buyer: When It Is Your Move - 05/16/07 05:27 PM
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 … (0 comments)

buyer: Land Lovers - 05/16/07 05:04 PM
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 … (0 comments)

buyer: Tenant Tips - 05/15/07 05:34 AM
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 … (1 comments)

buyer: Responding to Low Offers - 05/15/07 05:14 AM
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 … (6 comments)

buyer: Building Considerations - 05/13/07 08:08 PM
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 … (0 comments)

buyer: Closing Questions - 05/13/07 08:02 PM
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 … (0 comments)

buyer: Buyers Real Estate Jitters - 05/13/07 07:41 PM
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 … (0 comments)

buyer: Brighter is Better - 05/13/07 01:15 PM
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 … (0 comments)

buyer: Who Pays the Commission - 05/13/07 12:55 PM
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 … (3 comments)

buyer: Moving And Taxes - 05/10/07 03:33 PM
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 … (0 comments)

buyer: Planning the Move - 05/10/07 03:11 PM
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 … (0 comments)

buyer: Mortgage Myths - 05/09/07 08:07 AM
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 … (0 comments)

buyer: Seller- Working With A Real Estate Agent - 05/08/07 06:55 PM
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 … (5 comments)

buyer: Mortgage Fears - 05/08/07 04:56 AM
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 … (2 comments)

buyer: Kitchen Clutter - 05/07/07 12:05 PM
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 … (5 comments)

buyer: Termites - 05/06/07 04:23 PM
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 … (2 comments)

buyer: Remodeling- Show And Sell - 05/06/07 04:04 PM
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 … (1 comments)

buyer: Building a home- Beware of Fat Clay - 05/06/07 03:33 PM
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 … (2 comments)

buyer: (Selling Your Home) A Buyer or Seller Market - 05/06/07 12:17 PM
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 … (0 comments)

buyer: Move On Up - 05/06/07 08:36 AM
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 … (0 comments)

 

Jason Vombaur

Vancouver, WA

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Keller Williams

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