Florence Oregon Real Estate

2009-07-21T14:55:00.001-07:00

Could your home use a little curb appeal, inside and out? Here are a few tips http://ping.fm/hIJeR

2009-07-21T14:52:00.001-07:00

Here is a Handy Open House & Home Tour Checklist http://ping.fm/K6REm

2009-07-13T16:58:00.001-07:00

QUALITY CUSTOM ON 2+ ACRES http://ping.fm/pxS5U

For Sale: 3BR/2.5BA Single Family House in Florence, OR, $629,000

2009-07-13T16:54:00.001-07:00

For Sale: 3BR/2.5BA Single Family House in Florence, OR, $629,000

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2009-07-13T16:04:00.001-07:00

Great encyclopedia containing real estate finance terms.
http://ping.fm/RITWS

2009-07-11T10:23:00.001-07:00

Top 10 Red Flags for Homebuyers http://ping.fm/GlMCA

2009-06-22T14:33:00.001-07:00

ROCA MAR - PRICE REDUCED! RESTAURANT & LOUNGE BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY! http://ping.fm/NLZpv

2009-06-12T16:36:00.001-07:00

What It's Like to Live in a Waterfront Home? http://ping.fm/0ZQF4

2009-06-10T10:44:00.001-07:00

Florence, Oregon 97439 Real Estate Overview http://ping.fm/7aGrz

2009-06-03T18:36:00.001-07:00

Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn, a MUST read article! http://ping.fm/KCzeA

2009-06-01T20:29:00.001-07:00

CUSTOM HOME IN SECLUDED SETTING
http://ping.fm/jDR3U

Excellent Restaurant Opportunity 160 West 2nd Street, Yachats, OR

2009-06-01T11:13:00.001-07:00

Just Listed: 160 West 2nd Street, Yachats, OR

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The Rhododendron Festival May 2009

2009-05-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

The Rhododendron Festival May 2009

The 102nd Rhododendron Festival gets underway Friday in Florence bringing in twenty thousand visitors to the coastal town. There will be everything from carnival rides to good food.

Click here for a schedule of events

The three day event comes to an end on Sunday with the Grand Floral Parade.

This Weekend!

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

The 2009 Rhody Run

2009-05-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

There's been changes to the 2009 Rhody Run. Download the new course map here. To download the application, click here. And, here is a poster you can display in your storefront window.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

History of the Rhododendron Festival

2009-05-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

There have been some changes to Florence since the first Rhododendron Festival of 1908. Click here for the exciting details...

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

What's In, What's Out with Home Buyers in 2009?

2009-01-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

by Mark Nash

What's IN

Sidelined home buyers. Family or lifestyle additions or changes made in buyers households in the last three years are forcing those waiting out the market transition to finally get off the fence and say, it's time for our family to buy the new home that suits our new needs.
Home uplifts. Not a big renovation, but some new finishes that can visually holdover stay-put home sellers. Not a gut rehab to the studs new kitchen, but new flooring, countertops and appliances.

Collaborative home pricing. The old days of home sellers configuring a homes price are out. What's new is that the seller with their agent look at closed comparables, set a price, then the buyer and their agent agree or disagree, but in the end, a mortgage lender and their appraiser will set the price, as they are assuming the most risk in the transaction.

Balanced reporting by real estate and personal finance journalists. Consumers learned in 2008 that the 'doom and gloom" residential real estate market headlines don't apply to all markets. What's been lost in the foreclosure hype is that there are still stories of homes selling in short market times (in as little as 3 days), homes selling at full price and some selling with multiple contracts on the table. Existing home sales will be 5.02 million versus 5.652 million for 2007, a decrease of just over eleven percent, considerably less that the recent correction in the U.S. stock market, plus a realistic view that over five million people purchased a home despite the headlines in 2008.

Creative home seller financing. Exhausted home sellers are turning to self-financing to move properties. Installment sale contracts and lease to own are the most popular and effective ways for sellers to begin to receive income from a property that has languished on the market in 2008.

Real estate agents as a housing resource not a salesperson. New-age real estate agents help consumers through the home sale or purchase process which takes a skilled agent who is not driven by sales, but by providing resources to help the consumer determine if they should buy or sell a home. Home ownership is not for everyone. Factors such as a job move in 3 years or less, marginal credit and lack of interest in home maintenance can be reasons for a resource-driven agent to advise their client not to buy.

Property tax appeals. With home prices dropping, many savvy home owners are appealing their property taxes. This is especially attractive to those looking to sell their home in 2009. With a competitive marketplace, those with the most realistic taxes are more likely to offer buyers an overall lower expense in home ownership.

House therapists. Divided partners in a home are increasingly relying on an independent third party (house therapist or coach) to bring household relationships to common ground on such prickly issues such as to stay or move, how much to spend on remodeling or decorating, or spending nothing at all. Third parties can outline the benefits and pitfalls of over-spending on a new larger home or weighing in on a spouses desire to over-improve for the neighborhood. With less equity and with the financial stakes higher smart couples hire a home therapist to wrangle concessions and agreements out with their significant other instead of doing damage to their relationship by going head-to-head with them.

