Showing posts with label selling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label selling. Show all posts

Friday, August 26, 2016

Selling in Fall

Selling in Fall

OK, so we have gone over the market predictions for this fall, we have gone over Pros and Cons of buying in the fall and now we are going to talk about what you can do to make your home easier to sell in the fall.

Clean up Yard
Rake leaves, trim hedges, weed and clean walkways to make your yard look neat and clean.

Create Autumn Curb Appeal
Place pots of marigolds or mums on steps or along the sidewalk to add a nice fall color or add pumpkins or other squash as accents on your porch.  Little touches make a big difference.

Clean Out the Fireplace
Nothing smells like autumn then a wood burning fire place or if you have a gas fireplace light it for potential buyers but make sure it’s clean of cobwebs and streaks.  You could even place candles in the fireplace in order to bring attention to a great feature. 

Utilize Autumn Accent Colors
Throw some bright red, orange or yellow pillows or throw blankets on the sofa and chairs.  Clear away the clutter and depersonalize your home then add a bold colored centerpiece in the dining room with pine cones and nuts maybe even add a few bright leaves from the yard you just raked. 

Turn on the lights
As the days grow shorter it’s harder to make the space look bright so pull up the blinds, push back the drapes and turn on those lights.

These are just a few ideas on how to make your home stand out during the fall selling season.  Ask your agent for some others 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



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, May 27, 2016

Multiple Offer Market!



How To Handle Multiple Offers!



Let's face it, getting multiple offers is definitely not the worst case scenario if you're trying to sell your house.   Now that the offers are there, what do you do?  First, keep in mind that for properties with a single offer, the fallout is 10%, but for properties with two or more offers, the fallout rate increases to 50%.  The reason for the difference is buyers often feel they were unduly pressured by the multiple-offer situation and now feel it's too much to pay.  Here are some tips on how to handle a multiple offer situation.

Listen to your agent.  You hired them because you believed in them and trusted them with selling your home.  Trust them now.  Your agent wants you to get the best deal and still be fair and ethical, so take their advice.  You will be glad you did.

Price isn't everything.  Make sure you review the terms of the entire contract and don't just see dollar signs.  The highest offer, although tempting, isn't always the best offer. Are the buyers pre-approved for that amount? What kind of loan is it? Are you going to have to pay closing costs or other costs associated with the buyer's loan?  Sometimes a lower more stable offer will save you a lot of headache at the closing table.

What is your home really worth?  If the buyer you choose orders an appraisal and that appraisal comes back less than the offer price, the buyers' lender may not approve the mortgage.  Unless that buyer is willing to come to the table with cash, you may be stuck putting your home back on the market.

Review closing periods.  A buyer who's willing to close within weeks is more attractive than one who needs or wants months to do the deal.  It is also less likely they will back out of the contract. 
 
It's the sellers' house and it's the sellers' decision.   You decide which offer you want to accept or if you want to counter all the offers.  Remain sensible and be fair.

If you are selling your home in today's market, there is a good chance you will get multiple offers and it can be overwhelming.  It's not a race. Take your time, read the contracts and listen to your agent's advice.  If you follow these tips, you will pick the best offer and run less of a chance of having to sell your house twice.  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

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Still Inspired After 25 Years in Real Estate


When Cynthia Schmier first visited Yelm in 1985, the main things she remembers are “one stoplight and tumbleweeds.” Thirty years later, both she and the realty business she started, RE/MAX Country, have become fixtures downtown and symbols of the growing local economy. After 25 years in business, she continues to be inspired by the clients she works with, the team she’s created, and the Yelm community.

With clients, she says, it’s important to stay in the moment; therefore no matter how many houses you’ve sold, each day is different. “Every client has a unique criteria based on what’s going on in their life,” she says. “You’re strategizing to help them reach their objective. That’s what the art of real estate is. It’s facilitating their needs and keeping an emotional ride out of the picture as much as possible. It changes moment by moment.”

She also finds that working with clients can be a great vehicle for personal growth. “It’s a personal journey of unwinding,” she says.  “Every person I engage with is a discovery of myself and how I interact with that person. It’s revealing and is always rewarding. I like the adventure - what unfolds when you go down the trail with a client. That is probably the biggest reason I love this business.” Cynthia’s motto: “Excellence - More than a Goal, It’s A Way of Life!”

Within her office, she’s worked to develop a culture that is honest, supportive, and constantly evolving. “The embodiment of the building is ‘What can we learn from this?’” she says. “It’s the people. We review everything, including the client’s feedback regarding their experience. We may agree or disagree, but it’s their feedback that gives us the opportunity to see what we’re projecting and how to improve on ourselves. This is the pot of gold.”  

