Eugene Oregon Real Estate Blog

Eugene and Springfield area Real Estate

Galand Haas

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Tips For Selling Your Home in a Competitive Market!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014
by Galand Haas

Good Monday Morning!

This is the time of year that most people who want to sell their home choose to put it on the market.  Typically the inventory is higher because of the time of year. and the competition can be tough.  Here is an article from Realty Times that will give you some tips on how to make your home show better than your competition.

Your home is listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and the sign goes up in your front yard. Now what? Sit back and let the offers roll in. Of course, that's what every seller wants but that's not always what happens.

So, let's rewind a bit and see what can be done to make buyers want your home. The steps you take before you actually put your home on the market can help to ensure interest in your home.

Start by creating a "buy-me-now" attitude. How's that done?

Several ways. Take a good look at your home and decide which, if any repairs, need to be made. Are you selling "as is" or do you want to put a little money into your home and fix some surface problems that could potentially distract or concern buyers?

Next, clear away clutter. If you don't have any place other than your home to put your boxes and extra furniture that you're taking with you on the move, try storing them in the garage or on the side of the house. If you do this be sure that you don't stack your boxes so high that you block views to the outside.

When you block a view, buyers may think you're hiding something bad about the property or they may have a very closed-in feeling when they enter that particular room. Buyers do understand that you're moving and things may be a little out of order, but try to keep that to only one room or half of the garage. You want to make sure that buyers can see your entire home. Limiting them from viewing one or several rooms may discourage them. Tidy up and keep things packed away.

Always keep in mind that more room and more storage space are two things buyers really like. Create a feeling of openness and spaciousness by trading out, or removing entirely, bulky pieces of furniture that suck up square footage in a room. Instead find another piece of furniture that can fit into the room... maybe something from another area of your home. Even if it's not an ideal placement for you, do it anyway.

Remember, the idea is to show your home in its best light. More space is a huge plus. Another way to make a room look larger is to use mirrors. Strategically hanging a mirror on a wall can help open up the room.

Your agent may elect to hold an open house and prior to that list your home on the MLS but not allow any showings until the weekend of the very first open house. This can be an excellent strategy because you may end up with lots of buyers passing through for that first open house since they couldn't see your home sooner. You can then allow showings by appointment for a period of time. This strategy can generate a lot of interest and even start a bidding war. May the highest and best offer win.

Do your work and clean up before you open the doors to buyers. You don't always get another chance, so make buyers want your home by showing them that you've loved and cared for your home and now you'd like to see it go to buyers who will enjoy it like you did.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

 

 

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2659 TANDY TURN
Price: $415,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 ½ Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 2493
Picturesque & Exclusive! Enjoy the gated & quaint subdivision of Tandy Court. Lots of architectural features, high & vaulted ceilings, lots of natural light, accent lighting, hardwood & tile floors, granite counter tops and gas fireplace. Second sto...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!! 

Sincerely,
Galand

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May 2014 Homes Sales Report

Monday, June 16, 2014
by Galand Haas

Homes sales in May of 2014 remain below the hot market of 2013 as home sales in the Eugene and Springfield area cool off slightly.

May Residential Highlights

Lane County saw an upswing in seasonal activity this May. Pending sales, at 461, bested numbers from May 2013 (435) by 6.0% and the previous month (356) by 29.5%. New listings (654) increased 1.7% over the 643 listings posted in May 2013 and 10.1% over the 594 posted just last month. The 319 closed sales showed a 8.5% increase over April’s 294 but were 10.6% less strong than the 357 closings entered in May 2013. Florence had 35 closings this month—the best May for closed sales in Florence on the RMLSTM record.

Total market time contracted to 92 days in May, and inventory remained at 4.9 months for the third consecutive month.

Year to Date Summary

Lane County’s real estate activity continues to be slightly cooler this year compared to 2013. New listings (2,557) have increased by 2.2% over 2013, but pending sales (1,659) and closed sales (1,287) have decreased 3.9% and 7.3%, respectively, from the first five months of 2013.

Average and Median Sale Prices

The average price so far in 2014 was $230,100, up 6.8% from the same period of 2013, when the average was $215,400. In the same comparison, the median has risen 8.1% from $192,000 to $207,500. 

