Moving into a new home can often be an overwhelming and extensive process, which can cause a lot of stress. It is important that you are well-prepared and have all of the necessary moving day supplies ahead of time. This will give a closer look at helpful tips regarding several moving day necessities, which you might want to consider in order to simplify the process:

Labels and Markers
Properly labeling all of your boxes can make it much easier to sort, organize, and unpack your belongings. You will want to ensure that you purchase either markers or labels (0r both!). You might want to consider labeling boxes by the rooms that they belong in or by category. This will help you to keep track of things and will make moving a bit more hassle-free.

Boxes and Containers
Another important factor to consider is what you will be packing your belongings into. You might want to consider saving boxes from large purchases or online shipments ahead of time. Additionally, you can purchase moving boxes from local retailers, or you might even be able to ask stores nearby if they would be willing to donate any used boxes to you that they had planned to discard. This can help you to save money, which can you can use for other supplies.

Packaging Materials Needed for Moving Day
It is also important that you use packing materials in order to ensure that your fragile items do not break. For example, you can begin saving up old newspapers and magazines to wrap items up in, or you can buy packing peanuts and bubble wrap. This is an inexpensive way to protect your belongings and is something you will definitely want to have on hand when preparing to move.

A Checklist for Moving Day
Since moving day can be such a stressful ordeal, it is important that you are well-prepared and organized. It can often be beneficial to create a detailed to-do list or a checklist. For example, you might want to write down all of the important steps you need to complete when moving, such as having your utilities shut off and remembering to packing important essentials. Having everything written down will help to ensure that you don’t forget anything important.

Overall, there are many steps you can take to simplify the moving process and make it less stressful. The aforementioned tips make excellent starting points for you to consider. However, there may be numerous other essentials you might need when moving. For example, you might need to purchase or borrow a dolly for moving large items, such as furniture and appliances or you might want to look into buying furniture pads, which will help to prevent your items from getting scratched or damaged while moving them out of the house and transporting them. If you are interested in learning more about the moving process please feel free to contact me if you need any help.

Southern Oregon can experience a wide variety of temperatures from temperatures in the 20’s during the winter to the ’90s + during the summer. Finding plants that can survive and flourish in those summer highs makes your home stand out among neighboring properties with wilting plants. A little green goes a long way, and these plants add curb appeal (and value) to your home since they look great even under the sizzling summer sun. There are a ton of different Southern Oregon plants for you to choose from that will look great and flourish in the heat.

Scarlet Monkeyflower

This plant is native to Southwest Oregon and Northern California. It features beautiful orange-red blooms and has downy leaves. The Scarlet Monkeyflower does best in the shade but can handle full sun which makes it a great candidate for the flowerbeds closest to your house. Planting there gives you lovely summer blooms and the flowers periodic shade throughout the day.

Oceanspray

Oceanspray, more commonly known as Ironwood, grows well throughout the Pacific Northwest. This deciduous bush usually grows to 4 or 5 feet, but can reach 7. It has small leaves and cascading white flowers that look beautiful in gardens. As a bonus, this flowering bush is great for pollinators like bees.

California Fuschia

If you live further inland, you can still find excellent plants that summer well in your part of Southern Oregon. One prime example is the California Fuschia. This low growing sub-shrub loves full sun and can handle some shade. It’s known for vibrant blossoms, a widespread that makes it great for ground cover, and attracting hummingbirds.

Giant Chain Fern

Nothing looks lusher than a good fern, and the Giant Chain Fern is a great option for folks in Oregon. This enormous fern is another native, with fronds reaching 6 feet long. Since the Giant Chain Fern is evergreen, it looks great during any part of the year. It’s a great choice more moist soil and partial shade.

Mountain Mahogany

If you need something a little more subtle than flowers, a small tree is a great way to fill up space and give over plants a bit of shade. Enter this champion, the Mountain Mahogany. Reaching up 15 feet in height, Mountain Mahogany trees are petite. They do best in well-drained soil, like on a hillside. Give this little tree full sun for best results.

