Cynthia C's it!: 2016

Thursday, December 22, 2016

WHAT THE VA?

For some, navigating the murky waters of the loan approval process is scary and uncertain. This is mostly because there's another language involved, documentation required and this can intimidate a lot of people.

Here in Pierce and Thurston counties, the bulk of buyers will qualify (and opt) for a VA Loan. The VA Loan program is a great financing option to choose and here's why.

Take a look at this side by side comparison highlighting some of the benefits of the VA Loan Program:

VA Loans	Conventional Loans
0% Down(for qualified borrowers) VA Loans are among the last 0% down home loans available on the market today.	Up to 20% Down Conventional loans generally require down payments that can reach up to 20% to secure a home loan, pushing them out of reach for many homebuyers.
No PMI Since VA Loans are government backed, banks do not require you to buy Private Mortgage Insurance.	PMI Required Private Mortgage Insurance is a requirement for borrowers who finance more than 80% of their home's value, tacking on additional monthly expenses.
Competitive Interest Rates The VA guaranty gives lenders a greater degree of safety and flexibility, which typically means a more competitive rate than non-VA loans.	Increased Risk for Lenders Without government backing, banks are taking on more risk which, in turn, can result in a less-competitive interest rate on your home loan.
Easier to Qualify Because the loan is backed by the government, banks assume less risk and have less stringent qualification standards for VA Loans, making them easier to obtain.	Standard Qualification Procedures Conventional options hold stricter qualification procedures that can put homeownership out of reach for some homebuyers

Courtesy of Mike Villano from Veterans National Lending Group, we have a list of Top 5 VA Loan DO's and DON'Ts regarding getting your financing in place.

DO:

1. Gather your personal documents including taxes, bank statements and pay stubs

2. Make sure balances on current debts have been paid on time and are not at the credit limit

3. Have an idea of what you would like to spend each month on a mortgage payment

4. Prepare for the transaction to take 40-50 days from the time you have a contract on a home

5. Link up with a lender who can complete a thorough pre-approval before you go looking at houses

DON'T!

1. Change jobs before or during the transaction

2. Charge up credit cards or current debt

3. Apply for or open any new debts

4. Deposit cash or any funds which cannot be paper trailed to your bank accounts

5. Get pre-qualified by any lender who does not require all of your documents prior to a pre-approval

If you have any questions regarding this process or anything else, we would love to help!- Give us a call at (360) 400-3475 to get answers from knowledgeable experienced professionals who understand.

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

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

13912 166TH AVE SE, RAINIER WA 98576

Create your own paradise! Mostly-level quarter acre lot with gentle slope leading down to 70+ feet of water frontage on Deschutes River. A fisher's dream! Power and community water on site plus septic installed. Per Geodata, no gopher soils! Manufactured home frame shows clearly where the last home site was - convenient! Or, if you are not looking to settle down, this makes the perfect spot for camping. Bring your tent or your RV, and be ready to make some Summer memories! What are you waiting for?

Acres: .256

Price: $45, 000

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475

or cschmier@remax.net

Monday, December 12, 2016

15737 WOODLAND COURT SE, YELM WA 98597

Completely upgraded in Fall 2016. All brand new features: Ubatuba Slab Granite kitchen counters and island, dual undermount sink, with Motionsense faucet, stainless steel GE convection gas range and dishwasher, dual flush toilets. All brand-new carpets and new floors in all bathrooms, with granite counters in upstairs bathrooms. Brand new water heater with Home Depot warranty. Fully enclosed backyard with newly installed 6 ft fence. Landscaped professionally with sprinkler system and two apple trees.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.25

Square Feet: 1,558

Price: $239,950

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Polly Godfrey at (253) 569-8723

or pollygodfrey@remax.net

Friday, December 9, 2016

16935 110TH AVE SE, YELM WA 98597

Completely charming, 1939 farmhouse on 5 acres with updates galore! Used for years as 4 bedroom home. NEW roof and Hardiplank siding. Freshly painted interior plus new carpet. Kitchen boasts Corian counter-tops plus new fridge and microwave! Vinyl windows and water filtration system. Move-in ready! Main floor Master with slider to deck. Large finished lower level with full bath and Jacuzzi tub. 2-car detached garage with shop and 3 bay utility parking. Partially fenced with fruit trees and garden space. Conveniently close to town!

