Beginning of the End for Kaneohe Bay Squadrons | Military.com

Wondering what's going to be happening to the housing market in Oak Harbor?  Or Whidbey Island in general?  Read the article below.  3 new squadrons preparing to relocate from Hawaii to NASWI means a whole lot more people coming our way.  The first relocating squadron is due to deploy from Hawaii in the spring, ending their deployment in Oak Harbor, Washington.  Rumor has it that any active duty military members who are being assigned to that command from here on out, will have their dependents relocated to Oak Harbor first, while the military member is sent geo-bachelor to Hawaii... to be reunited after that next deployment.

Read the full article by following this link to Military.com...
Beginning of the End for Kaneohe Bay Squadrons | Military.com

Central Location for this Updated Contemporary Home

1465 E. Whidbey Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277

3 Bedroom, 2 Baths, 2400 SF - MLS# 850089

$274,900 $269,900  SOLD!

Cozy, updated home. Walking distance to schools and minutes to NASWI. New laminate flooring, new roof in 2013 and fresh paint (inside & out) in 2015. Oversized bonus/family room could be used as a 4th bedroom. Upstairs nook, currently a nursery, could be your home office. 2 car garage is a handyman's dream with plenty of attic storage space & plumbing for potential bathroom. RV hook-ups in driveway plus space to park your boat. Enjoy the seclusion of your private deck and cozy fire pit.

Welcome home to 1465 E Whidbey Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277

for $272,000

Contact me for a private showing at (360)929-2932 (talk/text) - Email Me  -  

or show this listing to your realtor so they can show you around

.

School Boundaries

Are you curious about what school your child would attend if you were to purchase a particular house?  I found this map on the Oak Harbor School District website (www.ohsd.net) which helps to show you where the various school boundaries.  This could be very helpful if you are wanting to be sure your child doesn't have to change schools as result of your desire for a different house. 

This map can be found on the OHSD website

Naturally it is best to verify, with Oak Harbor School District, that your address is slated for a particular school as the map is wonderfully helpful, but things may have changed since this map was last updated (though clearly things don't change too frequently since the map was created in 2007 and I downloaded a copy of it today 8.31.2015).

Whidbey Island Naval Air Base Jet Noise

If you currently live in Oak Harbor or Coupeville, Washington... or are moving to the area you may be interested to know what parts of the island experience the least and the most jet noise. I recently was showing some houses to a family that were interested in finding a home that experienced similar flights to those in their current home and showed them some maps that show the typical flight zones. These could be handy for anyone living in the area, looking to move to a different home in the area, or those looking to move to the area.

 The maps were developed to assist new home builders in knowing what amount of noise insulation/buffering they needed to have in a house that was being constructed depending upon where it fell on the map. The way other homeowners could use this map is to find a home that meets their needs while taking into consideration what amount of noise they may experience. Clearly those homes located closer to the base, in Oak Harbor, or the outlying field (OLF), in Coupeville, will be the most aware of flights happening... while homes further out from these locations will experience the least amount of noise.

**maps pulled Island County Noise Zone Maps - Washington State Building Code Council 2002

The Feel of Whidbey Island

Beautiful video that gives you the feel of what it's like to be on Whidbey Island.  

Most Common Pitfalls of Selling a Home

Selling your home can be an exciting, yet challenging, time for a homeowner and it is important to know to how to approach each stage of the sale to get best value for your home. Many people get excited when selling their home because of the potential of making good profit as well as moving to a new home.  Often homeowners make some mistakes which can put your sale process off track resulting in either your home not selling or you getting a less desirable price for it. In this article we will discuss some of the most common pitfalls of selling a home and how to avoid them.

1) Selling Your Home Without Being Ready

You may have lived in your home for several years and even have an emotional attachment to it.  Many homeowners put their homes up for sale without being mentally prepared for it. You should analyze why you want to sell your home and if you are really prepared to move to a new home. You can talk to your family, friends and even neighbors if necessary to help you make the right decision.

2) Entering the Housing Market Without Research

The second mistake that many people do when trying to sell their home is not doing any research about the housing market. The supply and demand curve of the housing market keeps fluctuating so you should know what the present situation is before trying to sell your house. When you know the market conditions you will list your house for the right price which will facilitate a smooth sales process and good profit in a timely manner.