Picking Southern Oregon Plants that Handle the Heat

Picking plants that can handle the heat here in Southern Oregon is just a great choice for your home. Whether you plan on selling your home or sticking around for a few years, the rights plants will make your home more valuable and enjoyable for everyone. If you need any tips on planting around your home or just information on getting ready to sell, contact me for help. The phone number is 541-840-1909, or you can head over to my Contact Page to leave a message.

The summer season is when many homeowners take the time to improve the quality of their home and maintain the property once the weather clears up. Home maintenance is necessary to increase the lifespan of different materials and improve the functionality and appearance of the setting. During the month of July, there are a few home maintenance tasks to add to your checklist to transform your residential property and feel proud to show it off.

Inspect and Drain the Water Heater

The hot water heater is often neglected by homeowners because it’s out of sight and out of mind as it’s stored in the garage or a closet. Unfortunately, minor issues may be present, which can begin to escalate over time. Perform a visual inspection by looking for leaks that may be present, specifically near the water lines and fittings. It’s also necessary to examine the pressure relieve valve to ensure it’s working correctly and doesn’t have any water that has accumulated. Removing sediment during the process is also necessary, which can be done by completely draining the water heater after turning it off. You’ll need to close the cold water supply valve and attach a garden hose that runs outside to remove all of the water. Once the tank is empty, you’ll need to open the cold water valve to flush out all sediment that has accumulated.

Power Wash the Windows and Siding

Remove excess dirt and grime that has settled onto your windows and siding by power washing the surfaces to make your home look new again. Power washing the surfaces will remove mold, mildew, and algae at a fraction of the time that it would take to scrub it by hand. You can also spend this time cleaning an outdoor deck or patio. First, repair any damaged areas where deteriorated wood may be present. Avoid pressure washing surfaces that may have lead paint, which is typically older homes. Using different attachments can also allow you to use the right amount of pressure for each surface to avoid damage.

Repair the Driveway

Those with asphalt driveways can have forms or cracks that form due to inclement weather conditions. Check for cracks or holes and clean them out before filling them with new concrete. Driving over the patched areas can help to compact the new concrete and secure it on the driveway.

Check the Crawlspace

You’ll need to carefully inspect the crawlspace under the building to ensure that the ground is completely covered with a layer of thick plastic sheeting, which will prevent moisture from causing mildew and mold to form over time. Avoid storing any materials like cardboard or wood in the crawlspace, which can attract termites and can also become damaged by moisture.

Feel free to contact me if you want a referral for the help of a professional to maintain your home and improve its overall quality in the summer, which will boost the overall quality and value of the property.

In 2018, Zillow predicted across the U.S. the summer real estate market of 2019 would see home prices increase. So far, the prediction is holding for Home Owners in Southern Oregon.

Its multiple neighborhood communities maintain their personality while sharing an abundance of natural resources and outdoor activities. Southern Oregon has developed into a family-oriented community within a changing world, capturing the attention of buyers from all walks of life.

Heading into summer, the summer real estate forecast looks positive with low inventory and a strong demand helping to boost home prices. Mortgage rates have leveled off, and economic reports expect them to remain steady in 2019, but qualified home buyers can expect to see a slight increase as we enter 2020.

Southern Oregon Market Trends

Home Owners in Southern Oregon can choose between living in neighborhoods consisting of single-family homes, townhomes, and multiple unit developments.

Here’s the region’s 2019 first quarter median housing data. The trend is expected to continue into this year’s summer real estate market, favoring both the seller and buyer.

• Median list price ranges of abotu $283,000.
• Median list price per square foot spans from $344 up to $160.
• Inventory (homes for sale) in some areas were as low as 3 and more than 30 in other locations.

Market Comps & Median List Prices

Median list prices are calculated according to the market comps that compare similar properties in the neighborhood. Keep in mind that the list price is not always the final selling price. Talk with me to help determine your home’s real market value.

