Jason 's Blog

Fabulous Home with 2 Masters - $230,000 - Vancouver, Wa

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:00:59 -0500

Fabulous Home with 2 Large Masters. You love relaxing on the large deck with a view of the park and mountains. Spacious Living Room and Family Room. Large Bonus Room on lower level. Nearby shopping.

For more information on this property see: www.LiveInClarkCounty.com or call Jason Vombaur 360-852-2154.

Relaxing Retreat with Professional Landscaping - $169,255 - Vancouver, Wa

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:56:46 -0500

Immaculate Updated Condo in Peaceful Setting. Slider off of Living Room and Family Room out to Private Deck with Professional Landscaping and Hot Tub. New Pergo Floors. You will Love the Park Like Setting in the Back that's Perfect for a BBQ or just Relaxing with the Water Feature. Easy Access to I-5 and shopping. A Must See!

Visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com for more information or Contact Jason Vombaur 360-852-2154!!

When It Is Your Move

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Thu, 17 May 2007 00:27:18 -0500

Contacting different moving companies is one of the first steps in moving to a new house. You will find a variety of service options and price ranges from which to choose, whether you are moving across town or thousands of miles across the country.

Call several companies for estimates. Ask each company exactly how their charges are calculated and what is included. How much insurance is included in the estimate? What is the cost for additional coverage? Are there special provisions for fragile or unusually valuable items? Is the delivery date guaranteed? If economizing is important, ask if there are ways to cut down on the bill by providing your own boxes and packing yourself. Household movers are competitive, and comparison shopping can help you get the best value for your moving dollars.

The J Team

Land Lovers

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Thu, 17 May 2007 00:04:10 -0500

Great curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting buyers to a home that is for sale. Many of our sales have been generated by a "For Sale" sign in front of a home that is beautifully landscaped. Prospective buyers who admire a home's exterior often prove to be among the most interested in the property.

An investment in attractive landscaping can help your home sell more quickly. If you have a moderately green thumb, you can get a lot of free advice from local nurseries. They can give you tips on what will look good in your yard, considering the time of year, the available light, and the type of plants that do well in the area. You will probably be able to choose from many attractive low-maintenance plants that will add color and vitality to your yard. Whatever the season, a few dollars invested in your front yard will usually reap much greater benefits than your original investment.

For more useful information or to find out more about Vancouver, Washington visit www.LiveinClarkCounty.com

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Tenant Tips

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Tue, 15 May 2007 12:34:40 -0500

When you buy an investment property, finding and keeping a tenant is very important. It's been said that a little caution during the screening process can save a lot of headaches later on.

You can rely on an intuitive sense of how a prospect feels to you. While this is an important aspect of a landlord's decision-making process, following up on your intuition by checking on the facts is definitely worthwhile. Have prospective tenants fill out an application giving employment references and the names and addresses of previous landlords. The application should also include written permission for you to run a credit check. In most areas, it is difficult and expensive to evict someone who turns out to be less than a model tenant. Only after you check their references and credit history should you allow them to move in.

The J Team

Responding to Low Offers

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Tue, 15 May 2007 12:14:56 -0500

The beginning of negotiations is usually the end of many months of hard work for the buyer or seller. The work ahead requires skill in order to maintain a strong position.

Sellers can lose their advantage if they do not counter an offer that a buyer has made. Even if the opening offer is beneath what the seller feels is reasonable, it is advisable for the seller to respond with a slight reduction from the asking price. The most important component in negotiating is good communication.

The best way to handle a low offer is to counter it with definite terms that are favorable to the seller. A counter offer has two advantages: 1) it keeps the buyer interested, and 2) it moves the negotiation forward and gives the buyer the opportunity to submit another offer that the seller is more likely to prefer.

The J Team

Building Considerations

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:08:24 -0500

Are you planning to build your dream home? Once you are pre-approved for a loan and have found a professional real estate agent you trust, you are ready to start looking for the perfect lot.

