Archives for 2019

Common Real Estate FAQs

by

Are you a real estate buyer or a seller? Both camps will ask their realtor the same Real Estate FAQs. Below are 10 of the most common questions that both buyers and sellers often ask me.

Real Estate FAQs for Buyers

  1. Should I secure financing before house hunting? You should definitely secure financing before you ever go to your first property showing. You’ll need to know exactly what your spending budget is before you walk into a potential negotiating scenario.
  2. Would it be better for me to rent-to-own? The answer to this question depends upon your current financial and credit situation. If your credit score has taken a hit, and you don’t think that you can improve your score in enough time to secure housing, then you might consider a scenario where you can rent-to-own your home. Also, this is a good alternative if you don’t have enough money on hand for a proper down payment.
  3. Should I wait to sell my current home before buying? Ideally, you should wait to sell your current house, first. You won’t be financially responsible for one mortgage while applying for another — this makes lenders nervous. In addition, if you sell your house before buying another, then you could possibly have enough profit on hand to invest into your new property.
  4. How can I obtain information about the prospective neighborhood? It’s against the law for realtors to use discriminatory practices such as steering. This includes bad-mouthing an area based on the racial and ethnic makeup, religion, or any other markers that could be used to discourage certain groups or single them out. With this said, it’s legal to ask for resources such as crime rates in the area, the average resell value of the homes, or common amenities in the area.
  5. Should I pay for an inspection? If you’re the buyer, then you have every right to pay for a home inspection before finalizing your purchase. However, you could always ask the seller if they’ve conducted a pre-sale inspection. If they have, then they’ll be willing to share proof of documentation.

Real Estate FAQs for Sellers

  1. Should I get a pre-sale inspection performed? It’s definitely in your best interest to do so. This will allow you to fix any issues before placing your property for sale. This also prevents low-ball offers and deals that fall apart.
  2. Are there legally things that I need to disclose to buyers? As the seller, you are legally required to disclose issues such as roof repairs, deaths and murders that occurred on the property, and foundation cracks.
  3. What’s the difference between a sale price and the listing price? The listing price is the price that you, the seller, hope to generate from the sale of your home. This is your full asking price. The sale price is the amount of money that you’ll actually generate when the sale of your home has been completed.
  4. Should I expect to receive my full-ask price from the buyers? A full-price ask is always the goal, but it’s not always the reality. A buyer always has the right to negotiate down your asking price. If you’re motivated to complete the sale, then you’ll agree to lower the price a bit.
  5. What to do if I receive a low-ball offer? Don’t take low-ball offers personally. You don’t have to accept them. More often than not, the buyer isn’t educated about what is a reasonable offer, and their goal is to save as much money as possible on their purchase.

Certainly, you have other questions in mind. Contact me — I’m here to help!

Is December Real Estate Really Slow?

by

Many people believe the misconception that the real estate market is slow in December. We are here to tell you that it can be quite the opposite. The real estate business can thrive in December just like any other month. There are always buyers in the market for homes. And there are always circumstances which cause people to put their homes up for sale. So there are always homes to choose from. Sometimes the market is a bit slower in the winter but the real estate market does not hibernate in December.

Less Competition in December Real Estate

So many people wait for the spring market to put their homes up for sale. They believe the market is stronger then. And they believe they can get more money for their homes then. What they don’t realize is that there’s more competition in the spring and summer months. There are more homes for buyers to choose from. Putting your home up for sale during the month of December can be smart. It’s the theory of supply and demand. If someone wants or needs to buy a home they are more likely to choose yours if there aren’t as many up for sale. and you may end up getting more money for your home than if you waited until there were more homes on the market for buyers to negotiate with.

Corporate Relocation in December

Many companies start to prepare for their new fiscal year in December. Sometimes they need to move and relocate some of their employees and enlist corporate relocation companies to help them. These employees work with the corporate relocation companies to sell their homes and find new ones where they are being relocated.