Architectural overhead garage doors. After years of bland vanilla garage doors, the architecture has permeated the door most people look at the most. Traditional styling has arrived with mullioned windows, faux wrought iron hinges and latches that provide the original non-overhead garage door look. Contemporary looks now include the adjacent siding applied over the door for a seamless look, much like the panels installed on refrigerator doors to complement cabinets in a kitchen.

Loveseats. A pair or trio is gaining acceptance as the functional way to rearrange a living or family room. Consumers appreciate the ease at which they can rearrange them, move an extra one to another room, or provide long-term furniture flexibility in future homes. Plus, they're tired of sitting miles away from others on over-sized sectional sofas.

The master bed as a throne. With consumer spending down and more nesting at home, home owners are focusing on making their bed like an at-home luxury hotel experience. Posh linens, pillows and mattresses create a getaway without leaving home.

Older war-horse appliances. Collectable, working appliances form the 1940's through the late 1980's have found a new niche among homeowners who appreciate their rock-solid construction and durability. Harvest gold double ovens from the 1970's have been repainted a metallic red and go from boring to bold. Cold spot refrigerators from the 1950's refinished in sky blue perks up the butler’s pantry in suburban home. And, the early 1960's dryer that looks like it's from a Jet son house painted pink to match punches up the in-unit laundry room in a condominium.
Dining chairs that don't match. With consumers watching their non-essential spending closely and electing to stay home to entertain friends, many have found a quick pick-me-up for their dining room suite, mismatched pairs or single chairs. Feedback from friends or family has been favorable to this easy and cost effective way to say welcome to my cutting edge table.

Obama era paint colors. President elect Barak Obama will add a fresh, younger and forward-looking feel to residential interior paint decor in the spaces at The White House where he and future First Lady Michelle have a say. Look for parchment whites, cashmere yellows, bright optimistic blues and radiant gold’s. Depressing Bush era colors such as plum, chocolate brown, rusty mustard and pale sage will gladly be replaced by more optimistic colors in American homes.

What's OUT
Fixer-upper homes. With larger down payments required by mortgage lenders and consumer credit cards mixed out, home buyers want a home in move-in condition. The DYI days are on the wane as buyers want to inherit new kitchens and bathrooms.

Foreclosure fluff. The foreclosure rate nationally in 2008 was just under 3 percent. In the Great Depression it was just over forty-percent.

Home buyers endless "circling" prospective short-list properties. Overly optimistic thinking by buyers to circle a preferred property indefinitely, often for months, waiting for further price reductions or to wear out long weary sellers. This practice has backfired for buyers who practice this style of pre-negotiating. They often loose their short-list dream home and frustrate savvy price-right sellers. Ditto the bottom-feeder buyers.

Real estate agents that started career in the boom. It was easy for any new real estate agent to have instant clients during the boom years. After all, they thought the business was about order (contracts) taking. Now they've realized they didn't build a long-term client base during the boom or acquire knowledge about servicing client’s needs in a not-so-easy market.

Home staging. A recently over-used low cost marketing band-aid for vacant or occupied homes with longer than normal market times. Buyers have said enough of the non-professional usage of assorted leftover props placed around a for-sale home to make it supposedly homey. Buyers say, market it as it is and clear out the tired silk flowers and stale potpourri.

Indoor-outdoor carpet. The staples of quick-fix home sellers for basements, balconies, screened porches and lanai’s, buyers have said enough. Many have told agents that inexpensive indoor-outdoor carpet is visual pollution and often masks flaws in a home.

Track lighting. Thought of by homeowners to be a quick way to get an art gallery look, many prospective buyers usually take them out and discount their appeal. As one Gen-X home buyer said to me "Why do sellers install them up when they don't really have any interesting artwork or architectural features to spotlight? They bring undue attention to nothing."

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Selling Your Home in a Declining Market