3) Choosing the Wrong Realtor

This is another common mistake that many homeowners make when looking to sell their home. Choosing the right realtor can make a lot of difference in whether or not your home is sold and the amount of profit you make from it. You can take suggestions from friends and relatives about a good realtor but also do your own research and never hire someone just based on recommendation of others.  A good realtor will let you know the steps that will happen before your home is listed for sale and will also keep you updated routinely about feedback from showings and help with offers.

4) Neglecting Necessary Repairs

You will have to sell you home for a lower price resulting in less profit if you don't complete the necessary repairs before putting it up for sale. You would have to spend some money to complete the necessary repairs but if potential buyers see these faults in the home they may either refuse to buy it or bargain for a lower sale price.  If they notice one repair that has not been completed, they will immediately assume that there are other things you have neglected in the home.  You should avoid this and complete all the necessary repairs before selling a home so that you get the best price for it.

Mortgage Pre Approval

Some people, so wrapped with house-buying fever, tend to overlook mortgage pre approval, the most crucial part of the process. Mortgage pre approval describes the actions of examining your finances by a lender, to decide if you can afford to pay for a home. This process is important as you will get a certificate that you can present to sellers as proof that you can afford their property. While not all sellers require a pre approval letter, it certainly gives you an advantage especially where there are many offers for the same house.  And in today's market where properties are listed for sale and go to pending within a matter of days, you need to be prepared to present your strongest offer to the sellers.

Morgage Pre approval process-what to know? 

The process is quite rigorous and you must meet a number of requirements to get this important mortgage document. The requirements may vary depending on the lending institution but in most cases you have to produce:

· Bank statements

· Tax returns

· Proof of debts

· Social security number

· Pay stubs

· Credit report

· Any other relevant financial information.

Lenders or banks need this information to compare it with current market behavior and determine your eligibility to borrow.  It also points buyers to houses within their budget. This shows home sellers that you have a solid plan on how to pay them and while the process might take a couple of weeks, the pre approval letter lets the sellers know that the deal they agree to with you is solid and more likely to proceed smoothly to closing.

Besides increasing seller confidence in buyers, the mortgage preapproval process also helps people to look for the right homes that are within their budget. This saves time and money not to mention easing the home buying process for all parties involved. Those who attempt to buy homes without a pre approval certificate only take longer to close the deal as they need to arrange funds which are not always readily available.

A pre approval is important during the shopping process but that is not a guarantee that you will get approved for a mortgage loan. It is also possible to apply for the loan from a different lender though mortgage approval through the same lender may be a shorter, less involved process.

Mortgage pre approval is much different from prequalification. The latter is only an estimate of the price range of the house you can afford and a highlight of what a lender would loan you.  They do not require the types of documents, as listed above.  They are often just estimate an appropriate house purchase based upon your credit score and the yearly income information you state (without documented proof).  

It is only after deciding on your options that you can proceed to seek the mortgage pre approval from a certified, qualified bank or lending institution.

Staging your home for a quick sale

When you are selling your home you need to properly represent or stage your home.  Staging a home creates a feel for your house that potential buyers will appreciate the first time they view your house (whether in pictures or in person).  In today's market, it's important to take the time to set the stage for a quick, full-price sale.  Selling a house is not an easy task and you have to devote some time to get ready for it. 

Here are some tips for staging your house:

Boost The Appeal

In order to attract a buyer to come through the front door, you have to pay attention to your curb appeal.  Power wash the walkways, driveway and house siding to create a cleaner look.  In our area, you also need to pay attention to any moss on your roof.  A mossy roof, or mildew/green patches on the house or driveway give a dingy/dull appearance and make the potential buyer wonder what other parts of the house have been neglected.  Cracks on a concrete driveway should be repaired.  Worn away paint or stain on your front steps needs to be spruced up too.  

Outside the house hang some easy-to-read house numbers and keep some blooming flowers in your flower beds and in pots (hanging or otherwise) out front.  Wash the front windows and if there are any stains repaint it. All these will accentuate the look of your house.