Her team includes specialists in different areas of real estate and, as she puts it, “Everyone works their buns to the max in this firm. We really have a great support here.”  One thing that Cynthia is very clear on stating to all her clients is that without her staff she couldn’t do it. They make it happen.
Over time, Cynthia has seen many changes in the region. When she first became a real estate broker in 1990, Yelm was still very much a rural town, although a growing one. “I couldn’t find a house to buy that had sheetrock,” she says, laughing.

Having moved from a high-end lifestyle in the vacation mecca of Lake Tahoe, California, the transition was a bit of a shock.  At the same time, she found the Pacific Northwest extremely inviting and spent five years on a one-hundred-acre property in Chehalis before moving to Yelm.

Today, she says, “I love this community. I love the diversity. We have founding families, we have international people, we have military, history, and just friendly folks. My inspirations come daily interacting with such fine traits.”


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

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Financing a First Home

Although financing a first home can be challenging, buyers who are prepared and know what they can afford up front can help expedite the process and save themselves unnecessary headaches later. Before starting your home search, follow these financial tips from the National Association of Home Builders and Bankrate.com.
  •  First, figure out what you can afford to pay each month. In addition to principal and interest, figure expenses for local taxes, insurance, and if buying a con-dominium, monthly assessments. Once you have this calculation, don’t be tempted by lenders to pay more than that. Free mortgage calculators, which are available on many real estate and finance websites, can help you estimate monthly payments based on current interest rates and down payment. Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of gross monthly income should be allocated to housing costs.
  •  Pay down your debts. Any credit card debt you have can limit how much you can borrow from a lender. Check your credit report thoroughly for any errors or unpaid accounts, and resolve those issues before moving ahead. Allow at least six months to iron out any credit problems before shopping for a home, experts suggest.
  • Determine your monthly cash flow. Track your spending for two or three months to see where money is going. Once you know what you can afford and what your cash flow is, you can determine your down payment.
  • Organize documents, especially those that validate income and taxes. Most lenders may want to see two recent pay stubs, W-2s and tax returns from the previous two years, and the last two monthly bank statements. Having these documents ready ahead of time can help the lending process run more smoothly.
If you are just getting started, check out local home-buying seminars or sites like HUD.gov, which provides information about shopping for and financing a home. Ask friends, family and co-workers for referrals for lending professionals they’ve worked with previously, and talk with lenders and credit counselors to find financing options that will work best for you.

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

Saturday, November 22, 2014

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

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

2836 Hidden Springs Lp SE Olympia, WA 98503

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/KM2PE6
Opportunity awaits! 3bdrm hme in great neighborhood. Gas fireplace w/tile hearth & stunning wood mantle. Open kitchen w/two-tiered island counter & walk-in pantry. Custom shades & blinds throughout. Updated lighting. Master Bdrm w/walk-in closet & private bthrm. Utility rm. Vaulted ceilings. Fully fenced yard w/sprinkler system. Patio for outdoor entertaining. Covered deck. Leaf guard gutters. 2car attached garage. Easy commute to JBLM! Close to schools & shopping!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.50
Square feet: 1,621
Price: $185,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at 360-400-3475 or cynthia@cynthia-online.com. You can also text 2427207 to 67299.


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


MLS ID: 717857

Friday, September 26, 2014

37804 34th Ave E Roy, WA 98580

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/YNEB2Q
Enjoy the privacy! 5bdrm home on 20acres. Tremendous sq footage! Hardwood flrs. Formal living w/French drs, gas fireplace. Well-appointed Dining Rm w/shadow box trim. Spacious kitchen - light & bright! Wood fireplace in family rm. Large Master Bdrm w/gas fireplace. Rec room. Fully finished daylight basement for bonus rm/music rm/office. Skylights. 2 heat pumps. Central vac. Fire sprinklers. In-ground pool - solar or propane heated. Auto generator system. Pole barn. Outbuildings. Fenced gardens.
Home information
Bathrooms: 3.50
Square feet: 5,160
MLS #698346

Friday, September 19, 2014

414th St E Eatonville, WA 98328

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/GJ6KL6
Very secluded, nearly level lot with mature timber on most of the 20 acres. In part of the 4400 acre McKenna Forest Reserve. With timber, views, access to lakes, creeks, walking/hiking trails, miles of horse trails and community parks.
Home information
Bathrooms: 0.00
MLS #29142428

3835 Balsam Ave NE Olympia, WA 98506

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/7JGEN6
Stunning Rambler remodeled from head to toe! Owners Pride! Birch hardwood flrs. White crwn molding. Chefs delight! Kitchen w/double oven, gas range w/downdraft, microwave drawer, tile back splash, under-counter lighting. Tiled bathrooms w/new vanities & tubs. Large fully fenced yard w/mature landscaping. Raised garden beds. Fruit trees! Deck & covered patio. Well-maintained! Pergola w/wisteria. Outbuilding. Property backs up to greenbelt. Easy access to Chehalis Western trail. Wont last long!
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 1,726
MLS #693473

