Tips for Home Buyers – 9 Negotiation Tips to Get the Best Deal

Thanks to Trulia.com for the following advice…

When it comes to buying a home, your negotiation smarts can go a long way toward protecting your best interests and your cash.  Here are 9 critical negotiation tips to help ensure you’re getting the best deal:

1..   Set your priorities early

Knowing what’s really important early on is critical to getting a great deal.  Ultimately, the bar for whether your negotiation is successful is determined by what the home and contract terms are worth to you.

2..   Know your local environment

The best negotiators are the most informed.  To get the best deal when buying, ask your agent to provide data on these critical local factors:

-        Recent sold prices for similar homes

-        Average difference between asking and sold price

-        Average days on market for similar properties

3..   Get the inside scoop

Don’t make a blind offer.  Make sure you ask your agent to explain market data and how the numbers relate to your transaction.  In addition, he or she may know valuable transaction specifics that can strengthen your position, like whether or not the sellers need to move quickly.

4..   Problem solve for all parties

Traditionally, negotiations were a two-way power struggle between buyer and seller.  Now, buyers have to consider banks, appraisers, and sometimes even property associations that all have their own guidelines and needs that impact the term of the deal.

It’s more important than ever to approach your negotiation as an exercise in problem solving with the aim of meeting the needs of as many parties as possible.

5..   Bond with your bank

Too often transactions fall through at financing.  Work in advance to make sure your deal doesn’t die at closing.  For buyers this means working with your agent and mortgage broker to secure back-up financing in case things go awry with your first loan.

Tip:  Decide on your bottom- and top-line prices and what your biggest priorities are before the negotiation begins.

6..   Manage your own mindset

Remember, when negotiating, the least emotional parties usually have the most power.  The more attached you are to a particular home, price point, or set of terms, the more likely you are to panic or cave in on important points, like price, unnecessarily.

Lean on (and listen to) your agent for objective support throughout the transaction.  It’s their job to help ensure you’re making the best business and life decision.

7..   Learn (and accept) the “negotiable”

To manage stamina during the negotiation, find out early what is and isn’t within each party’s control.

Your agent can help you stay clear on this and avoid the emotional exhaustion that results from trying to haggle in areas that aren’t really negotiable (e.g., the bank’s bottom line, cosmetic repairs on most foreclosures, etc.).

8..   Minimize time pressures

When buying or selling a home, moving deadlines can cost you thousands of dollars and cause you make needless compromises because you’re in a rush.

When buying or selling, here are a few ways to buy yourself time:

-        Plan and search early when possible,

-        Locate temporary rentals, and

-        Develop a plan-B for closing day in case you encounter last-minute hurdles.

9..  Act quickly – not impulsively

When you find ‘your’ place, make an offer.  When you get a counteroffer or response, respond to it.  In real estate, time is always of the essence, and prolonged hesitation often results in lost opportunities.

There’s nothing wrong with sleeping on a decision overnight, if the ‘right’ move is unclear.  But keep in mind, there are competing buyers and changing interest rates lurking, which can change the whole bargaining dynamic at any minute.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Kid-friendly Moving Tips

Planning a move is often difficult, but planning one with children is even harder.  Kids and teenagers aren’t thrilled by the prospect of moving to a new home, especially in a new location away from their friends, but these steps should help you ease the transition, say the experts at Parents.com and TLC.

Start by getting the kids involved in the house-hunting process.  Take them to see the homes you are considering buying, or show them photos or a virtual tour.  Learn as much as you can about the community and the neighborhood.

Get the kids involved in de-cluttering the home.  Go through the house, room by room, and have them identify what items they want to discard and what they want to keep.

Let kids map out their new room, and choose the colors to decorate it.  If they want, let them help arrange and decorate other rooms in the house.  For teenagers, set a budget and let them pick out colors, linens, rugs and furniture, and encourage them to shop at thrift stores for knick knacks.

Once you have moved, plan a welcome party and invite a few neighbors with kids to get acquainted.  Tour the new neighborhood to locate places of interest to children, such as a playground, school, library, and movie theater.

Moving is never easy for kids, but these ideas can help them look forward to their new home.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Universal Appeal

As more homeowners choose to live in their homes longer as they age, many of them are improving their space with universal design features to help them live more comfortably.  Before making any improvements, the National Aging in Place Council outlines the most common universal designs modifications.