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

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32773 HIDDEN MEADOWS DR
Price: $1,200,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 4 Sq Ft: 4776
The sounds of the birds and the breeze are the only noises to disturb the tranquility of country life here. Close in, minutes to town, hospitals and the university, this 2006 Koala built home has granite counters, cherry cabinets, hardwood floors, w...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!! 

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Is the Real Estate Market In Eugene and Springfield Heading into Another Downturn?

Thursday, June 12, 2014
by Galand Haas

 



 

VideoVideo

 

The inventory of homes listed for sale in the Eugene and Springfield area is on the rise.  The number of days it takes for a home to sell is also increasing and the average sales price of homes has also increased.  However, homes sale numbers have decreased from last year.  At the same time that sales have slowed, mortgage interest rates have dropped for 4 consecutive weeks.  This all could be a danger sign for a downward trend in our local market.  The culprit could be that home prices increased too rapidly following the down turn and now need to adjust down.

Time will tell, but look for home prices to begin dropping in our local market area unless sales begin to increase significantly over the next several months.  

If you have a home on the market for sale or you are considering the sale of your home, pricing it competitively in our current market is essential.  Because we may be in a declining market again, you will also want to watch the market and make sure that you are priced with the current market trend.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Video Link: http://eugeneoregonhomesforsale.com/video/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-June-2014
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141 KOURT DR
Price: $247,500 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 1846
Beautiful energy star rated home! New laminate floors and carpet, interior sprinklers, vaulted ceiling, skylights & architectural ledges. Living room with gas fireplace, kitchen with eating bar opens to dining room with slider to back. Master suite ...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!! 

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What You Need to Know About Home Inspections

Wednesday, June 4, 2014
by Galand Haas

One of the most important components of the home purchase process is having the home you are wanting to buy inspected.  I am asked by many about the home inspection process.  Here is a great article on home inspections that was recently published in Realty Times.

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! 

Image Unavailable
141 KOURT DR
Price: $247,500 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 1846
Beautiful energy star rated home! New laminate floors and carpet, interior sprinklers, vaulted ceiling, skylights & architectural ledges. Living room with gas fireplace, kitchen with eating bar opens to dining room with slider to back. Master suite ...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!! 

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The Numbers are in: April 2014

Monday, May 19, 2014
by

Good Monday Morning!

The Eugene and Springfield Real Estate market has cooled down some and the statistics for April 2014 indicate that the market could be headed on a downward trend.  New listing were up at the same time that sales have slowed.  The average sales price also continues to increase.  More inventory of homes on the market, heavier competition and longer number of days on the market are danger signs for a slowing market.  Time will tell, but don't look for 2014 to be the robust market that we saw in 2013.  This means that if you are selling a home,  you need to be very conservative with your home pricing.

April Residential Highlights

April continued to see a seasonal increase in real estate activity in Lane County. The 594 new listings this April represented a 9.2% increase from last April’s 544, and a 14.2% increase from March’s 520. It was the best April for new listings in Lane County since 2010, when there were 691. Closed sales (294) were up 12.2% compared to March but down 4.9% when compared to April 2013. Pending sales, at 356, fell 3.0% from March’s 367 and 12.1% compared to last April.

Total market time increased to 115 days in April, and inventory stayed steady at 4.9 months.

Year to Date Summary

Lane County’s real estate activity has cooled slightly in the first four months this year compared to 2013.

New listings (1,893) have increased by 3.0% over 2013, but pending sales (1,234) and closed sales (960) have decreased 5.3% and 5.6%, respectively, from the first four months of 2013.

Average and Median Sale Prices

The average price so far in 2014 was $225,200, up 6.3% from the same period of 2013, when the average was $211,900. In the same comparison, the median has risen 8.0% from $188,000 to $203,100. 

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Image Unavailable
141 KOURT DR
Price: $247,500 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 1846
Beautiful energy star rated home! New laminate floors and carpet, interior sprinklers, vaulted ceiling, skylights & architectural ledges. Living room with gas fireplace, kitchen with eating bar opens to dining room with slider to back. Master suite ...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Are you actively looking for a home?

