Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts

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

Friday, June 17, 2016

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

Friday, April 29, 2016

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

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Farmers Markets



Framers Market


Spring has finally sprung in the Pacific North West and who doesn’t love to walk around a really good farmers market on a really nice day.  It’s a great way to support your local farmers, artists and creative entrepreneurs.  There are quite a few nice framers markets in Thurston County.
Yelm Farmers Market: Open Sundays 10AM to 3PM starting May 22nd.  The Yelm farmers market is all about community.  They have a tent called taste the place maned by volunteers were you can taste the fresh fruit and produce of the farmers selling at the market and then go buy from the ones you enjoy.  They also have a program for kids called POP.  It’s for kids ages 5-12 and it helps them to learn about and engage with the local business in their community.  Yelm framers market support local artist and entrepreneurs as well.  It’s a great way to meet new people and make some healthy choices. Come and check them out at Nisqually Springs Farm.  yelmfarmersmarket.com

 
Olympia Framers Market:  Open all year round on Saturday’s 10AM to 3PM but starting April 7th till October they are open Thursday thru Sunday 10AM to 3PM.  The Olympia farmers market has been around for 41 years.  They have an abundance of local farmers and artisans.  There are also quite a few restaurants and cafes as well as live entertainment and events throughout the year.  They are located at 700 N Capital way in Olympia so come spend the day discovering this gem.  olympiafarmersmarket.com

West Olympia Farmers Market:  Open on Tuesdays from 4PM till 7PM.  This is your neighborhood market supporting small and beginning vendors.  They are located at west central park on the corner of Division and Harrison streets.  Even though this is one of the newer markets it is worth the visit.  wolympiafarmersmarket.com
Going to check out your local farmers market is not only a good way to get to know your neighborhood and support local businesses but it is just a really fun way to spend the day. If you are looking for farmers markets in Washington go to wafarmersmarkets.com.  Get out, get healthy and have fun.

 
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, February 12, 2016

Are You Really Ready to Sell



Spring Has Sprung.


Now that the weather is getting warmer lots of buyers are out looking for their next home.  There are some things you can and should do to make it easier to sell your weather you want to sell now or in the future you should do these things every spring.

Clean your gutters
Gutters do their job best when clean.  The raint season is a prime time to ensure all drainage areas remain unblocked by leaves and/or debris.  Trapped moisture can leave a house susceptible to mold and mildew and cause major damage to your roof and walls.   

Check Your Roof
Be diligent about roof maintenance.  Ask a licensed professional to inspect your roof for wear and tear.  If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, it’s time to replace the roof. 

Check your Paint
The worst thing you can do is leave wood exposed, because that’s when it will begin to rot.  Sand it down so there are no rough edges, prime the bare wood surface and paint it with high quality paint product.  Don’t wait until siding accumulates too much dirt.  Brighten up the house with a good power washing.

Cut Overgrowth
Trim overgrown trees and hedges away from your home to discourage the growth of mildew and moisture.  Branches should be at least 7 feet away from  the exterior of the house.  Get rid of out-of –control vines, as they can help crack siding and allow moisture and pests entry into your home.

Love Your Lawn
Rake up leaves, Pull up weeds, and remove foliage from the lawn, shrubs and any plants.  Pull up dead flowers and replace them with a low maintenance variety such as pansies, begonias or mums.

Keep the Air Fresh
You should be changing air filters monthly, but if not start now.  A unit free of dust and dirt runs more efficiently saving you money on your energy bill.  Also check hose connections for leaks. 

Watch for Leaks
Investigate all doors and windows for leaks and drafts, which can signal water intrusion.  Seal any open areas between the frame and the wall to keep out water which can deteriorate building materials. 


Control Pests
Keep garbage and debris under control around the exterior of your home.  Do what you would inside, and get rid of junk.  Seal cracks, even if you just did so in the winter.  Mulching the yard this spring? Use a liner underneath. 

