Spokane REALTORS® want to help consumers make the most out of owning a home, and we have a gift for you.  It’s called HouseLogic.  This is a new, comprehensive consumer Web site about all aspects of homeownership. It’s FREE and created by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) for you. The web site is designed to help homeowners across our region make smart decisions regarding their property’s value.

HouseLogic is a great resource for helping homeowners plan and organize their home projects.   You will find timely articles and news; home improvement advice and how-to’s;  information about taxes, home finances and insurance. Unlike other homeownership Web sites, HouseLogic helps consumers view their home through a financial lens. It’s important to consider our homes as an investment. Families can set goals for saving money on their home…or perhaps increasing its’ value. How about the ability to track the progress made on those goals!

Registered users can save relevant information, create to-do lists and set project reminders. The Web site can also be customized for individual homeowners depending on how handy or ambitious they are regarding home projects.  How much money do you want to spend or save? Where do you live?  What are your priorities? Maybe its’ increasing the value of your home or improving the neighborhood.

HouseLogic can also empower homeowners who want to get more actively engaged in shaping community life. Are you interested in becoming an advocate in your neighborhood? What homeownership issues matter most to you?  The site provides users with the tools and know-how to effect change and address concerns, like establishing a neighborhood watch program, building a community playground, or participating in city or county planning efforts.

HouseLogic takes owning a home to the next level, empowering consumers to build their futures through homeownership.  Visit HouseLogic at www.houselogic.com.  Two other great online resources to remember are www.WAhomeowners.com and www.SpokaneOpen.com.

Last year, Spokane REALTORS® helped over 4,660 homeowners achieve their goals of owning a home.  For 99 years, Spokane REALTORS® have been serving our community with heart and bringing families home.  Contact a Spokane REALTOR® today. Remember that the Homeowner Tax Credit expires April 20!

Printed in the Spokesman Review: March 7th, 2010

There is good news for home owners. If you are looking for resources and reliable information there is a new web site designed just for you. HouseLogic is designed to provide everything you need to know regarding wise investing, financing, home projects and more. We have found it to be about one of the absolute finest places to go when you have a question. It’s free, easy and a must-see! You will also be able to permanently get to the site through the Resources section of my website. So, go take a look.

Jim and I have traveled a lot this year. Business in Las Vegas, Chicago, San Diego, Suncadia in Cle Elum and a “fun trip” to Santa Cruz via train. What’s the greatest part of the trip? Coming home. Do you round the corner to your neighborhood and breathe a sigh of relief?

We cherish home. Our heart and love is where we nest. Maybe that’s why I love helping others find their new home. The week after my clients have closed the sale they are anxious to tell me the new wall colors; yellow in the kitchen, the lovely blue bedroom, taupe in the family room and little Suzi’s lavender room!

It now appears that the home buyer $8000 tax credit will be extended through spring. More importantly a credit will be given to purchasers who have previously lived in their home five of the last eight years. When the bill is finalized I will provide more accurate details.

This is an opportunity never before offered and just might be the change needed to spur our real estate market in homes priced over $200,000. I’m looking forward to a busy winter and spring and more happy nesting families.

The summer 2009 newsletter is now ready. For those of you on my mailing list, you should see it soon. If you are not on the mailing list or just have to see things before everyone else, it is also available for download. Topics include:

Summer Repairs - It’s time to get the repairs done before the weather starts to change. When need something done who do we use.

Grilling Time - There are tons of options in the outdoor grilling market today. What’s available and what is best for you.

Energy Star Tax Credits – If you are looking to replace old or worn out utilities in your home you should be aware of some of the tax credits that are available to you.

Download: Linda Miller Summer 2009 Newsletter

With many families choosing to do a bit of remodeling, rather than selling their homes, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss how to hire someone to help make those home improvements. There are many “war stories” about hiring someone that doesn’t finish the work – or does a sloppy job. Here are a few tips:

Because the contractor is nice, pleasant and conversational, it doesn’t guarantee that this person is honest or skilled.

The law requires that contractors, who perform work, advertise or submit bids must be registered with the Department of Labor and Industries, post a bond and carry general liability insurance. There is NO competency test (except for electrician licensing and certification of plumbers) therefore the consumer must consider references and verify information. You can get answers regarding registrations and past legal actions at www.Contractors.LNI.wa.gov (1-800-647-0982).

Once you have chosen a contractor or remodeler, be sure you have a written contract that includes price, payment terms, sales tax, permit fees, specific work to be performed, materials, warranties and payment schedules. You should ask about change-order processes, final review, sign-off procedures and cleanup.