2009-01-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

by Richard Daskam

Selling a home in a declining market starts with a proper attitude and finding the right Realtor® who is optimistic and knows the right sales techniques in this tough market. Even though most people and economists are down on the housing market (feel it is depressed, that the economic recovery isn't going to happen in the next few months, and consumer confidence is down), it doesn't mean that you can't sell your home.
The truth of the matter is many people will sell their homes between now and this summer. While many sellers and real estate agents take a reactive approach to market conditions, those sellers who take a more proactive and realistic approach to the market will be the ones who sell their homes. These are the sellers who take advantage of this market and move up to their dream home! First, be honest about appraising the condition of your home.
The key to successful selling in a 'declining market' is pricing your home at today's market value, having your home in tip-top condition and being able to work with a prospective buyer on financing needs and terms. Don't let your ego or pride get in the way when determining a price for your home. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes and walk across the street. Curb appeal to a new buyer is a very important and is many-times overlooked.
Secondly, take a leisurely walk through your home jotting down the little things you might do to spruce it up. New carpeting, a fresh coat of paint, new light fixtures, mirrors, etc., are items that will give your home more emotional appeal and does not cost too much. Put away the clutter throughout the home. Rooms free of clutter will appear bigger and the new buyer can visually 'move into' your home much easier. Remember, new buyers are not buying your furniture.
Finally, be patient. The real estate market has changed considerably since the last run-up where homes sold in hours or days. We are now experiencing a more "normal market" where homes take 90-120 days to sell. Remember, inventories are at an all-time high right now. Bank foreclosures are all around you and many buyers will have difficulty qualifying for a new loan. Lenders also have very strict guidelines now and consumer confidence is very low. Allowing for a normal marketing period will do a lot to alleviate your impatience when you have few showings of your home or a lack of offers to review.
A good Realtor® will keep you abreast of market changes, activity on your home and others in the neighborhood, while maintaining a "teamwork" concept that is paramount for a successful sale. Properties need ample time to be exposed to the public and finding the right buyer requires a good understanding of the market as well as sales values. In all honesty, there are no easy answers but one thing is for certain, even in the worst markets, there are people selling homes and taking their equity!

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Negotiation Tips

2009-01-07T06:45:00.000-08:00

Successful negotiations have common threads. Remember these tips to get the most out of your negotiation:
Don't get insulted if the seller doesn't accept your offer or comes back with a high counter offer. It's natural for the seller to want to make as much as possible.
The members of both parties should feel like winners in the end.
Make your counter offer show movement. This demonstrates a willingness to deal.
Make sure you understand the priorities of the sellers. Your counters can focus on the higher priorities. Those that carry less weight can be used to compromise.
Quantify problems. Repairs or concessions should have a dollar value on them and not be left open ended.
Isolate major issues by getting agreement on all other points. This allows the negotiation to be just one item away. Then all energies can focus on the one final obstacle.
The earnest money shows how serious you are. Since earnest money is applied to costs at closing, don't scrimp on the earnest money at the time you write the offer.
Make sure what you want is put in writing. Count on nothing that is negotiated verbally.
Depend on your sales professional for negotiation counsel.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Your Property Search - Your Basic Search

2009-01-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

The website is a powerful tool in the home search. It allows you to focus on properties with the closest match to your criteria and helps you prioritize properties. It also minimizes time wasted on properties that are not real contenders.
The first step in harnessing the power of the site is to set your criteria for the home search. The best way to find out what's available in an area is to start with a broad search and then narrow in. You may be looking for a home in a specific area in a certain price range. You should resist getting too specific in this first phase of setting your criteria, so you don't prematurely eliminate any properties.
If the basic search (area and price) returns an excess number of properties, then it is time to limit the search. You can do this by changing either the price or limiting the area. This then should return a more manageable number of homes to consider. If the search returns too few properties, then broaden the area, price range, or change your optional criteria.
By starting broad and then narrowing, you minimize the risk of missing a home that might be perfect. The properties on the site are downloaded directly from the local Multiple Listing Service(s) (MLS). Many different sales professionals input data into the MLS(s). Thus there can be a lot of interpretation about how to input amenities. For example, one sales professional might consider a home to have four bedrooms while another might consider it to have three bedrooms plus a study. Perhaps for your family either interpretation could work. By starting broad you would not risk ruling out one over another.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Your Property Search - Fine Tuning Your Search

2009-01-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

There are multiple ways to set up your area search. Many of them overlap. For example a subdivision may lie in a ZIP code that includes other subdivisions. Or a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) area will contain several ZIP codes. If your search criteria do not return the right property, then try choosing an alternate area search. Sometimes you will notice properties when driving in communities which are not returned using your search criteria. Try choosing an alternate area search to more accurately match what you are looking for.
The initial home buying phase is spent learning what properties are available. Over time you will come to better understand the concessions that you are willing to make. When the search process begins you may find that you are very open to several different kinds of property. As the search continues, you will prioritize wants and needs and fine tune your idea of the 'right home.' This is a natural and normal home buying process.
The advanced search criteria help you hone in on the amenities that are critical. Many users will use their advanced search criteria for on-going searches after the initial basic search. For example you have narrowed in on the subdivision. Your lender has qualified you for a certain price range. You have seen enough homes now to know that you really want a lot on a golf course. This is the time to set the advanced search criteria. If the urgency of your search changes and you find that you are no longer willing to wait until the ideal golf course property comes along, you can remove this requirement from your advanced search criteria at any time.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Your Personal Decision to Buy

