What Mom really wants.

Happy Mother's Day

What does Mom really want on Mother's Day?  Flowers are nice and chocolate is always welcome but there are some things that I know would make Mom really smile.  

A clean car! Yes that's right, I said a clean car.  Take your Mom's car to get detailed.  Cleaning the car is one of those tasks that Mom hates to do but loves when it's done.  Most Moms spend hours in the car taking kids to school, commuting, car pooling; the list goes on and on.  It's so nice to get into a clean car you didn't have to break your back to get that way.

Plant the Flowers she really wants in the front of the house!  How many times have you heard your Mom say, "I would like to plant gardenias this year" but she never seems to have the time.  Well do it for her. Give her the curb appeal she wants without the back ache she doesn't want.

   

Clean out the Garage!  You know what Mom would really love, to not have to bring in the groceries in the rain because her car won't fit in the garage any more. 

Clean the House!  Its great to let Mom sleep in and make her breakfast in bed, but it kind of defeats the whole idea when Mom has to get up and do all her regular chores (to include the dishes she just ate off )  Vacuum, swept, and yes clean the toilets so Mom doesn't have to.  Oh and its free.

Take her someplace fun!  Sunday brunch is very nice but mini-golf and ice cream is FUN!  Whatever your Mom's thing is, take her to do that.   Not what you want to do, but what you know she wants to do.  It's just a few hours out of your life and it will make her so happy to be able to share her stuff with you.

Now go clean, plant and plan something fun for your Mom, she deserves it.

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

Bi-Polar Market

Bi-polar Market

We all know the Market is hot right now.  Burning hot in some areas of the country, but did you also know that home ownership rates are nearing record lows?  According to realtormag, the first quarter of this year's home ownership plummeted to 63.6 percent, the third lowest on record.  With that said home builders say they are finally ready to build more new homes.  NAHB forecasters predict that single-family production will see a 14 percent uptick this year to 812,000 units, and then rise another 19 percent to 964,000.  Are you confused yet?  Just wait it gets better. 

New York Fed President and CEO William C. Dudley stated that "the housing market should remain on a solid trajectory, supported by rising employment and low mortgage rates. I continue to anticipate that consumption and housing activity will expand at a moderate pace this year."  Which all sounds really good, except lots of real estate agents like Marianne Guenther Bornhoft are a little scared.  "I'm a little scared that people are going to, again, get ahead of themselves."  Aaron Cunningham, owner of the Citibroker firm, has similar worries.  "I'm making more money today than I ever have, However, when times are good , it's really easy to get stupid."  Many agents don't feel we have a sustainable market right now but they also don't think it's a bubble either.  So what is it that's happening right now?  Inventory is down, prices are up, bidding wars are becoming the new norm, mortgage rates are not rising, the economy is coming back, and with all this the market looks a little like it did before the last crash.   What The Hell!

What does it all mean?  I'm not really sure but what I do know is we all (buyers, sellers and agents) need to be careful. Be aware that all the normal rules still apply so don't get crazy or emotional about selling or buying your home.    Always let logic rule and make sure you have an agent that knows what they are doing.  Good luck out there.

 

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

Fun in the Sun

Thurston County Fun

The Sun is shining, the Mountain is visible, the birds are chirping and everyone is happy again.  I thought this would be a great week to write about some of the really cool things going on in and around Thurston County.  We have some amazing hiking trails from beginner to advanced and some even including rock climbing - if that’s your thing.  Check out co.thurston.wa.us/parks/trails.htm and go explore.

If botanical gardens are more your thing, Thurston County offers many such as the Japanese gardens in Olympia to the rose gardens in Lacey.  Go to http://www.olympialiving.com/attractions/botanical-gardens-in-olympia.htm and enjoy the blooming spring.

Thurston County is a haven for family friendly actives.  There is too too much to list it here but go to http://www.soundsfunmom.com/100-places-to-take-kids-in-south-puget-sound/ for cool stuff to do on a sunny day.  If you're working within a budget, and lets face it most of us parents are, go to http://www.thurstontalk.com>activities for free stuff to do with kids in Thurston county. 

