As the warm sunshine and longer days of summer approach, it's time to prepare your home for the season ahead. Summer home maintenance is not only about ensuring your property remains in good condition but also about creating a comfortable and enjoyable living space. With a little effort and planning, you can tackle essential tasks that will protect your home from potential damage, increase energy efficiency, and enhance your overall summer experience. In this blog post, we will explore some key summer home maintenance tips to help you make the most of this vibrant season.

1. Check and Clean Your HVAC System:

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system are crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature during the hot summer months. Start by inspecting and changing the air filters to promote optimal airflow and keep the air clean. Clear any debris around the outdoor unit and ensure there are no obstructions. Consider scheduling a professional HVAC maintenance check to detect and address any potential issues before they escalate.

2. Maintain Your Windows and Doors:

Efficient windows and doors play a significant role in keeping your home cool and reducing energy consumption. Inspect the weatherstripping around windows and doors to ensure a tight seal, preventing drafts and cool air leakage. If needed, replace worn-out weatherstripping to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, clean the window screens and inspect for any damages. Properly functioning windows and doors will help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while keeping your energy bills in check.

3. Outdoor Maintenance:

Summer is the perfect time to focus on your home's exterior. Inspect and clean your gutters to remove any debris that may cause clogs and water damage. Trim tree branches and shrubs away from your house to prevent potential damage during summer storms. Check your roof for loose or damaged shingles and address any issues promptly. Furthermore, inspect and clean your outdoor furniture, grill, and patio/deck areas to create inviting spaces for outdoor gatherings and relaxation.

4. Ensure Adequate Insulation:

Proper insulation is vital in both hot and cold weather. Check your home's insulation, especially in the attic, to prevent cool air loss and reduce your cooling costs. Consider adding additional insulation if necessary or consulting with a professional to ensure optimal insulation levels. Adequate insulation will help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable during the summer heat.

5. Check Your Irrigation System:

Summer brings the need for regular watering to keep your lawn and garden lush and vibrant. Inspect your irrigation system for leaks, clogged sprinkler heads, or damaged pipes. Adjust the watering schedule according to the weather conditions and water your landscape during cooler parts of the day to minimize water loss due to evaporation. A well-maintained irrigation system will help you conserve water while keeping your outdoor spaces flourishing.

6. Pest Control:

Summer is the season when various pests thrive. Take proactive measures to keep unwanted visitors at bay. Inspect your home for potential entry points such as cracks and crevices, and seal them to prevent pests from finding their way inside. Maintain a clean and clutter-free environment, especially in storage areas, to minimize hiding places for pests. Consider contacting a professional pest control service for preventive measures and advice tailored to your specific situation.

Summer home maintenance is all about ensuring the comfort, functionality, and longevity of your property during the hottest months of the year. By following these essential tips, you can create a well-maintained home that is energy-efficient, protected from potential damage, and ready to provide a relaxing and enjoyable summer season for you and your family. Remember to stay proactive, address issues promptly, and seek professional assistance when needed. With a little effort and attention, you can make the most of summer and enjoy the comfort.

Entering the world of real estate can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, navigating the complexities of a real estate transaction requires careful planning and preparation. In this blog post, we'll share 10 essential tips to help ensure a successful and rewarding real estate experience.

1. Define Your Goals: Before diving into the market, clearly define your goals. Are you looking for a forever home, an investment property, or a vacation retreat? Knowing your objectives will help you make informed decisions throughout the process.
2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Knowing your budget is crucial. Speak with a reputable lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a clear understanding of your buying power and make you a more attractive buyer to sellers.
3. Choose the Right Realtor: Working with a knowledgeable and trustworthy real estate agent is essential. Look for an agent with local expertise, strong communication skills, and a track record of success. They will be your advocate, guiding you through the process and negotiating on your behalf.
4. Research the Market: Take the time to research the local real estate market. Look into recent sales, market trends, and neighborhood dynamics. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions when it comes to pricing, timing, and location.
5. Prioritize Home Inspections: Never underestimate the importance of a thorough home inspection. Hire a qualified inspector to evaluate the property's condition and identify any potential issues. This information will empower you to negotiate repairs or reconsider your purchase if necessary.
6. Understand the Contract: Real estate contracts can be complex. Take the time to review and understand the terms and conditions of your contract. If needed, seek legal advice to ensure you're protected and fully aware of your obligations and rights.
7. Negotiate Wisely: Negotiation is a critical aspect of any real estate transaction. Work closely with your realtor to develop a strategic negotiation plan. Be prepared to compromise, but also stand firm on your non-negotiables to secure the best possible outcome.
8. Conduct Due Diligence: Perform due diligence on all aspects of the property, including the title, permits, zoning regulations, and any potential liens. This step will ensure you have a clear understanding of the property's legal and financial status.
9. Consider Future Potential: When evaluating a property, think long-term. Consider factors such as resale value, neighborhood development plans, and potential appreciation. A forward-thinking approach can lead to a wise investment decision.
10. Have a Contingency Plan: Finally, always have a contingency plan in place. Unexpected events can arise, such as financing issues or appraisal challenges. Be prepared to adjust your strategy and have alternatives in mind to protect your interests.