Beware of those that offer a special price if you sign today, accept only cash, require large deposits or demand the entire costs up front. In most cases the contractor is required to take out the permits – be leery if they ask you to take out the permit. Of course, if the offer is too good to be true, it is! Verbal contracts are to be avoided – and don’t pay for incomplete work.

Ask for the disclosure statement that advises consumers about lien releases. That is another whole can of worms for another day. The contractor is required to provide you with more information about lien release documents if you request it.

Here are some consumer resources:

• Office of the Attorney General (Washington State)
• Better Business Bureau

Happy remodeling! What color was that tile again?

Two and a half years ago when we moved into our current home my determination was to reduce yard work! I was always so proud of the perennial gardens overflowing with fill-in bright colored annuals. But the weeds! And, of course, some of the favorite perennials spread and re-seed. Logical thought says if we put everything in big pots, those pesky weeds are less likely to find a spot to grow and the vivacious perennials would be curbed.

The landscape architect hired to pull together our small yard was adamant that the ground cover should be a mixture of small pebbles and wood chips. My advice – don’t make that choice. It’s messy, I can’t rake up any debris without getting all chips (has anyone told the landscaper that rocks are heavier than chips?) With that picture in your mind, add over 70 pots brimming with bright reds, yellows, pinks and purples. And, of course, my favorite dusty miller – that frosty, leafy plant that tucks so neatly in the pots to create contrast.

This season, in the interest of being “frugal” I economized by purchasing fewer “character” plants, and used the ordinary “on sale” petunia, alyssum, and all varieties of marigolds. The view of my yard is still attractive and festive. I haven’t convinced Jim yet that I have reduced my yard work…there’s the drip system to water the pots – and some are still being done by hose.  The weeds are still finding their way in the bark chips – would they like plain pebble less?

Summer has its’ many blessings and whether flowers are cheaper or more creative – they are a joy!! So, how’s your yard this summer? It does add value to your home!

For those who aren’t on my mailing list or if you just prefer to view things online, the new spring newsletter is now available. Topics include:

2009 Online Survey Results
We sent an invitation to everyone on my mailing list to participate in our survey. We have listed a few of the items that you might find interesting and will certainly help us serve you better.

Home Valuation
What are the things that make one home more valuable than another? If you are buying or selling a home, here are some things to think about.

Home Upgrade: The Mudroom
One of the more useful upgrades you can make to your home could be the lowly mudroom. Here are some ideas on how to make the best use of the space.

Download: Linda Miller Spring 2009 Newsletter (1MB PDF)

My flower pots are empty and screaming for attention! With great anxiousness I await the blooming trees. Then it snows! Before I get myself into a “twitter” let’s talk about our landscaping. Whether considering how we live with our landscaping choices, or we are going to sell (now or in the future) here are some ideas I have gathered over the years. In fact, having just been with several different buyers recently, I’ll share with you some of their comments.

First, do you like simplicity or all the master gardener details and variety? Buyers with children do not like a yard requiring time consuming maintenance. Also, I noticed that ponds, waterfalls, and taller ledges (while visually attractive) don’t appeal to protective parents. If you are like Jim and me, our little pond offers pleasant sounds, a variety of colors and plants, and a pleasing visual effect – but we have to watch the grandkids closely when they visit. Consider how you will live in your yard – and who. Maybe the birds, squirrels and occasional turkeys and deer will help you make some decisions. For instance, all my spring bulbs are in fenced areas. Those deer find tulips delectable!

The plan to stay in our homes for many years allows us to “do our own thing”, but what if we’re trying to sell a property? Here are some ideas: consider good color in the front yard. Red and yellow. Psychologists tell us that yellow is the first color our eyes process – but I’ve always said a pot of red flowers will do wonders for first impressions. Walkways are more pleasant if they are curved – maybe flowers marking the pathway. There are so many different water features available now that wouldn’t cause parental concern – it’s worth considering. Water enhances ambiance, is relaxing and refreshes the spirit. Some flowers have a pleasant fragrance – use them near the front entrance. Not enough can be said for neatness. Bushes trimmed, trees not blocking views, shrubs healthy and grass mowed.

Here’s a suggestion: if you are going to sell, start on the yard first. It takes awhile for plantings to grow – then go to the inside for fresh paint and decluttering. Oh yes, a side benefit – if you start sprucing up your yard, it will encourage the neighbors to do the same. That helps create a great first impression when buyers drive down the street. In every neighborhood we have lived in, there has been one “neat-nik”. Now that is pressure! Motivating. You might even decide that everything looks so good – why move? That doesn’t sound like a Realtor, does it? Hmmmmm…