As you can see you don’t have to go far from home to have fun around here.  I am listing a few more links below so check them out and then go have fun in your community.

visitthurstoncounty.com

thurstontalk.com

blogs.evergreen.edu

thurstonchamber.com

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

402 Easy St SE Rainier, WA 98576

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/4Z4Q6M

Opportunity knocks! Spacious home on large lot. Covered porch w/stone accents welcomes you home. Tile entry. Gorgeous laminate flooring throughout Formal Living & Dining area. Kitchen features cherry cabinets, Stainless appliances, large walk-in pantry & breakfast nook. Sizable Master Suite w/walk-in closet & private bath. All rooms are substantially sized! Family rm on landing w/additional office/den with door. Over-sized back yard w/patio. Located on quiet street w/short commute to JBLM.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.25

Square feet: 3,054

Price: $269,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net. You can also text 3345176 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 892542

9321 339th St S Roy, WA 98580

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/JYVMV9

Welcome to Whitewater Estates - a gated Equestrian community w/river access & miles of horse riding trails! New hardwd flrs & carpet. Soaring ceilings in living rm w/fireplace & Bench rail accents. Spacious Family rm w/Pellet insert. Recently updated Kitchen w/refinished cabinetry, granite slab counters, isld w/eating space. Master Suite w/exquisite walk-in glass shower, tile & Quartz counter. Freshly painted interior & exterior. Horse ready! Vinyl fencing with 4 stall barn or shop. Owner built!

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.75

Square feet: 2,352

Price: $459,900

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net. You can also text 3325084 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 889118

Home For The Holidays!!!

Holiday Home Selling Tips

There are a few advantages to selling your home during the holidays. Buyers shopping for homes this time of year tend to be more serious, and because fewer homes may be on the market, there’s less competition. Frontdoor.com offers several tips to attract buyers during this busy season.

Don’t go overboard on holiday decorations. Large decorations can make your home seem smaller and they can distract buyers. If you choose to decorate, opt for fewer and smaller items with a general winter theme.

Hire a reliable real estate agent. Ask family and friends to recommend a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) agent who will work hard for you during the holiday season.

Seek motivated buyers. Individuals shopping for a home during the holidays must be highly motivated. Target buyers who need to move soon, such as people relocating for jobs, college students and university staff on break, and investors on tax deadlines.

Price the property to sell. No matter what time of year it is, a home that’s priced appropriately for the market will attract buyers.

Pay attention to curb appeal. Maintaining your home’s exterior is just as important in the winter as it is during any other season. Touch up the paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard. Also keep buyers’ safety in mind by keeping stairs and walkways clear of snow, ice and leaves.

Make your home cozy and inviting. When showing your home, crank up the heat, play soft music and offer homemade holiday treats. It will encourage buyers to spend more time in the home, which gives them a chance to admire its best features.

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

Your Health and Your Neighborhood

Heart-Healthy NEIGHBORHOODS

Living in a friendly neighborhood may be good for your heart, according to a recent study by psychologists at the University of Michigan. In fact, the more social connections you have among your neighbors, the less likely you are to die from a heart attack.
       The study analyzed the social connections of more than 5,000 adults in urban, suburban and rural areas over a four-year period. Researchers controlled for factors like age, race, income, marital status, education, mental health, optimism and other known health-risk factors associated with heart attacks, such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. By the end of the four years, 148 of the individuals studied had suffered a heart attack.
       Maintaining friendly relationships with your neighbors may be good for your health because neighbors are more likely to check on each other and notice any potential health problems, share resources and health information, and lend money. They can also offer emotional support, which can be a buffer during times of stress.
       Conversely, other studies have shown that negative aspects of a neighborhood can have a detrimental effect on a person’s health. For example, living in areas with violence, noise, poor air quality and access to too many fast food restaurants can have a negative impact on a person’s health. Further, a study at the University of Pennsylvania finds that living in areas with abandoned buildings can lead to isolation and hamper social relationships, which can lead to poor physical health of residents who live nearby.
       Being helpful and neighborly is not only good for your health, it’s good for the health of the neighborhood.

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

Pets and The Holidays

DON’T RUIN

Their holiday

 It’s easy to overlook our furry companions during the rush of seasonal celebrations. The holidays can be disruptive to pets’ routines, so it’s important to keep their eating and exercise habits to a normal schedule, according to the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The following tips can help keep pets out of harm’s way during the holidays. 

    Anchor the Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall over, injuring your pet. This will also prevent the tree water, which may contain poisonous fertilizers, from spilling. Also keep wires, batteries and ornaments out of paws’ reach so pets don’t get hurt.