Buyers Get a Better Deal in December

Since there is a misconception that the market is slower in December many homeowners are more conservative with their sales prices. If they need to sell their homes they are more likely to list their homes at lower prices in December and in the winter months. This is great for buyers who don’t mind moving during the holidays or right after the first of the year. The weather might not be optimal in which to move, but it’s well worth it financially.

Life Happens, Even in December

All year long there are circumstances which cause people to have to move. It might be a death in the family, a divorce, a job loss or another reason similar to these. When life happens, even in December, you may have to list your home for sale or you may be in the market to purchase a new home.

There are many reasons why the real estate market stays strong in December. People move all the time. If you’re in need of real estate services in southern Oregon, contact me today to make your move a smooth and successful one.

Understanding the Home Buying Process

by

You’ve scrimped and saved, and now you’re ready to buy a home in Southern Oregon. Becoming a homeowner is not a decision that should be taken lightly as you’re making a massive commitment. However, these steps can make the process easier to navigate.

1. Do Your Homework

Scour the internet, newspapers, and local real estate listings for available homes. Pay attention to how long homes stay on the market, and if there are any price drops. Before you buy, you should know the local trends.

2. Set A Budget

You should set a budget that is between three to five times your yearly income. Do you have a 20 percent down payment, or will you need to use an FHA loan to get 3.5 percent down? Make sure that you set a budget and stick with it.

3. Get Qualified

While you may think you can spend a certain amount on a home, the lender might have another number in mind. To find out exactly what your credit and income will allow, you need to get prequalified and preapproved for a mortgage. Go ahead and give them all the financial details so you can have that preapproved status. Some sellers only want to deal with people who already know they are approved, as it’s less risky.

4. Enlist the Help of An Agent

Real estate agents are a significant part of the buying process. They can give you valuable information on houses and localities. Many times, they have information that isn’t accessible to the public. Their familiarity with the buying process, bargaining skills, and experience with the neighborhood you want to live in is beneficial.

5. Start the Tour of Homes

It’s time to start touring homes. Make sure to stay within your price range. It’s also important to take pictures or make notes, especially if you’re going to tour many homes. Don’t rush the process. Since you’re going to make a 30-year commitment, you should take as much time as you need to find the right home.

6. Make an Offer

Once you find the place you want to call home, it’s time to make an offer. The offer phase is where the real estate agent is especially valuable. After a price is agreed upon, the home will be placed into escrow. It will remain here until the rest of the home buying process is complete.

7. The Home Inspection Contingency

Most contracts are written with the contingency of a home inspection. An inspector looks for any damages or things that you need to know about the home. You may need to renegotiate based on this report, or if everything is good, then you are on to the next step in the buying process.

8. Secure the Loan

Though you should already be working with a lender, it’s time to tell them that you’ve selected a home. They will give you the details about the loan packages they offer that fits your income and credit rating. It’s time to get the paperwork ready to sign.

9. Getting an Appraisal

An appraisal is conducted by a third party to estimate the value of the home. The appraisal verifies that you are not overpaying for the home or the area.

10. Closing the Deal

A closing date will be set after the lender has all the paperwork they need. Depending on the terms of the contract, you can get your keys at closing or up to 30 days afterward. Once you sign on the dotted line, you are the proud owner of a home.

It sounds overwhelming, but buying a home can be simplified if you have a real estate expert by your side. If you need help on this journey, call me. I can help you find the home of your dreams and remove some of the stress from the home buying process.

5 Tips for Preparing a Home for Resale

by

Buyers are becoming increasingly picky due to the vast amount of homes available on the market. They can afford to be selective to get precisely what they want. Most people want a turn-key home, one that requires little to no work to move right in.

If you don’t want to scare away potential buyers, then you need to consider preparing a home for resale before putting your home on the market. If you don’t know where to begin, here are the things buyers notice first and will make a significant impact on how long your home sits on the market.

