Have you ever wondered what it is like to be involved with folks that are at their greatest stress levels? Every real estate agent can go into great detail about helping people through tough times. Packing, making tough decisions, maybe adding others issues to the mix, i.e., down sizing, illness, death or divorce–we have seen it all. Yes, it is fun to see a family find the perfect home and see kids choose their own bedroom, but most of the time the stress comes through.

Recently I watched a family follow their dreams to a new job and community. Not only is our market challenging for sellers–buyers can struggle with the lending process. Low appraisals, excess work requirements, paperwork demands and delays, and the final hourly countdown until the keys are handed over–it all adds up to stress. To my seller friends the trauma was endless. Let me give one piece of advice: communicate! We are here to reach out to every available resource and get the job done. Be nice, for goodness sake!

Previously I have commented on the condition of homes I had seen recently. Come on sellers….clean ‘em up! What makes you think, Mr. Seller, somebody is going to love your dirt? Enough ranting….let’s talk to buyers. When you, as a buyer, view a property that is less than perfect, try to see the house scrubbed and painted. You might be losing out on a great house when you quickly cross it off the list of possibilities.

My advice to buyers: if the house looks messy, there is probably delayed maintenance. Offers should reflect condition–then use contingencies, i.e., inspections, to really discover if there are serious problems with the house. Sellers, do you understand?…….you are asking for low offers with every dirty toilet! Smells….yikes–lower offers still. Weeds in the flower beds, dirty windows, blinds that are stained and torn….No offers.  Wake up America!

This is the question every REALTOR® hears, “What makes a house sell in this market”? New family goals sometimes create an urgency to sell properties. Other sellers might be simply toying with the idea of moving. REALTORS® could categorize this thought process as “testing the market.” Statisticians delight in their data collections and while real estate professionals are leery of absorbing all negative information, we are aware that reports of larger inventories and fewer buyers are accurate.

Motivations that result in the “For Sale” sign in the front yard do vary. The question of what is selling will still be asked. At a recent meeting of the local chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) each member was asked, “What makes a house sell in this market?” The WCR is a group of real estate agents (both men and women) whose purpose is to raise professional awareness to better serve their clients. Here are some of their responses:

WCR local chapter President, Jennifer Valerien, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Inland Empire, had this to say, “A seller must truly want to sell – which is a combination of pricing appropriately and showing competitively. A house must be priced in the bottom 20% of all the competition, but show in the top 20% of all the competition.”

Other members summarized this way, “Priced right and staged well,” “A realistic selling price and a house that offers more than others,” “Price dictates sales right now,” and “Has to be best priced, best valued in the neighborhood.”

Another WCR member, Linda Knaggs with RE/MAX Inland Empire said, “Condition & price! You must have a home that shows well and is move-in ready. Price must be at or below market value because there are so many homes on the market for buyers to look at.”

Each WCR member was anxious to share their experience. All comments told the same story – that there are, indeed, purchasers in the marketplace. They seek the best property for the best “deal.” When the seller complies with market demands, buyers make offers to purchase. REALTORS® are educated to guide and serve their clients, both buyers and sellers. Listen to their advice – it’s what each one has experienced on a daily basis.

The best summary came from the group effort of Maria Walker, Marilyn Amato and Shelley McDowell, all REALTORS® with Century 21 Beutler & Associates in Spokane. They wrote, “Perfect orchestration of the following: Pre-approved buyers, motivated sellers, right price, creative lender, tenacity, diligence, hard work and lots of prayer!” Most REALTORS® have heard stories of sellers burying a statue of St. Joseph in the yard of the home for sale. While this practice may have worked for some, too many of us know of several statues getting a little moldy. Maybe it’s the combination of price, condition, urgency of the seller and the power of something we can’t explain!

Your REALTOR® wants to help you, whether selling or buying. Our community is alive and well. Contact a REALTOR® today.

Published in the Spokesman Review August 29th, 2010.

Feeling a little anxious about choosing your new home? Many can give advice, but you, the buyer, have the responsibility to choose your advisor wisely. Here are a few thoughts from those within the real estate industry.

Over 80% of those purchasing a new home will first seek information from the internet. Think education! Be aware of the marketplace, neighborhoods, schools, shopping and health care facilities. Check out census bureau data and crime rates in specific areas. The location of your new home may not be the same your REALTOR® or relatives would choose. Don’t be afraid of making personal choices.

Once purchasers feel ready to earnestly look at homes that are for sale, it might be time to interview a good advisor. REALTORS® are not only knowledgeable about the buying process-they do this for a living. If you aren’t happy-they aren’t happy! Choose to work with one professional and be loyal. Loyalty is a two way street-clients get the best support when the REALTOR® trusts the sincerity of his customers. A competent REALTOR® will suggest that you make financial arrangements for purchasing-either seek a lender, transfer cash, or perhaps secure gift letters and funds.

With your chosen professional you will make a list of necessary criteria. What are needs, wants, and honestly are there areas where you would compromise?

Because there are many homes from which to choose in the current market, the temptation might be to plan on 20 or more viewings in a day. After all-let’s get on with the show! Studies have shown that seeing more than 7 or 8 homes in a day creates brain fog! Don’t worry – your REALTOR® can’t remember many more homes in a day either! One of the best ways to clarify choices is to take notes. A camera works well, too. Prioritize the viewings – if some properties are tempting because of a great yard-double check your “must have” list. Does the tempting property have the necessary amenities, i.e., bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. It’s one thing to love the yard, but Little Johnny can’t sleep outside forever! Be honest when viewing houses – that’s why you made a list of “needs”.