Are the entryways accessible?  Adding a ramp or constructing no-step entries can help those confined to a wheelchair or who have trouble climbing stairs.  Open floor plans and wider hallways make everyone feel less cramped and allow people to move around easily.  Wider doorways provide easier access to other parts of the home and enable people to move larger items in and out of the house.

To improve safety in bathrooms, install grab bars and elevated toilets.  Make sure there’s enough turnaround space for someone in a wheelchair, and consider lowering the bathroom sink and adding a roll-in shower with multiple showerheads.  A non-slip floor and shower surface will help everyone stay on their feet.  In the master bedroom, consider reconfiguring an existing walk-in closet or building a new one with storage at different heights.

In the kitchen, lower cooking surfaces and countertops built at varying heights will appeal to home cooks to have difficulty bending over or have height limitations.  Wall ovens and microwaves should be mounted at reachable heights, and storage and shelf space should be abundant and accessible.

Well-placed skylights and ceiling lights will aid those with poor vision and make the home more personable and safe.  Installing rocker switches and door lever handles can aid people with poor hand strengths as well as those carrying groceries into the house.

A universally-designed home provides smart solutions for everyday living that everyone can enjoy.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Is My Home Ready To Sell?

Giving Your Home the One-the Market Makeover

You work with a Certified Residential Specialist because they are best able to sell your home quickly and profitably.  But remember:  Your relationship with your Certified Residential Specialist is a partnership.  While they market your property and screen potential buyers, it’s up to you to give your home a simple, inexpensive sprucing up that can go a long way toward a speedy sale.

With that in mind, here are some helpful hints gathered from Certified Residential Specialists across the country.

Before the Showings Begin

Hint: First Impressions are Lasting Impressions

The exterior of your home often determines how buyers will view the interior, so:

-        Make sure your front entrance is clean and inviting.

-        Paint or replace your front door if it’s faded or worn.

-        Add some paint to shutters, trim and any other outside features showing sign of wear.

Hint: Beauty is More than Skin Deep

Buyers often see the surface condition of your home as a sign of what’s underneath, so:

-        Keep windows and floors clean.

-        Replace faded wallpaper and glue any areas that have come away from the wall.

-        Repair worn woodwork.

-        Repaint Scarred or dirty walls in a neutral color.

-        Steam clean carpeting or replace it if necessary.

-        Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken light switches and other minor flaws.

-        Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner      
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Say Yes to CRS

Buying or selling a home can seem like an overwhelming task.  But the right REALTOR can make the process easier – and more profitable.

            A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), with years of experience and success, will help you make smart decisions in a fast-paced, complex and competitive marketplace.

            To earn the CRS designation, REALTORS must demonstrate outstanding professional achievements – including high-volume sales – and pursue advanced training in areas such as finance, marketing and technology.  They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and abide by its Code of Ethics.

            Work with a REALTOR who belongs in the top 3 percent in the nation.  Contact a CRS today.

7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.

3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

Online resources: To calculate whether buying is the best financial option for you, use the “Buy vs. Rent” calculator at http://rem.ax/XBzyZD

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475

It's Your Move

The days of bribing friends and family to help you move are probably long gone.  But getting help isn’t necessarily any easier – finding a good, reliable moving company that can get the job done right takes careful research.  Before you hire any moving company, do a little legwork to make sure it’s legit, in your price range and offers the services you need.  USA.gov, Relocation.com and ApartmentGuide.com offer the following tips.

First, find out some details about the company.  Does it have an operating license?  Check with your local state authority or the Department of Transportation, depending on whether it’s an in-state or interstate move.  Does the company carry insurance, and what are the limits?

Also investigate the company’s track record.  Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints, and ask the company for references you can contact.  Repeat customers who do business with the company can be some of the best referrals.

Get estimates from several companies to compare rates, and only consider those estimates that fall within the appropriate range.  Also, find out exactly what’s included in the quote (packing materials such as tape and extra boxes aren’t always included).  Low quotes could ultimately mean paying more money after the move, since some companies don’t itemize what others include in the estimate.

Be prepared for questions moving companies will ask you.  What is your time frame?  How far will you be moving?  If you rent, do you have renter’s insurance, and what does it cover?  Will you need moving insurance or packaging services?  Where will the moving truck park?  Are there stairs or elevators?  By preparing yourself ahead of time, you can make that stressful move go a lot smoother.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475 

Drain Trust

Spring is prime time for house cleaning and maintenance, which should include careful cleaning of gutters.  Although they’re designed to act as a drain and protect your home, they often get clogged with leaves and water.  They should be cleaned twice a year.  To get started, consider these steps from Lowes.

