Weekly Round-Up

Another busy dat in the office/ Here are a few homes we listed this week. Here is a link of all homes we have listed 

14612 NE Mahnke Dr Brush Prairie WA 98606

$489,000 

5 Bedroom/ 2 Bath

2140 square feet

Located in private rural subdivision of 5 acre homes. Within 2 miles of 2 golf courses, about 1 mile to HS and shopping. Beautiful 400 sq ft covered back porch overlooking fenced in back yard with firepit and fenced 50 X 60 garden. Horse property with 2 stalls, fenced. 50 X 36 outbuilding with 2 car garage. Stainless steel appliances.

17433 Sylvester Rd SW Burien WA 98166

$999,900

4 Bedroom/ 3.5 Bathroom

3060 square feet

This ultra-private residence is meticulously crafted to the highest standards & uniquely situated well above its neighbors. Large windows and over-sized decks surrounding the house create a dramatic visual experience from every room with spectacular 180◦ views of the Puget Sound & Mt. Rainier! This spacious, modern style home is filled with ocean breeze and natural light. Spotless interior features beautiful hardwood floors, over-sized ceramic tiles, and top of the line appliances.

416 SE 63rd Ave Portland OR 97215

$748,900

5 Bedroom/ 3.5 Bath

2440 square feet

This beautiful spacious Mt Tabor home features 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, hardwood, tile & city view! Built in 2008, double car garage, air conditioning, gas heat & fireplace. Luxurious master bath features granite & claw foot slipper tub. Loads of storage, back patio and garden.

4355 Summerlinn Dr West Linn OR 97068

$199,000

1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath

871 square feet

This impeccable updated condo features open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, granite, computer center,gas fireplace, tiled bathroom floors, covered balcony w/ gas hookup for your grill, storage galore, stack-able washer and dryer and much more located in quiet gated community. Nicest place in West Linn for under 200K, looks like a model home, close to freeway, shopping, restaurants. 

5111 Sunrise Beach Rd NW Olympia WA 98502

$199,000

1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath

871 square feet

This is the first time in over 40 years that this home is being listed. Exceptional schools. Abundant wildlife - seals, eagles, occassional dolphins & whales! Easy maintenance and move-in ready. This has been an active VRBO since 2006 so provides a good cash flow while giving owner access when needed if you are not ready to move in full-time. Offshore boat mooring, close to Olympia. Fee Simple property/home with tideland ownership. 

7Bogey Lane Bellingham WA 98229

$404,900

4 Bedroom/ 2 Bath

2243 square feet

Custom built 4 bdrm, 2 bath on sunny lot in Gate 1 on golf course. Lake and Mtn. views, huge 2-car and golf cart heated garage, tile roof w/leaf guard gutters, hot tub, lrg. front/back decks and vaulted ceilings. Natural gas cooking and BBQ. Gourmet kitchen w/granite countertops, SS appliances, 2 pantries, wine cooler. New toilets, water heater, furnace, skylights. Amenities: PGA golf course, clubhouse/restaurant, marina/swim beaches, library, YMCA gym, pools, tennis, dog park, 24/7 security

2585 Jamestown St Woodburn OR 97071

$249,500

3 Bedroom/ 2 Bath

1477 square feet

Newly remodeled. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Large RV/Boat Parking. Neighborhood park directly across the street. One block from Tukwila golf course. Easy access to I-5 freeway and easy commute to Canby and other outlying areas. Covered porch and patio. Fenced yard. Large cement patio in back yard. Laminate floor throughout. Appliances and window coverings included.

7123 286th St NW Stanwood WA 98292

$439,900

5 Bedroom/ 2.5 Bath

2942 square feet

Pride of ownership home located in desirable Kylie Park neighborhood. Home boasts extensive upgrades and attention to detail including slab granite counters, hardwoods, custom covered deck, wrought-iron staircase, custom closet organizers, built in wine refrigerator, full irrigation, home automation with cameras, mature landscaping, playground, fruit trees and plants, organic planting beds, outdoor lighting, remodeled laundry room with concrete counter, leaded glass entry door.

How to buy and sell a home at the same time—without losing your mind

Ah, to be a first-time home buyer again: How easy it was to buy a home when you weren’t carrying another mortgage on your back!