 A successful real estate transaction requires careful planning, research, and the guidance of a trusted professional. By following these 10 essential tips, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the real estate market with confidence. Remember, patience and flexibility are key, and with the right mindset and a solid plan, you'll achieve your real estate goals and enjoy a rewarding experience. Good luck!

PREPARING FOR YOUR PHOTO SHOOT

Here are some tips to help you get ready for photo day! These photos are the main foundation of our marketing plan so thanks in advance for your help with this important step!

-       Remove all items from Kitchen, Bath, and Laundry Room Countertops.

-       Make all Beds and smooth out any wrinkles in the bedding.

-       Make sure toilet seats are down.

-       Fold towels in kitchen and baths in a visually appealing way.

-       Hide any visible clutter (this is temporary for the photo shoot)

-       Pack away any valuables you don’t want to display in the photos.

-       Set up exterior patio furniture and make the exterior as inviting as you can visually.

-       Put away any garden tools in the backyard that will detract from the photos.

-       Make sure trash cans are stowed away out of sight.

-       Make sure front and back porches are swept and look as inviting as possible.

-       Vacuum carpets to make them look their best.

-       Remove all items from the front of the refrigerator.

-       Open all blinds and window coverings.

-        Remove all laundry from the laundry room.

-       Remove all cars from view.

-       Put away all dishes and don’t leave any towels in or on the sink or counters.

-        Stow away all toys and pet items and take pets off premises during the shoot.

PREPPING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

THERE ARE MANY THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SALE! The little things you can do to improve the presentation of your property can make a big difference in helping your home sell more quickly.

Outdoors:

-       Yard and Patio should be neat and decluttered. Outdoor furniture should be clean and in good shape.

-       Clean or Paint. Your front door. Remember, first impressions are important.

-       Manicure your front entry, front yard, and driveway. Replace any plants that are not in great shape.

Exterior:

-       Touch up with fresh paint as needed.

-       Check that mailbox and exterior lighting are in good repair.

-       Clean windows and screens.

Garage:

-       Tidy and declutter, clean out cabinets and shelves.

-       Clean floor, if possible, to look fresh and clean.

Interior Living Areas:

-       Apply fresh paint as needed in neutral colors to brighten your rooms.

-       Clean carpets and neutralize any noticeable odors.

-       Replace burned out light bulbs.

-       Declutter spaces and closets and rearrange furniture as needed to create a spacious feeling.

-       Clean windows to let in more light.

-       Take down family photos to depersonalize your space.

Kitchen:

-       Clean Refrigerator, Cooktop, Microwave and Oven.

-       Sinks and countertops should sparkle and be clutter free.

-       Clean any grout and paint if necessary.

Bathrooms:

-       Fix any faucet drips or leaks.

-       Clean mirrors and declutter countertops as well as underneath cabinets.

-       Replace shower curtain if necessary.

-       Clean tile. Grout and caulking. Re-caulk and paint if necessary.

Closets:

-       Remove clutter and neatly arrange shoes and clothes.

-       Make sure closet doors or door handles roll and open easily.

Overall:

-       Check all door handles, locks, sliding doors, and window locks to be sure they don’t squeak and that they open easily and fell well maintained.

-       Pack away your valuables and any weapons you may have in the house.

Our Service Commitment To You

·      Update you bi-weekly about new listings that may affect your pricing or market position so that we work together to stay ahead of the market.

·       Call you at least once a week when we have showings and feedback so that we can review the information together and work to present your property in the best light.

·       Answer and return all buyer or broker inquiry calls as quickly as possible so that we don’t miss a single opportunity to show your property or connect with a buyer.

·       Communicate with other local brokers about your property so they are informed if they receive any buyer inquiries or have any potential buyer matches.

·       Represent your best interests with very call or inquiry and work hard to match up buyers and their brokers with your property when possible.

·       Review carefully with you all offers and possible negotiation points when they arise and the deal professionally with all other parties involved or interested.

·       Inform you every step of the way through the entire escrow and closing process to make sure we don’t overlook any details and ensure your understanding and comfort as much as possible through the process.