The Home Should be Neat and Tidy

A neat and tidy house attracts buyers.  If they are unable to look past your clutter to picture themselves living there, then you've lost a potential buyer.  Make sure that the house is sparkling clean with neat and clean closet, bedroom, kitchen and clean bathrooms.  

Clean the Clutter

If you have kids or children at house then a heap of toys or a clutter of clothes over the bed or floor is quite common.  Pets can also create their own messes of toys and equipment.  Even adults can keep large volumes of personal items laying around.  Yes, the potential buyer recognizes that a person still lives in the house... but they still want to walk into a model home.  Remove half the items in your closet - a large closet begins to look like a small closet when you have it operating at max capacity.  A potential buyer will envision more storage space when it appears that you were unable to even utilize all the space available while living there.

In the kitchen, remove all items from your refrigerator (time to pack up you're child's A+ on the spelling test and recent art creation).  Remove all items from your countertop as well (if possible).  The less items on the counter, the more potential counter space available and you can never present too much cooking space.  Yes, we recognize you still live there, but it is an easy step to remove your favorite toaster, canisters, cooking equipment and even coffee maker.  If your counter space is limited, remove it all.

Rearrange Your Furniture

Before the buyers pay a visit to your house, make sure that all the pieces of furniture are at their right places. Rearranging the furniture neatly is very important.  If your dining room is large, accentuate this with a large table and chairs.  If it's cramped, remove any extra table leaves and remove some of the chairs to not show how cramped the situation can be.  Decorate the top of the table with a vase and flowers as well as decorative plates, napkins and glassware that you might use for entertaining. 

In your living areas, accentuate focal features by positioning the furniture properly.  For example, do not block a fireplace with your coach, instead re-position the coach so that someone sitting in it would be facing the fireplace.  Remove over-sized furniture and opt for smaller pieces.  While the large furniture might show that you can fit big pieces in the room, it also takes up a lot of space and can make the room appear smaller.  Set the stage with decorative items like throw pillows and soft blankets to make potential buyers feel at home.

Beware The Odor

Staging a home doesn't just stop when things look good, it also needs to smell good.  The use of air fresheners can help with this.  You could opt to turn on a wax tart burner for a few hours before showing your house.  If you don't happen to have that much time, add a couple cinnamon sticks to boiling water for a few minutes as this scent seems to over power a lot of other common household odors.

You want to sell your home for top-dollar, and setting up an environment that is welcoming to many people is the best way to do this.  So take the time to remove some of your personal items and rearrange things to make it more inviting to others.  Although it may not be the easiest home to live in for a week or so, it will help you to quickly move on to your next home.

Foreclosure Property Pros and Cons Analyzed

Buying foreclosure property is slightly different from buying a typical resale or constructing one from scratch. You need to be extra careful when approaching such an offer because the "good deal" on paper may not necessarily translate to savings on your part at the end of the day. The only way to determine if it is really a nice offer is to compare the foreclosure property pros and cons before making any decision. 

Pros

-The obvious benefit to buying a foreclosed home is that you can get it at the lowest possible market price (that is if you do your homework). Actually, sometimes you could get a house for 50% or less than the market price. 

-If you’re lucky to find a short-sale property, you may be in a position to capitalize on the seller’s sense of urgency to negotiate for a much better deal. Also, if the property is not bank-owned, you can take your time to perform inspections when the property is still pre-foreclosure. 

-If recent past trends are anything to go by, buying through foreclosure can save you about 15% off traditional sales as the homes are priced with the cost of repair and rehabilitation in mind. In fact, you can buy a foreclosed home, rehabilitate it and then wait for property prices to rise and re-sell it for profit. 

-The best thing about buying a foreclosure home is that all transactions are done in business-like fashion. No emotional issues are involved and the buyer, seller and lender only need to agree or disagree to the terms of the transaction. 

While there are many pros to buying foreclosure property, there are still a few cons to it. 

Cons

-The main disadvantage with this method of owning property is that you buy the home “as is where is”. Yes you may perform an extra-thorough inspection on the home but this might not always give you a clear picture on what to expect once you’re the owner. In the end, the discount that attracted you to the deal might wind up costing more than building from scratch. 

