Friday, July 29, 2016

EXTRA Yardage

It's how you use it that counts


Want to make better use of your outdoor space without spending a lot of money? Try these three simple tricks that can make all the difference between using your backyard and just looking at it.

 ❶ Romantic lighting can really add drama and whimsy to an otherwise dull outdoor space. Try stringing lights over a patio for a look that recalls street cafés and romantic restaurant patios. If you don’t have natural hanging spots for your lights to hook onto, install a simple, wood pole with a loop or hook screw on top. You can install the poles directly into the ground, or attach them onto your pre-existing railings or a heavy base.

❷ Potted trees and bushes can divide designated areas, provide shade in the summer heat and create privacy. Consider ‘Skyrocket’ juniper trees, bamboo or arborvitae to start. You may want to ask your local plant center for ones that grow well in your area of the country and how they survive winter, if that is a consideration.


❸ Add a chimenea. If you live in a climate where it’s cooler at night and you want to extend the life of your patio past summer, add a simple, small chimenea. These are fire pits with a round, open belly and a thick pipe on top. The fires start quickly, don’t get too hot or too big, and are more easily controlled than a traditional open fire pit.

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, July 22, 2016

Helping Parents Find a Home

Mom and Dad need a New House


I have talked many times about Baby Boomers retiring and moving into smaller, more manageable starter homes or condos where they have little maintenance and are close to amenities.  But very often they have no idea where to start or they are wanting to move closer to children who have moved to areas they are not familiar with.  So how do you help them when they want to be closer to you?

Find an Agent:
You knew I was going to say it.  Find an agent that is willing to work with both you and your parents.  When there are extra people involved, it makes it a little harder on the agent. So find someone you all like, trust, and who has everyone’s best interest at heart.  It’s really not hard to find.

Communication:
This is so important!  Find out what they are really looking for, what their budget is, how close to you do they really want to be, what size home do they want, and so much more.  It is vital that everyone is open and honest and has clear boundaries as well as realistic expectations. Otherwise you’re setting yourself and them up for failure.

Schedule time:
Set aside time to view homes with them or weekends to go to open houses.  If they are too far to do it in person, make time to video or Skype together while you walk through the house.  Never let them buy a house sight unseen that’s bad Ju-Ju and will always come back to haunt you.

The home is theirs:
Don’t forget the final decision is your parents'. This is not your home.  They have to live in it, so they have to love it. You're feelings towards their prospective home are secondary.


Don’t let the process get you down.  Have fun looking at the homes and doing research for different areas and have fun with your parents. 

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, July 13, 2016

33120 54th Ave S, Roy WA 98580


 
Gorgeous home on just over 5 acres! Immaculate interior is move-in ready! This Sunrise Homes dwelling features an indoor pool, 2 owned propane tanks, hardwood floors, and fiber-optic lights throughout. Kitchen boasts oak cabinets, gas stove, and an industrial sink. Enjoy this spacious open floor concept! Windows abound allowing for natural lighting throughout. Two car garage has upstairs storage with balcony. Master bathroom has tile surrounded jetted soaking tub. Property is fully fenced and beautifully landscaped!
 
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Square feet:1,733
Price: $349,000
 
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Tips and Trends for Homeowners, Buyers and Sellers

THE TOP 10
trendiest
HOME FEATURES



Whether you’re thinking of selling soon or have an eye on remodeling with solid return-on-investment potential, think about which features make your home oh-so-desirable when it’s time to list.  An analysis of the Realtor.com listings over the past five years found that the following items were listed most often; solidifying a venerable spot among buyers’ favorites:

  1. Fireplace
  2. Wood floor
  3. Carpet
  4. Granite counter
  5. Stainless steel appliances
  6. Open floor plan
  7. Walk-in closet
  8. Formal dining room
  9. Vaulted ceiling
  10. Open kitchens

Do trends lose steam?  Oak and cherry cabinets had a strong foothold in the cabinet marketplace but are no longer popular.


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, July 7, 2016

2118 328th St S, Roy 98580


Property Site:  http://www.remax.com/realestatehomesforsale/2118-328th-st-s-roy-wa-98580-id272782991.html

Ready, Set, GO! 20 acres with private well, 2 bedroom septic, and power all present. Old mobile included at no value. Great garage with shop! Apple, pear and plum trees on property. Previous owners had a family ginseng farm on site. Classified as "open space" meaning LOW taxes! Come take advantage of this fantastic opportunity!

Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Square feet: 1,188
Price: $95,000

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




See more listings at: www.Cynthia-Online.com




MLS ID: 970545

15602 Lindsay Rd SE, Yelm 98597



Large home on 1/3 of an acre presently being used as 6bdrm residence. Remodeled floors, light fixtures & more. Kitchen features granite double sink, tile floor with inlaid design, glass tile back splash plus stainless steel appliances, including double oven. Huge dining room with grid window sliding glass door leading to a glorious landscaped backyard. Jetted tub in Master Suite. Access to Lake Lawrence community areas (tennis courts, boat launch etc) Additional lot with potential for second dwelling. Well maintained!

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2
Square feet: 3,230
Price: $310,000

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




See more listings at: www.Cynthia-Online.com




MLS ID: 969742

Friday, July 1, 2016

Staying Safe on the Water this Summer

Water Safety Tips for the Whole Family!


  • The best thing is to learn how to swim.  Inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket in or around water.
  • Never swim alone.  Try to swim in lifeguard-supervised areas.
  • Never dive headfirst unless the spot is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.  Be very cautious in rivers and lakes, as it is harder to see deep down where logs, boulders and stumps are located.
  • Maintain contact supervision of children around any water environment, regardless of their skill level.  Even shallow water poses a danger.
  • Check weather reports and stop boating if you see or hear of a storm.
  • Anytime you go out in a boat, make sure someone knows where you are going and how long you plan to be out.
  • Inspect the boat and motor well and make sure everyone on board has a life preserver.
  • Set water safety rules for your family and make sure everyone understands them.
  • Adults and teens should take a CPR course.  Contact your local fire department or county to find a course near you.

Enjoy the water, enjoy the sun, and stay safe this summer!

Thanks to CW Title for this fantastic info!


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