Equity in Your home!

Tap into your home’s value

For years, homeowners were afraid of tapping into their home equity—and rightfully so, considering the downward trend of home values in markets across the country.

But since prices began rising in late 2012, many homeowners have recovered significant chunks of equity and are now starting to feel more comfortable tapping into that; particularly to make renovations and repairs that may ultimately increase the value of their homes.

This combination of rising equity, tight inventory, and historically low interest rates make home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) look pretty attractive. But homeowners looking to take advantage should make sure they understand the following information first:

Does it have fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate and what is the rate?

What is the limit?

What are the terms of the draw period? When does it end and what are the terms thereafter? Particularly note how the monthly payment changes during and after this period.

Is the interest tax-deductible?

Savvy homeowners may want to check their credit beforehand at AnnualCreditReport.com to help determine what kind of terms they may get and if there’s anything they can do improve their creditworthiness. Make sure your creditor walks you through the process so you completely understand the agreement.

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

Equity in Your home!

Tap into your home’s value

For years, homeowners were afraid of tapping into their home equity—and rightfully so, considering the downward trend of home values in markets across the country.

But since prices began rising in late 2012, many homeowners have recovered significant chunks of equity and are now starting to feel more comfortable tapping into that, particularly to make renovations and repairs that may ultimately increase the value of their homes.

This combination of rising equity, tight inventory and historically low interest rates make home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) look pretty attractive, but homeowners looking to take advantage should make sure they understand the following information first:

Does it have fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate and what is the rate?

What is the limit?

What are the terms of the draw period, when does it end and what are the terms thereafter? Particularly note how the monthly payment changes during and after this period.

Is the interest tax-deductible?

Savvy homeowners may want to check their credit beforehand at AnnualCreditReport.com to help determine what kind of terms they may get, and if there’s anything they can do improve their creditworthiness. Make sure your creditor walks you through the process so you completely understand the agreement.

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

What Fathers Really Want for Fathers Day!

What Fathers Really Want for Father's Day!

Well, it's only fair that since I wrote a blog about what Moms really want for Mother's Day, I should do the same for the other side.  Dads, I did some asking around and got a few Fathers to tell me what they really wanted for Father's Day.  I will give you a quick tip: it's not another tie or #1 Dad shirt. 

1. Let him watch the game.  Sounds simple enough, right?  Some Dads just want some snacks, a beer and their favorite sports on TV without interruption or distraction.  No to do lists, no kids running in and out asking questions, no wife asking, "What you doing?".  Just the game. 

 

2. Kick him out.  No, not for good. Send him to go play golf, or go shooting, hunting or fishing; whatever his hobby or passion is.   No guilt, no "When will you be home?" questions, no asking him to pick up milk on his way back. Pack him a lunch, give him a kiss, and tell him to have fun. Best gift ever.

3. Spend some time together.  Most Dads are really busy: working long hours plus weekend honey do lists. Sometimes it seems like they just don't get to spend any time with their family.  Every Dad I asked said all he really wanted was to just spend some time with his family. Not that they needed to do anything in particular, just hanging out and catching up. We can totally do that.

So this Father's Day, give Dad what he really wants. A day just for him and his family.  He deserves it and spending quality time with Dad is a family win all around!
  

Happy Father Day!

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

How to Boost Your Curb Appeal this Summer!

How to Boost Your Curb Appeal this Summer

                With the summer selling season getting as hot as the weather, how do you keep your house in the running with buyers?  One great way is curb appeal. Here are some really easy and really fun tips to upgrade your curb appeal and get your house more attention than the rest.

Driveway & Entrance

Adding outdoor lighting to your walkway and driveway is not only chic, but it also provides safety and security. Adding some colorful potted plants around your porch and walkway is an easy way to add color and life to the front of your house without spending a ton of money or time.  Painting your front door, hanging a flag, and maybe adding some seasonal accents to your entryway are all great ways to grab attention and still leave your mark on your home.

Windows

Some well-placed flower boxes can make a ton of difference in your curb appeal.  Adding shutters are also a great attention-grabber for the front of your home. Just a simple touch like a solar powered candle in each window can really make people take a second look at your house.

Porch

If you have a covered porch, some hanging plants can really spruce things up.  Adding some inviting features like a bench or Adirondack chairs can really speak to a buyer.  If your porch is too small for a porch swing, a little chair and table with a nice potted plant or pretty tea set will all send the same message.

Yard

There are the obvious tasks: mowing and seeding the lawn, weeding and cutting back shrubs and bushes.  But there are some really cool ways to make your yard stand out but still look neat.  If you have a grass path to a back gate, lay some stone and create a walkway or outline bushes and shrubs with a border of stone or rocks.  You could always add a few fence posts to the edge of your yard and give it that picket fence feel. 

Remember, just like with the inside of your house, you don't want it to be too personalized as that will make it difficult for buyers to see themselves living there. You do, however, want it to stand out and be both different and inviting.  Good luck and happy summer!

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

Summer Vacation and Your Home!

Summer Vacation and Your Home!

You found your perfect home, you bought it, you moved in and unpacked, and now you're ready for some well deserved R&R.  Whether it's just a few days out of town or a few weeks on a tropical island, there are some things you should do to prepare your home for your absence.

Preparing to Leave

Clean Out the Fridge:  Throw away anything that is or will be expired by the time you come back. Wipe down the shelves and door jams to prevent mold or mildew.

Shut off the water:  If a hose to a dishwasher or washing machine were to break, you could come home to a very large mess.  So turn off the water to at least those appliances.  You might want to run them and then leave the doors open to let them dry out so you prevent mold and mildew.  Also, getting the laundry and dishes done means no mess or extra work when you get home.

Prep Your plants and outdoor space:  Make sure all gutters and downspouts are clear.  Overflow could seep under siding and flood basements.  Mow and trim plants and hedges.  Ask a friend or neighbor to help or pay a neighborhood kid to mow and check on the house.

Leave on some lights:  Make it look like your home by leaving on some lights or have them on a timer if you don't want to waste money on your electric bill. Maybe pay the same kid who is mowing to turn on some lights at night. However you do it, it's important that your home look lived in even when your away.  Most criminals are opportunists; they will take the easy route every time.  So don't make it easy.

Unplug and reset thermostat:  Unplug all your appliances; they suck up energy even when not in use and no one wants their house to catch on fire because of a loose or crossed wire. In addition to that, reset your AC. You don't want to turn it off completely because it could get very musty, so set your AC to 85 and your house will stay cool and free of mildew.

Hold mail and newspapers:  A few quick phone calls and the post office and local delivery boy will hold all your stuff till you get back. Or you can give that kid a few more dollars and a key and he can take care of it for you.  

Preparing for your return

Food:  Make sure you have some non-perishables so when you get back, your first meal home is hassle free. (things like pop tarts, coffee, and soup are good to have.

Keep the house fresh:  Plug in an air freshener oooor you know that kid? Yeah have him open a few windows for a couple of hours a day.

Change the sheets:  There is nothing worse then coming home from vacation and having to do work.  Changing your sheets and maybe putting a dryer sheet in the blankets will insure a great night's sleep on your return home.

Tidy Up:  Sweep, Vacuum, Wipe down counters and any other stuff you know you won't want to do when you come home.

Happy vacation and don't forget to tip your neighborhood kid: he worked hard while you were gone!!

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