Compare the qualities of several target neighborhoods by looking at schools, shopping, recreation and zoning. Make sure that the zoning regulations allow you to build the size and height of the home you want. Find out if there are use restrictions that would prevent you from developing your property as you intend. A visit to the local planning department will clarify your options for building.

Consider what type of home would best suit your lifestyle. Create a checklist to itemize the "must-have" interior and exterior features of a house that you feel are absolute requirements. Make notations about yard size, paint, roof and window conditions for the exterior, and floor plan, room quality and condition of the appliances for the interior. Bring your lists to your real estate agent. Together you can look over the currently available properties that correspond to your needs.
For more useful information visit http://www.liveinclarkcounty.com/
The J Team- Your Real Estate For Life!

Closing Questions

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:02:03 -0500

Because of the complexity of a real estate transaction, questions and concerns arise frequently for those who are buying or selling a home. Most people experience a degree of stress at the closing of the sales transaction. Both parties are probably feeling nervous and vulnerable as they sign the papers, and may even be fighting off an attack of buyer's or seller's remorse.

Even though you may be inclined to just sign the papers, it is a good idea to check the paperwork and ask any questions that come to mind. If you are signing a mortgage or deed of trust, be sure to review the document carefully. Check the spelling of your name, the property address and all of the inserted items for accuracy. Since much of the paperwork is prepared on short notice, mistakes are occasionally made. They are usually easier to fix while you are still at the title office, so don't be shy about asking questions before you sign on the dotted line.

For more useful information visit http://www.liveinclarkcounty.com/

The J Team- Your Real Estate For Life!

Buyers Real Estate Jitters

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Mon, 14 May 2007 02:41:44 -0500

Here is a typical scenario illustrating the effects of buyer's remorse. Your home was on the market for a few weeks, and you are now feeling fortunate because an attractive offer has been presented by qualified buyers. Once the ink dried on the contract forms, however, it seemed that everything suddenly threatened to come unraveled.

Once the buyers' earnest money check cleared their account, they suddenly came up with a list of concerns that never occurred to them before the purchase agreement was signed. Their fears and demands have turned them into touchy adversaries instead of the sweet young couple looking forward to starting a family. How could the atmosphere have changed so quickly?

Buyers and sellers are both susceptible to different forms of stress reaction known in the real estate field as "Buyers' Remorse" and "Sellers' Remorse". Fortunately, neither one of these conditions is contagious to real estate agents! An important part of our job is to help our sellers and buyers through their buying or selling jitters with understanding and humor.
For more useful information visit http://www.liveinclarkcounty.com
The J Team- Your Real Estate For Life!

Brighter is Better

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Sun, 13 May 2007 20:15:43 -0500

Sometimes a real estate agent will walk into a home that is basically attractive, yet communicates the feeling that something is lacking. Then the agent notices that all of the drapes are closed, interior lights are off and there is a lot of overgrown shrubbery blocking the sunlight that might otherwise pour through the windows.

A dark house is not as appealing to most buyers as one that is flooded with light. As a part of your preparations to market your home, try to maximize the light in your home. Make sure that all the windows are clean and the drapes are open when the house is being shown. A fresh coat of light paint can do a lot to brighten up the interior. If your house has very dark paneling, and you do not wish to repaint the walls, you may want to consider adding additional lamps. Your real estate agent may be able to provide other simple and cost-effective ideas about how to maximize your home's appeal.

For more useful information or to find out about Vancouver, Washington area visit http://www.liveinclarkcounty.com/

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Who Pays the Commission

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Sun, 13 May 2007 19:55:36 -0500

Does it cost the homebuyer more to be represented by a buyer's agent who serves their interests exclusively? No, because the listing agent splits the sales commission, which is customarily paid by the seller of the home, with the buyer's agent. The sales commission split is usually 50-50, but the listing agent and buyer's agent will sometimes make another agreement and split the commission unequally.