First, clean the downspout.  Set a ladder on the side of the house where the gutter starts and where most leaves and twigs get trapped.  With gloves and a towel, remove the debris and let it fall in a bucket.  Move the ladder down the gutter and repeat the process.

Check all gutters for holes, leaks, dents and other features that may need repairs.  If your hangers are loose, tighten them or replace them if they seem damaged.  Sagging gutters are an indication that the hangers are too loose.

After you’ve covered the perimeter and have removed most of the debris, spray the gutter with a garden hose to rid any remaining debris.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can make your own window cleaner by mixing equal parts white vinegar and warm water.  The vinegar eliminates window streaks and smudges on glass surfaces.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner  
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR, MDI
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Tips for Sellers: Pre-Showing Checklist

Thanks to CW Title for this handy Pre-Showing Checklist!

Selling a home can a stressful time.  There is packing, moving and many other things to keep in mind.  Below are a few tips that can make things easier on you and your family.

All over house:

• Empty the garbage in each room
• Dust and vacuum
• Open blinds to make rooms brighter
• Turn on lights, even during the day

Bedrooms:            

• Straighten up closets
• Beds are nicely made            
• Dirty clothes in closed hamper
• Toys picked up and put away in children’s rooms

Bathrooms: 

• Put away everything that isn’t essential such as hand soap, towels, etc.
• Drawers and cabinets are cleaned and uncluttered
• Clean the shower and tub
• Fold towels neatly
• Put the toilet lid down

Kitchen:

• Dishes should be in dishwasher or put away, don’t leave anything in the sink
• De-clutter the countertops… put away toaster, coffee maker, blender, etc.
• Clean and organize the refrigerator
• Cabinets and pantry are tidy
• Stove, stovetop and microwave clean of food stains
• Take out garbage and recycle

Living Room:

• Straighten pillows and cushions on the couch and chairs
• Turn answering machine volume to low so they don’t hear people leaving you messages
• Dust television screen

Office:

• Tidy up
• Dust computer monitor

Hallway Closets/Storage Areas:

• Double check that they are neat and orderly (towels nicely folded, etc.)

Pets:

• Clean kitty litter
• Fresh water in bowls, or put away until they leave
• Fresh food in bowls, or put away until they leave
• Clean the fish tank if needed
• Clean cages for birds, hamsters, etc.

Yard:

• Mow lawn, rake leaves during autumn
• Sweep walkway and doorstep
• Turn on outside lights if evening time
• Pick up after pets and put away outdoor toys and tools

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Your Home - Custom Scents

There is a strong connection between smells and human emotions. Given that home-buying can be an emotional process, you’ll want your home to look and smell good when you’re getting it ready for a showing.  Make sure your home passes the smell test by following these tips from HGTV.

If there are any foul odors in your home, don’t just cover them up by baking cookies – try to identify the source and focus on eliminating the odors.  Old carpets are often the biggest culprit.  If you don’t have the time or budget to replace old rugs with new carpet or hardwood floors, wash the carpet with mild detergent soap and water solution, then go over it with a damp towel to neutralize the odor.  And be sure to circulate the fresh air by keeping windows on opposite walls open.

After you’ve rid your home of bad scents, or if you just want to fill it with more pleasant smells, consider boiling fruit peels, spices or herbs in water.  Rather than throwing away lemon or orange peels, boil water and let the peels sit for a few minutes, adding water every half-hour or so.  You can also mix the peels with other soothing scents. Using oils such as sandalwood, lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus can be therapeutic and inviting.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Curb View

Everybody knows that first impressions matter. The outside of your house ways a lot to guests and potential buyers before they even walk in the door.  There are easy ways to clean and freshen up the exterior of your home that don’t require gallons of paint or a landscaping crew.  Consider these tips from DIY Network.

Start with the front door.  If you’re willing to make a bold move, paint your door a bright color like canary yellow to help your house stand out (as long as the color is complementary to the trim, the shutters and the rest of the house).  Also, make sure lighting fixtures match the style of your house and are working properly.  Another quick way to brighten up the front of the house: add flower boxes or pots with colorful blooms to your porch railings or around your door.