-In some cases, you may receive a Special Warranty Deed instead of the Buyer’s Title (especially if the foreclosure is still under review). In such a situation you need to invest in a good title insurance policy to protect your interest just in case the foreclosure is overturned and the house goes back to the original owner. This of course means additional cost burden.

Bottom Line

Investing in a foreclosure property has its fair share of pros and cons. And while the merits might heavily out-weigh the demerits in some cases, it is always advisable to cross-examine the deal before accepting any offer. 

Yes there are many good deals out there, but there are also quite a few albatrosses to watch out for! 

5 Ways to Increase the Value of your Home

With the real estate market still recovering, many people have decided not to sell their homes. Instead, most of them have chosen to work on increasing the value of their homes through renovations in preparation for the market to fully return. The following article provides a glance at some of the best renovations for home values.

Bathroom addition

A complete bathroom renovation can easily recoup 70%-140% of whatever you spend on the entire exercise. According to real estate agents, potential buyers are usually attracted by spacious bathrooms that have clean bath tubs and stand up shower facilities. Other things like stylish shelves, sinks, and wide mirrors can also attract more clients and in the process help the homeowner make a good sale any time.  Adding an extra bathroom can also greatly increase the marketability and re-sale price of your home as prospective buyers love the idea of not having to share bathrooms with their guests.

Deck Addition

Currently, outdoor living spaces are considered to be the "in" thing to many people with our love of personal relaxation as well as extra entertaining space. According to analysts, the cost of adding a deck is usually determined by its size and features. Such good renovations usually cost about $7000 or more. However, despite being costly, beautiful decks often attract more clients and increase profit margins by up to 25%.  If you intend to be in the house for a long time, the use of composite decking materials can help to reduce maintenance headaches... but will also boost the cost significantly.  If you are adding the deck for a little personal use, but ultimately will sell the property quickly then use of cedar decking may be a more cost-effective material.

Installation of energy efficient insulation

A poorly insulated home can quickly drive away potential buyers and at the same time force home inspectors to write negative reviews about it in their reports. Ironically, installation of such equipment normally costs very little since the government supports such exercises. Some of the most common energy-efficient insulation options include fiberglass batts and blankets, loose-fill fiber (blown-in insulation like you find in an attic), structural insulated panels, and foam insulation.  Most of these additions are difficult to do once a home is built, but if you are lacking some attic insulation, this is an easy update you can do without tearing open walls.

Reinventing a room

The number of rooms in a house can easily dictate its selling price in any property market. Thus, by adding square footage, a homeowner can easily increase his profit margin since he will have more reasons to convince clients to pay extra.  The cost of simply adding extra square footage can often be quite costly and you would have to cross your fingers that you will recoup that money when you sell.  It is best, instead to take the room you have to work with and be sure to maximize it.  Do not opt to convert 2 medium-size bedrooms into one huge one, unless you are wanting to stay in the house and get the most out of this massive room.

Introduce an income suite

With the introduction and promotion of domestic tourism, many homeowners who have rental income suites in their homes continue to make enormous profits throughout the year. Such individuals stand good chances of getting returns from the sale of their properties.  If you intend to live in the house while renting out another portion of the house you will have to be sure that your home is zoned by your city/town to allow for this.  Then also be sure that you can easily create a separate living area for your tenant with their own entrance.  To preserve your own sanity, you do not want to be sharing a front door with your tenant and it will eliminate a lot of safety concerns.  Also be sure to screen all tenants thoroughly since you will both be living under the same roof and you don't want to find out after a few months that they have undesirable habits.

Any reliable renovation exercise can easily increase the value of the property and at the same time attract many buyers within in a very short period. Other benefits associated with such kind of activity include reduction of regular maintenance costs and strengthening of the positive relationship you have with your immediate neighbors and community at large.

Rent or Own?

The choice of own vs rent a home is one of the biggest financial decisions that most adults make. This is because both of them have advantages and disadvantages, based on a person's specific circumstances. It is easy to debate the various benefits of buying a house, especially because homes normally appreciate in value. However, after the housing crisis, buyers have become more cautious, and they are debating which option is better for them. The following are some of the circumstances that would make it good to buy a house, as well as circumstances that would make it advisable to rent a home.


When is it advisable to rent a home?


