As a Realtor representing both buyers and sellers in western Washington, I have seen a strong preference among agents for dealing with local lenders who have earned a good reputation over national or “Big Box” lenders seen advertised on TV.   This preference is based on positive past transactions.  Beside a transaction actually closing, what made … More Local lenders vs. National lenders

Now is a great time to buy real estate in Western Washington – and in most parts of the country!  For average Americans, it is the biggest difference maker in creating wealth.  Why? You are BUILDING EQUITY.  Each payment made is like making a deposit in a savings account. TAX BENEFITS.  Home owners save on … More Investing in Real Estate has KEY BENEFITS

Most experts will tell you that a staged home sells more quickly, and often for more money, than one that is not staged.  However, staging a home can be expensive and sometimes not feasible due to budget constraints. Here are some basic TIPS that can help a home seller get at least some of the … More DYI: TIPS for staging a home for sale

Most people believe that the most under utilized room in the house is the dining room.  In fact, many home owners can’t remember the last time they ate a meal there.  I would argue that the most over utilized – and overlooked “room” in a home is generally the garage.  Many home owners have all … More Garage Pointers for Sellers

The first secret of Open Houses is that they seldom “sell” a house.  Depending on the market in your area, most open houses are held as a component of an overall marketing strategy, and definitely, not a Silver Bullet.  In fact, many brokers feel that the purpose is to assure sellers that they are receiving … More Open House Secrets

Financing a home is often the biggest hurdle in the home purchasing process.  First the home buyer(s) must qualify, the home must appraise and the lender has to follow their processes in order to out the needed financing in place. Along with the typical frustrations in this process, there is a fresh wrinkle: Slow downs … More Home mortgages being delayed due to Experian breach

Thinking about listing your home?  Take a hard look around, get out a sheet of lined paper and start making yourself a “honey-do” list of chores. Try to be critical – even brutal about what needs to be accomplished to put your Home’s best foot forward.  Go from top (roof) to bottom (crawl space) and … More Getting your home ready for sale 101

Over the last couple of weeks I have spoken to two different sellers that wanted to sell their home with pretty much all of their belongings.  Needless to say, that is very unusual and can be very problematic.  Why? It is not “customary” in North America to sell a home fully furnished.  Occasionally, there is … More “I’d like to sell my house furnished” WTH??!!

In this crazy and fast-paced market, buyers are desperate to get into homes and beat the crowd in getting their offers in.  Many new buyers, especially, have their offers beaten out – the frustration level is high.  Some agents are cutting corners to get their clients in – I’ve heard stories of homeowners coming out … More Be patient with agents when setting up homes to see.

Yesterday I showed a home that had been on the market for quite a while – asking price of $319,000.  The owners had attempted to sell the some as a “For sale by owner” at $319,00 and had no luck.  They eventually listed the home with a brokerage for $319,000 for an additional 26 days. … More Beware of “Pricing Strategies”