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Once you’ve decided to put your home on the market, you’re looking to sell quickly for the best possible price. One tactic that can help sell your home faster is staging. At first, staging may seem like a real estate term that doesn’t actually mean anything. Isn’t staging just decorating? Well, not exactly… Appeal to… Continue Reading
We all know that searching for and viewing potential homes is the fun part of the home-buying process. The not-so-fun part? The mortgage. But if you don’t pay attention to the details, your mortgage can end up dragging down the enjoyment of your new home and cause some major regrets. Here are a few mistakes… Continue Reading
When you buy a home, you need to know exactly what you’re buying. Imagine how frustrated you’d be to find out that the hot water heater wasn’t working-in the middle of a shower! This is why you should have a home inspection before you buy your home. A home inspection is an important part of… Continue Reading
National Pi day is a great day to let us crunch some numbers on your home. Call us today for your FREE market analysis. 253-307-6438. Continue Reading
Happy International Women’s Day!!! I would like to give a HUGE shout out to Dawn Heilbrun, our Designated Broker/Owner of John L Scott Orting. John L Scott Orting is a 100% woman owned business. Dawn Heilbrun is one of the most amazing women that I know. She is always here to help out her agents on a business and a personal level. If you know Dawn Heilbrun you know what I mean when I say that she is the most genuine, sweet person. She is a dreamer and a doer! So congratulations Dawn Heilbrun on your successful 100% woman owned business, John L Scott Orting thanks you for all of your hard work!! Continue Reading
We are seeing the low inventory in most all of the state of Washington. Here are some tips that can help you stay calm and be proactive if you are thinking about making a move in these busy real estate times.
With low inventory in many markets throughout the country, many homeowners are afraid to sell their homes because they’re concerned that they may not be able to find a new one. This can be a real problem, but if you are seeking to sell-whether to upgrade or find a new neighborhood-there are a few ways to combat the low inventory.
Look to buy first In most markets it is a real mistake to put your home up for sale before you start looking for your new property. Identify the geographic area where you are interested in buying. Even if you don’t see anything on Zillow, it doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t find the right home.
Think outside the box Be proactive! Keep in mind that there are probably many people like you who want to make a move but are afraid as well. Have your real estate agent send a letter to the neighborhoods in the geographic areas where you want to live. The letter should be heartfelt and personal while announcing that you are ready to buy a home in that neighborhood. You could find a home to buy that may not even be currently listed or for sale.
Protect yourself legally Each state varies in how the purchase process is conducted. Talk to your real estate professional about adding a clause in the purchase contract for the home you are selling that will enable you to not sell the home if you cannot find a suitable home to buy.
If you would like to know what the market is doing in your area, give The Heilbrun Home Team a call today, 253-307-6438. We can’t wait to talk to you about your real estate needs. Continue Reading
As Real Estate Brokers we get asked all the time, what can I do to improve my home? What will give me the best return on my investment. Well here are a few items that might help you spruce up your home before selling without breaking the bank.
Not all home improvement projects are created equal. Some renovations may cost a lot but not add significant value to your home. This list goes in the opposite direction: Here are some inexpensive home improvement projects that will not only increase your enjoyment of your home, but will also increase the home’s value.
High quality ceiling fans: In a recent National Association of Home Builders survey, ceiling fans ranked No. 1 as the most-wanted decorative item. If your ceiling fans are outdated, replace them with something in the $400 range-it’ll make a big difference when it’s time to sell.
Trees: Mature trees can be worth as much as $10,000 toward the value of your home. Trees also protect your home from the elements and prevent erosion.
Energy efficiency: Buyers are increasingly interested in saving energy, so any efficiency update is worthwhile. Switching from a wood to gas fireplace is a great start.
Outdoor lighting: Exterior lighting is great for highlighting the accents of your home, and you can typically expect a 50 percent return on investment.
Molding: You can finish a room with crown molding or railing for as little as $1.50 per foot if you take a DIY approach, and it’s extremely desirable among prospective buyers.
If you have any more questions regarding home improvement or if you would like to have a FREE market analysis done on your home to find its worth, call The Heilbrun Home Team today, 253-307-6438 Continue Reading
With the market ever changing and so many new developments and condo associations popping up, you might be asking yourself. What is a HOA and what do they do? Each Home Owner’s Association (HOA) is different and governed by their own rules but here are some of the basic concepts behind a HOA. Make sure that when you are looking at buying a home/condo that has a HOA that you do your homework and make sure that you are aware of their rules and fees.
When you purchase a home, there’s a good chance you’ll have to pay a homeowners association fee, especially in gated communities, townhouses, condominiums, and other similar planned neighborhoods. The idea is to keep common areas clean and maintained, and there’s usually an HOA board that is responsible for setting the rules and regulations.
Each HOA is different, but most have the same core elements. You’ll typically pay your HOA fees either monthly or annually, and it’s an important factor to consider when you’re weighing your options for a new home. So what is typically included in your HOA fees?
First, the fun stuff Amenities are typically the big perk of living in a community with an HOA. While you lose out on some of the freedom of living without a HOA, you instead get community amenities like a maintained pool, gym, clubhouse, tennis courts, and other amenities. The HOA fees pay for cleaning and maintenance, so-in theory-you’ll always have a clean pool whenever you want to use it.
Protecting the community HOA fees often contribute to insurance for the community amenities, as well as a fund for unexpected repairs to damaged community property-think damage from weather or accidents.
General maintenance Your HOA fees will go toward maintaining the general safety and upkeep of the community. This means things like elevator maintenance for condominiums, snow removal, and trash/recycling services.
Be active in the association There may be a board of directors, but homeowners associations exist for the betterment of the entire community, and every voice matters. HOA meetings-and the amenities they support-provide great opportunities to meet your neighbors and make your community a better place.
If you have any more questions about HOA rules or fees or about purchasing in general feel free to give us a call. The Heilbrun Home Team, 253-307-6438
#HOALife #HeilbrunHomeTeam Continue Reading
Congratulations to Jim Murphy!!! John L Scott Orting Agent of the Month!! Thank you Jim for always being there to help out the team. We would like to give a very special “Thank you” to Jim for volunteering to help out for the Orting Chocolate Stroll. Jim stepped up and helped out another agent in the office who fell sick right before the event. Thank you again, Jim for your outstanding team work! We appreciate all you do for the office!! Continue Reading
Today is National Carrot Cake day! So here are some mind “crunching” facts for you.
1.Carrots were first cultivated in north Africa & the Mediterranean. They originally were purple or grey in color. Introduced to Europe around 1000 years ago.
2.The weed/flower Queen Anne’s Lace is actually a wild carrot. Many say carrots were planted in colonial gardens; went to seed & soon spread across North America.
3.Jello in the 1930’s offered ‘carrot pie’ flavored gelatin.
And some daily motivation: “I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.” Continue Reading
If you are looking outside of our service areas, we have a team of agents we work with throughout the entire United States.
Call us and we can refer you to a quality agent in your area.
John L. Scott Orting
104 S. Washington Ave.
Orting, WA 98360
Office:(360) 893-3380
Fax:(360) 893-5590
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