    Consider decorating the tree with bows or strands of popcorn, ribbon or garland. Avoid shiny strands of tinsel that can be tantalizing to cats, but also dangerous. One small nibble can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration.

    Fresh holly and mistletoe might appear harmless, but when ingested, pets can suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Instead, choose colorful, artificial plants made from silk or plastic.

    Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets can accidentally burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Place candles in appropriate holders on a stable surface, and extinguish them when exiting the room.

With so much activity going on, give your dog or cat a quiet place to retreat to, complete with fresh water, their favorite toy and snack, and a place to snuggle.

Its Getting Gray!

CURBING THE WINTER BLAHS

While the weather outside might be frightful, your home’s curb appeal can still be delightful. The following ideas from HGTV.com can help make your home stand out even when it’s cold and gray outside.

    Clean the gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home, create ice dams that can damage gutters and attract pests.

    Keep visitors safe. Clear the walkways, driveway and stairs of snow and ice so prospective buyers can make it to your front door without slipping.

    Provide proper lighting. As the days get shorter, it gets darker earlier. Lights can illuminate the path to the front door, and sconces or lanterns on each side of the door can give buyers a warm welcome.

    Colorize the exterior. Bare trees won’t hide your home’s faded or chipped paint, so give your home a fresh coat. A front door painted in a bright color can make it stand out amidst the gray landscape.

    Use winter decorations wisely. Keep holiday decorations to a minimum, and use them to show off your home’s best features. A string of white lights around the windows can make your home look festive.

    Bring out the green. Evergreen
trees and cold-weather plants, such
as pansies and witch hazel, can                               
liven up a dreary landscape.

 By following these simple tips, your home
can make a great first impression in any season.

Selling Your Home During the Holidays.

HOLIDAY

Staging tips

        You may be trying to sell your home during the festive holiday season, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo the holiday decorations completely. Just don’t overdo it, say the staging experts at Frontdoor.com. Instead, stick to a few simple decorative touches, such as a pinecone centerpiece or an evergreen wreath. Avoid religious themed decorations, which may turn off potential buyers.
     Avoid using decorations that might clash with your current color scheme. For example, if the décor in the living room is blue, silver and white, choose accessories that complement that color scheme, such as blue glass ornaments and silver or white candles.
      Use accessories to draw attention to the home’s best features. Hang a few tasteful ornaments from the mantel to showcase an elegant fireplace or hang an evergreen garland around the bay window.
      Keep inflatable characters in storage while your home is on the market. Instead, use simple string lighting to showcase a fir tree in your front yard.
       Make your home extra inviting by lighting a fire in the fireplace or turning up the heat a couple of degrees on chilly days. Offer tasty treats like hot apple cider and fresh-baked cookies to create a welcoming environment.
       With a little creativity and common sense, you can enjoy the holidays while trying to sell your home.

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
 

WHEN IT RAINS, IT REALLY POURS

Tips and Trends for homeowners,Buyers and Sellers.     

   No matter where you live, emergencies are bound
to happen when you least expect them: the furnace
breaks down, appliances stop working, the roof starts
leaking or a window gets smashed. The costs for repairs
can be tough to stomach, unless you have an
emergency fund.

Setting up an emergency fund is easier than you think.
These tips from Bankrate.com will help you handle
unexpected surprises with ease.

   

•  First, estimate how much money you might need for the fund. Experts suggest saving enough to cover four to seven months of expenses. Remember, this fund should not replace your entire income, and it should not be used to fund luxuries, like vacations, fancy new clothes or a new car (unless your existing one breaks down).  Keep funds accessible, but not so readily available that you are tempted to borrow from it.

 

• Set up an account separate from your regular checking account. Consider using credit unions, which   allow consumers to open accounts with smaller sums of cash, and online banks, so you can’t withdraw money from a storefront location.

 

• Be sure to use the funds only for emergencies, such as replacing broken appliances, replacing the furnace or paying your regular monthly expenses after a job layoff or during a lengthy illness.  

•   Begin slowly. Start with a deposit of $50 from each paycheck, then increase it gradually with each job change or pay increase. Set aside a portion of commission checks and tax refunds, too.

 

 

With these simple steps, you’ll have greater peace of mind, knowing you are prepared for any emergency.