1. Enhance Your Curb Appeal

First and foremost, you must improve your curb appeal. Buyers won’t even schedule a tour of the outside is lackluster. Clean up any clutter you have lying around. Make sure the hedges are trimmed, and the grass is clipped. Plant some flowers and give the front door a fresh coat of paint. You want to be the envy of the neighborhood and not the house that stands out like a sore thumb. Take some time and spend some money on improving your landscaping as it will pay off royally.

2. Improve the Hues

While that red kitchen may work for you, buyers may see it as a chore to repaint. Try paining a neutral color that will go with a variety of décor. You can’t go wrong with white, tan, or gray hues. Though painting is not a huge ordeal, it may seem overwhelming to buyers who are already packing to move. Remember, the goal is to make the property turn-key or at least to appear that way.

3. Make It Sparkle with Cleanliness

One of the biggest sale busters is poor housekeeping. Are your carpets dirty? Is there dust lingering throughout the home? Is there an odd smell? Buyers will walk right out the door to a home that isn’t well kept. The problem is they think that if you didn’t take care of the small things like cleaning the carpet that you won’t take care of the big stuff like HVAC service? A sparkling home will attract more attention than one that needs maid service.

4. Remove Personal Mementos

The picture of your family hanging above the fireplace must go. Those colorful works of art your children drew hanging on your refrigerator must go too. You don’t want your potential buyer to come into the home and envision your family there. You want them to walk through the door and visually place themselves living here. They must see it as their home to be able to feel a connection with the space.

5. Rearrange Furniture

Do you have a huge sectional that is making a room feel cramped? Is your bedroom suite too big for your room? You want to pare down your furniture to make the space look bigger. Staging a home is essential for a quick sale. Remember the saying that less is more. Each room needs to have a constant flow and feel unrestricted. Make sure to showcase the key feature in each space and not drown it out with loud artwork and oversized furniture.

The Southern Oregon housing market is competitive. If you want to be ahead of other sellers, then you will do a few things to spruce up your home. If you need help getting your home ready for the market, then call me. I know what it takes to get it sold.

How to Find Your Dream Home Before the Holidays

by

When you’re hunting for your dream home, the thought of doing so during the holidays may seem daunting at best. Not only do you have a lot of obligations to meet, but the inclement weather is hard to ignore. But this article will show you a few reasons why buying a dream home during the holiday season doesn’t have to be an experience more suited for Halloween.

There’s Less Competition for Your Dream Home

Because holiday moving can be such a hassle, many homeowners choose not to do it. There are also fewer homes on the market. What that means for you is less competition. This makes it easier for you to get the home of your dreams.

Sellers Are a Lot More Motivated

Homebuyers don’t like to buy during the holidays. But that just makes sellers more determined to sell their homes. The reasons could stem from needing to relocate for their job, or maybe their home has been on the market for a while and they need the money fast. With fewer buyers and more motivated sellers, you can leverage this situation to your benefit.

Agents Are Also Motivated To Get You Your Dream Home

During the holidays, agents deal with fewer clients. They can now spend more time working with you to get the home that you want. Agents work on commission. Since they have less opportunity to earn money during the holiday season, they will work harder to make things happen.

Home Prices Are Lower

In December, housing prices are often lower than at any other time during the year. While this trend may not always be in place, still check the housing prices prior to the holidays. You never know what gems you could find in the market.

You Can Close A Lot Faster

It’s often an unspoken assumption that all parties involved should get the deal done before the end of the year. Not only do buyers want to move in as soon as possible, but the seller might also want to move to their new place before the start of the holidays. Your lender will also want to ensure that your loan is “on the books” by the end of the year. Plus, brokers and real estate agents want to get their commissions just in time for the holiday season. To make sure that everything goes according to plan, gather together all of your documentation. This will save you time that you need to meet all of the season’s obligations.

You Can Get Favorable Interest Rates

At this time, interest rates have stayed at rock-bottom levels for a few years. Visit online calculators to see how much money you can save from a lower interest rate. Take the time to monitor your credit score as a low number could keep you from your dream house.