There is one very unusual circumstance in which the homebuyer might pay a commission to their buyer's agent. The real estate agent might show the buyer a local "for sale by owner" (FSBO) home which the client decides to purchase. In most cases, the FSBO seller who is presented with a qualified buyer is glad to pay the buyer's agent a reduced fee of about 3 percent, or half of a normal sales commission. But the FSBO seller could stubbornly refuse to pay the buyer's agent any commission whatsoever. In that case, the buyer's agent would legitimately expect the buyer to pay the sales commission, in fair exchange for the agent finding the FSBO home and negotiating a successful transaction.

For more useful information or to find out about the Clark County, Washington area visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Moving And Taxes

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Thu, 10 May 2007 22:33:37 -0500

Even with the changes in tax laws over recent years, you may be able to deduct some of the expenses of a move that is the result of a change in your job.

You will probably be able to deduct the costs of your move if your new work location means more than an additional 50-mile commute, if you move within a year of taking the job at the new location, and if you work full-time for at least 39 weeks (the total is 78 weeks if you are self-employed). You should keep meticulous records of all of your expenses and consult a tax expert to make sure that you take all the lawful tax deductions allowed by the IRS criteria for expenses related to selling your old home or buying your new one. The IRS publication No. 521 entitled "Tax Information on Moving Expenses" makes good reading before you make a move.

For more useful information you can visit WWW.Liveinclarkcounty.com

The J Team

Planning the Move

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Thu, 10 May 2007 22:11:25 -0500

The custom of relying on friends to help make a move from one place to another has been replaced by reliance on professional movers.

Professional moving companies offer a wide range of service options, including professional packing. It could cost you less if you pack your things in your own containers. However, some movers will not insure fragile items, such as dishes or glassware, if they do not pack them.

Begin your preparations for the move by calling several companies for estimates. And start early! Some companies want three-to-six weeks advance notice. Ask each company how they compute the charges, how much time they expect the move to take, and what kind of insurance coverage they offer against loss or damage. If you have to store your things temporarily, ask what arrangements can be made.

Long-distance movers may send a representative to your home for an estimate, while local companies may quote an hourly rate over the phone. Be sure to ask the same questions of each company so that when you compare bids you will be using the same criteria.
The J Team

Mortgage Myths

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:07:19 -0500

Nationwide surveys indicate that a large number of potential home buyers count themselves out of the market because of widely-held myths about home financing. Some of the most prevalent myths include: 1) home buyers need large down payments (more than is actually the case); 2) the loan process works against people under age 35; 3) owning a home is more expensive than renting; and 4) minorities have no chance of getting a mortgage.

The surveys found that many people view the mortgage process as "difficult, stressful, and incomprehensible." Many qualified first-time buyers are unaware of special programs designed to make home ownership affordable to them. The home loan industry is always looking for new ways to dispel these myths because lenders want more business, not less. The alternatives to traditional 20% down, thirty-year fixed mortgages are astonishing. Mortgage brokers are experienced in explaining today's financing and debunking the myths.
For more useful information or to find more about Vancouver, WA visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com
The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Seller- Working With A Real Estate Agent

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Wed, 09 May 2007 01:55:06 -0500

It is not unusual for homeowners to yield to the temptation to try to sell their own home. It seems easy enough--just place an ad in the weekend paper and wait for buyers to show up. Although it may seem simple, real estate sales transactions are extremely complex proceedings.

The first pitfall can come with pricing your property realistically. Homeowners often price their property too high initially, then drastically slash the price when weeks go buy without an offer. Even if a prospective buyer agrees to the initial asking price, there could be complications if the buyers begin to feel that they have agreed to pay too much, or if the lender's appraisal values the property at far less than the agreed-upon price. Some clients hire agents to market their home professionally after weeks or months of trying to sell their own home without success, or after their FSBO transaction fell through.