Curb appeal is all about the details.  Ask yourself:  Is there sufficient outdoor lighting?  Are overgrown plants and bushes creating an unsightly mess?  Is your home address visible?  Revitalize your door by replacing old hardware, installing tidy new address numbers or giving it a paint job.  What’s more, as simple as it sounds, installing a new mailbox – near the road or mounted to your house – can go a long way toward showing off your home.  The options and materials are endless, but as with any other updates, make sure the style fits your house.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Universal Appeal

As more homeowners choose to live in their homes longer as they age, many of them are improving their space with universal design features to help them live more comfortably.  Before making any improvements, the National Aging in Place Council outlines the most common universal designs modifications.

Are the entryways accessible?  Adding a ramp or constructing no-step entries can help those confined to a wheelchair or who have trouble climbing stairs.  Open floor plans and wider hallways make everyone feel less cramped and allow people to move around easily.  Wider doorways provide easier access to other parts of the home and enable people to move larger items in and out of the house.

To improve safety in bathrooms, install grab bars and elevated toilets.  Make sure there’s enough turnaround space for someone in a wheelchair, and consider lowering the bathroom sink and adding a roll-in shower with multiple showerheads.  A non-slip floor and shower surface will help everyone stay on their feet.  In the master bedroom, consider reconfiguring an existing walk-in closet or building a new one with storage at different heights.

In the kitchen, lower cooking surfaces and countertops built at varying heights will appeal to home cooks to have difficulty bending over or have height limitations.  Wall ovens and microwaves should be mounted at reachable heights, and storage and shelf space should be abundant and accessible.

Well-placed skylights and ceiling lights will aid those with poor vision and make the home more personable and safe.  Installing rocker switches and door lever handles can aid people with poor hand strengths as well as those carrying groceries into the house.

A universally-designed home provides smart solutions for everyday living that everyone can enjoy.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

A Fresh Start

Most New Year’s resolutions involve promises to fit into last years’ suit and to avoid the fast-foods lane. But don’t let your self-improvement list end there.  These home improvement tips, suggested by About.com, help make your home safer and healthier in the New Year.

Safety first.  Make this the year to be truly prepared by creating a household emergency kit.  Pack it with first aid supplies, a working flashlight, batteries, extra blankets, a can opener and some nonperishable food.  Also take the time each month to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.  Purify the air in the home by swapping out furnace filters every month, and burn real firewood rather than mass-produced logs to avoid potentially harmful chemicals.

Throw it away.  De-clutter your life one room at a time.  Start with the kitchen: Toss and recycle containers that have long lost their matching lids, and pare down small appliances to the ones you use most often.  Then head to the bathroom and dump half-used bottles of shampoo or face wash that have gone unused in the past six months to clear up space.  Finish in the living room by consolidating or recycling old magazines or newspapers.

Invest wisely.  Is your refrigerator on its last legs?  Saving money to update or replace aging appliances should be on every homeowner’s mind.  By saving a small amount each week – say $10 or $20 – homeowners can work toward a specific goal, such as purchasing a more energy-efficient washer and dryer set.  When deciding what to buy, be sure to research any potential cost-saving benefits, too.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475

Noise Control

For many homeowners, the days of hearing the neighbor’s radio through paper-thin walls are gone.  But noise can still be a problem, even under your own roof.  Lower the decibel level in your abode with some ideas from TLC.

First, find out how sound travels in your home with one simple step.  Turn off the lights in one room while leaving the rest of the lights on in surrounding rooms and look for any light that’s peeking through the walls.  If light can travel through, so can sound.  Use acoustical caulk, available from most hardware stores, to seal off these hidden cracks between walls, ceilings and floors.  Put carpet or rugs on higher-level rooms to reduce the noise travelling to lower floors.

To help reduce noise in other rooms, in-wall insulation can help, but it requires cutting holes in the walls.  For an easier fix, buy wall coverings that have soundproofing capabilities and repaint them to match your décor, or hang noise-control curtains in the room.  The most time- and cost-intensive fix – but also one of the most effective – is to replace standard windows with double-paned ones, which will greatly reduce the noise.

Don’t forget the outdoors.  Block off sounds from the street by placing heavy shrubbery and evergreens with large leaves near doors and windows.  And consider ornamental fountains for a more welcoming sound.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, 5-STAR
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475