There is a lot of information on real estate market conditions in the media today.Not all of it is accurate or even applies to the market in your area. In Washington State the market is very different than it is in Florida,Texas or California. Locally in Mason County Washington we are doing quite well.We have a lot of inventory , but homes are still selling. The average time on market may be longer and not everyone is getting the full asking price, but sellers are still selling. Many are getting close to their asking price, and buyers are getting good deals. My advise to a potential buyer is... DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Sellers are not so desperate that they will take any offer that comes their way. Many have a mortgage on their property that they will have to clear as well as state excise tax ... 08/18/2008

Are you searching for that perfect home, in the perfect neighborhood, in the perfect school district? You may have a lot more options than you once thought. Many school districts are offering alternative educational choices from different programs, home school groups, to on-line courses. In fact if you live in Washington State there are free programs that you can access from virtually anywhere. These new options can really expand your horizons when searching for a new home. Activities for youth are plentiful as well. Your child can live a very enriched life from many different locations, leaving you free to explore options that you never realized you had. There are also many employers that are willing to allow employees to work from home via the Internet. This can be a great savings in ... 08/17/2008

Are you building a new home? Do you have a camera? Are you taking pictures along the way? Taking pictures while building your home can be a lot of fun as you go through the process. It can also be great later on when you need to remember where certain things are that have now been covered up. A sewer line, water line, and electrical can all be important to find later on down the road,and pictures can make it that much easier. Another great advantage to taking pictures of  the building progress is when you go to sell your home. Potential buyers may want to know how the home they are considering was built, and where to find things hidden inside the structure. The new owner may be considering the purchase with ideas of remodeling. Pictures can make this so much easier.  Potential buyers ma... 08/17/2008

Many of my clients have wanted advise on updating their homes to sell. This depends a great deal on the market, and the condition of your home. Generally I believe that too much of a change can cost you a lot of change, and not give you much in return. A great way to make inexpensive progress is a good quality paint, in earth tones. This can make a huge difference. Try and keep your color scheme as neutral as possible. People want to imagine the home with their items, not be distracted by your personal preferences. Depending on what you want to replace, a good alternative would be for a potential buyer to be given an allowance to replace the worn items with one of their choice. Mirrors make rooms appear bigger. Family pictures and a lot of personal art can be distracting. A few items in... 08/17/2008

 I have sold my own home, and assisted others in selling theirs. It can be a trying experience. Especially when you are maintaining a job, busy schedule, active children and a clean, ready to show in an instant, home.  Getting your home ready means touch up paint, removing clutter, the smell of fresh cookies, and getting your kids in gear. That can be challenging with everyday life, let alone being on display for anyone to see at a moments notice.The following are a few things that both my clients, and I have done to make this a little easier on the whole family. Get a storage unit. It helps to get rid of the clutter, and reduces packing latter when it is time to move. Put as many of the kids toys, and clothes in the storage unit as possible. Pretend your on vacation and the house is ju... 08/17/2008

 I am a mother of three, and a real estate agent. I have shopped for a new home with my children, and been there when my clients searched for a home with theirs. It can be challenging to say the least.  One thing often overlooked is that looking for a home involves the entire family. A new home sometimes means a new school, new friends, a new route, a new backyard, and a new room. Kids can feel the pressure too!  Dad and Mom are generally in charge of all of the choices, and kids just go along for the ride. Regardless of the ages, kids want to be a part of the process. The following are a few tips that both my clients and I have used. Give the kids a digital camera to photograph the prospective homes. Have the kids make a list of their favorites in order, and why. Bring coloring books, ... 08/17/2008

 When you are in the market to buy or sell your home you may want to use a Real Estate Agent. Of course I would recommend this because I am an agent. So how do you choose?  If I were going to buy or sell a home I would... Look on the Internet and see who is marketing and where.( this is probably how they will market your home) Compile a list of  local agents that caught my attention and list where they work.( they should know your neighborhood) Prepare a list of questions. Call them up and set up an interview. Pay attention to their marketing plan, and ask questions. Review the information they provided. Ask for testimonials from their previous clients. Select the agent that best represented the home, and had a good grip on local market trends. If you are looking to buy or sell your hom... 08/17/2008