Peek at the Plumbing
Check for leaking faucets or sweating pipes, clogged drains and faulty water drainage systems.  On laundry day, look at the washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or dampness. Check under the kitchen sink for leaks and make note of wetness around dishwasher, Inspect your water heater for leaks and corrosion.

Clean Decks, Driveways and Fences
A pressure washer makes this job easier.  While cleaning inspect for damage and make repairs before they become big jobs.

Clean Coils
Coils on your fridge conduct the hot air from outside the unit.  If they are coated with dust they do the job less efficiently coasting you more money.


Smoke Detectors
Test and change batteries in your smoke detectors.  Also find outa if you need and were to put Carbon monoxide detectors.
 

  
Drain Your Water Heater
By doing so you will prolong its life and reduce your electric bill.


By doing all these things now before you put your home on the market you will save yourself a lot of time, money and headaches as well as making the your house look great for potential buyers. 



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, January 29, 2016

Pet Lovers Are Welcome!!




Pet Friendly Real Estate


No one shopping for a new home wants to walk into a house and smell the animals that live there, however the days of being asked to hide the fact that you have a pet are long gone.  Some real estate companies are not only allowing pets, they’re catering to them.  In fact Pet friendly agents have found one another on a growing social platform called the Pet Realty Network.  The network launched in 1997, now boasts 300 members who pay $30 annually to be included in the directory and can add to its pet friendly listings.   Even home builders are touting pet-accommodating floor plans, such as pet nooks in mudrooms, heated window perches, scratch proof flooring and custom-built cabinets for food bowls. “Its quite amazing what some people are doing now and what they are demanding,” says Rhona Sutter, Founder of Pet Realty Network.  “Its something buyers really think about now when they build. Pet Friendly has come into the forefront of consideration.” 

 The reason for this pet friendly craze in the real estate world?  Well nationwide, dog ownership is climbing, fueled in part by millennials who are postponing marriage and child-rearing and getting pets instead.  The American Pet Products Association found in its most recent pet-owner study that 44 percent of American households, or more than 54 million, own at least one dog, up from 38 percent, or 35 million, in 1990.  Its not just millennials driving this new trend, ProMatura, a Mississippi real estate research and advisory firm specializing in age-qualified housing, surveys seniors every year on what they want in their housing communities.  In last years survey, 43 percent of respondents indicated they thought a dog park was essential or desirable, up 33 percent from the previous year.  Apartment and condo developers from New York City to Washington State are incorporating pet amenities like grooming stations, day boarding facilities, dog-walking services, veterinary clinics, miniature dog parks, and even rooftop dog walks with special cleaning systems.   Real estate agents now have to show themselves as pet friendly weather it is through networking, marketing or even how they stage the homes.  No matter were you are or for whom you work, you will now have to take into consideration all the members of the family even the furry ones. 



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, August 28, 2015

Where is your investment best spent?


RETURN ON improvement

Are you thinking about selling your home, or do you just want to spruce things up and don’t know where to start? If you’re working within a strict budget, the thought of remodeling your home can be daunting. It’s best to assess your needs and also educate yourself on current market trends before you get started.

The 2015 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, produced by Remodeling magazine in cooperation with the National Association of REALTORS®, reports that large-scale jobs aren’t likely to return sellers their full cost. Instead, smaller replacement jobs tend to generate a higher return than remodeling projects. The report uncovers that replacement projects showed an average return of 73.2 percent, while the cost-value ratio of remodeling projects showed an average rate of return of 60.8 percent.

Arming yourself with information like this is key before you invest in making improvements. Here are the five mid-range projects that are most likely to recoup the cost of investment.

     →Entry door replacement – 101.8%
                    Manufactured Stone Veneer – 92.2%
                                Garage Door Replacement – 88.4%
                                           Siding Replacement Vinyl – 80.7%
                                                        Deck Addition Wood – 80.5%




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