If you’re ready to list your property, real estate surveys show the neighborhood and the home conditions are equally important in the buying decision. There are other factors that homeowners should know when it comes time to selling or buying a home.

Showing your home at its best and setting the right price gets your home sold. I have the knowledge and experience to establish a list price that attracts qualified buyers. Sellers, this is all about the house, let me what I do best – Sell.

Ready to list your home? Is it time to move to a larger house or do you want a change of scenery? Are you ready to downsize and enjoy retirement? Give Gail a call today!

Spring in Oregon is a beautiful time to get outside, embrace the warm weather and … buy a house? Perhaps. As winter disappears and summer looms on the horizon, many prospective homebuyers begin to peruse the market in hopes of finding their dream home.

Most people associate spring with change; nature’s metamorphosis can reflect in our own lives as we make some major shifts, including moving houses. If you’re looking to sell your home this spring, now is the time to start preparing. Your home isn’t going to sell itself, and there are buyers out there just waiting to see what you have to offer!

To land the best deal, you have to employ some spring-savvy home seller tips that will attract the right buyers for your house and ensure that everyone winds up happy.

Make Your Home Radiate Life With a Spring Garden

People love potential, but they also love pretty things. A lovely garden illustrates both beauty and possibility to potential buyers. You can showcase your home’s natural landscape and emphasize its potential to grow (literally) with a simple flower bed or and even some fruit and vegetable plants.

If you have a professional landscaper lay out the basic framework, prospective buyers will be delighted at the prospect of buying something that’s not just professionally done but also easy to maintain.

Take Spring Cleaning Seriously

Declutter as much as possible, and utilize your spring cleaning as a chance to boost your home’s organization systems. Install some new shelves, smart storage solutions and built-in cabinetry that allows buyers to make the most of the space while simultaneously reducing your own clutter.

Tackle Any DIY Home Improvement Projects ASAP

Whether you want to spruce up the kitchen with some new quartz countertops or apply some mosaic tiles in the bathroom, emphasize aesthetic with your projects so they make your home look updated and comfortable to potential buyers.

Stick with neutral colors and simple textures as you make any renovations; people want to buy a home that instantly feels welcoming but not too lived in. If your own style is very distinct, buyers might be put off and look for somewhere else that has more of a “blank canvas” feel.

Learn More About Selling Your Home This Spring

Contact me today to learn more about selling your house in Oregon fast. I’ll help you take the stress out of selling and ensure that getting your home on and off the market is simple, easy and maybe even fun.

Spring maintenance and cleaning are annual chores required to maintain your home, but they take on special significance when you are preparing to sell your home. Spring marks the beginning of the peak home-selling season, so your seasonal maintenance efforts should ideally help your home to stand out positively in an active market. These are some of the primary tasks to include in your spring property maintenance plans if you are positioning your home to appeal to buyers.

Clean and Update Your Landscaping

Winters in Oregon can be tough, and your yard may have taken a beating over the last few months. Now is the time to assess the health of your vegetation and to complete related chores. For example, you may need to trim trees and bushes, add a few patches of sod to fill in bare spots and more. Power washing hard surfaces can also improve curb appeal.

Focus on the Floors

All flooring surfaces can lose their luster with regular use. Now is the time to schedule professional carpet cleaning service or even to replace dingy carpeting. Tile flooring may need to be professionally cleaned to restore it to like-new condition.

Check the Condition of Caulk and Grout

Inspect your bathroom and kitchen grout to determine its current condition. Cleaning grout can give these areas a rejuvenated look that makes the entire home more appealing to a potential buyer. Chipped grout should be repaired for aesthetics and to prevent water damage.

Remove Unwanted Items

Spring cleaning often involves removing clutter and unwanted items, and this is also an essential step as you prepare to move. Too many unnecessary items in your home can create a cluttered look. This can make your home feel smaller and less hospitable. Remove all items that you have not used within the last year and that you do not intend to use in the near future.