If you’re looking to graduate from first-timer to repeat buyer, you know things are about to get much trickier. Unless you’re a bona fide house collector, you’ll have to sell your home in order to buy anew—adding a whole separate layer of anxiety to what you already know is a stressful home-buying process.

n an ideal world, you’d buy a new home, move, and then, and when all the dust settles, deal with the turmoil of selling. But for most people, that’s totally unrealistic. Not only does it cost significantly more, since you’ll be paying two mortgages, but sellers might be quick to judge if you’re holding on to your current home.

Drew Snyder, a Realtor® with Snyder Sutton Real Estate in Topanga, CA, says one of his clients had difficulty getting sellers to “take them seriously unless the house was on the market or in escrow. As soon as we put it on [the market], they were considered as serious buyers.”

You can do this! If selling and buying simultaneously is the only way to go, here’s what you need to know to make sure both processes go as smoothly as possible.  Full Article

Know the market first  Before you start seriously searching for a new home—or put your current home on the market—make sure you have a solid understanding of the housing market in your area (and the area where you’re planning to buy). Is the market weighted toward buyers or sellers?

Only then will you be able to fully strategize. As is so often the case, the best plan of action may differ depending on exactly who has the power.  That doesn’t mean to find one house you like and call it a day: Find multiple suitable options.

That way, you’re less likely to find yourself in trouble if your purchase falls through—your newly sold home won’t leave you stranded.

Similarly, make sure to hire an appraiser and price your old home fairly. Now is decidedly not the time for delusions of grandeur: Two extra months on the market because you couldn’t humble yourself to lower the price means two months you’ll be paying double mortgages. Two very long months…

Plan your schedule carefully…  Should you buy first, then sell—or vice versa? Both have their risks and rewards. Selling first makes getting a mortgage easier, but it also means you’ll need to find a temporary place to live. Buying first means moving will be easier, but it also skews your debt-to-income ratio, making it harder to qualify for a new mortgage—not to mention the difficulty of juggling two monthly house payments.

“It’s walking a tightrope,” says Gary DiMauro, a Realtor in New York’s Hudson Valley. And he’s not just talking about scheduling: Your finances will be on the highwire, too. When determining whether you should sell or buy first, think beyond “How can I make the move as easy as possible?” Instead ask: “Can I handle two mortgages? What if my home sells for less than its listing?”

Whichever option you choose, make sure you’re prepared to accept the consequences: having to store your stuff and rent temporarily, or undergoing the financial burdens of dual mortgages.

… but don’t rely on timing  When buying and selling a home simultaneously, “there are so many external circumstances,” says DiMauro. “I’ve yet to see it really work smoothly and efficiently.”

Remember: You’re not the only party in this equation. For every seller there’s a buyer, for every buyer a seller. While things might appear to be working smoothly when viewing your master plan from above, that doesn’t take into account the variabilities of other people. Closings are rife with delays. Your buyers might have difficulty securing their mortgage; your home inspector may bring up issues that need to be fixed before you can move in.

“You’re relying on the seller of the place that you’re buying to be ready to move in concert with the buyer of your house,” DiMauro says.

So even if you’ve planned to sell your home first and are prepared to rent while buying, know that even the best-laid plans go awry—and you might end up juggling both mortgages. Preparing yourself for this (however remote) possibility ahead of time will ensure a smooth transition.

Know your financial solutions  For those who choose to sell first, the process is relatively straightforward other than the additional cost of a rental between homes. However, there is the option of a rent-back agreement, where you negotiate with the lenders and buyers to be able to remain in the property for a maximum of 60 to 90 days—often in exchange for a lower selling price or rent paid to the buyers. This can relieve some of the pressure of finding a new home, giving you additional time to house hunt.

But if you’re buying first, talk to your Realtor about ways to decrease your financial burden and risk. Here are the two most popular options for buyers:

Contract contingency: Buyers can request that their new home purchase be dependent on the successful sale of their old home. If you’re looking in a competitive market, this may not be a good option; however, if the seller of your intended home has had difficulty attracting interest, this may be a good deal for all parties involved—assuming you can convince them that your home will sell quickly.

Bridge loans: Bridge financing allows you to own two homes simultaneously if you don’t have deep pockets for a second down payment. This option is especially attractive if you’d planned to sell your home first and use the proceeds to buy the second. It functions as a short-term loan, intended to be repaid upon the sale of your original house.

Don’t let fear rush you  If your home has sold but you haven’t found a new place to live, don’t let anxiety push you toward a bad decision. DiMauro usually recommends that his clients pre-emptively plan on a short-term rental “so they don’t feel stressed or pushed into something that they would not normally be interested in,” he says. “They shouldn’t make a purchase because they felt like they were pressured from the time constraints.”