2009-01-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

To understand the rent vs. buy decision, analyze your personal situation. The first variable is your current rent. The decision to buy rests on the advantages accumulated beyond the term of your lease. You should estimate the annual rent increases that you will have to pay if you rent longer than one year. Then factor in your renter's insurance. While renter's insurance is on contents, this amount will offset some of the insurance that you will pay as a homeowner. Normally utility costs are not factored in unless you are in a unit where the landlord pays all or some of your utility bills.
When calculating the buy side of the decision, factor in the purchase price. You should calculate an appreciation rate for the property based on a percentage of the purchase price. This will have to be an estimate because it is a future event. Consider also the savings rate that your down payment would earn if you continued to rent and left this money in savings.
Estimate the number of years you expect to own the property. This figure will be personal. If you are starting your career or are in a job where you expect advancement, then it is likely that you will sell the property sooner than later. Typical reasons for selling include changes in marital status or family size, anticipated job transfer, and upward or downward employment growth.
Consider the yearly expenses in owning a home. You will need the interest rate and term of the mortgage, annual property taxes, and estimated annual maintenance. An older home will require more maintenance than a newer one. Finally, the loan expenses when you purchase, and homeowner's insurance and selling costs when you finally liquidate the property are factored in.
To calculate the financial advantages of buying vs. renting, go to www.FinanCenter.com and click on Home Center.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

2009 Housing Market Predictions

2008-12-27T17:46:00.000-08:00

The upcoming year will likely be rocky, but an improvement over 2008
By Kris Berg, FrontDoor.com Published: 12/02/2008

Real estate markets are cyclical; this much we know. We are all also painfully aware that we are currently experiencing a down cycle. Home values have declined across the country, dramatically in many regions. Experts and veteran agents agree, however, that this correction is different. It is much bigger than anything most of us have experienced in our lifetimes. This is because we all got a little crazy. Lenders got a little crazy throwing money around with no strings attached, and homebuyers got a little crazy overextending their credit and getting a cash advance on their equity, all on the premise that home values would continue on a skyward trajectory. This, of course, did not happen.
The talk around the water cooler lately is about what the housing market will look like in 2009. More specifically, the big question is, "When will we get there?"
I do know a few things with certainty. I know we will have volatility until we stabilize; I know prices will continue to decline until they stop declining. OK, I confess I'm a coward when it comes to predictions, especially when I don't control the variables.
First, there are those pesky external variables. Global events, jobs reports, and that wacky Wall Street, to name a few, can all influence the direction of the housing market. And those external factors feed that other important variable, consumer sentiment.
To predict the future of the housing market essentially requires that we are able to predict human behavior. I can't even predict what I will be cooking for dinner tomorrow. Nine out of ten dentists have never been able to agree on much of anything, and ask a dozen real estate agents about the future of the housing market, and you will get as many different answers.
Yet, in the spirit of the holiday season, I will be uncharacteristically bold and venture a few real predictions. If I am wrong, I will just blame all of those little variables beyond my control. "I didn't see that one coming! That changes everything!" On the other hand, I could be right, in which case I will spend 2010 gloating insufferably.
Home values will continue to decline throughout 2009, and declines will be greatest in the higher priced areas and among higher priced properties. The higher they go, the harder they fall, certainly, but less favorable loan limits will also play a part. Mortgage lending has generally been a two-tiered system. Lower limit, "conforming loans" (loans which conform to underwriting guidelines for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) carry lower interest rates, because they are considered less risky and can be sold on Wall Street, while larger "jumbo loans" involve higher interest rates. In 2008, the Government increased the loan limits for conforming loans to $417,000, and established higher limits yet for high-cost regions, effectively resulting in a new three-tiered system. As a result of the government's Stimulus Act, this three-tiered system will continue in 2009, the difference being that while conforming loan limits will remain at $417,000, the limits for higher-cost regions will be less than they were this past year.
While home values will continue to decline, the rate of decline will be lower than last year. We are already seeing the price decline trend line heading in a more horizontal direction. Interest rates remaining low will be a contributing factor. Absent a Presidential Cabinet position or a degree in economics, I cannot truly begin to know where interest rates will be in 2009, and even then my odds of being right will be only slightly better than if I had used my Ouija board. However, all indications from the "experts" are that we will be ringing in the New Year with more favorable rates.
Families will continue to lose their homes in painfully large numbers, but the numbers will be fewer. We are working through the subprime loan legacy of the first half of the decade, but we still need more time. Our free-lending, free-spending hangover will unfortunately continue. Too many troubled loans remain and until these are behind us, downward pricing pressure will continue. Government assistance programs and more willingness on the part of lenders to restructure loans at risk will help in the recovery, but we aren't "there" yet.
Home sales will increase. On the brighter side, declining home values have resulted in more affordability and opportunity for the homebuyer. Lower prices mean renewed buyer interest which, in turn, means opportunity for the home seller. I am seeing buyer activity and interest spiking in my area. But, even this brighter side comes with strings. Stricter lending guidelines mean a smaller buyer pool. The new rules now require that in order to qualify for a loan, buyers must make an actual (often 15 to 20 percent) down payment and, if that isn't bad enough, must demonstrate the ability to make the resulting mortgage payments. These new rules are ironically the old rules, and we should get used to them. They will be with us for awhile.
In short, 2009 will be a year of opportunity for qualified buyers as prices and interest rates remain low. Sellers will also benefit from renewed buyer activity and interest. But, 2009 will be more of the same, just to a lesser degree. I don't think we will turn the corner next year, but we will get a little closer to the intersection. And when we do get "there," there will be a place we have been before, a place where a home is not viewed as a lucky lotto ticket but as shelter, security, a lifestyle -- and a privilege.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

A Holiday Must!