1. You live in a city and are working a job that you do not particularly love. You are actively hunting for a job all over the country. If you are facing career uncertainty, then it is advisable for you to rent your home. Buying a home will tie you to your current location, and this is definitely something that you do not want.


2. If you are a very flexible kind of person who is always moving around and traveling from one corner of the world to another, buying may not be financially advisable. If you are also unsure about a neighborhood, or you want to explore various areas before you settle down, you will need a flexible living situation. In this case, renting is definitely better than buying.


3. The mathematics of buying a house can be tricky. You will need to commit to paying mortgage payments for quite some time in order to avert repossession. If your income is uncertain and you may get a pay cut in the future, you should pause first before buying a house. In this scenario, it is much better to rent a home until your source of income is more solid.


4. If you have a bad credit score, you may not qualify for a mortgage loan. Even if you do get a mortgage, the interest rate will be extremely high. Instead of buying a home, you can try and improve your credit score by renting a place and paying the rent on time. This is a much better decision in the short term.


5. If you do not have the money to handle maintenance costs, then you should consider renting. When you own a home, you are the lucky person responsible for all the roof leaks and plumbing issues. This can be costly in the long run. If you would like to avoid this expenses, then renting is a better option.


However, there is a downside to renting. One of the biggest disadvantages is that the rent may fluctuate a lot during your entire renting period. This will significantly affect your long term budget, as rent is a very big-budget item.


When is it advisable to buy a home?


1. When you want to build equity in the home that you live in: This is one of the biggest advantages of buying a home. In both owning and renting, you will need to make monthly payments. The difference is that when you buy a home, the monthly payments build your equity. This means that every monthly payment increases your stake in the home. Later, if you want money, you can borrow a loan against this equity. In case the interest rates drop, you can refinance your home and getter better interest rates. Most experts suggest that if you intend to live in a house for at least seven years, buying it is better than renting because of the increased equity.


2. Uncle Sam will smile more at you if you are a buyer. If you want a few tax credits, then buying a home is the best option. This is because property taxes and interest rates on mortgages are tax deductible. Therefore, you will be able to save quite an amount by the time you are done with the mortgage payments.


3. When you buy a home, you are not answerable to anyone else. You can hammer away and add the wall hangings, spruce up your bedroom and kitchen, and repaint the bathroom to your favorite color. You are not accountable to a landlord for the decisions that you make. If this kind of freedom is enticing to you, then you should definitely buy a home.


4. When you take out a mortgage that has a fixed interest, the monthly payments will be fixed. This will help you to budget your finances in the long run. However, with a rented house, the rent can fluctuate and disorganize your finances. This is because the landlord can easily increase the rent after every few years.


Conclusion


The debate of which is better between to own vs rent is solely based on your circumstances, your needs, and your station in life. For those who want to establish roots in a place and to live there for a long time, buying is better. However, for the flexible individuals who could move halfway across the country at any time due to their career, education, or any other factor, renting is probably the better option.

Best Paint Colors for Small Rooms

What color do I select for my small room to appear large?

Well if you have been searching answers for this question, I'm sure most of the answers you received would recommend 'white' as the only option. But, trust me - an all white color palette or for that reason a room with less furniture is not going to look larger all the time. This is a common misconception of small-space design which almost all of the inexperienced designers have in their minds. However, carefully arranged furniture and colors chosen can make the room look much bigger and way beyond its diminutive size. Here are the tips and tricks to select the best paint colors for small rooms.

Lets get started.

Rule number one for coloring a small space - There are no rules, REALLY. If you want your flat to look soothing and appealing, you should never go with the rules set by others, rather collect some tips and tricks & you are good to go.

Tip 1: Select Sharp Colors
One of the most effective ways to expand the existing space is by choosing clear colors. Choose a palette of sharp and vibrant colors rather than the duller ones. Combinations of colors that have negative space between them will enhance the openness and clarity of the space.

Tip 2: Connect spaces with different color shades
It is one of the best and mostly unexplored way to select different shades to unite the spaces. Just as various colors divide and differentiate your apartment, different shades of a single color can re-unite the empty spaces of the rooms.

