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

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 22^nd.  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

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

      

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

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

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