to fall down. Look for a bag with a padded handle that won't dig into their hands or something that has a cross-body strap to better distribute the weight.

6. Don't forget about dinner

Halloween falls on a Monday this year, and that could make rushing home to get dinner together a challenge. This is the perfect time to get out that slow cooker. And make one of these Halloween slow-cooker recipes. Don't want to cook at all? Put in a pizza delivery order early in the day so you're in the system and don't get caught up in a long-wait situation with everyone who called at the last minute.

Full bellies will help your kids to keep their energy up - and their whining down.

7. Make sure you can find them

If you don't already have a locator app on your phone, now's the time to add one. If you're in a crowded area with lots of kids around, you want to make sure you can always find them.

"For a little peace of mind (and a few bucks), there are some apps you can download prior to Halloween, so you can keep tabs on everyone in your trick-or-treating crew," said Red Tricycle. "Picniic, a family management dashboard, allows you to track your kid's locations and helps the entire family stay in constant communication by checking in once arriving at a destination. With FamilySignal, this app not only tracks the location of your kids, but it also includes a panic button that will alert you as soon as your child has pushed it. If you know exactly where you're headed on Halloween, the Life360 app allows you to create favorite spots and anytime your child arrives at that location you'll get an automatic notification."

8. Watch the weather

It never fails. Your kids pick out their favorite Halloween gear and then the night before Halloween, a cold front comes through, forcing them to wear a coat over their costumes. If it's going to be frigid while they're out trick-or-treating, some long underwear underneath their costume and a hat might be enough to keep them toasty.

You'll also want to pay attention to weather conditions that could impact their footwear choices. If it's been raining, snowing, or the ground is slick, non-slip shoes will be a necessity.

9. Check their candy

Nobody wants to think about poison or other hazards in their kids Halloween candy, and documented events of poisoning or other tampering with candy are few. But, a few tips to help you know what to look for can help you feel secure. The main takeaways: if it's open, it goes in the trash. Unless you know the people giving out homemade treats and know specifically what's in them, it goes in the trash. Anything else that looks or smells suspicious goes in the trash.

10. Sort through and give away your candy

If you're anything like us, your Halloween haul is going to be impressive. And you probably won't want to keep all that candy in the house. There is a growing number of Halloween candy buyback programs that will pay you per pound of candy turned in, with some donated to families and others sent to the troops overseas.

11. Watch for allergens

While you're sorting through that candy (and, inevitably, putting aside your favorites), beware of allergens. If your child is allergic to peanuts or something else that can be dangerous, you're obviously aware of this. But do you know about teal pumpkins? Looking out for them could help your child get more enjoyment out of the holiday.

"Back in 2012, a Tennessee mom named Becky Basalone had an idea: What if Halloween could be made a little less tricky for kids with food allergies?," said the Chicago Sun-Times.

"Her idea became what is now the Teal Pumpkin Project, a nationwide effort to encourage families - whether their own kids have food restrictions or not - to offer up some non-food treats on Oct. 31. Participation is simple: You just put a teal-colored pumpkin or sign outside your door and offer trick-or-treaters glow sticks, spider rings, Halloween stickers or other non-food goodies, along with or instead of the traditional candies."

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

1471 Barrington Ave

Price: $529,900    Beds: 5    Baths: 3    Sq Ft: 3756

Luxurious and grand! Great room with surround sound speakers, Brazilian cherry hardwood floor & gas fireplace. Huge theater/bonus room prewired for surround sound. Open kitchen with cherry stained cabinets, island, LED under & above cabinets & toe k...View Home for Sale>>

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Good Morning!

If you are purchasing a home, one of the most important steps is to have the home you are purchasing inspected by a professional home inspector.  This way you will not have any surprises after you have purchased your home.  The following is an article from "Realty Times" that gives you some suggestions on how to get your home inspected.

If you're hiring someone to inspect the home you want to buy, or you're a seller trying to find out if there are any hidden problems that need fixing before you put your home on the market, here are five things you need to know:

1. You can choose your home inspector. Your real estate professional can recommend an inspector, or you can find one on your own. Members of the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI), must complete an approved home inspector training program, demonstrate experience and competence as a home inspector, complete a written exam, and adhere to the NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

2. Home inspections are intended to point out adverse conditions, not cosmetic flaws.

You should attend the inspection and follow the inspector throughout the inspection so you can learn what's important and what's not. No house is perfect and an inspection on any home is bound to uncover faults. A home inspector will point out conditions that need repair and/or potential safety-related concerns relating to the home. They won't comment on cosmetic items if they don't impair the integrity of the home. They also do not do destructive testing.