Monday, May 12, 2014
by
VideoVideo

Good Monday Morning!

If you are actively looking for a home to purchase in the Eugene and Springfield area, you may have noticed that the inventory of available homes can be quite low, depending on the area and price range that you are looking in.  We have hundreds of buyers now receiving listed homes that meet their search criteria as they hit the market.  Our e-mail home search system is state of the art and is a tremendous tool if you are searching for a home to purchase   Just log onto www.forhomeinfo.com. We are also selling many of the best homes even before they hit the market.  Many times we have the buyer for one of our newly listed homes immediately upon listing it.  If you would like to be included in the group of buyers that we are activley watching for the perfect home, please hit reply and we will get back to you right away for details as to how this works.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Video Link: http://eugeneoregonhomesforsale.com/video/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-April-2014-US
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1560 CREST DR
Price: $685,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Sq Ft: 3139
Secluded 3 Acre Estate offering beautiful valley views! High ceilings, granite counters, maple cabinets, oak floors, heated tile floor in baths, 2 gas fireplaces, solar tubes, wide halls, numerous windows & french doors, 2 large patios. Situated up ...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Home Seller: How to Determine Equity

Monday, May 5, 2014
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Good Monday Morning!

Most homeowners today are curious about their home's current value.  Our changing market caused many of us to lose a great deal of our home's value during the down turn.  Now that the housing market in the Eugene and Springfield area is rebounding, home values are back on the rise.  Keeping up with your home's current value is important.  One quick way to obtain this information easily is by going to the website www.forhomeinfo.com.  This site offers you an automated look at your home's value with monthly updates.  This method is quick, but for the most accuracy, it is important to have a Real Estate agent actually visit your home and furnish you with this information.

Here is an informative article on determining home equity from Realty Times!

As a homeowner, you probably think you know all about what your home is worth, what your interest rate really means, what you are paying out every month, and how to access your equity if you needed to.

But do you really? If your home is worth $20,000 more today that it was when you purchased it, does that mean you are entitled to all 20,000 of those dollars? Does having equity in your home automatically mean you can sell for a profit? Would you know what your best option would be if you needed some equity in a pinch? Check out the scenarios below for a quick equity tune-up.

Scenario One

Your neighbors just sold their home for a pretty decent amount. That must mean your house is worth at least as much as theirs. I mean, your kitchen hasn't been redone like theirs, but your exterior is prettier, so that's probably a wash. Score! Honey, call the bank and get us some cash. We're going on vacation!

Realty Check

Not so fast. Your neighbor's home sale might give you an idea of what your house is worth, but there's a lot more to it. Your home's age and condition, the square footage, the location on the street—all of this factors in to determining your sales price. And don't forget to add in closing costs and Realtor fees and the price of moving. You also have to take into account your credit and payment history. Straight equity is only one part of a more complicated equation. Before you book that African safari, you might want to check your credit and talk to your lender.

And, by the way, your "prettier" exterior will probably not wipe away the memory of your ugly kitchen if you do go to sell. The old adage about kitchens and bathrooms selling home: still true.

Scenario Two

You've been living in your house and paying the mortgage for 15 years without refinancing. You must be sitting on a goldmine! Time for a cash-out refinance. First you'll pay off your credit card bills and then you'll buy all-new living room furniture. Then there's this yacht you've had your eye on…

Reality Check

A cash-out refinance, which allows you to "refinance your mortgage for more than you currently owe, then pocket the difference," said Bankrate, can be a great option, depending on your financial condition and what you plan to do with the money. "Remember the Mother Goose rhyme about the old woman who lived in a shoe? That is so 18th century. Today, she would live in a piggy bank, and so would her neighbors. Homeowners today treat their houses like piggy banks, readily transforming their equity into cash and credit."

Different from a home equity loan, a cash-out refinance replaces your existing first mortgage. You may have lower rates than with a home equity loan but you pay closing costs, just like you would on any refinance, and you'll have to pay private mortgage insurance "if you end up borrowing more than 80 percent of your home's value." If your interest rate is much higher than going rates and you know you have a good amount of equity, it might make sense to go for it. But if you have terrible credit, your rate might not get much better. And, you'll have to determine whether refinancing and going back to square one with a mortgage is worth it.