2008-12-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

22nd annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park
"A community tradition" - More than a quarter million lights - Thanksgiving thru New Year's Eve, the gardens are ablaze with thousands of colored lights and holiday decorations put up by community volunteers and The Friends of Shore Acres in cooperation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
For information click here.
For photos click here.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

What Bargaining Chips Do You Have?

2008-12-06T10:30:00.001-08:00

When you are selling a home, the haggling is not always limited to price

Prospective purchasers often make offers that include appliances and window coverings, for example, because these items are must-haves that are expensive to purchase new. Occasionally, a bidder also asks for other furnishings, recreational equipment or repairs and painting.

It isn’t just purchasers who use extras as bargaining chips. Sellers sometimes make counter-offers that include appliances and other contents as incentives for the bidder to agree to a higher price. This is an especially useful strategy when demand for homes in your area is weak and prices are low.

If you are selling your home, consider what you are willing to throw in to make a deal work and what items are off limits. It’s best to do this in advance of listing, so you are ready to deal with requests for inclusions and decisive about incentives you will offer.

Here are some of the items you may want to think about as potential bargaining chips:
major appliances, including washer, dryer, fridge, stove, dishwasher, water heater and water softener draperies, curtains, blinds and shutters
custom-built furniture, such as bookcases or shelves that fit a particular spot in the house area rugs that fit a particular room
barbeque
patio furniture, planters, garden benches and ornaments
garden shed
lawnmower, power washer, leaf vacuum or other maintenance equipment
garden or household tools
recreational equipment, such as ping-pong and pool tables, above-ground pools, trampolines, climbers, swing sets and hot tubs
boats, canoes, life vests and safety equipment, if you are selling a waterfront home

When deciding which potential bargaining chips you are willing to part with, you should consider how easy or difficult it will be to move them, how much you will need them and how much it will cost to replace them. You may love your top-of-the-line barbeque and patio furniture, for example, but they may not be worth the fuss and expense of moving them across the country. On the other hand, you may decide you can’t part with a china cabinet that’s been in the family for generations, no matter how much a purchaser wants it and how difficult it will be to move.

Light fixtures and built-ins such as central air conditioning and vacuum system, in-ground pools, water filtration systems, cabinetry and cook-tops are typically considered "includes," rather than extras. They should be factored into the asking price you and your selling agent decide on for your home.

Other requests come out of the blue and may seem downright odd or irritating. It’s hard to understand why a bidder would insist on including a coat of purple paint in a bedroom or a $30 shower curtain and matching bath mat in a deal worth $100,000 or more, but it happens. You can’t anticipate every demand, but as a rule, if it is easy and inexpensive to comply, you’re smart to agree graciously in order to expedite your sale.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Checklist: Getting Your Home Ready for the Market

2008-12-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

Before you put your house on the market, set aside some time to spruce it up and maximize its sales appeal

A few weeks prior to listing your house, do an inspection tour, trying to look at things through the eyes of a stranger. Make a list of things that need to be cleaned and repaired and estimate the time, cost and priority of each chore. Take a particularly good look at your bathroom(s) and kitchen. Time and money invested in painting and refurbishing these key rooms will have maximum impact.

Real estate agents who are interested in listing a home often provide recommendations for increasing its sales appeal. Pay attention to their suggestions. They know what matters to buyers and can be objective about your home’s flaws.

To-do list for sellers
Prior to showing your house:
Get rid of clutter on shelves, countertops and closets. Consider packing seldom-used items you don’t want to discard in boxes and storing them until you move.
Put excess furniture and items that are showing wear in storage until you move.
Rearrange the remaining furniture attractively (ask your agent or a friend to help you decide what goes where).
Wash and/or paint walls that are dirty or chipped.
Wash blinds and clean curtains.
Shampoo carpets.
Fix leaky faucets and appliances that don’t work.
Get rid of junk that’s accumulated in your basement and garage. (You’ll have to do this before you move anyway, so why not get a head start?)
Consider having a yard sale.
While your house is on the market:
Keep the house clean – tidy up, vacuum and dust daily, if possible, and do laundry before it piles up.
Keep a list of things to do and places to go while prospective buyers are viewing your house.
Cut or buy fresh flowers every few days.
Bake cookies or a pie on weekend mornings when you expect a lot of traffic, and before open houses, to make your home more welcoming and cozy.