3. Home inspection reports include only the basics.

A home inspector considers hundreds of items during an average inspection. The home inspection should include the home's exterior, steps, porches, decks, chimneys, roof, windows, and doors. Inside, they will look at attics, electrical components, plumbing, central heating and air conditioning, basement/crawlspaces, and garages.

They report on the working order of items such as faucets to see if they leak, or garage doors to see if they close properly. Inspectors may point out termite damage and suggest that you get a separate pest inspection. The final written report should be concise and easy to understand.

4. Home inspectors work for the party who is paying the fee.

The NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics clearly state that members act as an unbiased third party to the real estate transaction and "will discharge the Inspector's duties with integrity and fidelity to the client." A reputable home inspector will not conduct a home inspection or prepare a home inspection report if his or her fee is contingent on untruthful conclusions.

The inspector should maintain client confidentiality and keep all report findings private, unless required by court order. That means it is your choice whether or not to share the report with others. If you're a seller, you don't have to disclose the report to buyers, but you must disclose any failure in the systems or integrity of your home.

5. Inspectors are not responsible for the condition of the home.

Inspectors don't go behind walls or under flooring, so it's possible that a serious problem can be overlooked. Keep in mind that inspectors are not party to the sales transaction, so if you buy a home where an expensive problem surfaces after the sale, you won't be able to make the inspector liable or get the inspector to pay for the damage. In fact, you may not be entitled to any compensation beyond the cost of the inspection.

As a buyer, you need the home inspection to decide if the home is in condition that you can tolerate. You can use the report to show the seller the need for a certain repair or negotiate a better price. You can also take the report to a contractor and use it to make repairs or to remodel a section of the home.

One thing you should not do when buying a home is skip having the home inspected because of cost or undue pressure by the seller. A home inspection is reasonable, it can save you money in the long run, and it's required by many lenders, particularly for FHA loans. There's a reason why buyers should beware, and a home inspection gives you the information you need to make a sound buying decision.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

3686 Yogi Way

Price: $250,000    Beds: 3    Baths: 2    Sq Ft: 1776

Spacious and bright! Lovely one level home on corner lot with RV parking. Stamped concrete in front walkway. Wonderful entertaining space in the huge vaulted Great Room. Living room opens to kitchen and dining area with slider. Well-sized master sui...View this property >>

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Good Monday Morning!

Today while the inventory of homes is low, I see buyers panic buying at times.  This does not always lead to the buyer getting the best house or even a house that will meet their needs.  If you are in the market for a home, take your time.  This might mean missing out on a few homes, but in the long run your patience will pay off.  Also, know what you are lookng for and think the process out.  Here is a checklist of things to think about when choosing a home.

If you're in the process of buying a house or are getting ready to, you may be overwhelmed by all the possibilities - and all the details. It can be easy to lose sight of some of the things that are important to you when you're seduced by pretty countertops or kids playing out on the street. Making a checklist of those must-haves will help keep you on track.

Is the bedroom count and general floorplan workable? You may be tempted by a house that's nicely staged and has that elegant-yet-warm feel you want. But look beyond the furnishings to make sure what you need is what the house has.

Is there a place for your dogs to hang out? And is there a place for the dog bowls to go? This only seems like a little thing until you're moved in and are constantly tripping over their food. When the dogs are part of your life, you'll want the house to accommodate them, and you.

Is there a place for your kitchen garbage can? See above. This "little thing" will drive you crazy. Is it enough to keep you out of the home? Probably not, but it's worth noting for situations where you can't decide between a couple of homes. It might be the little things that make the difference.

What direction does the house face? Facing west is great when it means you get to watch the sunset every day. It's not so great when it means your electric bill costs as much as your mortgage from May to September because your air conditioning is running 24–7.

Where are the structural walls? If you're planning an extensive renovation, it might be a good idea to bring in an engineer to make sure the walls you want to remove won't bring the house down.

Is there enough pantry space? A poor kitchen layout, and one that isn't easily remedied by a renovation, is a deal killer for many people.

What shape is the floor in? Look carefully. Replacing floors can be a big and expensive undertaking. Even if you have an inspection and the floors are in decent condition, they may not match your style. It'll be up to you to decide if you can live with them.