For more information you can visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life.

Mortgage Fears

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Tue, 08 May 2007 11:56:35 -0500

It is not unusual for home buyers to feel that the lender is being very critical during the loan approval process. The buyer is required to provide all kinds of financial information, and then the lender asks for more. If this is your experience, and the process seems discouraging, remember that none of this is personal!

Some lenders have more stringent requirements than others, but every lender requires a substantial amount of documentation on a mortgage loan. They must verify employment, credit history, and recent financial transactions involving your liquid assets. If your Visa payment was late, they may ask for a letter explaining why. If you are self-employed, they will ask for tax returns from at least three years and probably a year-to-date profit and loss statement.

Government regulations require mortgage companies to document everything. And while the loan officer may know that you are a reliable risk, the underwriters must be able to defend the loan to a federal bank examiner or auditor.

For more useful information or to find out about Clark County, WA.

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Kitchen Clutter

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Mon, 07 May 2007 19:05:50 -0500

The kitchen is usually very important to prospective buyers. Your kitchen may not be new and state-of-the-art, but it should look its best.

Your kitchen should be spotlessly clean and well organized while your home is on the market. The counter tops should be clean and free of clutter, and the floor should shine. Appliances should be clean and in good working order. You may want to add a few decorator touches or replace cabinets, flooring, and even appliances for a small investment. Dollars spent on kitchen improvements usually pay major dividends when you sell your home. If you are planning to sell your home and need some advice in this area, an agent will be happy to discuss your options with you.

For more useful information or to find out about Vacouver, WA visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Termites

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Sun, 06 May 2007 23:23:58 -0500

Most home purchase agreements have clauses that deal with termites. After the agreement is ratified, a termite inspection is arranged. Before the closing can occur, the sellers must be able to produce papers signed by a licensed exterminator stating that the house is free of infestation and that any termite damage has been repaired.

Before you sign an agreement to buy or sell a home, you should read the termite clause and be sure that you understand it. Who selects the exterminator and pays for the inspection? If bugs are found, who pays for the treatment? Are the sellers obligated to repair any damage and have they placed a limit of the dollar amount they will spend on those repairs? If treatment is required, the buyers may want a chance to discuss the options with the pest control company, especially if someone in the family is sensitive to the chemicals used to control the termites. Ask about the exterminator's guarantees or service contract options.
For more useful information or to learn about Vancouver, WA visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com
The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Remodeling- Show And Sell

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Sun, 06 May 2007 23:04:49 -0500

Real estate agents are often asked "What is the best way to show and sell a home?" Almost every agent can tell you a story about meeting with a prospective seller who has just completed a lot of work to prepare their home for the market. It can be difficult for a real estate agent to tell the seller that their renovations were not the best changes to effectively market their home.

If you are considering making any improvements prior to selling your home, the best advice is to consult with your agent before you make any changes. An experienced real estate agent can provide you with information that can help you decide what kind of improvements will set the stage for a sale. Whether it is paint and wallpaper, remodeling the bathrooms, or updating the kitchen, your real estate agent can guide you toward "neutral" choices which can assist the buyer's imagination.

For more useful information or to find out more about Clark County visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Building a home- Beware of Fat Clay

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Sun, 06 May 2007 22:33:40 -0500

When building a home, you should have the soil on the construction site tested for plasticity to determine how it will change under different moisture conditions. This is important because some soil is so "plastic" that (if the condition is not corrected) it can actually break concrete floors, crack the walls and destroy the foundation of your home. Highly plastic soil is sometimes referred to as "fat clay" that swells excessively and loses stability when it becomes wet. Fine-grained soils that contain a high percentage of clay are greatly affected by water, turning to mud when it rains and undergoing large volume changes-sometimes up to 40 or 50 percent, as the soil dries. Not only do clays swell and lose stability when they become wet, but they also retard the drainage of water. If plastic soil is found on your building site, the ground must be over-excavated and replaced with clean gravel. Homebuilders often choose not to include a basement, or to protect the basement walls from excess moisture by surrounding them with a layer of gravel. A fine-grained clay-filled soil with a high plasticity index may require considerable treatment, especially if used in a moist location.
For more useful information or to find out about Vancouver, WA visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com
The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life