After your house is sold:
Make sure you keep everything clean and in good working order.
Do any repairs you’ve agreed to look after in the sales contract.
If you have small children and find it hard to keep the house tidy, think about hiring a cleaning service or a neighboring teen to help you. You can also ask your real estate agent about the possibility of intensively marketing your home for a short period of time, then holding an auction to reduce the period during which it will be on view.
If you have older kids, ask them to keep their rooms tidy and to take on chores like daily vacuuming and dusting.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Bright Ideas to Sell Your Home Faster

2008-12-04T10:22:00.000-08:00

Increasing your home's lighting is the quickest and easiest way to make your home look brighter and sell faster.

Want to make your home more appealing with the simple flick of a switch? Install bulbs with the maximum wattage your fixtures will safely allow and turn on all the lights. With the right interior and exterior lighting, your home will become more appealing and easier to sell.

1. Outdoors
Make your home sparkle with bright exterior lighting. Dust off and clean the covers of outdoor light fixtures to let as much light shine through as possible. Also, add some low-wattage accent lights along your driveway or around your garden to show off your property’s best features.

2. Front entrance
Make a great first impression with a well-lit front entrance and hallway. Install high-wattage bulbs and keep light fixtures clean and cobweb-free. If you have pot lights or recessed lights (which can make a hall seem roomier), perhaps you can tilt them to highlight artwork. Another way to create a bright, open entryway is to paint walls a light neutral color and add mirrors.

3. Kitchen
The kitchen is the most popular room in the home, so make sure yours shines. Put the spotlight on your kitchen’s best features with a mix of recessed lights in the ceiling, task lighting around work areas (i.e. hidden fluorescent lights over the stove and countertops) and accent lights over your table.

4. Living room
The more light that fills the room, the bigger it will appear. So, keep the window shades and curtains open and let the sun shine in. Turn on all the lights during showings, trying not to cast any shadows. Ensure table lamps have 40- or 60-watt bulbs with attractive, translucent shades that cast a nice glow for entertaining or reading. Add a couple of non-scented candles for extra ambience.

5. Bathroom
There’s nothing worse than a dingy looking bathroom, so make sure the room has sufficient lighting -- especially over the tub, shower and vanity mirror. Use fluorescent bulbs with a color rendering index (CRI) of 80 or more to enhance skin tones and other colors. A night-light is also an inexpensive way to add a nice warm glow.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Tips on Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time

2008-12-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

With careful planning, buying and selling a home at the same time can be a lot easier than you might think

Here are some tips to get you started.

Preparation
Hire a team of professionals who are experts in buying and selling homes. Ask family and friends which REALTOR®, lawyer, lender, appraiser, home inspector and mover they’d recommend. Meet with them and discuss your objectives, requirements and expectations right from the start.
Communicate with your team of professionals efficiently and regularly. For instance, more and more buyers are asking their REALTOR® to e-mail new home listings to save time and ensure they don’t lose out on a property that sells fast.
Ask your REALTOR® to keep you advised of important issues as they occur so you can resolve them together quickly.
Help organize all your buying and selling information. Dedicate a notebook to documenting the many dates and details of phone and face-to-face discussions, as well as important transactions.
Selling
Put your home up for sale far in advance of purchasing a new one. You may want to consider selling first, especially in a buyer’s market. You’ll know exactly how much money you have for your new home. Plus, you’ll decrease the risk of temporarily owning two homes at the same time.
Ensure you have ample time to find a new home (in the event that you sell first) by negotiating a long close or convenient rent-back option, where you can stay in the house as a rental tenant until you take possession of your new home.
Be motivated to sell; list at a competitive price. If you suspect your home has problems that may hinder its sale, work with a home inspector to coordinate repairs or ensure your asking price reflects the home’s condition.
Look at the big picture. You may want to consider a slightly lower offer if it is unconditional, or an offer that gives you more flexibility with respect to the closing date, as is often the case with first-time home buyers who don’t have to sell their existing house first.
Speed up the selling process by giving preferential treatment to offers without financing conditions, or insist that buyers be pre-approved within five to 10 days of accepting their offer.
Get the buyer of your old house and the seller of your new house to commit in writing to a specific window of dates and negotiate financial penalties to encourage both parties to stick to those dates.

Buying
Before you list your home, do a little digging and see what’s up for sale in your price range. Little within your reach? You may want to hold off on selling until you buy. When you do, negotiate a long close to give you the necessary time to sell.
Don’t waste your time looking at properties you can’t afford. Do the math and determine your budget. While you’re at it, select a lender and get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Once you’ve found a property that seems perfect, have it professionally inspected and ensure you can get insurance before you make an offer.
Give yourself enough time to review all the paperwork. From the get-go, tell your REALTOR® or lawyer you’ll need ample time to see and sign the closing documents.

Moving
Only move what you need and love. Donate old and seldom-used clothes, housewares and furniture to charity. Regardless of the season, do some spring cleaning so you’re not packing what should really be tossed out.
Organize your move by utilizing to-do lists and home-inventory lists (available from your REALTOR,® mover or the Internet). Make a master list of the items you pack and code all the boxes to ensure nothing gets lost and the movers can carry everything to the appropriate rooms in your new home.
Give your utility providers, postal service, associations and other contacts plenty of notice of your pending move and arrange new start dates for services at your new home.
Make sure you keep all your moving-related receipts. They could be tax deductible, depending on why you’re moving. Talk with a tax advisor to see if you’re eligible.
To make moving into your new place as easy as possible, pack a separate bag for everyone in your family containing clothing, toiletries, medication, work/homework, bedding and other items they’ll need the first day. Also, put together a moving-in toolkit for assembling furniture, etc.