How do you finally make the choice? Look at your list of acceptable homes – how many are there? Five, maybe six at the most. Go back with fresh eyes …… look at surroundings, inside more cupboards, basement and garage spaces. Re-prioritize. Maybe two homes have surfaced as acceptable ….. drive in the neighborhood at different times of day-or talk to neighbors. They are a wealth of information. Don’t forget, your REALTOR® is a resource for information – but he isn’t living in the home – you are!

Rely on professional advice for inspections, legal issues, transactional processes, market data and general input. The REALTOR® you chose will have negotiating skill and guide you through the offer and closing process. All the searching and detail follow-up will be worth it when you have the new keys in your possession. Oh yes, change the locks. Who knows how many of those wonderful neighbors have a key to your new home!

Published in the Spokesman Review September 12th, 2010.

Business pundits and bloggers, seeking the next sensational headline, have begun suggesting the death of the American Dream; home ownership. Let me state emphatically, while still remaining civil; they are wrong. The days of lax credit and undisciplined borrowing have been halted by reality. We know that in a free society, tough times never destroy the dream.

REALTORS® who have practiced for any length of time have all experienced that excitement of a purchaser who just found their future home. Children gleefully chose their bedrooms, furniture placement is visualized and the perfect place in chosen to plant a tree to grow up with the “kids”. They know that home ownership is an investment in their stability and future. The benefits to the homeowner and society are many and can’t be destroyed by setbacks and fear mongering.

REALTORS® know that home ownership is an investment in the future. Enjoy the comfort today — reap the benefits tomorrow. A National Association of REALTORS® study entitled Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing found that homeowners are more likely than renters to vote, and volunteer time for charitable and political causes. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that homeowners do not move as frequently — creating more stable neighborhoods. The involvement of families in community quality-of-life issues helps to prevent crime, improve childhood education, and support neighborhood upkeep.

Owning a home is one of the best ways for individuals to build long term wealth. Over time, it provides equity accumulation and tax benefits. According to recent data from the Federal Reserve Board, a homeowner’s net worth is 46 times that of a renter’s.

Today we face economic challenges that were in part created by questionable lending practices and excessive risk-taking in mortgage-backed securities. Restructuring entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and improving regulation of the mortgage lending industry is necessary. Our country will return to economic strength. Private home ownership is an integral part of our nation’s economy and recovery. The American Dream will not die because of a noisy few.

While home buyers are playing the “wait and see” game; rationalizing that they may save money by waiting for lower prices, there are many advantages to purchasing now. Mortgage rates are near record lows; population increases, immigration and the next generation of first time home buyers continues to drive demand. Buyers typically use their own money to cover only a portion of the purchase price. Smart buyers realize that given time, home values appreciate, and equity growth is on the entire value of the property. Qualified buyers will take advantage of mortgage leverage.

For you who are able and willing to be responsible homeowners, the dream is still very much alive. Contact your REALTOR® today and build your future through homeownership. It’s the American Dream!

Published in the Spokesman Review, June 27th, 2010

There are five things necessary for every seller of a property!

1. First, find a professional you trust! Then listen! Listen to suggestions for pricing, staging and showing the property.

2. Prepare the house by de-cluttering. Start packing. If you are intent on selling, then you are intent on moving. Collect boxes, and fill them!

3. Clean the house. Top to bottom—make it sparkle. Hire help if necessary. Don’t let any buyers inside until the house is spotless. It means dollars in an offer!

4. Repair everything that you’ve been living with that isn’t quite right. Look around—dripping faucets, peeling paint, window blinds that are broken or crooked, dull or ugly paint—it’s what the buyers see first. Maybe it’s time to re-roof. Sellers can do it for half of what the buyer’s take off an offer price! One negative aspect of a terrific home can affect the willingness of the purchaser to pay the asking price.

5. Be flexible. In a market that is flooded with properties and fewer buyers, the trick is to beat the competition. If sellers want to sell, and marketing time has extended, it’s time to re-think decisions on pricing, conditions, and availability. It might be time to do a bit more fix-up, change the price and have open houses. Work with your professional to re-think strategies.

THEN, congratulations…..you’re on the move!

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.

We’re all playing the guessing game as to whether or not the $8000 tax credit will be renewed. There are those that have made the conclusion that it’s almost certain – after all, hasn’t it helped some buyers make the decision to move forward with their purchase of a new home?

I’ve enjoyed helping several first time buyers recently. And yes, a few were motivated by the tax credit, and others were ready to purchase regardless of the motivating dollars. So, the Realtor buzz is “can we get all these loans closed before December 1″? Of course, it all remains to be seen if an announcement will be made late November that there will be an extension and all our panic was unnecessary.

Now you need to hear the rest of the story. Of course, there’s always another piece to the puzzle. News released today discussed the fraud that had already occurred with the tax credit. Some applications for the credit are being investigated because it appears they are under-age buyers. Four years old! When there’s cash to get there will be someone willing to give up their morals and ethics. Now I’m picturing getting the signature of the four year old that supposedly purchased his new home. Crayons, maybe. Lots of candy in the back seat of my car as we toured the city. Could have been an easy client!