"If you're going to make payments for 15 or 30 years, it makes sense to spend the money on something enduring: an addition to the house that will increase its value, potentially lifesaving experimental medical treatment that your health insurance won't pay for or to start a business," said Bankrate. "Do you want to spend 15 years paying for your month-long dream vacation? Do you want to spend 30 years paying for that Porsche? The car might be on the junk heap by the time it's paid for."

Scenario Three

It's hot outside. And it's hot in the real estate market. It's time to take advantage of both and build that pool you've always wanted. You'll just get a home equity loan or a line of credit. What's another couple bucks a month?

Reality Check

A home equity loan is a separate loan on top of your first mortgage that's paid out in a lump-sum and is paid back in fixed monthly installments. An equity line of credit is a specific amount you can borrow against your home. Both will require you to have sufficient equity in the home, which will be determined by the bank.

The home equity loan is a fixed rate, while a home equity line of credit "typically fluctuates with the prime rate," said US News. "Remember that with a home equity loan, you are paying interest on the entire amount of the loan, whether or not you are using the proceeds. With a home equity line of credit, you only pay interest on the amount you borrow."

The loan usually has higher rates than a cash-out refinance, but interest is a tax write off and may be a good option for someone whose "current mortgage is at a lower interest rate than you could get now by refinancing," said Bankrate.

And if the money loaned is being used to improve the home and not improve your wardrobe, your passport stamps, and your close personal knowledge of caviars of the world, all the better. "The best use for home equity is to buy things that will contribute to your home's value, like a needed remodel, or your family's future income, like a college education," said Houselogic. "Consider carefully before you cash in home equity to spend on consumer goods like clothing, furniture, or vacations.

Scenario Four

You check Zillow and see that houses in your area have appreciated by 20 percent in the past year. You are ROLLIN' IN IT! Time to take that money and go buy a house to flip. You're gonna be a mogul!

Realty Check

Before you quit your job and start researching property auctions in your area, take a beat. In many states, home sales are not reported. That means online real estate sites may be using limited listing info and sometimes even outdated tax records to determine home values. The only way to get a true picture of your home's value is to have an agent prepare a competitive market analysis or hire an appraiser. Armed with this information, you can act on those real estate mogul dreams if you still want, Mr. Trump.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

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4390 BERRY LN
Price: $288,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 ½ Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 2146
Peaceful Retreat! Enjoy Awbrey Farm subdivision with private driveway in quiet, friendly neighborhood. Property features large deck overlooking spring creek, pond, wonderful gardens, and views of wood Ducks and owls in the trees. Sunken living room ...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Home Loan: Common Mistakes

Monday, April 28, 2014
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Good Monday Morning!

With mortgage rates remianing at or near historic lows, the oportunity to purchase a home remains very good.  Here is an article from"Real Estate Today" that goes over some of the common mistakes made when searching for a home loan.

For most buyers, the mortgage is the largest monthly expense they will have. Yet most borrowers will do little to no preparation, negotiation, or shopping to get the best deal. And they end up paying much more for their loans than they need to. You? You're smarter than that, or you wouldn't be reading this article. Here are five of the biggest mistakes that can cost you real money.

1. Believing advertised rates are what you'll pay

Unless you have perfect, or near-perfect credit, most advertised rates are out of your league. To get boasting rights on a rate that good, you have to pay part of a point (one percent of the loan amount), a point, or more to get the best rates.

Your lender will go over your credit with a fine-tooth comb to find anything to raise the rate. That includes qualifying you at the beginning of the transaction, and then running your credit again a day or two before you're supposed to close on the home and loan. If there's been any change in your debt-to-income ratio, goodbye low mortgage rate.

 2. Not comparing lenders 

Just like everyone knows two or three real estate agents, everyone knows a loan officer or a mortgage broker. A loan officer works for a bank, or savings and loan, and can only offer you loan packages that the bank has put together. A mortgage broker prequalifies you just like a loan officer, and shops your deal around to various lenders.

Whether you talk to a loan officer or a mortgage broker, you're going to have to share personal financial information in order to get a realistic rate. Reputable brokers will show you what certain banks and credit unions quoted and you can pick the loan you like best.