22311 Aislinn Oir Lane SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/ETMQD9
3bdrm home located in small gated community. Open living area! Galley kitchen w/granite slab counters, custom cabinets, gas stove, large pantry. Water filtration system. Two Master Suites on main floor, each w/private full bath. French doors. Ceiling fans. Recessed lighting. Instant hot water system. Large bonus & family rms upstairs w/roughed-in bthrm. Vaulted ceilings. Skylights. Unfinished solid concrete basement w/plumbing & electrical. Laundry rm w/tile. Private 5 acres awaiting you!
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.75
Square feet: 4,050
MLS #690019

22423 Autumnwood Ct SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/97KFSE
Fabulous 3 bedroom Rambler located in gated community. Covered front entrance. Ceramic tile entry. Great kitchen space opens to dining area. All appliances included. Living room with vaulted ceiling and woodstove to warm home in the winter. 2 full baths. Laundry room. Slider to back deck for entertaining. 2 car attached garage. Clearwood amenities include community swimming pool, fishing, three lakes, boat launch, beaches, hiking trails, playgrounds, sport courts & more! Quick commute JBLM.
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 1,302
MLS #687382

15705 Garden Acres Lane SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/X6QNZ9
Looking for privacy? This is it! 8+ acres in small neighborhood. Sitting at end of cul-de-sac. 4bdrm rambler. Vaulted ceilings. Open floor plan. Stainless appliances. Island kitchen counter w/breakfast bar. Formal Dining. Pellet stove. Skylights. French doors. Lots of closet space! Large deck, partially covered. Outbuilding. Tall timbers. Park-like setting. Fire-pit. Plenty of parking space. Perfect for entertaining with everything you need! Easy commute. Welcome home!
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.50
Square feet: 2,320
MLS #686220

17535 Loop Lane SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/PSLDZ7
Opportunity knocks! 3bdrm home in gated community! Fantastic floor plan - living rm, kitchen, dining rm, breakfast nook, family rm. All bedrooms have walk-in closets! 2car garage. Utility rm for your convenience. Covered front porch. Back deck. Outbuilding. 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. Dont miss out!
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.50
Square feet: 1,592
MLS #685995

14475 Lockwood Lane SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/MAEPWV
Location! Location! 3bdrm hme on corner lot! Open kitchen. Island counter w/eating bar & pendant lighting. Laminate flrs w/hand scraped finish. Living Rm. Dining Rm. Recessed lighting. White trim package. Master Bdrm w/walk-in closet, vaulted ceiling & private bth. Tile counters w/tile backsplash. Laundry rm. Over-sized 2car garage. Nice neighborhood in West side of Yelm. Front patio overlooks one of communitys common areas, some of which include playground, picnic pavilion & basketball court.
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.25
Square feet: 1,484
MLS #685611

17447 155th Ave SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/JN6PBG
Enjoy the seclusion! 3bdrm rambler in private setting with variety of mature planting - fruit, nut, berries and grapes. Open living area with vaulted ceilings, bay window, heat pump with air conditioning. All appliances included! Affordable living! Corner lot sitting next to exclusive community beach access to Lake Lawrence. Neighborhood park with tennis & basketball court, baseball, picnic pavilion, bbq, restroom, playground, boat ramp, swimming area. Wow! Wont last long!
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 1,238
MLS #682688

15407 107th Lp SE Yelm, WA 98597

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/DUL277
Stunning 3bdrm home! Freshly painted! New carpet! Crisp and clean! Spacious living room and family room with double sided fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Open kitchen with island counter. Dining rm. All appliances stay! Gas forced air heat and water. Light and bright! Vinyl fenced yard with apple trees. Covered back patio & covered front deck! Detached 2car garage. Concrete driveway. In town, close to schools and shopping. Owners pride!
Home information
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 1,782
MLS #682608

704 Grove Lane SE Rainier, WA 98576

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/KFSGXP
Opportunity to build! Just over an acre within the Rainier City limits! Bring your plans to create your dream home! Located in small community on dead-end street. Easy commute to JBLM.
Home information
Bathrooms: 0.00
MLS #681157

133rd Ave SE Rainier, WA 98576

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/6PZM2C
Bring your tent! Bring your trailer! A peaceful sanctuary retreat away from home! Perfect for those getaway camp-outs! Close to shopping and entertainment!
Home information
Bathrooms: 0.00
MLS #679304

1928 109th St S Tacoma, WA 98444

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/X978BW
Opportunity knocks! 0.32 acres overlooking Hwy512! Looking for somewhere to advertise? Look no further! Prime marketing spot with potential of thousands of daily viewers - what are you waiting for?! Easy-to-access location. Close to commercial businesses.
Home information
Bathrooms: 0.00
MLS #676433