Where's the nearest Target? If location is important to you and the house you're looking at is over the mountain and through the woods, think hard about what you're willing to compromise. It might be that you start to hate being so far removed from amenities once the shine of a new house has worn off.

Where is the nearest Starbucks? Not a coffee drinker? Doesn't matter. The "Starbucks Effect" means higher home appreciation if you live within proximity.

Is there an HOA? This is important to know if you're looking to paint your home purple and display your collection of flamingos on the lawn.

How are the schools? Even if you don't have kids and never plan to, a good school district is important to home values. Pay special attention to the possibility of being rezoned. This happens quite often in growing areas, and, while you won't always know what's going to happen in the future, impacted schools and districts and chatter about coming changes might give you reason to pause.

What are the acoustics like? If there's a ridiculous echo coming from the upstairs bonus room, think about what that's going to sound like with two young kids playing.

Is the wiring what you need? If you need your home to accommodate all the latest technology, you may have some extensive rewiring to do. Checking it out before you buy will help you feel confident you can achieve your goals.

How's the yard space? Too little, or too much, space can make the day-to-day living less than ideal.

What's the neighborhood makeup? Seeing a lot of young couples on the street? Or maybe it's mainly older couples you're seeing. Spending a little time in your neighborhood you're considering can tell you a lot about who your neighbors could be, and whether you'll fit in.

Are there sex offenders nearby? Unfortunately, checking to make sure the people around you are decent is a reality today. Family Watchdog allows you to enter an address and see if there are any sex offenders in the area.

Did you schedule an inspection? You may be tempted to buy a home as is, especially in a hot market, but if you forgo an inspection, you'll be on the hook for any issues that arise with the home down the line.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

1471 Barrington Ave

Price: $575,000    Beds: 5    Baths: 3    Sq Ft: 3756

Luxurious and grand! Great room with surround sound speakers, Brazilain cherry hardwood floor & gas fireplace. Huge theater/bonus room prewired for surround sound. Open kitchen with cherry stained cabinets, island, LED under & above cabinets & toe k...
View Home for Sale >>

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Good Monday Morning!

Even during this time of a strong Real Estate market in the Eugene and Springfield area, there are homes that hit the market and fail to sell.  The primary reason for homes not selling in any market is pricing.  Homes that are priced above their competition will sit and be looked at, but may not get offers and typically will not sell.  One of the primary factors that effects the value of a home is it's condition.  Here are some ideas as to how to upgrade the condition of your home to get a higher sales price.

When it comes to looking at houses, we do tend to judge a book by its cover. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your home looks as appealing as possible, both inside and out, if you want to get top dollar when you sell. U.S. News & World Report talked to real estate experts, who said these home improvements will help boost your selling price.

Improve your landscape. Keep your lawn neat, trim the bushes, clear out any old or tired-looking shrubbery and replace with new ones, add color with potted plants or garden beds, and top everything off with a fresh layer of mulch or rock.

Spruce up your entryway. Paint the front door or replace it, and update your house numbers and mailbox.

Change out light fixtures and plumbing fixtures. Replacing outdated fixtures with more modern ones gives your house an instant lift.

Return rooms to their original uses. If you use the extra bedroom as an office, turn it back into a bedroom.

Replace dirty or worn carpet. Prospective buyers can tell the difference between new carpet and cleaned carpet, and often, cleaning it just isn’t enough. If you have hardwood floors underneath the carpet, your best bet might be to refinish them and forego carpet completely.

Remove window treatments, unless they are current and high-end. Your window treatments probably won’t match a prospective buyer’s décor, so you’re better off removing them. Plus, uncovered windows let in more light.

Depersonalize. House hunters want to imagine themselves in your home, so remove obvious and identifying personal items, like photos and knick-knacks.

Clean thoroughly. Make every inch of the house sparkle and shine by deep cleaning it. And then think about hiring a house-cleaning service to do it, too.

Paint every room. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral color appeals to everyone. It freshens up the house, making it look newer and more modern.

Consider replacing textured ceilings. For some buyers, popcorn ceilings are a deal-breaker. If your home was built before 1979, the ceilings could contain asbestos, so you would need to hire a professional to remove the texture. If it’s a newer house, you can scrape the ceilings yourself or, if your ceilings are high enough, you could just install drywall over them to create new ceilings

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

2685 Valley Forge Dr

Price: $524,900    Beds: 3    Baths: 2    ½ Baths: 1    Sq Ft: 2302

Anslow & DeGeneault 2015 Tour of Homes model home. Gas forced air 92% efficiency, exquisite single level, located in beautiful Hawthorne Estates. Easily entertain in Great Rm overlooking backyard. Escape to luxurious owner’s ste w/ tray ceilin...
View this property >>

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Good Morning!

