Equity in Your home!

Tap into your home’s value

For years, homeowners were afraid of tapping into their home equity—and rightfully so, considering the downward trend of home values in markets across the country.

But since prices began rising in late 2012, many homeowners have recovered significant chunks of equity and are now starting to feel more comfortable tapping into that; particularly to make renovations and repairs that may ultimately increase the value of their homes.

This combination of rising equity, tight inventory, and historically low interest rates make home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) look pretty attractive. But homeowners looking to take advantage should make sure they understand the following information first:

Does it have fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate and what is the rate?

What is the limit?

What are the terms of the draw period? When does it end and what are the terms thereafter? Particularly note how the monthly payment changes during and after this period.

Is the interest tax-deductible?

Savvy homeowners may want to check their credit beforehand at AnnualCreditReport.com to help determine what kind of terms they may get and if there’s anything they can do improve their creditworthiness. Make sure your creditor walks you through the process so you completely understand the agreement.

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

Equity in Your home!

Tap into your home’s value

For years, homeowners were afraid of tapping into their home equity—and rightfully so, considering the downward trend of home values in markets across the country.

But since prices began rising in late 2012, many homeowners have recovered significant chunks of equity and are now starting to feel more comfortable tapping into that, particularly to make renovations and repairs that may ultimately increase the value of their homes.

This combination of rising equity, tight inventory and historically low interest rates make home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) look pretty attractive, but homeowners looking to take advantage should make sure they understand the following information first:

Does it have fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate and what is the rate?

What is the limit?

What are the terms of the draw period, when does it end and what are the terms thereafter? Particularly note how the monthly payment changes during and after this period.

Is the interest tax-deductible?

Savvy homeowners may want to check their credit beforehand at AnnualCreditReport.com to help determine what kind of terms they may get, and if there’s anything they can do improve their creditworthiness. Make sure your creditor walks you through the process so you completely understand the agreement.

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

Selling in Spring

Selling This Spring

This spring is gearing up to be one of the craziest in the realest market we have seen in a long time.  It is for sure right now a sellers market.  The inventory is low which is driving up prices and making it very competitive for buyers.  So how do you get you house seen in a market like this knowing your going to be one of MANY?  Well color is a great start.  Paint your door a pretty bright color.  Red is always nice.  Plant some colorful flowers in the front or put on some nice window boxes if you can.  Curb appeal is big.  The outside of your house is the first thing people see so make it stand out but in a good way, not a why would anyone do that kind of way.  Clean the yard, mow the lawn, trim the hedges and paint the fence.  If you get some buyers, and in this market you will, to come look inside you want them to see themselves living there so depersonalize and declutter the space.   Open the curtains and the blinds so the space is bright and open.  If you have cool things like surround sound or central vacuum highlight that stuff when you have showings.  Most important of all hire the right person to list your home.  Make sure they know what they are doing by asking the right questions like:

♦ How long have you been selling real estate?

♦ How many homes have you sold?

♦ What do you know about the market in my area?

♦ Where is the market data to prove the  value?

♦ What educational designations have you achieved?

♦ What is your average market time vs the rest of the market?

♦ What is your list price to sale price ratio vs market?

♦ How much are you willing to spend in marketing? Where will  be marketing?

♦ Are you a part-time or full-time agent?

♦ Do you have a personal assistant  and staff to help with details?

♦ May I see your resume or personal brochure?

♦ Will you stage my home after it is listed and suggest any repairs or changes that will make it more marketable?

♦ How will you position my home professionally

 Now go get to work and good luck.

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

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

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

Stuck in a Rut? Spruce it Up!

ACCESSORIZE IT­

If your home décor seems stuck in a rut, updating your accessories can bring more spice to your living space. When accessorizing your home, follow these simple tips and tricks from HGTV and HouseBeautiful.com.

   Highlight a few favorite accessories at one time. While it’s fun to collect different styles of pillows, artwork and collectibles, displaying them all at one time can overwhelm the room. Try showing only 20 percent of your prized accessories at a given time and change them regularly throughout the year.

   Highlight a focal point in the room. Perhaps you have a uniquely designed fireplace mantel or a treasured area rug that you want to showcase. Select a piece of artwork to complement the rug, or display a few photographs or your favorite figurines along the mantel.

   Choose a color scheme and theme. Before buying accessories, decide on one or two colors that will add visual interest to each room and complement your furniture and wall colors. If your furniture and walls are neutral, choose bold colors for your accessories to create a vibrant look. Accessories can also play up a theme of a room.

   Group similar items. To create a consistent, balanced look, display accessories in small groupings. Some designers work by the rule of three. For example, a trio of matching mirrors lined up on the wall with a contrasting background can provide a dramatic focal point.

   Light up your space. Create instant impact by choosing light fixtures that complement the design style of the room. To create a certain mood, use wall sconces, an extravagant chandelier or recessed lighting. With the right accessories, your home can go from ­­stale to stunning in no time.

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

Freshen things up!!!

HOMES BY DESIGN FOR 2015

Looking for a few ways to freshen up your home’s interior design for the New Year? Check out these ideas from home furnishings retailer BoConcept New York and Cheryl Hucks Interior Design.

Get the Blues – Blue is the color of the year, and while cooler tones have been popular for several years, shades of blue will be more prominent in home design in warmer and bolder shades. To update your home décor, add a sofa or accent pieces in midnight blue or indigo.

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 Heavy Metal – Add a little sparkle to your home décor by adding a few metallic elements, such as a brass floor lamp, silver picture frame or throw pillows with copper stripes.

Natural Elements – Using natural materials adds more space and depth within your living space. Furniture made of natural wood, especially in lighter shades, creates an open, airy atmosphere. Try mixing wood pieces with other natural materials..

 Tone on Tone – Create a contemporary tone-on-tone look by layering one color with varying shades and textures of the same color. Despite using different textures and saturation levels, designers at BoConcept say the overall appearance will be soft, calm and sophisticated.

Make a Statement – Some designers say using large prints and floral fabrics for accent furniture pieces can make a bold statement and give a room a creative focal point. 

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