Trouble-shooting
Things don’t always work out the way we plan -- especially when buying and selling homes. Life can get stressful and costly when you buy a new home before you sell your existing one or sell before you find something you want to buy. The good news is there are options.
In a situation where you need to carry two homes for a limited time, look into bridge financing. Backed by the equity in your old home, bridge financing is a loan to cover the down payment on your new home. It’s a great short-term solution, typically available for prime plus two percentage points.
If you have good credit but your income isn’t high enough for you to qualify to carry a bridge loan plus two mortgage payments, consider a no-ratio mortgage, which doesn’t take into account your debt-to-income ratio. You’ll incur a higher interest rate but you can refinance later, once your situation is more stable.
Alternatively, you could obtain extra funds by drawing on a line of credit on your old home. The interest rate is likely to be more than a point lower than on a bridge loan. The only downside is that you might have to pay a penalty fee if you sell the home within a year.
Should you need interim housing, there are always short-term rental properties (some even come furnished) and affordable storage facilities. Or perhaps you can even stay for a short time with family or friends.
Have children? Talk to school officials in both neighborhoods to work out the best schedule. For instance, if you’re not taking possession of your new home until the middle of a semester, with proper documentation, a new school may allow your children to start before you officially move in.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Good neighborhood characteristics

2008-12-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

What should you be looking for when buying a home in a new neighborhood?

Finding the right neighborhood can be just as important as finding the perfect house. Most good neighborhoods tend to share the following characteristics: Access to an economic center Most people want convenience. That means an easy commute to their job as well as living close to shopping and restaurants. Although a good neighborhood does not have to be right next to any of these things, it should at least have easy access to them. Nearby public facilities such as libraries, as well as nearby parks or walking trails, also add appeal. Good public schools For anyone who has children or is thinking about having them, good schools are essential. A good neighborhood feeds into a well-regarded school system. Information about schools in the area can be obtained by talking to local parents and most states provide test scores and other pertinent school information online. Interested parents can also visit schools in person to get a better feel for what they are like. Solid reputation A good neighborhood appeals to a wide variety of people. Numerous factors play into that: well-manicured lawns and well-maintained homes, as well as junk-free properties. A good neighborhood also tends to attract a high percentage of homeowners as opposed to renters. Low crime rates are also important and can be researched online. When buying a home, it’s wise to keep in mind what other people will think of the neighborhood. It should appeal to a broad spectrum of potential homebuyers. Choose a location that’s convenient to shops and services, has good schools and a good reputation. A good neighborhood will add value to your home and make it easier to resell in the future.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Less-desirable homes: How to get buyers through the door

2008-12-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Turn your dated split-entry home into the object of their desire.

Once upon a time American homebuilders were enamored with the split-entry home. You walked into the front door to see a short set of steps going up and another short set of steps going down. These homes defined decades of suburbia in many parts of the country. These days, though, the split-entry home is considered a much less desirable home style by many, as outdated as hula hoops and mood rings. Bellevue, Wash., real estate agent David Oliver can’t count how many times prospective buyers have told him, “Anything but a split-entry.” That means sellers of less-desirable homes, like split-entry and split-level homes, need to go the extra mile to update the property and highlight its best features, he says. In fact, you’ll probably need to do more upgrading and updating to those types of homes than just about any other, short of a fixer-upper, he says. The desirability factor goes up exponentially if you update the homes with features like granite countertops, hardwood floors and new carpeting, says Oliver, who also appraises homes. “You want to pull it into the modern world,” he says. Buyers who might automatically consider a split-entry home less desirable can still be enticed to take a look by the description on the listing, says the RealEstate.com agent. A listing with hot high-end amenities like granite countertops or all-new appliances will still draw buyers in, he says. Square footage also works in the split-entry home’s favor. Most split-entry, split-foyer and split-level homes are relatively large, Oliver says. The typical split-entry home in Seattle and the communities north of the city range in size from about 1,500 square feet to 2,200 square feet, he says. “Usually families want to move to upgrade, like from a rambler into a larger house that’s already been updated,” he says. “Whenever you place a house like that on the market, you get multiple offers.” The various types of “split-” houses aren’t the only type of home that can be considered less desirable in today’s market. Homes on busy streets can be a challenge to sell, as can fixer-uppers. While some buyers look at fixer-uppers as either bargain investments or homes they can affordably renovate to reflect their own taste, most don’t want to be bothered. “Let’s face it, we’re lazy,” says Oliver. “We want someone else to do the work for us.” Given the extra challenges of marketing a less-desirable home, it becomes more important than ever to get the home into shape inside and out. The normal advice applies: Clear the clutter, take care of any deferred maintenance, update and freshen what you can before you put the home on the market. And perhaps most importantly, set a reasonable asking price based on current comparable sales. The price your neighbor got a year ago may be out of reach in today’s market, as the number of buyers and sellers equalizes, or more likely tips in favor of buyers. Buyers can afford to be choosy. And choosy buyers tend to choose homes that don’t still look like the Brady Bunch lives there.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

How to Bubble-Proof Your Second Home

2008-11-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

Careful research can help you buy a vacation home that will become an income-producing asset.