For many new home buyers, the task of trying to find and purchase a new home can seem very complex.  The truth is that if you have good leadership and advice along the way from a Real Estate professional and mortgage lender, the process can be very easy and you can achieve home ownership very quickly and efficiently.  Here is an article from Realty Times that gives some insight into the process of home buying.

Home-buying is multi-tasking on steroids. Are you up for the challenge?

On the surface, buying a home seems simple: find your dream home and buy it.

In reality, this seemingly-simple task requires buyers to make a continuous stream of under-pressure decisions, often concerning issues and consequences they do not fully understand. Instead of one task, buyers are faced with hundreds of tasks many of which must be decided on simultaneously, on very short deadlines. This makes decision-making a challenge, but it's the knowledge gaps and "I've never thought about this before" perspectives revealed in smart home buying that add the real pressure. At its best, purchasing real estate is an exhilarating race through a labyrinth of snap decisions ending with the purchase of real estate. At its worst, home buying can become a multi-tasking nightmare culminating in the purchase of the wrong property, in spending too much, or in no purchase at all.

To swing the outcome in your favor, one key task is choosing the "best fit" real estate professional to guide you through the home-buying process. This real estate expert will keep you fully informed, so that even snap decisions are solid choices you will thrive on.

Face the complexity of successful home buying head on and it will not overwhelm you.

Purchasing real estate involves making a series of decisions which combine to address the essentials of successful real estate ownership. The "I've never thought about that before" perspectives that challenge decision making, especially for first-time buyers, can be categorized by the specialized knowledge required.

Here are Seven Insights into Successful Multi-Tasking:

#1. Investment: What is the value-appreciation potential of the property?

Does it seem strange to think about resale value when you haven't even purchased yet? This perspective is important since it reveals current value deficits. In addition, after paying off the mortgage (and many thousands in interest), and maintaining and improving the property over the years ahead, you'll want to recover these costs and make a profit to finance the next phase of your life. Even a "forever home" should be purchased with investment in mind since the future is full of surprises. Location is key to resale value. The best strategy is to buy the least property in the best neighborhood you can afford.

#2. Lifestyle: Which lifestyle values should the chosen property reinforce?

Are you determined to spend your time, money, and effort on accumulating "stuff" and teaching your children to do the same? If so, square-footage, lots of storage, and a bedroom each may be essential. If your values go beyond materialism, the size of the building may not be as important as highly-functional interior design, the surrounding community, and local amenities and green spaces. Shop neighborhood before you start looking at individual homes.

#3. Benefits: How do you expect ownership to benefit you and your family?

We addressed investment and its links to your financial future in #1. How else do you expect the home and neighborhood to benefit your family? For instance, locating near select schools has taken priority over locating adjacent to work for many buyers, but make sure the school in question is not so over-populated that its standards are slipping. Compare the cost of alternatives schools to the premium that real estate in "star school" neighborhoods demands. If a private school or home schooling is intended, "star" amenities may take priority over neighborhood schools.

#4. Time Management: How should your real estate support income earning?

Jobs tend to be more plentiful in urban areas. Real estate prices are usually lower and appreciation slower further away from urban centers. The expense of commuting to work goes up the further away you live. Do the math to determine what you'll net in salary after deducting the cost of commuting. Add a calculation of how many extra hours the distance will take from your family, interests, health, and fun. Only you can determine what this time is worth when you evaluate the value of buying a larger home further from city center.

#5. Property Management: How much time and money will maintaining and regularly modernizing your property require?

Gardening can be a great joy, but mowing a large lawn can be a great responsibility—and an expense if you pay someone else to mow. The larger the house, the higher the taxes, the bigger the roof, the more plumbing and wiring involved, more windows to decorate, more furniture to buy, and more space to heat and cool…. The costs attached to maintenance are annual, increasing expenses and should be considered when setting the budget for a purchase.

#6. Borrowing: How much will the cost of borrowing add to the overall cost of home ownership?

Mortgage interest and related costs are not the cost of real estate since not everyone needs a mortgage. These expenses relate to borrowing, but they can be large enough to make you house rich and cash poor. Financially stretching for a dream home, may be your choice knowing your earning power is on the rise.