Tip 3: Stretch with Stripes
Stripes always add a feel of increased dimension in their direction of travel. That said, vertical lines make the room taller and horizontal stripes make the room look wider than usual. But make sure you do not use both of them together as they will look clumsy and destroy the entire appearance of the room.

Tip 4:Create a Contrasting Wall
There are huge debates over the idea of painting a single wall in an altogether different color or a color deeper than the others in the room. But the practical tests suggest the positive impact this idea has upon the appearance of the room. It can add wonderful effect to the small spaces. Designers now-a-days have been stating this line - "Do not be afraid to use bold colors - Many a times, a darker color on one of the walls can push the wall further away and make the space look larger than before.

Bonus Tip: Don't forget the Black
Add an object that is black to the room and observe the difference for yourself. This helps in grounding the space and clarify the remaining colors.

Fixer Upper Pro's and Con's

Ahh the joys of purchasing a fixer upper. This can be a wonderful dream come true, or one of the worst nightmares ever.

There are a million and one fixer upper pro's and con's, and this can make the new home owner a little nervous.  Some of the fixer upper pro's and con's consist of questions such as:

• Is the property worth the money needed to be rehabbed and then resold?
• How quickly can the fixer upper be rehabbed, and should the property be sold or rented out? 

Well I am here to tell you that firstly, yes. Just about any home, rather it needs a lot of work, or just minor repairs, can be fixed as long as the investor possesses the cash flow, the time and the experience to do what is needed.

Now lets suppose that the fixer upper was purchased to be the individuals personal home.  In this case, the fixer upper pro's and con's really does come into play.  Now the buyer has to decide if the repair needed is really some thing they can afford, will they be living in the home while they are repairing it, or will they be remaining in their own home and just spending the weekends at the fixer upper.  All of this needs to be considered, as well as the actual cost of the on-going repairs and cleaning.

However, putting the pro's and con's behind you, purchasing a fixer upper can be a lot of fun. The real pro's of buying a fixer upper is the fact that you can do whatever you want to the home, to make it reflect your own personality and taste. If you want pink and green striped walls, well then you can have pink and green striped walls.  What if the home has a large yard?  Well now you get to plant all those pretty rose bushes that you have always wanted.  Or perhaps you wanted to have a large daycare; now is your time.  As long as you know the city code, concerning the fixer upper you just bought, the sky is the limit!

However, most people dream of making money off the fixer upper they had just bought. This can be a wonderful opportunity for you, this could be the way to make you're dream come true. What ever reason might be that you have purchased the fixer upper, with a the proper experience, cash and time, this can be a great experience.

Hold the Umbrellas! A Look at GDP - KW Blog

Are you wondering what fluctuations in the economy and the GDP (gross domestic product) mean for your investments and the value of your home?  Check of the Keller Williams blog at the link below for a great explanation of reasons why we shouldn't worry so much about the results of one quarter of the year.


Hold the Umbrellas! A Look at GDP - KW Blog

What is it like living near a Military Air Base?

Ault Field, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington

Whidbey Island is by far one of the most picturesque places to live.  Ocean views, lush green forests and distant, snow-capped mountains are just a few of the visions we enjoy on a daily basis.

Another common sighting on Whidbey Island, and particularly in the towns of Oak Harbor and Coupeville, is the routine flight of military aircraft.  Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) is located in Oak Harbor which employs a large number of military members and civilian contractors.  The military base brings gainful employment to the community and also the occasional, excitement of jet noise.

What to know when purchasing a home near a military base?  Part of your home purchase agreement will include a noise disclosure statement indicating that the home you are purchasing is a near the air field.  This does not mean that you can expect to have the level of air traffic noise that a house along the flight path of SeaTac Airport receives.  It is simply to make you aware that you are purchasing near a military air base and planes will be flying around it.

Does it impact your daily activities?  Probably not.  It is something you become accustomed to seeing and hearing on a daily basis.  It is simply part of the lifestyle in this area that comes with the territory of living near a military air base.  The presence of the base nearby gives a very strong sense of security to those living on Whidbey Island, and also lends itself to a more stable job market and economy for those not connected to the military.

Want more information about Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI)?  Follow this link.