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 3

Square Feet: 2,535
Price: $279,000

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475

or cschmier@remax.net

HELP! (I'm PCSing!)

Moving is always difficult: the stress levels are right up there with sitting through the SAT's or going to the dentist. This is an undisputed fact, and all you military families out there know it well. PCS-ing means all kinds of things: Sort the stuff, hold a garage sale, decide what you need to have with you and what's going in the moving van. Start investigating the new place online, canvas all your friends and family to see if anyone has been stationed, lived or just visited there. But the silver lining is that now, more than ever, there are all kinds of tools to make this migraine of a move as easy as possible.

But first, let's talk about the place you're moving to: The Pacific Northwest, WA State, JBLM. Now here are some nice things about this area: Fort Lewis is huge and has been around since 1917. We have large amounts of veterans who've decided to stick around after getting out as well as a regular (for the military) rotation of personnel through JBLM (Joint Base Lewis McChord) The benefits of being in this military-heavy area are: Military Discounts, Military support groups (both active duty and separated) AND pretty much every lender in town understands the inner workings of the VA Loan programs out there. This is all extremely advantageous to military individuals and families looking to purchase property in the area.

I've been doing business in this county for over 26 years and the bulk of my clientele has always been active duty, retired or separated service members. I have tremendous respect for these folks: I love working with them, I hire them, but most importantly, I want to help them. I understand the difficulty of the PCS move, having a small window of time to do everything and trying to avoid the problem spots without knowing where they are. I know where those problem spots are and I want to help you safely around them in a time frame that works for you. And that is our bottom line: We are here to connect with you.

Now whether you're PCSing into the area or out, typically the first question you need to answer is: Should I rent or should I buy? Do I sell here or do I rent it out when I leave? OR Coming into a new area, do I rent a house or buy one? This will depend upon your overall circumstances, but I have helped service members over this hurdle many times. Together we will look at the pros and cons and come up with a plan that's best for you. And whichever option you choose, RE/MAX Country is a one-stop shop: Our Property Management Dept can help find you a rental or take charge of renting your house for you. If you are looking to buy, we have experienced agents who are here for you.

So call a professional that knows your situation and cares: (360) 400-3475

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

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

Friday, December 2, 2016

16228 VANCIL COURT SE, YELM WA 98597

Check out this beauty! Stunning home on corner lot has it all! Grand entrance welcomes you in. Flowing floor plan with soaring ceilings and arched doorways. Warm oak hardwood floors. Exemplary kitchen offering granite counters and island, custom cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room with alcove ceiling. Family room with gas fireplace. French doors lead to magnificent Master Suite. Over-sized bonus room on upper level. Fully fenced backyard with patio. Fabulous location - close to all amenities!

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 2.5

Square Feet: 3,094
Price: $307,000

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475

or cschmier@remax.net

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Most Americans know all about how we've come to celebrate Thanksgiving; our kids are in school plays about it, there are themed movies (cartoon and real-life), musicals and more.

So this information should come as no surprise:

In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”—although the Pilgrims themselves probably didn't use the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days. We know all this because the pilgrims were writers. There are two primary sources for the events of autumn 1621 in Plymouth: Edward Winslow writing in Mourt's Relation and Gov. William Bradford writing in Of Plymouth Plantation. Only slightly more impressive than the fact that these documents survived and are preserved from 395 years ago, is our present-day celebration of it.

Thanksgiving didn't become a federal holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of giving thanks to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November, making the festivity 153 (official) years old this year. But we still acknowledge that first feast and incorporate many of the elements of the original Thanksgiving.