If you'd rather do your own shopping, consider talking to a local bank, a national bank, a credit union, and a savings and loan, but remember, unless you give them personal information and permission to run your credit, it's just talk.

 3. Not paying attention to terms

Advertised rates even for those with perfect credit aren't what you will actually pay. The true cost of the loan is the APR or annual percentage rate, which includes fees from the lender.

Understanding loan terms is harder than shopping for a new mattress. There are so many ways lenders can inch up the fees. A loan origination fee is also called a processing fee. It pays the loan officer or mortgage broker, so this fee can vary widely. You may pay one lender more for an appraisal than another might charge you.

One lender may charge more for pulling your credit than another. It's all in your good faith estimate, which you don't get until you've applied for the loan.

All terms are negotiable, so don't be afraid to ask what a particular fee is for and can it be reduced or eliminated.

4. Waiting for a better rate

It's great to have bragging rights on a low rate, but you don't want to lose the home of your dreams over a quarter of a point in interest.

There's a big picture here you could be missing. No matter what your interest rate is, you're going to pay thousands of dollars in interest up front before you make any serious gain in equity. If you go all the way to the end of your loan's term, you'll pay so much interest that you could have bought the same home two or three times.

Instead of focusing on the percentage rate, work on how quickly you can build equity. Make one extra payment a year. Pay $25, $100, or $500 extra per month and you'll more than offset the rate you're paying.

Down the road, if rates drop through the floor, you can refinance, but even that's not an ideal solution. You'll pay loan origination fees, title search fees, appraisal fees and so on -- enough to equal the closing costs you paid the first time around.

And don't forget, you'll start the amortization schedule all over again -- with most of your payments going to interest instead of principal.

5. Choosing the wrong type of loan

Many families were hurt post-9/11 when lenders opened the spigots and gave a loan to almost anyone who could sign the paperwork. Suckers bought homes that were too expensive using balloon loans with low teaser rates.

The type of loan you choose should depend on current market conditions and how long you plan to stay in your home, not how much home you want to buy.

Current market conditions favor fixed rates, because rates are rising from all-time lows. Yes, they cost more than hybrid loans or adjustable rate loans, but the base amount is fixed and doesn't change. Only your taxes and hazard insurance will cost you more over the years.

If you get an adjustable rate mortgage, you are at the mercy of market conditions. While there's a cap on how high your interest rate can go, it's still a risk.

If you plan to stay in your home five years or more, get a fixed-rate mortgage. If you plan to sell your home sooner, you're taking a risk. It takes most borrowers five years just to earn back their original closing costs in equity.

Once you've narrowed your choice of lenders, ask them on the same day to give you a quote. If you wait even one day, rates may have changed, so you're no longer comparing apples to apples.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

 
 
Image Unavailable
27460 BRIGGS HILL RD
Price: $725,000 Beds: 5 Baths: 3 ½ Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 3138
Exquisite Estate with vineyard views! Completely rebuilt & very efficient, like-new home! Radiant floor heating, high ceilings, recessed lighting, large gourmet kitchen, luxurious baths, master suite + mother-in-law suite, wet bar, large deck, balco...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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The Numbers are in: March 2014

Monday, April 21, 2014
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Good Monday Morning,

March home sales numbers show that the Real Estate market in the Eugene and Springfield area continues to improve and remain strong.  Here are the statistics for home sales in the Eugene and Springfield area for March of 2014.

March saw an upturn in real estate activity in Lane County! The 520 new listings bested February’s 351 by 48.1%, and last March’s 470 by 10.6%. Pending sales, at 367, rose 44.5% over February (254) and 2.8% over March 2013, when there were 357. Closed sales, at 262, rose 22.4% over February’s 214, but represented a 5.8% decrease from the 278 closings posted in March 2013.

Total market time dropped to 96 days in March, and inventory dropped to 4.9 months.

First Quarter 2014

The real estate market in Lane County is slightly less robust than the first quarter of 2013. New listings (1,279) are even with numbers from the first quarter of last year. Pending sales (894) and closed sales

(660) show a 3.2% and 4.3% drop, respectively, from the 924 pendings and 690 closings from the first quarter of 2013.