(Selling Your Home) A Buyer or Seller Market

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Sun, 06 May 2007 19:17:44 -0500

If you are going to sell your present home, the market conditions will play a crucial role in determining the asking price. Market conditions change constantly, so it is important that you get solid advice from a professional who is familiar with your specific area.

A good real estate agent will know how houses in your area are selling, as well as the other factors that may influence the sale. Nearby commercial development, which may create congestion and noise, may also mean a greater demand for housing from people who will be working in the new office buildings. A new bus route that cuts commuting time could make your home more valuable and highways close by can be an issue with the price. The economic conditions have a strong impact on the real estate market. Real estate professionals can help you consider all of the issues and assist you in setting a fair price for your home.

For more useful information or to find out about Camas visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Move On Up

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Sun, 06 May 2007 15:36:27 -0500

Many people buy their first homes before they start a family or become established in their careers. A few years later their life circumstance has changed. They need more space or have increased income to invest in a higher priced home.

Changes in lifestyle often create changes in housing needs. A big promotion may require you to do more at-home entertaining. This translates into the need for a larger kitchen and additional living space. If you are starting a family, it may be time to trade your sophisticated home in the city for a house which has a big yard and is located in a good school district. If changes in your life have prompted thoughts of moving, an agent will be happy to discuss all of the possibilities with you. Your agent can determine what your present home is worth and show you homes that will meet your current needs.

For more useful information visit WWW.LiveInClarkCounty.com

Bargain Property- A Home With a History

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Sun, 06 May 2007 15:22:25 -0500

A colorful history can add significantly to the value of a home. Researching the provenance of a property you are interested in buying can be both interesting and ultimately profitable. The market value of a home will be greater if it was designed by a notable architect, built by a company with a reputation for the finest construction, or lived in by a celebrity who hosted famous guests.

Ask your real estate agent if there is any historical data of significance associated with the home, or if previous owners were VIPs. Note the names associated with the deed and title to the home, and look them up with the help of the local historical society. Consult the microfiche in newspaper archives for references to colorful details of the home's past. The county assessor's office may have records of the date the home was built, and building permits may reveal the name of the architect. When inspecting the home, search closets and attics carefully for hidden historical "treasures".

Buying an older home at a bargain price, then re-selling when it is renovated and restored can be an enjoyable and lucrative adventure.

For more useful information or to find out about Vancouver, WA area visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Tenant Tips

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Sun, 06 May 2007 01:50:03 -0500

For more useful information or to learn more about Camas Washington you can visit www.LiveInClarkCounty.com

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!

Investment Property- Location And Value

Jason Vombaur (Keller Williams) — Sun, 06 May 2007 01:31:15 -0500

One of the most important factors that affect the value of property is obviously location. Wise investment philosophy suggests that you invest in a sound property in a more modest area that will increase in value in the future. Buying into an area that is being gentrified, or that is otherwise coming back, is one way to do this.
Timing is everything, however! Most investors don't want to risk too much by being a pioneer, but want to get involved early enough so that there is still considerable room for appreciation in value. Being a pioneer is fine if you are a risk-taker with a lot of patience and cash is not the primary issue. Otherwise, it is safer to buy into an area after the restoration trend is unmistakably established.

Neighborhoods that are ripe for restoration have some common characteristics. They are next to a prestigious area or in a good walk-to-work location and have houses that are basically in good condition or "fixer-uppers" with realistic price tags.

For more useful information you can visit WWW.LiveInClarkCounty.Com

The J Team- Your Real Estate Team For Life!