Spacious Home with New Deck!

Spacious abode in convenient location! Large Living rm w/ Dining area boasting built-in hutch! Open kitchen w/ walk-in pantry. Family rm. Freshly painted Master Suite w/new carpet plus a soaking tub. Relax on your new deck as you contentedly contemplate your simplified lifestyle. Never stress over bills, rent includes: Water, Sewer & Garbage! Low-maintenance landscaping! Carport includes 11.5' x 8' storage area. Pets allowed, restrictions apply. Owner financing available!

Virtual tour

Nolan Construction Home with Solar Panels and Tons of Amenities!

Nolan construction - known for quality! Solar panels in place & power sold to PSE. Low utilities costs. After your busy day, relax in your sauna or hot tub. Gardens, orchard, outbuildings, chicken coop, fenced dog run, greenhouse, Insulated shop w/ 220 power, generator. Chef's kitchen w/ top of the line s/s appliances, Beautiful cabinets, and great work area. Vaulted ceilings ,tube lighting, wd stove , A/C, 220 bottle wine rack. Oh did I mention the sun room? Enjoy the abundance of amenities.

Virtual Tour

The Market In Fall

As summer is coming to an end and everyone is starting to think about back to school, sweatshirts, bonfires, and pumpkin-everything; the real estate market should be slowing down. Right?

Although real estate is a 365 days a year business, there is definitely a cycle to the market.  Typically fall is when the market starts to slow down from the spring and summer rush, however, according to recent forecasts for the fall market there is very little slow down this year.  A recent Redfin forecast stated that not only is the fall market holding steady, home buyer demand is still very strong.  Nevertheless, there are some things to be concerned about.  There has been some talk of the rates going up in light of the economy growth in the past few months. With prices continuing to rise due to greater demand, buyers are worried about paying too much: making some more hesitant to make an offer.  Sellers seem to be hearing this loud and clear and many are dropping their prices which is starting a trend toward a buyer’s market in the coming months. 

(No one really knows what the market will do in the next few months but we do know it's not slowing down right now and there are a lot of benefits to buying and selling in fall; but that’s a topic for a different blog.)

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

14726 91ST AVENUE, YELM, WA, 98597

Property Site:  http://www.remax.com/realestatehomesforsale/14726-91st-ave-se-yelm-wa-98597-gid300021644621.html

Beautiful & Abundant Home in Bella Housa Village! Crown molding, white trim, and over-sized windows throughout! Spacious dwelling features den with bench rail and shadow box wainscoting. Brushed engineered hardwood floors! Kitchen has walk-in pantry, numerous chocolate cabinets, granite island and counters with glass tile back splash & stainless steel appliances. Gas fireplace in living room. Master suite has soaker tub. Fully fenced yd with covered patio. Conveniently located off main highway for traffic avoidance. Access to clubhouse!

 

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.5

Square feet:2,383

Price: $280,000

 

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

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

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.

Have Fun:

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

15602 Lindsay Rd SE, Yelm 98597

Property Site:  http://www.remax.com/realestatehomesforsale/15602-lindsay-rd-se-yelm-wa-98597-gid300019307944.html

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

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

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

Millennials in the Market Part 3

Millennials  part 3

At this point we know what millennials want, lots of amenities, smaller, flexible spaces, historic structures and socially engaging neighborhoods all in the right price range.  We also know they are in direct competition with baby boomers for these properties at some what of a disadvantage because of there lack of savings and slower economic growth and their lack of experience in negotiating for what they want. Millennials are now the biggest group of home buyers in the market and they are changing things including how agents do business. 

According to NAR survey only 3 percent of agents are under 30 and 81 percent are over 45.  That means many old dogs have to learn some new tricks. To say millenials are technology savvy would be an understatement.  More than 50 percent of millennials search for homes on their phones and among those, 26 percent end up buying a home they found that way, according to National Association of Realtors. Millennials rarely need agents to find homes for them, they usually have their own list, and they’ve already researched comparable sales and chosen a neighborhood.  “With millennials, we do not control information,” Says Player Murray, managing broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.  “what they need is for us to interpret the information.”   But that isn’t always easy for agents either.  Millennials don’t want to talk.  They would rather email or text.  Murray says “they don’t want to be bothered with conversation of it can be texted.”  Which can be a real challenge for agents who have spent most of there careers on the phone with their clients.  Agents also have to learn to use social media in new and creative ways in order to keep millennials engaged.  “They need to feel like they’re a part of your business.” Murray says.  “Just re-posting an article that’s been posted 1,000 times across the country isnt enough.”

With all that said millennials are still the most likely group to use agents to buy a home.  They are more likely to buy a fixer and value the advice, resources and referrals an experienced agent can provide.  They are also all very new to the home buying game and although there may be a huge disconnect they still need the help.  So agents are changing the way they do business and trying very hard to understand the Tweets, short cryptic emails and acronym laced texts.  Agents are getting apps for their businesses and hiring social media marketing experts.  It just goes to show you can teach an old Dog new tricks.  

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

      

Flowers Everywhere

Early Spring in The Garden

Here are a few tips to help you get a head start on your spring gardening:

• Finish up your seed and plant orders.

• Keep an eye on houseplant pests.

• Get your garden tools in order and your mower back in shape.

• Prune trees and shrubs, both ornamentals and fruit.

• Use an acid-type rhododendron, azaleas and camellias

• Use an all-purpose fertilizer to feed roses and other deciduous trees and shrubs.  If using dry-type fertilizers, water them in thoroughly.

• Check flower beds for plants that may have heaved.

• Cut some branches for forcing indoors.

• Rejuvenate holly bushes with a hard pruning.

• Check evergreens for signs of desiccation.

• Start seeds of cool-season vegetables and flowers.

• Start to rejuvenate annual flower beds.

• Harvest winter crops before they bolt.

• Trim back any branches that were damaged by the ravages of winter.

• Apply dormant oil fruit spray.

• Take notes and buy some shrubs and trees that you would like to see in your winter garden next season.

For more information on Gardening please go to http://gardening.about.com

Thank you CW title and Escrow for the Tips

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

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
 

14850 Terra View St SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/K4WUUG

Welcome to Tahoma Terra! Cute as a button! Open concept with Living/Kitchen/Dining. New carpet. Freshly painted. New kitchen appliances and light fixtures. Wired for surround sound. Large Master Bedroom with walk-in closet. Move-in ready! Fully fenced back yard. Attached garage. Covered front entry. Close to schools, shopping, walking trails, golf, theaters and and more! Great commuting location with easy access to JBLM. Come take a look!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1.00

Square feet: 1,424

Price: $174,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net. You can also text 3126433 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 859164

Your Home - Guiding Light

Need a little more light in your life?  See for yourself the difference that light bulbs and lamp shades can make with a room's mood.  Check out these bright ideas from RealSimple.com.

Type Cast  In the bathroom, use overhead lights to get rid of shadows;  sidelights flanking the mirrors are perfect for makeup application.  In the kitchen, overhead lights brighten surfaces.  In the bedroom, try cozy tinted, low-wattage bulbs to give a candlelit, romantic effect.  To create a grand atmosphere in the dining room, use a chandelier.  Place one directly over the table, but make sure to measure the ceiling height and table height before making a purchase.  Indirect lighting - in all parts of the home - sotfens spaces.  Small table lamps or wall scones can also add a subtle glow.

Safe and Secure  Use ambient lighting to brighten the exterior of your home.  Motion-activated or timer-equipped lights can ensure your home's exterior is well-lit in the evenings.  Don't go too dim or too bright - no need to attract intruders, nor bother your neighbor.

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

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475

www.cynthia-online.com

Your Home - Heart-Healthy Neighborhoods

Living in a friendly neighborhood may be healthy 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.

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
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com

(360) 400-3475

www.cynthia-online.com

18719 Woodburn Ct SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/6BSPCT

Charming home in gated community! Covered front porch. Great room w/free standing wood stove - keep warm on those chilly Winter nights! Stainless steel appliances - all stay! Vaulted ceilings. Master bdrm w/private bthrm. Electric furnace & hot water. Ceiling fans. Back deck. Clearwood offers an abundance of private bonuses: community swimming pool, fishing, three lakes, boat launch, beaches, hiking trails, playgrounds, sport courts & much much more! Quick commute to town & JBLM east gate.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2.50

Square feet: 1,284

Price: $135,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at 360-400-3475 or cynthia@cynthia-online.com. You can also text 2438629 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 720007

1212 77th Trail SE Olympia, WA 98501

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/SXM4XK

Welcome home! 3bdrm home in prime commuting location! Hand-scraped hardwood floors. Tile counters & back splash, cherry stained cabinets, walk-in pantry. Over-sized windows & 2" blinds throughout. Bronze fixtures. All appliances included! Gas heat & hot water. White trim package. Landing at top of stairs. Large Master Suite w/walk-in closet & private bathroom. Utility rm on upper level. Fully fenced back yard. 2car attached garage. Close to I-5, JBLM, shopping & more! Dont miss out!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.50

Square feet: 2,049

Price: $220,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at 360-400-3475 or cynthia@cynthia-online.com. You can also text 2432781 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 719122

10030 Cole Ct SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/MALU97

3bdrm home in the Heart of Yelm! Open kitchen w/eating bar & nice pantry. Ceiling fans. Gas furnace & hot water. Recessed lighting. Spacious Master Bedroom w/large walk-in closet & separate bath w/dual vanities & soaker tub. All rooms have walk-in closets! Utility rm on upper level. Fully fenced yard w/patio, dog run & garden shed. Close to schools, shopping, golf course & miles of walking/biking trails. Easy access to JBLM.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.50

Square feet: 1,555

Price: $155,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at 360-400-3475 or cynthia@cynthia-online.com. You can also text 2428870 to 67299.

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

MLS ID: 718407