You Can Save on Home Essentials

Take advantage of the holiday sales by buying your desired home items during this time. There are plenty of good deals that you can use to furnish your house. Shop local for the very best deals and savings.

With the holiday home buying season being less busy, give me a call today to get the home that you’ve always dreamed of for you and your loved ones.

High-Tech Bathrooms

by

Homes are increasingly seeing more high-tech bathrooms. Many homeowners want bathrooms that are efficient and comfortable. With many new tools available it is possible to make bathrooms more high-tech for a better experience. We have compiled a few ideas that are very popular.

Digital Shower & Spa Experience

It is possible to personalize your shower or bath based on your water pressure and temperature preferences. Showerheads, body sprays, and water jets can all be controlled from either a digital wall pad or a hand-held remote. You can set your bathing preferences and run your bath with the push of a button.

Smart Toilets

Toilets have become sleeker, smaller, and more technologically advanced. Wall-mounted, tankless toilets appear to float above the floor, making it very easy to clean the bathroom. Newer toilets boast of automatic lid openers, seat warmers, and built-in deodorizers.

Mirror Concealed TV

Imagine being able to check the weather, traffic, or breaking news while getting ready for your day. There are medicine cabinets available that feature mirrored doors with concealed built-in LCD television screens. These high-tech cabinets also have shelves with charging stations and MP3 hookups to play music through the TV speaker.

Chromatherapy Bathtubs

Chromatherapy is a therapeutic experience using colored lights. Chromatherapy tubs are integrated with full-spectrum colored lights that allow you to change the water from up to 8 different colors for an invigorating or more relaxed bathing experience.

Hands-Free Faucets

Touchless faucets are not a new phenomenon. They have been used in commercial applications for some time. Now, these are available for home use. They have sensors built-in to turn on when your hands are placed beneath the faucet. And recently, faucets have become available that are operated by voice commands. You speak to it just as you would your home assistant, such as Alexa.

Switchable Privacy Shower Enclosures

Clear glass shower enclosures can really open up a small bathroom. If you are sharing the bathroom you might want to be able to have the flexibility to frost the glass for your privacy. Glass is so advanced now that you can flip a switch to change the glass from clear to opaque, while still allowing light to pass through.

Make Bathrooms More High-Tech

These are just a few popular trends in bathroom design to consider. We would be happy to offer some advice on how you might be able to make your new home bathrooms more high-tech. Please contact us by visiting our website at ownoregonrealestate.com.

5 Tips for Selling Your Home in October

by

If you have made the decision to sell your home, you couldn’t have picked a better time. With summer finally over and children are heading back to school, the real estate market is booming during the fall season. Regardless of what time of year it is, selling a home isn’t an easy thing to accomplish. Continue reading to learn five tips for selling your home in October.

Clean The Front Yard

A first impression can mean you’ve made a sale or you’re in for the long haul. Potential homebuyers generally get their first impression by looking at the exterior of the house. Make sure to tidy up the front yard by getting rid of debris and raking up leaves. It may also help if you give your bushes a trim. Pull every weed you can find and dig up any deceased flowers.

Inspect Your HVAC Unit

When you showcase the interior of your home to buyers, you want the air to be crisp and fresh. If your HVAC unit isn’t working the way it should, it can cause the air to be less than ideal. Before giving a house tour, check on the HVAC unit first. Remove any debris like rocks, leaves, twigs and branches.

It’s also in your best interest to change the air filter. If an air filter becomes clogged with contaminants, it becomes a health hazard, especially to asthmatics. HVAC professionals recommend you change the filter at least once every one to three months.

Add Some Curb Appeal

Presentation is very important, especially when it comes to selling a house. If the exterior of your house comes off as dull, it can turn potential home buyers off. Adding curb appeal will not only add aesthetic, it also adds to the resale price of the home, depending on what you add. If you simply want to add aesthetic, there’s nothing some fall flowers can’t fix.