Picture courtesy of www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrnw/installations/nas_whidbey.html

Suggestions On Helpful House Upgrades

When working on house upgrades, we typically focus on the larger items. Frequently the most useful upgrades are the minor changes. Whether you are buying a new house or renovating an older one, give some consideration to the following helpful house upgrades.

Extra Items

In many cases, extras are a great thing. An additional utility room or kitchen sink is convenient. Duplicate cable outlets provide flexibility in room layouts. Additional closets can contain clutter and keep items within close reach. These are simply a sampling of the many extras that you may appreciate having in your house.

Flexibility

Consider locations in a room where you might need the flexibility to charge appliances. Add outlets in those spaces. For instance, a beer fridge or freezer may be helpful in the garage or a certain spot in the basement. Perhaps you need an outlet in the bathroom cabinet for charging toothbrushes or razors hidden from plain view. Outdoor power outlets are another good addition to plan for ahead of time.

Planning Ahead

During the design phase, think beyond its initial use. For example, if you intend to replace carpets with hardwood flooring at a future date, the height difference may affect the threshold between flooring types or along a stairwell. Plan the space with that in mind to lower future costs. It is also wise to anticipate upgrades like sound systems, central vacuum, plumbing, and light fixtures.

Size Does Make a Difference

A little extra can sometimes go a long way when it comes to size. Think about whether changing the size of a specific area is beneficial. For example, larger garage openings can accommodate larger automobiles. A bigger kitchen sink can make a difference for big pots and pans. An increased deck will provide better walking room around your patio furniture.

Additional Helpful House Upgrades

The best approach to brainstorm additional helpful house upgrades is to think about a room and how it is presently used. Then imagine how that may change. What are the amenities that will adapt to each situation. Do not forget about special events, new equipment, etc. Be sure to check with your contractor for more suggestions.

Ideas On Pest Control And Prevention In Oak Harbor Properties

Pests such as fleas and termites can cause a health hazard to you and your family. There are many things that you can do to address pest problems in your home, including chemical and non-chemical options. The EPA provides a guide to pest management on their website. Once a pest issue grows, it can be extremely painful to address. To deter pest issues to begin with, implement some preemptive precautions. Below are ideas on pest control and prevention in Oak Harbor properties.

Basic Pest Prevention

Get Rid of Moisture

All living things need water for survival, so it is important to eliminate the moisture in your residence. Repair leaky plumbing and do not let water build up anywhere in or around your residence. Remove water-damaged materials. Even high humidity can draw in pests, so use a dehumidifier in moisture prone rooms in your property. Reducing moisture will make it less attractive to pests.

Normal Hiding

Clean out any possible indoor hiding locations such as large piles of newspapers, paper bags, and boxes stored for extended periods of time. These easily store moisture and render desirable hiding places for rodents. Consider using plastic bins instead of boxes for long-term storage requirements.

Cover Entrances

Prevent insects from having liberal access to your property by covering small openings in floors, walls, and ceilings. Install screens on floor drains, windows, and doors to stop flying pests from easily entering the home. Place weather stripping to doors and windows to fill any open gaps. Particularly in summer months, keep doors closed to minimize access into your interior.

Forgetting Food

Try not to leave food out on counters and in sinks. This attracts pests into your home and enables them to remain nourished. Think about using containers that seal tightly. Trash cans can also capture the interests of pests, so find options that keep in smells. Use a garbage disposal whenever possible to reduce the amount of rubbish put in your bin to begin with.

Ideas On Pest Control And Prevention In Oak Harbor Properties

Pests seek nooks to live that meet basic needs for air, moisture, food, and shelter. The best method to control pests is to stop them from entering your home in the first place by addressing the elements that they need to survive as offered above. Applying these simple steps can prevent the need for more serious measures later on. These ideas on pest control and prevention in Oak Harbor properties was offered by Cary Anderson at Keller Williams Realty and is intended to be only a general overview.

Mortgage Approval Considerations For Whidbey Island Home Buyers

Pre-approvals will not always lead to actual loan approval. Mortgage companies complete a detailed review before giving final approval. This specific process does not normally start until after a signed offer to purchase as they must evaluate both the financial data of purchasers and details of the property being financed. Below are some mortgage approval considerations for Whidbey Island in Washington home buyers.