 I am sure that I am not the only one worried about the cost of gas these days. As a real estate agent I spend a lot of time in my car viewing properties,stocking my listings with fliers, and keeping updated pictures on the MLS. It can be expensive. Of course I need to do this so I just keep filling the tank.  Over the years I have always asked my clients why they have decided to purchase now, and lately I have been surprized by the answer. The cost of gas. Whether they own a large RV, or they miss their families people are buying homes to be close. Maybe this isn't such a bad thing after all. Maybe a cost incentive to go home was all that we needed to bring us all a little bit closer.   08/17/2008

 The first thing that people look at when buying a home is the price. Many even have a price range, or an amount that they will not go over. This is good it helps to narrow down the choices.  Using a reputable lender is an important part of deciding how much home you want, or can afford to buy. The interest rate can be a big factor in this equation as is your credit score. the higher the credit score the lower the interest rate, and that makes for a more affordable payment. Once you know how much you qualify for the next step is deciding what you want buy.  Buyers can be very savvy, or have no experience what so ever. Sellers are hoping to reach any of them and sell their home. So they set an ASKING price. Sometimes this is what they need to sell the home, and other times it is just wha... 08/17/2008

 Buying a home at any time, regardless of market conditions can be stressful.There is a lot that goes into searching for a home, and a lot of the time couples have different ideas on what they even want.  From inspections, loans, moving vans, to schools, commutes and neighborhoods you will need an advocate that knows the market.That is when it really pays to have your own Real Estate professional working for you.  A Buyers Agent more often than not works free of charge. They are payed by the Seller at the time of closing. The benefits of using a Realtor are priceless. Not only do they intimately know the community they know all of the players. From inspectors,roofers, school teachers, to the best place to get a cup of coffee your real estate agent is working for you, and will make the t... 08/17/2008

 I have sold many homes over the years, and inspections are always a hot topic. People feel that they want a house in good condition, but can be leary about paying an inspection fee if they do not need to.  My advise has always been to have an inspection. The cost is generaly about $300-$400 depending on the size of the home. This may seem like a lot, but in the end it can be well worth it.  I tell my clients that an inspection is mainly informational. How much longer will the roof last? Will I need to paint? How is the plumbing? Is there any insect damage? There are a lot of potentials. Some of these items are FYI, while others can be costs that you, or the current owner were not even aware of. This can be easily addressed ,and at times negotiated on the purchase price.  In the end an ... 08/17/2008

 Lately have spoke with several people who told me that they wanted to buy a home, but did not qualify for a loan. This was concerning because I knew that we had houses that matched what they were looking for, with motivated sellers hopeing for offers.  I called a lender that I have done a lot of business with, and told him of my dilemma. He asked me to put him in contact with the individuals to see if he could help.I passed the information on, and what I found was surprising! Not only did all of the people I spoke with have better credit than they thought, they only had a few small repairs to make and then they were on to home ownership. Most of the people that I was working with qualified for a purchase within just 4 to 6 weeks!  I am encouraged to say that the market IS NOT what the ... 08/17/2008

 A new trend in the real estate market today is green living. Going green as many are calling it has many benefits. Not only are you helping to save the planet, but you are most likely going to save money as well. From high efficiency light bulbs, tank-less hot water heaters, more efficient insulation, and energy efficient windows, to the countless products made from recycled materials.Everyone has an opportunity to go green.  The real estate market today is full of Savvy shoppers. They want a good deal, know exactly what they are looking for, and have a great selection of homes to choose from. This has frustrated some Sellers who have spent a longer than desired time on the market. Going green is one way to stand out.  Going green is easier than you think. There are many professionals ... 08/17/2008