#7. Backup: How will I find reliable, accurate, unbiased answers to my questions during the buying process?

GoogleTM should not be your "go-to" resource during home buying because it holds no liability if you get the wrong information or if you don't know what you don't know and should know about a topic. Settle on a real estate professional with the knowledge and experience relevant to the locations and type of real estate you are interested in. When you ask this local expert a question, they will know the complete answer or know how to get it. Real estate professionals understand that they carry fiduciary responsibilities to provide the right information at the right time, so their client (that's you) can consistently make confident decisions to achieve their stated goals.

The more you understand the home-buying process before you start, the better prepared you'll be for a multi-tasking decision-making marathon. The many small decisions about style of home, mortgage term, closing date, garbage and mail services, side of the street, distance to medical services and the firehall etc... will be manageable. You'll be ready to confidently make significant decisions about which property, how much to spend, and which responsibilities to commit to in the offer to purchase.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

5151 & 5153 Trevon St

Price: $239,000     Beds: 4     Baths: 2     Sq Ft: 1879

Wonderful updated duplex! Each unit has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, vinyl windows, garage with roll-up door and large fenced backyard with patio. This 0.23 acre lot located on the corner of a culdesac is within 2 miles of schools, shopping and bus route....
View this property >>

AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Good Morning!

With mortgage interest rates remaining extremely low, first time homebuyers are still making up a huge part of the home purchase market.  If you are currently renting and wanting to own a home or if you are otherwise thinking of that first home purchase, this is the market to do it in.  The affordability of homeownership may never be much better than it is right now. Here is an article from Realty Times that gives great advice if you are thinking about that first home purchase.

Few things in life are more exciting than buying your first home. The feeling of turning the key for the first time (or clicking the garage door opener) is thrilling. You'll likely feel a sense of pride like never before. But getting to that point may be a challenge. And the challenges won't end once you move in.

The more you know about the process, the more prepared you can be for the wrinkles that pop up, and the more you can relax and enjoy homeownership.

1.It may cost more than you expect.

When you're calculating your monthly payment, don't leave anything out. Add in principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, plus any HOA fee. Then estimate landscaping, pool maintenance if needed, and any other fees there may be. Don't forget to include your monthly home warranty cost if you have one.

Experts recommend putting aside a minimum of one percent of your home price for repairs and maintenance per year, so add that in. Think also about utilities. If you're coming from a small apartment, you might have a bump in that monthly cost. Only by taking a real look at the numbers can you get a true feeling for what you'll pay every month as a homeowner.

2. You may only have to put three percent down.

FHA loans aren't your only low down payment option anymore. Ask your lender about 97% LTV loans that require only three percent down for first-time buyers.

3. You can probably afford it more easily than you think.

Rents have been going up way more than home prices in many real estate markets. A recent analysis by RealtyTrac found that, "Payments on a mortgage used to purchase a three-bedroom home were more affordable than paying rent on a similar home in 66 percent of the counties."

4. But…know how much you can really afford.

Your loan approval will tell you how much the bank thinks you can afford. But they only know so much. If you're planning to have a baby or change careers sometime soon and your income could be affected, you may want to stay lower on the payment scale, which means a higher down payment or a less expensive house (or both).

5. You need a preapproval.

Your REALTOR® will tell you this. Believe him. Even if he takes you out to look at houses without a preapproval (many won't, since it could be seen as an indication that you're not serious about buying), you won't be in a good position to make an offer if you find a place you like. And in a competitive market, that could be disastrous.

6. It may be easier to buy a single-family home than a condo.

Strict FHA restrictions on condos can make for a limited pool of options, and, if you can find one that is approved, it might have a higher interest rate. Be sure to ask your lender to provide a side-by-side analysis of a condo and single-family home in similar price ranges; a home that is priced slightly higher may end up being the answer when you examine the numbers carefully.

7. You might be able to get money to fix up your home.

Fashion yourself a DIYer? Ask your lender about 203(k) and HomeStyle loans. "Fannie Mae and the Federal Housing Administration have home renovation mortgage programs that allow buyers to borrow based on what the house is expected to be worth after the home rehab is completed," said Bankrate.

8. You might be able to get a gift for your down payment.

"Cash gifts are also allowed for low-down payment mortgages including the FHA purchase mortgage, which requires a 3.5% down payment and the Conventional 97 mortgage from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac which requires just 3% down," said The Mortgage Reports.