Average and Median Sale Prices

The average price in the first quarter this year was $220,800, up 9.4% from the first quarter of 2013, when the average was $201,900. In the same comparison, the median has risen 10.4% from $180,000 to $198,800. 

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!



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88604 ERMI BEE RD
Price: $629,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Sq Ft: 3376
Gorgeous and private estate on a serene 5 acre parcel. Outstanding views from every room. Completely remodeled to ultra contemporary style April of 2014. Light and bright, granite counters, hardwood flooring, and extensive luxurious outdoor living a...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Home Seller: Things That Can Enhance The Appearance Of Your Home

Monday, April 14, 2014
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Good Monday Morning!

Are you considering selling your home? If so, there are certain things that you can do that will enhance the appearance of your home and get buyers excited.  The result of your efforts can mean a shorter time on the market and more money in your pocket.  Here is a recent article from Real Estate Today that addresses this.

As a seller, you have a lot more control in pleasing buyers than you think. If you start the selling process by learning what buyers really want, you can prepare your home to come as close to their dreams as possible.

Here are the five biggest turn-ons for homebuyers and what you can do to please buyers.

Curb Appeal

You only get one chance to make a first impression. Your home should sell to the buyer from the curb. That's how important curb appeal is. Your buyer should be so impressed, so charmed, so delighted that they want to leap out of the car and run inside.

How do you create curb appeal? Show attention to detail. Your home has to be prettier, cleaner and in better condition than its neighbors.

Start with sweeping the drive, walkway, and porch or entry of dirt and debris. Get rid of leggy bushes, wilted flowers and broken tree limbs. Plant fresh flowers in the front garden or in containers at the entry.

Power-wash the exterior and hand-wash the windows. Touch up paint around the windows, if needed. Paint the front door a fresh, modern color. Replace the door hardware and porch sconces.


Space

The number one reason why people buy homes is to have more room. Whether they're moving from an apartment or moving up from the home they have, they want to have plenty of space to do the things they enjoy.

If you have a large home, you're golden, but that doesn't mean you've got it made. You can ruin a buyer's first impression with too much clutter, so make sure to keep your home picked up so your buyer can see your home's features clearly and easily.

What if you don't have a lot of space? Plan to do some storing and staging. Rent a storage unit and put away all out of season clothes, toys, and home decorations and accessories. Clean off all tables and countertops so you have only the minimum of things your need to operate your home. Empty closets of anything that is "stored" and move it to the storage unit. The small expense you'll pay in storage fees you'll more than make back from your buyer's offer.


Updates

There's a reason why first-time buyers and singles tend to buy older homes - they're more affordable than buying new. So unless your buyer is a building contractor, chances are they want a home that's as updated as possible.

You may not be interested in putting in a new kitchen in order to sell your home, but you can do a few things to make buyers happy. Replace the most dated features - countertops, cabinet pulls, or appliances.

Bathrooms are so personal that they can easily turn buyers off. Invest in new towels, bathmats and a shower curtain. Throw out slimey soaps and limp ragged bath sponges. Replace with liquid shower and bath products. You can take all the new stuff with you to the next home.

Painting is expected by buyers, but don't repaint the same colors that you chose 10 years ago. Pick an updated neutral like a warm grey instead of beige. Be sure to choose a color that will complement the architecture and flooring in your home.

Keep in mind that the typical home purchased in 2013 was 1,860 square feet and built in 1996, so homebuyers aren't expecting your home to be a mansion, nor do they expect it to be new, but they do expect to see pride of ownership. The more tweaks, updates and repairs that you perform, the more confident your buyers will be that they're choosing the right home.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

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450 FIGUEROA ST
Price: $185,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 1840
Solid, comfortable home on 0.32 acre lot! Well-built home with charm, lots of storage space, coved ceilings, built-ins, wood floors. Living room with large windows, fireplace, & skylight. Formal dining with built-ins. Kitchen with eating area. Maste...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Haas Real Estate Team
Keller Williams Realty Eugene and Springfield
2645 Suzanne Way Suite 2A
Eugene OR 97408
Direct: (541) 349-2620
Fax: 541-687-6411
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