Found the perfect home right on schedule? That’s great. But don’t feel like you have to compromise on things that are important to you just because you need to find a home. Conversely, don’t accept a bid that you feel is too low just because your finances are strained by two mortgages. If you have a temporary apartment set up, you’re less likely to compromise.

Certainly, selling and buying a house simultaneously will be stressful—but carefully considering and planning for the risks and hurdles can mitigate the stress.

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3 Things That Can Speed Up Your Home Sale

Listing a home only to have it sit on the market day after day can be a very frustrating experience for sellers. Being unable to close the deal quickly can leave home and property owners with limited options, and may even increase the risk that future market volatility may have a negative impact on the sale price.  Full Article

Here are just a few insider tips that can help ensure you are able to attract the interest of the right buyer, sooner rather than later.  

ENHANCE THE CURB APPEAL  First impressions are very important. A shabby exterior or unattractive lawn can be a significant liability when it comes to a quick and successful sale. Landscaping upgrades, new exterior siding, or paint and other simple cosmetic upgrades that will enhance the curb appeal of a property are a proven and effective way to minimize the amount of time a home will sit on the market. Creating and maintaining a more attractive exterior environment may even allow owners to increase the sale price of their home.  

DEPERSONALIZE THE PROPERTY  Prospective buyers often have difficulty getting the right feel for a home when interior environments are cluttered with personal belongings. In addition to a thorough cleaning, minimizing clutter, and removing decorations and furnishings that may be too distinctive or eclectic can ensure that potential buyers are presented with a blank canvas, one that they may be better able to picture themselves transforming into the home of their dreams.  

NAIL DOWN A MARKETING STRATEGY FIRST  Effective marketing is crucial to close the deal as quickly as possible. Relaying on conventional or ineffective marketing methods can make it difficult to capture the attention of prospective buyers in greater number. In addition to open house signs, flyers, advertisements, and marketing app like Homecodec, working with a professional who has a tried and true business plan can ensure that property owners are able to enjoy greater success.  

The right strategy is important so when you're looking for a real estate agent, make sure you understand specifically what they can bring to the table. Our strategy is called the New Rules of Real Estate. Contact an agent or check them out for yourself hereon our site to learn how best to tackle your home sale so that things go swiftly and smoothly.

9 Surprising Things That Add Value to Your House

A home’s value is dependent on many things. Here are nine factors you might not have thought about.  Full Article 

1. Surf Breaks Being within a mile of a surf break (a spot where surf-able waves happen) adds about $106,000 to a home’s value, according to surfonomics experts at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

Reality check: Mother Nature makes surf breaks, so it’s not like you could build your own DIY break to boost your home’s value.

2. Parks and Open Spaces A desirable public park or other recreational open space boosts the property value of nearby homes by 8%-20%.

One study looked at 16,400 home sales within 1,500 feet of 193 public parks in Portland, Ore., and found these boosts to home values:

• Natural areas: $10,648 
• Golf courses: $8,849 
• Specialty parks: $5,657 
• Urban parks: $1,214

 Reality check: A park that’s not maintained and overcrowded can drag down nearby home values.

3. Living Near a Walmart Along with making it easier to run out for a gallon of milk at midnight, researchers at the University of Chicago concluded that living within a mile of a Walmart store could raise your home’s value by 1%-2%, and living within half a mile could boost your property value by an additional 1%.

For an average-size home, that’s an uptick of $4,000-$7,000.

Realty check: What you gain in home value, you may end up spending at Walmart  

4. Solar Photovoltaic Systems California homes with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems sell for a $17,000 premium over homes without solar systems, according to research from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Reality check: Although costs for residential solar power systems are falling, they’re still rather pricey at $15,000-$40,000, depending on the size of your house.

5. Walkability Being able to stroll to schools, parks, stores, and restaurants will raise your property value anywhere from $4,000-$34,000, says a 2009 study from CEOs for Cities.

Reality check: The biggest boost in walkability values occurred in large, dense cities.

6. Accessory Dwelling Units Whether it’s a granny flat, an in-law apartment, or a carriage house, having a separate unit can increase your home’s value by 25%-34%, according to a study of 14 properties with accessory dwelling units in Portland, Ore. You can also get a steady stream of income from a second unit.

Reality check: Local governments often ban accessory dwelling units, so check zoning laws, building codes, and homeowners association rules before you add a unit.