Personal Information Assessed

Affordability

Lenders will examine your assets, income and bills to estimate if you can make the loan payments. Good assets and a regular employment track record show sound financial behavior. The balance and kinds of bills you maintain are also looked at. Mortgage companies estimate not only your present finances. They also try to predict the future ability to pay bills.

Likelihood of Repayment the Loan

Mortgagees assess the chances that you will make payments over the life of the home loan. This is where credit background is important. Your previous conduct is the closest indication of future actions. A poor credit background may weaken your prospects of acquiring a mortgage or lead to higher payments.

Property Factors

Appraised Value

Mortgage companies depend on appraisers to provide critical details on a home. The most important aspect of the report is the value, which is provided in a specific dollar amount. Lenders offer mortgages up to a specific percentage of the market value and the appraisal is relied on to confirm that figure.

Mortgage Company Security

After a loan is given, lenders want affirmation that their money will be preserved. They normally expect title insurance. For mortgages with high loan to value, mortgage insurance is likely a requirement. The amount of combined title and mortgage insurance can differ based on the loan program and can also impact how much a buyer can afford.

More Mortgage Approval Considerations For Whidbey Island In Washington Home Buyers

Lenders can take a few weeks to review a mortgage application prior to granting an approval, a denial, or asking for more information. Approval criteria can differ depending on the type of loan and the situation of the buyer or home. The mortgage approval considerations for Whidbey Island in Washington home buyers in this blog offer merely a few general factors to be cognizant of. Be sure to speak with a lending advisor for guidance on your real estate purchase. Contact Cary Anderson at 360-682-5822 or caryanderson77@gmail.com for additional advice on this and other topics.

For Sale By Owner Dangers

When it comes time to sell a property, sellers sometimes think about not using a Realtor. Just like electrical repairs, taxes, and other tasks, it can be possible to do it yourself but sometimes it may end up costing more due to mistakes made in the process. Technique, resources, and expertise are valuable, especially with selling such a big investment. The following are for sale by owner dangers in Washington that owners should consider.

Understanding the Current Market

Setting the correct price will mean the difference between your real estate selling within a reasonable time or not selling at all. Many homeowners make the mistake of using past appraisals, the value of a very different type of house, or incorrectly priced homes that are currently for sale to set their price. Over-pricing may result in wasted time and a much lower selling price if it eventually sells. Real estate agents monitor changes in the real estate market and understand the complexities of pricing. This comes into play not only when your property is first listed but also as time goes by and the market change.

Marketing Range

Real estate agents will extend the reach and exposure of your home to a larger pool of home buyers. Most buyers, especially first time buyers, use real estate brokers to guide them through the home buying process. For-sale-by-owner marketing avenues may not access the network of real estate professionals. The price for which a property sells is based on inventory, demand, and time. By wasting time and minimizing exposure (the demand), the end result could be a much lower selling price.

Evaluating the Quality of Buyers

Not all prospects are qualified. There are many elements to an offer and pre-approval that must be evaluated beyond price. Taking your property off the market for an unqualified offer can cause you to lose time, miss out on other offers, or leave your listing unfairly stigmatized. Realtors will ensure you thoroughly assess buyers and minimize your risk.

Creative Strategies

Transactions frequently stay together or fail over very minor items. There may be ways to keep a deal together that sellers may not know simply due to inexperience. Real estate professionals gain a wealth of knowledge over the years and usually find creative terms to find common ground or to address issues.

Keeping Deals Together

Emotions come into play in most real estate transactions. It is natural given the large investment that buyers make and the attachment that many sellers have to their home. Real estate agents act as a cushion between buyer and seller to maintain civility and communication. Believe it or not, this is essential in most property transfers. Your real estate agent can keep a clear head and guide you on matters while promoting your best interests.

For Sale By Owner Dangers In Washington State

Real estate professionals ensure you price your home properly based on the current market, maximize your marketing, qualify offers, find ways to bring deals together, maintain relationships, and facilitate successful closings. Homeowners who take the for-sale-by-owner route to save commission can find themselves faced with lengthy market times, be stressed over problems in the process, and ultimately not save as much money as they hoped. The for sale by owner dangers in Washington noted in this article are just a few reasons not to sell by owner.