Now, like many traditions, the actual feast food has been transformed over time, but we keep the turkey as a centrally recognized theme and symbol of the holiday and that comes directly from the 1621 feast.

Hand-in-hand with the food comes the concept of "giving thanks". Many families go around the table, each one saying what they are thankful for. I know this is also a concept we are all familiar with: being conscious of the benefits we've received, and expressing our thanks. But how often do we do this? In our day to day activities, how mindful are we of the things others do for us? Do we pause for a beat and sincerely say "Thank you" to those people? And guess what? Doing this benefits yourself as well as others! Grateful people “feel more alert, alive, interested, enthusiastic. They also feel more connected to others,” says Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California/Davis, who has written two books on the science of gratitude and often studies the effects of those gratitude diaries. According to the Harvard Health publication, "Healthbeat", "In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships" Studies have also shown that focusing on what you're grateful for, even on a weekly basis (as compared to those who focused on daily irritations and what displeased them) leads to feelings of optimism, less trips to the Doctor and an inclination to exercise more.

So perhaps, this year (in the midst of a very unusual year for our country) put some purposeful effort into this and reflect upon what you're thankful for. You will enrich the lives of others and maybe even inspire someone else to do the same.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

Friday, November 18, 2016

Singin' In The Rain

Well maybe you don't feel that way exactly about the amount of rain that we get here in the Pacific Northwest, but the rain will come whether you like it or not. This week's blog is going to address some of the things you can do to prepare your home for that famous (or infamous) precipitation we will be getting right about this time of year. There are more in-depth steps you'll want to take depending on your property size, if you are likely to get seasonal flooding, etc, but here are the most common culprits of rainy season damage that you'll want to be on the lookout for.

1. Beware the Branches

I think it goes without saying that we have copious amount of trees in beautiful Washington State and while they are gorgeous in spring and summer, when the weather gets stormy, they can also pose a potential problem. You want to make sure that dead branches are cut away from your house as well as keeping the live ones trimmed back. This reduces the risk of them falling during high winds and damaging your home, or your neighbors.

2. Take a Gander at your Gutters

You want to make sure these are draining well (without any backups) , no leaves, brambles, debris etc. You should also pay attention to any granules that might be collecting there as they can be a sign that your roof's coating needs to be resealed.

3. Ready your Roof

It's always a good idea to take a look at your roof before the rain comes in full bore. (Professionals recommend you check it at least twice a year as this can catch problems before they clean out your wallet) You want to look for any cracks along the roof ridge and where the shingles fold over to form the cap. Are there any loose, missing, or curled shingles that will need replacing? Is there moss already growing where it should not?

4. Inspect the Inside

Square Feet: 1,614

Price: $190,000

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475

or cschmier@remax.net

Friday, November 4, 2016

Where Did Daylight Savings Time Come From??

The idea that farmers campaigned for Daylight Saving Time is a myth??

Today's Blog comes to us from Time Magazine

By: Olivia B. Waxman @OBWax

This weekend, when American clocks turn back an hour at Nov. 6 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time, the move will bring an end to the period of Daylight Saving Time that marked precisely a century since the first such policy went into effect.

That Daylight Saving Time began in Germany on May 1, 1916, in the hopes that it would save energy during World War I, according to Michael Downing, author of Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time. But, though Germans were first to mess with their clocks, they likely got the idea from Britain—and from someone whose ideas about Daylight Saving had little to do with conserving fuel.

William Willett had in 1907 published The Waste of Daylight. Willett was inspired by an early-morning epiphany that “the sun shines upon the land for several hours each day while we are asleep” and yet there “remains only a brief spell of declining daylight in which to spend the short period of leisure at our disposal.” Though he did mention that it would save money to reduce the use of artificial lighting, his main purpose was the increase enjoyment of sunlight. He lobbied Parliament for such legislation until his death in 1915—not living to see the law passed in England shortly after it was in Germany. (Frankfurt’s daily newspaper Zeitung published this dig: “It is characteristic of England that she could not rouse herself to a decision.”)