7. Professional Sports Arenas A new pro sports stadium can raise property values in a 2.5-mile radius by an average of $2,214. The closer you are to the new facility, the larger the increase in home value. Researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Alberta examined house sales in Columbus, Ohio, before and after the city added two sports stadiums.

Reality check: If a stadium is proposed, home values can decline a bit until the project is complete. And if you live really close to a stadium, you may encounter traffic and parking issues.

8. Community Gardens Planting a community garden raises the value of homes within a 1,000-foot radius by 9.4% within five years, according to research by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and New York University School of Law.

The impact increases over time, and high-quality community gardens have the greatest positive influence. Poor neighborhoods saw the biggest gains in home values.

Reality check: Gardens on privately owned land and in higher-income neighborhoods don’t have the same beneficial influence.

9. Trees No real surprise here — whether trees are in your yard or just on your street, they’re a valuable asset you should be aware of. Here’s a gauge of how much trees are worth to your home value according to a University of Washington research survey:

• Mature trees anywhere in your yard: 2%. 
• Mature trees on your street: 3%. 
• Trees in your front yard: 3%-5%. 
• Mature trees in high income neighborhoods: 10%-15%. 

Reality check: Trees usually mean work — raking leaves, trimming branches, and keeping roots out of sewer lines.

5 Most Common Pricing Mistakes Sellers Make When Listing A Property

 In a favorable real estate market, it’s common for potential sellers to fall victim to the notion that they can do no wrong. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth! That's why home pricing with local market knowledge is one of our New Rules of Real Estate. It's that important for success. 

Avoid these classic mistakes to ensure you attain the highest possible value for your home, in the shortest amount of time.

TAKING A ‘ZESTIMATE’ AS GOSPEL.  Estimates from sites like Zillow are just that—estimates! To determine a logical listing price, it takes a trained professional. That's because a trained professional takes into account things that a simple estimate database can't like daily or weekly market conditions and intimate neighborhood knowledge. Finding an agent with focused experience in your community—and taking his or her research, experience and insight to heart—is the best way to go about things.

OVERPRICING YOUR HOME RIGHT FROM THE START.  Sure, it certainly seems logical to up the asking price of a property in anticipation of negotiations. The problem with this logic however is that it often backfires, and when it does, you’ll be forced to lower the price of your home, thus painting it in a needlessly unfavorable light.  Overpricing can lead to your house sitting on the market untouched and is much more dangerous than underpricing. Likewise …

PRICING FOR THE FUTURE.  Home values in your neighborhood might well be on the rise, but you’d be wise to resist the urge to jack up the listing price because of it. This is merely another way to overprice your home and, ultimately, wind up in a position that forces you to lower the listing price.  If you price your home based on current sales and the present state of the market, you will have more interested buyers and a better chance of competitive offers. 

CHOOSING THE LISTING AGENT:  Listing your home with a flat fee brokerage that allows you to list on the MLS for a flat fee rather than charging a traditional 3% listing commission will allow you to keep more in your pocket. Savvy Lane empowers sellers to sell with help and keep the commission.

LETTING EMOTION CLOUD YOUR JUDGMENT.  Particularly when it comes to selling a property, this one’s often easier said than done. But it’s critical to bear in mind that, at the end of the day, selling real estate is business, and the decisions you make during this process will impact your life in more ways than one. First Team agents use competitive market analysis and our own tool Market Trends to provide you with the facts you need to set the right price, right away. Because you need the facts, not wishful thinking.   For help pricing your home, talk with a First Team agent. You can search for a professional in your area or reach out and we'll match you with a top listing agent based on your neighborhood.

This is Not an April Fools Joke.. We are one of the Fastest Growing Brokerages

This is not an April Fools Joke. SavvyLane.com is one of the fastest growing brokerages! Join the revolution and list your home with Savvy Lane.

Savvy Lane has rebuilt real estate from the ground up by combining For Sale by Owner and the traditional process. Using our flat fee MLS service will save you thousands of dollars by eliminating the traditional 6% commission. By listing your property on the MLS and hundreds of real estate websites you will increases your exposure tenfold.

Today 98% of buyers start their search online, make sure your property is seen on as many sites as possible with our flat fee MLS options. As a licensed brokerage Savvy Lane will provide access to the MLS, forms, yard signs, lock boxes and support to help you sell like the pros. Our proven technology has transformed the selling process.  

Savvy Lane has helped thousands save millions on commissions. Join the revolution and let us help you today.