Don’t Forget The Windows

Although you may not notice anything wrong with the windows, home buyers will. The wind and rain from summer can make your windows very unappealing with all the dust. In order to sell a house during the fall, the windows must shine. Make sure to clean the windows thoroughly and wash down the screens.

Turn The Lights On

Last, but not least, it’s very important to keep every light on when you showcase your home. No one likes being dark and gloomy atmosphere. Having the light shine into the home can really bring out the best of its appearance. Don’t just turn on the kitchen and hallway lights, let the sun light in as well. Open your curtains and keep your blinds pulled up.

As we’ve mentioned before, a first impression can make or break a deal. Even when the real estate market is booming, selling your home can be difficult if you don’t do the necessary preparations. Looking to sell your house? Contact Own Oregon Real Estate by calling our number at 541-840-1909 today!

September Home Maintenance Guide

by

Now is the time to start preparing your home for the cold winter months. This will allow you plenty of time to get everything done while the weather is still pleasant. Are you not sure what tasks you should complete this month? Check out our September home maintenance guide below.

Prep The Outdoors
Now is the time to lay mulch in your garden. This will protect the area from winter frost. You also need to cut back any shrubbery near your home. It will be too difficult to do once it starts get colder and wetter. Check the outdoor condition of your home, and make repairs if needed. Pay attention to your siding and roof. You don’t want chilly air coming in because these areas need repairs. Once the leaves have started to fall off of the trees, make sure your gutters are clear. You may need to remove leaves and debris from them. Clogged gutters will make it difficult for gutters to do their job efficiently.

Check Your Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms can save your life. However, it’s important that they are functioning properly at all times. During your September home maintenance, test all of the smoke alarms in your house. It’s also a good time to change their batteries as well. If you have a carbon monoxide detector, don’t forget to test it too. Check the expiration dates on all of your fire extinguishers. It’s a good idea to replace them once every five years. Refresh yourself on how to use a fire extinguisher. You don’t want to have to try to read the label when there is a fire just because you forgot how to work your fire extinguisher.

Get Your Fireplace Ready
A malfunctioning fireplace won’t be able to provide warmth when it’s cold outside. This is why you need to take the time to get your fireplace ready even though you may not be using it for a few months. Each year, thousands of home fires originate from fireplaces that aren’t maintained properly. Have your fireplace inspected to ensure that there aren’t any issues. Schedule a chimney sweep to come out and clean it. Check the area around your fireplace to ensure that there aren’t any safety hazards. This area around should be free from items that contain flammable materials. You should also be using a screen around your fireplace. It will catch any sparks and reduce the risk of home fires. If you don’t have a screen, now is the time to get one. If you do have a screen, inspect it to make sure that there is no damage to it from the previous year.

In conclusion, don’t put off your home maintenance. While there is a lot to do, it will be worth all of the effort so that your home will be prepared before cold weather strikes. By utilizing the September home maintenance guide listed above, you can ensure that your home will be ready for the upcoming seasons. If you need any help, give use a call today. We can help you source any of your home maintenance needs throughout the year.

Prepare for the Ultimate Staycation

by

To relax and de-stress as a parent, planning to travel with the entire family – children in tow – is not always the answer. Having a staycation in your own, personal oasis is a much better way to unwind. With the money saved by staying home, you can afford to create luxury in your own residence.

Create the Ultimate Staycation with Resort Style

One of the best parts of a resort are the amazing outdoor spaces. By adding a hot tub, sprucing up your deck, or installing an outdoor kitchen, your home can quickly become your favorite destination all year long. If those upgrades are beyond your budget, hanging a simple hammock will create a cozy spot for an afternoon nap or a cool mid-day mai tai.