They're also allowed on many other conventional loans, and can help a first-time buyer get to a 20 percent down payment that would help them qualify for the lowest rates. Check out The Mortgage Reports for important details about down payment gifts. Do it wrong, and your application can be rejected. There also may be tax implications for improper gifting.

9. Gift funds may also be allowed for your closing costs.

Be sure to ask your lender. Not having to come up with thousands of dollars at closing means money for new furniture!

10. You'll have a love-hate relationship with your HOA.

You'll appreciate them when the car up on blocks for a week in front of the neighbor's house is towed. Not so much if it's your car up on blocks.

11. You'll want to thoroughly check out the neighborhood.

Make sure there are no development plans that may affect your home value in the neighborhood you're looking at. Talk to the neighbors. Check for sexual predators nearby. And spend some time in the area at different times and on different days so you can observe the neighborhood flavor. You also might want to arrange to commute from/to the house one day to see what you have in store.

12. You'll want good schools. Even if you have no kids.

Families inherently seek a neighborhood with quality schools. But studies show that good schools can dramatically affect home value, making these neighborhoods desirable to buyers without kids as well. "Living near a high-scoring school can increase your home's value by over $200,000, according to the  Brookings Institution," said AOL.

13. You can derail your loan approval.

Don't check your credit, get a new store credit card, close an account, or buy a new car while you're in escrow - you might not stay in escrow. Listen to your lender and hold off on anything that could affect your credit or financial situation until you close.

14. The home inspection will reveal some issues. It always does.

Keep a cool head and let your Realtor handle any negotiations. You just might come out better than before.

15. You're gonna get a tax break.

You're probably already looking forward to this, but do you know the details? Your mortgage interest is a write off. So are your Private Mortgage Interest (PMI) fees and any points you pay to buy down the rate on your mortgage. All told, you could be getting a nice little return come tax day. Check out this calculator to estimate your tax break.

16. It will be more work than you imagined.

Stuff leaks, breaks, makes weird noises, shuts down, peels, crumbles, flames out, and falls off. You will learn how to fix it all, or at least how to make a phone call to someone who can.

17. It will all be worth it.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING

 
 
 

2685 Valley Forge Dr

Price: $524,900    Beds: 3    Baths: 2    ½ Baths: 1    Sq Ft: 2302

Anslow & DeGeneault 2015 Tour of Homes model home. Gas forced air 92% efficiency, exquisite single level, located in beautiful Hawthorne Estates. Easily entertain in Great Rm overlooking backyard. Escape to luxurious owner’s ste w/ tray ceilin...
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Good Morning!

One of the key parts of selling a home and getting top dollar for it is to have it look appealing to would be home buyers.  Home staging has been a trick that has worked well for me as a listing agent for years.  If you are considering selling your home, here a some ideas that will help you get top dollar in any market. This is an article from "Realty Times".

Getting ready to sell your home? It would be awesome to hire a home stager.

Home stagers are paid to furnish a home and help it look its best. What they create isn't so much the ideal living environment but rather the idealized one—one in which there are no awkward furniture arrangements, toys on the floor, crumbs on the countertops, or surprises in the toilet. It's not maintainable for most people everyday, but boy does it work when selling your home.

Stagers typically have furniture and accessories at their disposal—not to mention interior design degrees. But they can cost hundreds—even thousands—of dollars. Fortunately, you can achieve great results by using some of their tricks.

Clear it out and clean it up

The first step in preparing any home for sale is to clear it out and clean it up, getting rid of clutter and personal items and scrubbing it down.

"De-cluttering -- and having a pristine home from top to bottom -- are the no-brainers that can make your real estate look better than the house down the block," said Better Homes and Gardens. "Your home must be cleaner and less cluttered than it's ever been. You need to banish not just the day-to-day buildup (the mail, the shoes, last season's clothes, the dog hair), but also several years' accumulation."

Removing kids' toys, outdated furnishings, and excessive knickknacks can help. Whatever you can't sell or donate, box up and store at a friend or relative's house, or rent a storage unit for a couple of months. Or, if you can do so neatly and without compromising your garage space, stack them along a wall.

Depersonalize

A house that reflects your personal style from floor to ceiling and all over the walls (and every other surface) will have a hard time appealing to buyers.

"Prospective buyers won't be able to picture themselves in the house if they're surrounded by dozens of photos of your children and grandparents," said Bankrate.

Update the bathroom

Not everyone has the funds for a big bathroom renovation prior to selling. Smart changes can make a big difference.

"Avoid dated tile by painting. Bathrooms sell houses, but dated tile in a bathroom doesn't. A low-cost alternative to replacing the tile is to use paint," said HGTV. "First coat the tiles with a high-adhesion primer.

Next, brush on a special ceramic epoxy covering. For a fraction of the cost of new tile, you will have an up-to-date bathroom that brings in big bucks."

Pay attention to design details

After you've cleared away the clutter, you want to focus on creating simple, elegant designs. It's easier than it seems.

"For a visual impact on a table without a lot of fuss, remember a design basic: Groupings of odd numbers always do the trick! Three of a kind, like…hurricane jars, filled with something as simple as pinecones, makes a ridiculously easy and dynamic table scape," said Katie Jane Interiors.

Up your curb appeal

Make sure you make a great first impression, or you might not have an opportunity to make a second impression.

"You may have spent hours making sure the kitchen is clean, and doing so is worth the effort," sad Bob Vila. "But remember, the facade is the first part of your house a potential buyer will see. A little landscaping can go a long way. Strapped for time? Potted plants placed around the front door will add welcome charm to your entryway."

Pay attention to odors

We get used to our environment, so we might notice that musty smell or cat box aroma. Have your realtor or a trusted friend do a walk through and give you an honest assessment—not just of the way the house looks, but how it smells. Then take action to improve it. Start by steam cleaning the carpets and any upholstered pieces that need it.

Don't ignore the windows

Windows that are cloaked by outdated or heavy window coverings can negatively impact the image your home projects. Open the blinds and replace drapes with inexpensive versions that will let the light in and frame the views.

"Need to dress up a window but don't want to shell out big bucks for window treatments? Here's a trick: Use place mats," said HGTV. "First, apply a hook-and-loop fastener to the place mats and attach them in a row to a basic curtain rod. Now that the place mats are attached to the curtain rods, pin them together at the bottom, and you'll have a stylish valance that costs about $12."

Upgrade the Furniture

Giving your home a fresh, clean look with new furniture can make it feel more modern and appeal to more buyers. Don't have money for new stuff? "Try giving worn-out pieces a pick-me-up with new pillows or a slipcover," said Bob Vila.

While you're at it, take a look at your furniture layout too. "Your preferred setup may not be the most appealing one to would-be buyers. Where logical, opt for a social layout that makes it easy to envision the space being enjoyed among family and friends."

Give rooms a single purpose

That home office that doubles as a guest room is useful, but when it comes time to sell your home, pick one and run with it. "Potential buyers are confused by extra rooms that have a mishmash of uses," said HGTV.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

114 Hayden Bridge Way

Price: $259,900     Beds: 3     Baths: 2     Sq Ft: 1451

Pride of ownership shows. Over 1/4 of an acre offers oversize attached garage, detached garage/shop with workbench, long wide drive with room for RV parking, large fenced backyard with covered patio, plus timed sprinkler system. Great room with fire...
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AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Good Morning!

If you currently have a home on the market for sale or if you are getting ready to put your home on the market, the way your home appears on the outside is extremely important. Now that Spring is here and Summer is not far away, the way your home appears outside will have a huge impact on the kind of interest you get in your home. A home with neat, attractive and well kept landscaping will not only get more interest, but it will sell for more money. Here is a blog post from "Realty Times" that adresses curb appeal.

You've probably heard how important curb appeal is when you're trying to sell your home. The first thing buyers look at when they pull up to your home is the big picture -- the house, the yard, the trees, the flowers. It's the impression that counts, and all it takes is one thing to ruin the effect -- a cracked walkway, dead branches in the trees, leggy bushes.

As you look around at all the things you need to fix or update to sell your home, it can be overwhelming. Many sellers struggle with the costs, the decisions, and the time it takes to market their homes. Since most landscaping isn't permanent, you may think it's not as important as other projects that need to be done, but you should strongly consider putting it in the marketing budget.

You can do some of the work yourself or you can get help. But here are five jobs you can do that help you make the most of your home's drive-up appeal.

1. Get rid of anything dead. Dead leaves, flowers, and trees do nothing for your curb appeal. Snip it, rake it and bag it. As you finish, you'll see blank areas. Fill these in with fresh flowers, small bushes, potted plants or yard art. No Gnomes or flamingoes need apply.

2. Cut and weed the grass. If you mow your own lawn, make sure it's freshly mowed every week. Pull or spray weeds so the texture of the grass will be more pleasing.