Our service is what sets us apart from other brokers and we aim to deliver the highest level of service that you have ever experienced in a real estate transaction!

Successful Showing Tips

1. Before Showing Your Home or Before and Open Houses, Please Pack Away ALL Valuable Items. This may include jewelry, personal banking items, cash, social security cards and similar personal papers. While everyone coming to your home will be accompanied by a licensed broker, things can happen, and it is best to be pro-active.

2. You’ll want to make a great first impression so it’s always a good idea to make sure your front walkway, porch and yard are in showing condition. Keeping this area swept, cobweb free, well-lit and uncluttered makes your home look well maintained and creates safer passage for people coming and going. Keeping your lawn and other landscaping well-manicured dramatically increases your home’s curb appeal and draws potential buyers to your home. Never Underestimate the Power of a Great First Impression!

3. It is always a good idea to make a quick run through of your home before a showing. Making sure beds are made, clothing and toys are picked up, dishes are put away and there is an overall feeling of tidiness can go a long way in making a good impression on a potential buyer. It’s not always easy to see your home through the eyes of a stranger but that’s what you’ll need to attempt to do. Buyers often struggle to see their things in a new space an having a feeling of spaciousness and cleanliness helps them make that transition in their mind.

4. Lighting is a critical space enhancer. Rooms that appear dark appear smaller than they really are. Most buyers are looking for homes with lots of natural sunlight and well-lit spaces, in order to make a great impression, we always recommend turning on the lights in every room, including closets and bathrooms. Opening blinds and drawing back curtains also allows in natural sunlight. We recommend doing this in every room as well. The most efficient and easiest way to do this is to establish a routine before a showing, go room by room and tidy up while turning on the lights and opening the blinds.

5. If you have pets, you will want to make sure that you clean up after them before any open houses or showings. Buyers will most likely go into your backyard and may walk through your grass. You don’t want to leave them with any surprises Also, cat litter boxes that are left full give an overall impression of a house being unclean. Make sure your pets are in a safe area where they won’t get out or jump on visitors or startle visitors. If possible, taking them with you during a showing is the very best thing to do for both you and your pet.

6. After opening the front door, the very first thing a potential buyer notices about your home is the way it smells. Most homes have a neutral odor, and this rarely comes up but it’s worth mentioning if you have indoor pets or anything else that may cause unusual odors. This is hard to be objective about as most people are used to the smell of their home. Try to approach this from a stranger’s perspective. Plug in air fresheners always make a good impression, try to use a scent that is warm and neutral.

7. Most sellers ask whether they should be home during a showing. The best thing you can do to sell your home is to leave during showings. Buyers typically feel uncomfortable walking through someone else’s home and looking through their cupboards. If you’re there, they usually won’t look at your home as thoroughly as they would otherwise and they have a harder time picturing it being their home. It has been our experience that buyers will take longer to look if you are not there. 

8. Buyers are also looking for lots of storage space. It seems that everyone has too much stuff and looking for a pace to put it. Going through your closets and cupboards and organizing them to create a feeling of space can also help you make a great impression. Buyers will look in your cabinets and closets, so it’s good to be one step ahead of them.

            Selling a home is probably not something you do often, and this may even be your first experience with it. Overall, buyers are typically looking for a home that feels clean and well cared for. They want enough space to be comfortable and lots of light. Buying a home is an emotional decision, so things like impressions, smells and an overall feel are important. There is usually a little bit of nervousness that they are doing the right thing and they want a property to stand out and be the one.

            Remembering that buyers are typically making the largest and most important purchase of their lives, helps to see what they may be thinking and why. They may not know much about home maintenance and may fear the unknown. Having your home appear to be clean and in tip top shape helps them feel confident that they are making a good decision. It can be amazing what impression small details make. Many buyers see an organized closet or tidy bathroom and develop an impression that you care for your home and therefore assume that the bigger details of the home’s maintenance will most likely be in order too.

What We Do To Market Your Property

·   Professionally Photograph Your Home with at least 32 Photos

·   Professional 360 Tour of Your Home that Will be Uploaded to Zillow and MLS

·   Create an Open House Invitation Video that We will Post on You Tube, Facebook, Twitter, Google and Our Website

·   Place a Text Message Sign on Your Property- Allows Buyers that are Walking or Driving By to Check Out Your Listing Immediately. 