Across the pond, the first U.S. law on Daylight Saving Time went into effect on March 19, 1918 for the same fuel saving reasons, about a year after the country entered the war. But again, though the official reason was fuel saving, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was the major backer for the policy, Downing argues, because Americans getting off work while it was still light out meant they would be more likely to go out shopping in the evening.

Sports and recreation industries saw the light, too. “Golf ball sales skyrocketed during Daylight Saving Time,” according to Downing. “Baseball is a huge early supporter, too, because there’s no artificial illumination of parks, so to get school kids and workers to ball games with the extended daylight, they have a later start time.” Some even considered Daylight Saving Time a good health policy, given the extra time people had to be outdoors.

There wouldn’t be another national Daylight Saving Time policy until 1942, for the duration of World War II, but New York City, however, continued to observe a metropolitan Daylight Saving Time all along. Because of the city’s position as a financial capital, other places followed. The result, Downing says, was “cities observing Daylight Saving Time surrounded by rural areas that are not, and no one can tell what time it is anywhere.” In fact, TIME’s letters department received a poem from an Ohio man about just that topic: “To miss a train or business deal, / Because our clocks are without keel / Can cause a nation loss of gold / E’en worse than all the misers hold.”

By 1966, the confusion was bad enough to prompt the Uniform Time Act. Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the first peacetime Daylight Saving Time law said that the United States policy would be to observe six months of Daylight Saving Time and six months of Standard Time. It required states to either adopt Daylight Saving Time entirely or opt out, avoiding the patchwork of cities and counties that had been so problematic, according to Downing. For example, Arizona opted out because an extra hour of daylight in the summer doesn’t make sense when it’s over 100 degrees already, as a March 1969 Arizona Republic editorial explained.

In 1973, shortly after the oil embargo went into effect, President Richard Nixon called for year-round Daylight Saving Time. A brief trial ended—partly because of fears that children would get hit by cars in the dark—but Daylight Saving Time has nevertheless grown. In 1986, the U.S. started observing seven months of it—an extra month that the golf industry and manufacturers of barbecue equipment claimed was worth between $200 million and $400 million. And since 2005, the U.S. has been observing eight months of Daylight Saving Time.

And now you know the ins and out of DST - Happy Friday everyone! (and don't forget to changes those clocks!)

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

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

16236 VANCIL COURT SE, YELM WA 98597

Spacious and Pristine Property in Timber Estates! Flowing Open Concept Floor plan with numerous windows and 9 foot ceilings; natural brightness throughout. Alcove ceiling and trompe l'oeil mural in main floor den/office. Soothing custom color palette throughout. Large Master Suite has soaker tub in attached bath. 8 foot slider leads to backyard with privacy fence, concrete patio, garden shed and mature landscaping. 3 car garage has additional storage. Save on gas! Located within walking distance to downtown: groceries, movies, library and more!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.5

Square Feet: 2,434

Price: $289,000

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475

or cschmier@remax.net

15176 DURANT DRIVE SE, YELM WA 98597

Well-maintained home in great location! Flowing floor plan features Formal Dining and Living room with gas fireplace. Chef's kitchen boasts granite counters, gas stove, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting, not to mention custom tile back splash and ample cabinetry. Office/Den! Over-sized landing gives potential for large Family or Rec room. French doors lead to Master suite with walk-in closet and private bath. 3 car garage! Corner lot with nicely landscaped backyard offering covered patio and stone fire pit. Within walking distance of Golf Course!