3. Replace or hide leggy bushes. Nothing makes a front entry look more dated than bushes with longer legs than torsos. Pull them out and replace them, or if it's more expedient, plant boxwoods or other small bushes in front. You can also cover a lot of blank areas with mulch, wood chips or gravel.

 
4. Improve both hardscapes and softscapes. Decorative stone, tile, brick, concrete or wood can add a lot of appeal to the softer elements such as flowers, plants, grasses and ground cover. Landscaping doesn't have to end at the porch. Bring color and vitality to the entry with potted plants and flowers.

5. Light the way. Landscape lighting doesn't have to be expensive. Lanterns to line the walk, or the occasional uplight for the trees can have a glamorous effect on the exterior of your home. Lighting provides security as well as spotlights what you want to call attention to -- a beautiful tree, a flower bed or an architectural element of the house.

If you're not sure where to begin, go to your local landscape supply with a sketch or photo of your home and ask for ideas. Explain that you're selling your home and you need help with curb appeal. You may get a lot of free advice that's really helpful.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

 

88428 Partridge Ln

Price: $749,000     Beds: 3     Baths: 2    ½ Baths: 1     Sq Ft: 3942

Secluded riverfront estate on 4.65 acres! Fish from your own backyard on 300ft of Mckenzie river frontage! Beautiful mountain views surround you on the manicured grounds. Main home features updated kitchen with Dacor 36” duel-fuel range, large...
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Good Morning!

With mortgage interest rates remaining extremely low, many first time buyers are making the choice to purchase a home now instead of gambling on waiting.  If you are a first time home buyer or if you know of someone thinking about purchasing their first home, here are some tips that just might help with the home purchase process.

First-Time Home-Buyers: Know What You Can Afford

The hardest part of the home-buying process is figuring out what is affordable. Some first-time buyers rely on the amount the bank is willing to lend. Others use a lender’s mortgage calculator to crunch a couple of numbers. However, banks are often willing to lend much more than you can afford, and mortgage calculators don’t always tell the whole story. To learn how much home you can afford, start with the basics.

How Much Can You Pay Each Month?

Rather than focusing on the purchase price or lender offers, decide how much you can spend on a mortgage payment each month. A common rule of thumb is that your mortgage payment should be between 25 and 30 percent of your income. In truth, 30 percent is too high for many people. The only reliable way to determine what you can afford is by adding all of your monthly bills and expenses. Make sure to get estimates of what your new utilities will cost based on the size of the home you plan to purchase. For area specific rates, consult local service providers or your real estate agent.

Remember to include cost of living changes as well. Even over small distances, the price of gas, groceries and other necessities can change dramatically. Long-term savings is another overlooked cost. Do not make the mistake of assuming that future wage increases will allow you to save money later on. It is a good idea to plan for savings right from the start. Once you are comfortable with your estimates, you can start looking at the other costs that factor into mortgage payments.

Striking the Right Balance with Your Down Payment

The next step of the process is to determine how much you can put down on a home. Save as much as you can, but make sure to set aside some money for appraisals, inspections, closing costs and moving expenses. If you can save enough to put 20 percent down, you will be much more attractive to lenders. Additionally, loan products with a 20 percent down payment requirement are easier to obtain if your credit is less than perfect.

However, if you can’t save that much, don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of ways to buy a home with little to no down payment. However, your interest rates may be a little higher, and you will have to pay private mortgage insurance.

What is Private Mortgage Insurance?

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is what lenders use to protect themselves from risky borrowers. If you put down less than 20 percent, you will probably have to pay PMI every month as part of your mortgage payment. As your down payment decreases, PMI rates go up. Speak to as many lenders as you can to learn what rates to expect. Make sure to ask how long you will need to pay PMI. Some loans, such as those backed by the Federal Housing Administration, will require you to pay PMI for the life of the loan. Other products will allow you to cancel PMI after you have paid enough towards the principal balance.

How Much Difference does Interest Make?

Interest rates can make or break a loan deal. A slightly higher rate can add a large amount to your monthly payment.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

4220 Heins Court

Price: $235,000     Beds: 3     Baths: 2     Sq Ft: 1489

Brand New Home with RV Parking! Another beautiful home from builder Gary Konold. Located in cul-de-sac with shopping only a 2 minute drive away! One level home offers laminate wood flrs, granite counters, vaulted & high ceilings and Great Room layou...
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