·   Post Your Home on Social Media to Maximize the Exposure

·   Send you Your Facebook Ad so You Can Share with Your Friends and Family

·   Run a Facebook Ad for the Open House Invitation to your Local Area

·   Social Media Advertising Includes Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google, Pinterest

·   Professional Flyers For Your Open House

·   Your Property Will be Advertised on Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia and Redfin

·   Send a Postcard to 100 of Your Neighbors

·   Feature Your Home on Our Website

·   Submit Your Home for Sale on the MLS- We are Members of Two Different MLS Systems In the Willamette Valley

·   Place Our Eye Catching Sign on Your Property

1. You have accepted an offer. CONGRATULATIONS!

2. The buyers will be depositing their earnest money at escrow.

3. The buyer’s agent will be scheduling inspections. The buyers can have any inspections they choose from a whole home inspection, pest/ dry rot inspection, roof inspection or anything else that might concern them. Typically, an inspection will take about 3 hours and the buyers may be present at the end of the inspection appointment to do a walk through with the inspector. It is best that you are not present to be able to give the buyers the opportunity to speak freely with their inspector and agent.

4. Upon the acceptance of the offer, we have provided the buyers with your Seller’s Property Disclosures. 

5. After the buyers’ inspections, they will have an opportunity to ask for you to make repairs or to cancel the transaction based on unconditional disapproval. Typically, an inspection period is 10 business days.

6.  Once you have successfully negotiated through repairs, the next step will be for the buyer lender to order an appraisal on the home. This will typically take about 14 days to complete. Cash buyers do not have to have an appraisal, but all buyers obtaining a loan will be required by their lender to have one. Some lenders will waive appraisals if there is a large down payment.

7. You will receive a Title Commitment for Title Insurance. All these forms will come from the title company. You will want to read all these documents carefully to make sure that the information looks correct. You will also receive another set of forms from the title company that you will need to fill out and return. These will allow the Title company to request the payoff from your lender. In the State of Oregon, the seller provides the buyer with a Title Insurance Policy and the Buyer provides the policy for their lender. If you have any questions about these forms, it’s best to call the escrow officer directly and ask them.

8. Once the appraisal is received by the buyer’s lender, their loan paperwork will go to the underwriting department. This is when things quiet down for a bit.

9. Once the buyers have full loan approval their file will move to the closing department where the contracts are put together.

10. Once all the documents are prepared, they will be sent to the escrow company for review and preparations. We should receive the estimated closing statement at this time for your review. This will show the final balance due to you at closing.

11. The escrow company will now prepare the file for signing. Escrow will reach out to you to schedule your signing either in person or by remote signing with a mobile notary. 

12. Once the singing is done by both parties, all paperwork will go back to the buyer’s lender for final review. Once reviewed the buyer’s lender will wire their portion of the purchase to the title company. SIGNING AND CLOSING ARE NOT THE SAME AND, IN MOST CASES, WILL NOT OCCUR ON THE SAME DAY.

13. ONCE ALL PARTIES HAVE SIGNED AND ALL FUNDS ARE RECEIVED YOUR SALE WILL CLOSE. YOUR FUNDS WILL TYPICALLY BE DISBURSED BY THE END OF THE DAY! CHECKS AND WIRES WILL BE AVAILABLE THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY AFTER CLOSING.

1. Your offer is accepted by the seller. CONGRATULATIONS!

2. Your will deposit your Earnest Money with Escrow. This can be done by check or by wire with your Title/Escrow company.

3. I will schedule your inspections. You can have any inspections you choose from a whole

home inspection, pest/dry rot inspection, roof inspection, or anything else that might

concern you. Typically, you will want to come at the end of the inspection appointment

and the inspector will walk you through their findings. You will also receive a full report through email.

4. Upon your offer acceptance, you will receive a Seller’s Property Disclosure. This is an

important seller disclosure that you will want to read carefully.

5. After your inspections, you will have an opportunity to ask the seller to make repairs or

you may cancel the escrow if you are not satisfied. This typically needs to happen within

10 business days after the acceptance of your offer.

6. Once you have successfully negotiated through repairs, the next step will be to order an

appraisal on the home. This will typically take about 14 days to complete. Cash buyers

do not have to have an appraisal, but all buyers obtaining a loan will be required by their

lender to have one.

7. You will receive HOA, CC&R documents if the home has an HOA. You will also receive a

Title Commitment for Title Insurance. All of these forms will come from the title

company. You will want to read all of these documents carefully to make sure you are

comfortable with the information. You will also receive another set of forms from the

title company that you will need to fill out and return. These will ask how you how you would like

to take title to your new home and several other important things that the escrow

company will need to know in order to complete our escrow. If you have any questions

about those forms, it’s best to call the escrow officer directly and ask them.