Get a Hotel-Inspired Interior

At the end of a long day, plopping into a luxurious hotel bed is just what is needed. Make your favorite inn envious by dressing up your lair. Adding plush linens and high thread-count sheets will make any bunk more inviting. For all-day slumber, install some black-out curtains like your favorite lodging. Hopefully, the kids will sleep in.

The bedroom isn’t the only place to consider adding creature comforts. A cozy throw blanket next to the fireplace or on the couch encourages a romantic snuggle.

Add Ambiance

Take note of your favorite bed and breakfast. They engage all of the senses to enhance the experience of their guests. With fresh flowers, subtle scents, soft music, and mood lighting, you can affordably recreate the feeling of a high-end resort.

Eliminate Chores

Nothing can derail a vacation more than the reality of chores. Take a break from the mundane by outsourcing. Hire a cleaning service during your vacation and let a lawn company take care of trimming the grass. If cooking isn’t your idea of fun, hire a delivery meal service and indulge in dinner at your favorite spots.

Let the Ultimate Staycation Begin

Once your surroundings are ready, the relaxation can begin. Simply adding a pair of plush slippers and a soft robe will evoke a spa-like atmosphere. Run yourself a hot bubble bath with some fancy bath salts to kick off some well-deserved pampering.

Enjoy Staying Home All Year Long

Investing in your house will make living there so much more enjoyable every day, and improve your resale value down the road. If you need any ideas or recommendations, I am always here to help.

Use Color to Sell Your Home

by

If you’re looking to sell your home, then you’re probably hoping to spruce it up and make it look as appealing as possible to encourage potential buyers. Color is a great way to make a house look current, stylish, and desirable. If you’re not sure where to begin, then check out these great tips for selling your home with color!

Avoid Brash Colors

When choosing paint colors before attempting to sell your home, make sure you avoid anything overly bold. Bold colors usually make a powerful visual statement that’s very taste-specific, meaning that you’re taking a big gamble in terms of how it will land with your audience.

The same goes for dark colors: Many people find dark paint colors to be gloomy, forbidding, or even unsettling depending on their application.

Be Careful with White

While you don’t want to go for a paint color that’s too extreme, you don’t want to go too far in the opposite direction, either! Lots of people hear “neutral is better” and immediately jump to white. However, while white is certainly neutral, bright, and pristine, it can also easily come off as stark or overly sterile.

Off-whites are risky as well since the appropriate warmth can be hard to nail and the wrong use of shade variety can easily look like a mistake.

Use Tasteful Neutrals in Common Areas

So, if bold colors and classic whites are off the table, what’s a hopeful seller to do? The best choice you can make in order to appeal to the broadest possible range of potential buyers is to think “understated, but inviting”. Neutral, light tones are your best bet, and these should create a sense of warmth and style.

Dove greys, warm taupes, and mousey browns all make for an excellent base palette–especially in places like dining areas and living rooms. It’s also wise to add some gentle, light blues to your bathroom and bedroom areas.

Use Light and Dark Strategically

While stark whites and dungeon greys are a bit much, you don’t want to ditch strong contrast completely! Modern black-and-white color schemes certainly have their place and can be very visually striking and impressive when done right. A touch of white might be an appropriate way to showcase bold tile patterns as well.

If you have darker flooring, then select a light, airy neutral for your paint color. Inversely, if the floors in your house are light, then a warm, gentle brown might be just the thing. Including contrast is key in keeping the house from looking muted or dull!

Sell Your Home with an Eye-Catching Door

Don’t forget to up your curb appeal by painting your front door an appealing, tasteful color. Navy blue is a classic good choice, as is an elegant, rich shade of eggplant purple.

The front exterior of your home is probably going to be the first thing that potential buyers see, so its first impression is invaluable. Amidst perfectly-manicured greenery and a pristine exterior, you’ll want to use the color of your door to communicate that your house is a cut above the rest in terms of style.

Remember:

Selecting the best possible paint colors to increase your chances of selling your home can be tricky. If you’ve read through these helpful tips on how to go about picking your paint palette and still feel like you could use some help, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions!