Showing posts with label buying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buying. Show all posts

Friday, August 19, 2016

Buying in Fall

Buying in Fall


With sweatshirt season quickly approaching buyers have to decide whether to continue house hunting or to wait till next year.  There are some pros and cons to buying in fall so to help you make your decision a little easier here are just a few of those. 

Pros

Year-end tax breaks
Home buyers can yield great dividends in tax returns like deducting mortgage interest and property taxes from gross income.

Sellers are serious
Sellers are who put their home on the market in fall usually want it to sell before the holidays and freezing weather of winter so negotiations are a little easier.

Getting ahead of the weather
Buying before it gets really cold is a good idea.  No one wants to move with freezing rain or icy roads.  Buying in autumn you will be moved in and curled up in front of your new fire place before winter sets in.

Cons

School year and holidays
Taking kids out of school to start a new school is never fun nor is having a house full of boxes during the holidays.

Daylight waning
Daylight savings time means leaving work early or only house hunting on the weekends in order to see houses
.
Inventory
Some sellers will take their houses off the market before the holidays which could mean less inventory to choose from.

Now that you know the ups and downs of buying fall happy house hunting.



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

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

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, June 10, 2016

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

Friday, February 26, 2016

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



Thursday, February 18, 2016

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

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, February 5, 2016

Hot or Not Market!



Emerging Trends in the Market

We are only a few months into this New Year but there are some trends emerging in the Market.  First off the coasts are hot; I would even dare to say on Fire.  But they are quickly running out of inventory which is driving home prices up quickly.  Why the Shortage?  Well there might be a few answers for that.  It could be that with the economy returning, millennials who have been living with family are now trying to get out on their own.  At the same time baby boomers are seeking to downsize and have a lower cost of living which is flooding the market with buyers.  Or it could be that financially recovering GenXers are investing in their current homes in fear of the market and mortgage rates possibly going up, leaving the market with a lack of inventory.  It could also be potential sellers are very apprehensive of the market, mortgage rates and ability to get a new loan.   The fact that few new entry-level homes are being built because of rise in cost may also be contributing to this trend.  Regardless of what the reason for the lack of inventory it is defiantly a sellers market right now even if the sellers don’t know it.  I guess I end this Blog with a question.  Will this trend continue or will confidence in the market return?  



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


Thursday, January 21, 2016

Get Bang for your Buck!!!



Return on Investment


Remodeling and replacement projects can add value to your home, but some projects recoup their costs
better than others. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2015 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, small and exterior projects return the most value for your money.

The project that offered the best value overall was a steel entry door replacement, which recouped 101.8 percent of its costs when the home was sold. The steel entry door is consistently the least expensive project named in the report, costing about $1,200 on average. The second best value is the addition of a manufactured stone veneer, which can recoup 92.2 percent of its original cost, but be prepared to invest at least $7,000 for the improvement.
 
Replacing a garage door can return 82.5 percent for an upscale project and 88.5 percent for a mid-range project. Replacing your home’s siding with fiber cement will return 84.3 percent of the costs, while replacing vinyl siding recoups 80.7 percent. Adding a wood deck will return 80.5 percent and replacing wood windows earns 78.8 percent.
A minor kitchen remodel is a strong bet to add value to your home. An investment of $19,226 can return 79.3 percent of its costs. A major kitchen remodel recoups 67.8 percent and a bathroom remodel returns 70 percent.
  
To find out which home improvement projects bring the most value, talk to a CRS REALTOR® who knows the local market, housing inventory, and what buyers want in a 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



Friday, January 15, 2016

Working from home can Work!



Home WORK

According to a recent study by Telework Research Network, 30 million people work from home at least once a week, and that number is expected to grow by 63 percent over the next five years. While dedicating an entire room for a home office is ideal, it’s not always practical. With smaller laptops and office furnishings and Wi-Fi connections, work areas can be set up anywhere in the home. Before setting up a workspace at home, here are a few ideas to consider.

Adequate storage. Storage solutions don’t have to be fancy or expensive, but they do need to be tailored to hold everything you need, including reference books, office supplies and files.

Sufficient lighting. Tasks like reading or drafting require lighting that shines directly on the work. For task lighting, use energy-efficient, long-lasting LEDs and a dimmer switch to control levels.

Reliable power. Many older homes may not have sufficient power or may lack grounded outlets. An electrician can do a wiring inspection and upgrade outlets and circuits as needed. A strong Internet connection is also important. Make sure your DSL or cable modem is functioning well and can handle a demanding workload

Work surface. The type of work you do will determine the size of work surface you need. A longer, wider area is better for spreading out papers, while a smaller desk may work best for reading documents and making phone calls. If you use a printer every day, place it within easy reach.

Seating. If you sit for long periods, invest in an ergonomic chair. Though it may cost more, it can provide better comfort and support for your back.


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, December 11, 2015

What to Ask For in Your New Kitchen



Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets


Whether cooking at home or shopping for
someone who does, the right kitchen
appliances can make it easier to prepare
meals. The experts at Epicurious.com
recommend a few must-have kitchen gadgets.

Professional chefs and savvy home cooks
alike need a reliable knife for everyday use.
Epicurious.com recommends the Global
G-2 8-inch stainless steel knife, which is
easy to use and ideal for precise dicing
and heavy-duty chopping.

A mandolin makes it easy to slice, crinkle-cut or waffle-cut veggies such as potatoes, carrots and cucumbers. Epicurious.com suggests the DeBuyer swing mandolin, which has a smart handle designed to protect fingers, nonskid feet, and stainless-steel blades that can be easily removed for cleaning.

A standing mixer is one of the most useful appliances home chefs can have, and Epicurious.com recommends the KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart model. It takes up little counter space and has a tilting head for easy access to the bowl. Optional attachments do everything from grind meat to juicing fruits and vegetables.

Immersion blenders, such as the Cuisinart Smart Stick, make it easy to prepare soups and sauces. Home cooks can puree soups right in the pot without the danger or hassle of transferring hot liquids, and sauces can be thickened and emulsified without removing them from the stovetop.

Slow cookers, which were popular in the 1970s, are kitchen staples for many of today’s savvy home chefs. For family-size meals, Epicurious.com recommends Cuisinart’s 6.5-quart digital slow cooker which features a programmable 24-hour timer and high, low and stay-warm settings.

By having just a few great gadgets on hand, homeowners can make sure their kitchen is equipped to help them make great at-home meals for years to come.


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, December 4, 2015

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