8. Once the appraisal is received by your lender, your loan paperwork will go to the

underwriting department. They may ask for a few additional items during this process,

as it is essentially an audit of your file to be sure they have everything they need to

complete your loan.

9. Once your loan is done with the underwriting audit, you will have your full loan approval

and your file will move to the lender’s closing department. In the closing department,

the lender will prepare all of the documents that you will sign at your signing

appointment at the title company. This will include several forms related to the home

and your loan.

10. Once all your documents are prepared, they will be sent to the escrow company for

review and preparation. We should receive an estimated closing statement at this time

that will show all of you charges and credits and the final balance due to close your

escrow.

11. Once the escrow company has your document prepared, we can schedule your signing

appointment. This will be at the escrow company. You will need to bring a photo ID for

their notary book and plan for your appointment to take about an hour. I will be there

with you. The sellers will sign at a different time. You may bring a Cashier’s check with

your remaining balance or you may wire your funds to the escrow company either

before or after your appointment, depending on the timing of everything.

12. Once your signing is done, the paperwork goes back to your lender for final review.

Once it’s all reviewed, they will send their portion of your purchase (your loan amount)

to the title company. SIGNING AND CLOSING ARE NOT THE SAME AND, IN

MOST CASES, WILL NOT OCCUR ON THE SAME DAY.

13. ONCE ALL FUNDS ARE RECEIVED AND ALL PARTIES HAVE SIGNED, YOUR HOME WILL CLOSE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR KEYS. CONGRATULATIONS!

1. How long have you been an agent?

An agent that’s been in the business for a good amount of time will be able to anticipate problems before they arise and have tried and tested negotiation techniques. They will also have established relationships with other real estate professionals.

2. How many homes do you help buyers purchase each year? How many homes, total, do you help close?

Real estate agents close an average of 10 homes per year, according to NAR.  If your agent is batting way below that, it could be a red flag.

3. Do you work full time or part time as an agent?

Full-time agents are more likely to be able to devote more time to working for you than someone who is pursuing real estate on the side. 

4. Do you work with both buyers and sellers?

Many agents work as either buyer specialists or seller specialists. While it’s great to find someone who specializes, an agent who does both could offer some great insights on either side of the process.

5. How many buyer clients do you have right now?

This is a line to toe carefully. Too many clients may mean your agent doesn’t have time to devote to you; too few may be a cause for concern.

6. What’s the ratio of buyers to sellers that you represent?

Getting a feel for the ratio of buyers to sellers will give you some indication of your agent’s area of expertise. If they have a balanced roster of clients, it could mean they are very knowledgeable about both sides of the process.

7. How long do you usually work with buyers, from the first home you see together to the closing table?

Though few buyers find their dream home immediately, your real estate agent can play a huge role in the length of time it takes to find your perfect house. Many things factor into how long it takes to find a home; however, you should be wary if your agent habitually works with clients for six months or longer.

8. Can I see your real estate license?

This seems obvious, but always make sure you’re working with a licensed professional. There are lots of scams running out there in the world!

9. Do you have references I can call?

If you hired a new employee, you would probably call their references, right? Be sure you’re vetting your new agent with the same rigor you would any professional working for you. If they can’t offer you a list of satisfied clients, be careful.

Online Reviews may also be helpful and show how the agent works with people and their needs.

10. Have you helped buyers find homes in these areas?

Your real estate agent should be knowledgeable about the area you’re looking at. Communities differ in terms of what types of homes buyers want, what types of homes sell, and so on. Make sure your agent knows the area where you want to buy.

11. Have you helped buyers find homes at these price ranges?

Price ranges can dramatically alter the way a home is marketed, and can also alter the way agents view them. You’re less likely to get attention from an agent who specializes in multimillion-dollar listings if your budget is $300,000.

12. Will I be working with you individually, or with a team?

If you enter an agent-buyer relationship with the understanding that the agent will be handling you personally, it can be alarming to be handed off to an assistant. Be clear about who you will primarily be dealing with, what your agent will handle personally, and what gets delegated to their support staff.

13. Can you recommend (fill in the blank)?

Mortgage broker, appraiser, inspector, real estate lawyer, general contractor, moving companies, and anything else you can think of involving homes should all be things your agent can recommend. Your agent’s network may be just as important as their team.

14. How does your commission work?

As with any financial transaction, get a good understanding of how your agent is compensated before entering into a relationship with them.

Typically, buyers do not pay agent commission fees. Fees are paid by the seller to their broker, and then the commission is split with the buyer’s agent. 

15. How do you help buyers compete in this market?

If you’re looking to buy in a competitive market, breaking through the competition is essential. Ask your prospective agent how they’re going to help you stand out in a potential sea of offers.