Update Paint

If your walls are an unusual color that may have limited appeal to the masses of buyers who will look at your home, now is the time to repaint the walls a neutral color with universal appeal. Repainting walls and trim is also a great way to give your home a fresh, clean look. If painting is not necessary, consider the need to remove smudges and to wipe down baseboards.

Hire a Handyman

You may be able to complete many of these tasks on your own, but you may have a lengthy list of smaller items that could take several days or longer to complete. Perhaps you lack the tools and equipment required to complete some tasks. Whether you need to replace lightbulbs that are out of reach, repair a damaged fence or tackle other projects, hiring a handyman may be an important step to take this season.

It may be impossible to erase all signs of wear in a used home, but spring cleaning and maintenance can erase many signs of wear. These efforts may position your home strategically to generate more interest in a busy market. Contact me today to learn more about the current market and to begin the sales process.

You’ve waited all winter and spring has finally arrived! If you’re thinking about selling your home, now is the perfect time to roll your sleeves up and get to work to get ready for the spring real estate season. But before you list your home for sale, you need to make sure it’s showroom ready. Below are 10 tips, ranging from surprisingly easy to ones that require a little elbow grease.

Think About Your Curb Appeal

It’s highly recommended that you make sure the first thing potential buyers see will have them want to see more. Unfortunately, a lot of homebuyers tend to have that “judge a book by its cover” mentality. So, it’s up to you to make your house as visually appealing as possible. You can accomplish this by giving your front porch a makeover by planting flowers and repainting the front door.

Get Rid of The Clutter in the Living Space

When it comes to showcasing your house to buyers, having clutter around isn’t going to be very appealing. Before you open your doors, do a little spring cleaning first. Remove any clutter you may have on your countertops, tables, and windowsills. Afterward, you’ll have to tackle whatever is in your drawers, closets, and cupboards. Potential buyers have no limits when it comes to exploring their future home.

Make The Space Less Personal

As they explore, potential buyers like to imagine what it would be like if they lived in the house. So, it’s important that you remove any kind of distraction that would interfere with their imagination. This includes any personal items such as family photos, artwork and furniture that’s considered unappealing by the general public. You want to have a blank slate, so to speak, so that your clients can envision themselves living there.

Repaint the Walls

While you may adore that colored wall, it could be a potential buyer’s least favorite color, making it a turn-off. In fact, the three colors that you should avoid are black, orange and violet. A neutral color like white or light blue is going to be more visually appealing.

Get Rid of Any Scuff Marks

In some cases, there may not be a need for a full repaint. However, remember to keep an eye out for any kind of scratches and scuff marks you may have on the walls and baseboards.

Repair Any Loose Handles

This may be a small thing, but you’d be astonished by the negative effect that a buyer can have when it comes to a loose handle. It can make them stop and wonder if there’s anything else wrong with the house.

Perform a Smell Test

Having a foul smell, regardless of how intense it is, can be quite the deal breaker. Consider inviting an unbiased third party to see if they can detect any unwanted odors. Should the smell be widespread, then it’s time to do some deep cleaning.

Hide Your Valuables

You never know who you’re really inviting into your home. Hide anything you consider valuable such as jewelry, antiques or art. You can either lock them in a safe place or store them off-site.

Make Sure Everything is Nice and NeatAfter all of the cleaning and preparation, take the time to double check if you missed anything. You may be surprised if you noticed a stain or scratch you didn’t see the first time.

Look For a Good Real Estate Agent

The thought of putting your house on the market, selling it and pocketing the money you’d pay an agent can be tempting especially in this spring real estate season. However, a “For Sale By Owner” can turn into quite the financial disaster. Conduct a bit of research to look for a real estate agent who has knowledge about your desired market.

Looking to sell your house? Contact Gail Schoeneberg by to see how easy this spring real estate season can be.