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.5

Square Feet: 2,573
Price: $298,500

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net

Thursday, October 20, 2016

No Property Too Big, No Property Too Small

Well, here it is: the end of October - everyone has settled into their Fall routines and schedules and summer is a thing of the past. The leaves are changing colors, the rain is back, and with it the school semester, hurrah for education. (I'm sure many parents have been smiling about school starting themselves) As part of my own continuing education, this month I earned a new designation, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (or CLHMS) from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. To those for whom this is a new term, here's a little background on it:

Laurie Moore, The Institute's founder, is a well known and respected speaker, consultant, and writer in the real estate industry. In her four decades in the industry, she has sold real estate, managed a large real estate office, and managed two divisions of one of the nation's largest brokerage firms. She also co-founded REAL Trends, a research and communications company serving the residential brokerage industry.

In response to the growing need for training and designation in the luxury home market, the Institute was founded in 2003 as a resource for real estate professionals and consumers involved with upper-tier residential properties. Tens of thousands of agents and brokers (of which I am now one) have since gone through its training on the topic of upper-tier marketing, helping them become more successful in working with buyers and sellers in the luxury home market.

The Institute exists to help real estate professionals provide high quality service to the buyers and sellers of luxury homes and in so doing, maximize their own success in the upper-tier residential market. It is the premier independent authority in training and designation for real estate agents working in the luxury residential market and is an independent organization not tied to any real estate brand.

What this means for you is that now more than ever, the adage "No property too big, no property too small" is accurate. The smaller properties can be tricky, but the larger high end ones can be intimidating to many agents: not so for me and my staff. We have always been known for our service and we consistently strive to provide it in the highest possible quality to all our clients, regardless of the property price or size. And now I have the tools to bring the luxury market customer service to all our RE/MAX Country clientele. Large or small, we're here for you!

We wish you all a safe and Happy Halloween - And don't forget to stop by our office and pick up a free pumpkin! (while supplies last!)

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

Thursday, October 13, 2016

6 Halloween Decorations to Avoid If You Ever Hope to Sell Your House

As Halloween nears, strange things start creeping up in neighborhoods across the country: Zombies hang from trees, inflatable pumpkins pop up on lawns, and front lawns become impromptu cemeteries.

It’s an unquestionably fun holiday to decorate for, but what if you’re trying to sell your house? Just how far can you go with Halloween decorations if you don’t want to truly scare off buyers?

Experts say you don’t have to forgo all festive decorations, but you do have to choose them wisely. In general, decorations should be benevolently neutral: think scarecrows, pumpkins, and hay bales.

Here are some decoration ideas to AVOID spooking buyers:

1. Blood and gore

Sorry, zombie fans, but gruesome scenes of death and the undead are things to steer away from. Buyers often have young kids with them and the last thing you want is for a child to cry and refuse to enter your home.

2. A blood-spattered front door

We’ve already said blood is a no-no, but just in case we weren’t clear, writing scary messages in gory-looking red paint—even something as chipper as “Happy Halloween”—is a bad idea. It’s fine and dandy if you’re just trying to give trick-or-treaters a fright, but to prospective home buyers, this graffiti-style treatment just looks messy, and screams “go away.”

3. Pumpkins whose time has come—and gone

If you’re going to use real flowers, pumpkins, and other perishable decorations, make sure to keep them looking fresh. No one wants to see (or smell) produce that’s well past its prime.

4. Political statements parading as Halloween decor

It might seem obvious, but politically themed decorations are a definite don’t. Politics is a topic you don't want a prospective buyer to have on their mind as they're viewing your home.

5. Clowns

I think it's safe to say, given what's going on in the world today regarding terrifying clowns, I could go to go out on a limb and say it: No creepy clowns—even if your house isn’t on the market. Talk about the stuff of nightmares…

6. Too many decorations, period

It’s easy to get carried away with decorations as you get caught up in the festivities, but don’t. You’re not trying to impress buyers with your decorating skills; you’re trying to impress them with your house, which can get buried if you’re not careful.

If your Halloween dreams have just been crushed, fear not, you can always put out the gory decor to your heart's content ON Halloween night. You’re really trying to put your best foot forward in marketing your home, and that means a foot that’s not covered in zombie entrails.

Happy Decorating!!

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