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Tag Archives: Buyer

Priority tasks for your move

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Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.

Change the locks

Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.

Steam clean the carpets

It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner-your local grocery store may have them available.

Call an exterminator

Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home.

Clean out the kitchen

If the previous occupants wanted to skip on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of cabinets, clean out the refrigerator, clean the oven, and clean in the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.

Worried about Moving, when inventory is so low?

Worried about Moving, when inventory is so low?

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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

Best BANG for your BUCK

Best BANG for your BUCK

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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

9 Real Estate Myths for the Home Buyer or Home Seller – Day 6

9 Real Estate Myths for the Home Buyer or Home Seller – Day 6

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Myth #6: I will recoup all the money I spent on my house
Probably not! Will you sell your home quicker if you fix items that are in need of repair? Yes, but don’t expect to get all that money that you put into your home back out of it. Again, think before you go and do any big purchasing or remodeling for your home when it is on the market.
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9 Real Estate Myths for the Home Buyer or Home Seller – Day 5

9 Real Estate Myths for the Home Buyer or Home Seller – Day 5

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Myth #5: If I remodel the kitchen/bathroom my house will sell faster
Yes, if you have a big repair by all means fix it. If you are just thinking that you don’t like the fixtures or the backsplash anymore then take a minute, step back and ask yourself: Will I really get that much more money for my home by changing these things out? Is it going to be worth the trouble? You have to remember also that not everyone is going to share your personal taste. If you go in and do a remodel and it is not to the new buyers liking then they are faced with well do we remodel again or just live with it. You might instead of remodeling think about pricing the home a little lower or allotting some money for upgrades.
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9 Real Estate Myths for the Home Buyer or Home Seller – Day 2

9 Real Estate Myths for the Home Buyer or Home Seller – Day 2

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Myth #2: “If I don’t use an Agent I will get a better deal.”
AGAIN…Bad Idea! As a buyer you are not required to pay an agent’s commission that is a cost that in most circumstances is paid by the seller. So don’t think that you NOT having representation is going to save you money! It’s the same cost for you either way…FREE!!! Having your own representation is very beneficial to you. You want someone that is in your corner. Someone that knows what to look for and is going to make sure that no corners are cut or something in the transaction is not handled properly. With that being said…there are a lot of agents out there. Feel free to conduct interviews, ask questions and don’t be afraid to say what is on your mind. If you aren’t feeling like it is going to work be upfront and honest, move on to the next agent. That is your right as a client.

Yours to count on!
The Heilbrun Team
John L Scott Real Estate
Orting, WA
Written by Michelle McDonald
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Major Housing Market Shift

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From Lennox’s Blog This is a unique time in the real estate market. Here are the market facts for the Puget Sound region  Strong Sales Activity Being Driven by Local Home Buyer Surge Driven by the return of local home buyers, a positive market psychology has returned. Low inventory, adjusted prices and the historically low interest rates… Continue Reading

APPEALING YOUR PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT

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Each spring, Washington homeowners receive tax statements based on the assessed value of their homes. A large portion of revenues from property taxes go toward educating our community’s young people. In addition, our police, fire, libraries, and parks and recreation are funded with this money. During difficult economic times, these revenues are especially important. As… Continue Reading

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John L. Scott Orting
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Orting, WA 98360
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