With all the talk about our being in the midst of a real estate bubble, the decision of whether or not to buy a second home has become more difficult than ever.

But Christine Karpinski, author of two books on vacation home investing, How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner and Profit from Your Vacation Home Dream, believes vacation homes are still a good investment. She says, “If you make well-researched, educated decisions, you’ll be setting yourself up for success, not failure.”

Karpinski suggests second-home buyers should:

Start with a plan
Whether you’re buying for personal use or for investment, you should start with a business plan just as you would if you were starting any new business. To be confident of a sound investment takes a lot of research.

Buy with your wallet not your heart
Make sure you’re buying a smart investment. It’s easy to get caught up and sign on the dotted line when you see that gorgeous beach home or perfect ski resort. But Karpinski cautions against getting caught up in the moment and not doing the necessary due diligence.

Research the area
Is it a new, emerging area? Or is it an older, more developed area? This makes a lot of difference, says Karpinski. If you are looking to purchase in an area that’s well developed, there’s less to worry about. But in an emerging market you should exercise caution to be sure that there are not so many new developments that the inventory exceeds demand.

Leave your options open
You may want to buy a vacation home with no intention of ever renting it out. But while today it may be financially feasible to not rent your home, you’re never sure what the future will bring. Your finances may change. The tax rate for the property could skyrocket. Buying in an area where you know you can utilize the option to rent your property is a great way to leave your options open.

Use your real estate agent
Pick your agent’s brain. Ask tons of questions. Scour through his or her Web site and absorb as much information as possible. After all, your agent is getting paid to be knowledgeable in this area. Use his or her expertise to your advantage.

Look for large, reputable developers
Developers do more research than any single buyer could ever dream of doing. They invest thousands of dollars into researching the market, tourism, growth and inventory. So if you follow large developers, your chances of failing are significantly less.

Beware of overextending with teaser mortgages
Yes, you can afford that property with a 3.5 percent interest-only payment, but be realistic. That payment is likely to go up, and maybe faster than you think. Mortgage rates are still at all-time lows, but if you’re using an adjustable-rate or interest-only mortgage only for the affordability factor, watch out. Rates could rise and you could end up stuck with a property you cannot afford.

Stay away from areas with short-term rental bans
The best way to protect yourself from market fluctuation is to have the option of renting your property on a nightly or weekly basis when you are not using it. Some complexes or counties have areas where there are covenants or laws against renting on a short-term basis. If you stay away from purchasing in those areas, you’re more likely to be able to turn your vacation home into an income-producing asset.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Decorating ideas made easy

2008-11-29T10:02:00.000-08:00

Is your home in need of a new look? There are plenty of cheap and easy decorating ideas that can spruce up the look of your home without the expense of a remodeling project.

Rearrange the furniture
This is a decorating idea that requires no expense at all. Have fun with it. Draw a picture of the room and map out your plans. Try several different layouts until you get the look that you want. You can even bring furniture in from different rooms for a completely new look.

Experiment with paint
Another decorating idea that can change the look of your home is to paint the walls. You can paint the entire room or even just a single wall, called an accent wall, for a dramatic effect. Choose colors that really brighten up your house. Or, try a technique such as faux painting to create a designer look.

Have fun with accessories
There are also several little things that serve as great decorating ideas. Try adding plants to various rooms in your house. If you lack a green thumb, there is nothing wrong with using fake greenery. A new rug is also a great decorating idea. Hang picture or mirrors for decoration. Buy new decorative pillows for your couches and chairs. You can even replace your lamps or lampshades to give a room a whole new look.

Do away with clutter
One thing you should not overlook as you search for decorating ideas is to de-clutter your house. Through day-to-day living, it is too easy to let things accumulate. Eliminate those piles and you’ll be surprised at how different it can make a room look.

Use these simple and inexpensive decorating ideas, and you can give any room a fresh, new look.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Take Your Open House to the Next Level

2008-11-28T09:58:00.000-08:00

Up the ante on the traditional way of showcasing your home
By Shannon Petrie

A glass of wine, some delicious hor'dourves and live music. This sounds like a great way to spend an evening -- and sell your home.

With standard open houses not doing the trick in today's sluggish market, some sellers are opting for "extreme open houses," with catered refreshments, prizes and entertainment. By throwing these elaborate shindigs, sellers hope guests will spread the word and generate buzz about their properties.

The extreme open house lets buyers see the home in a different light than a traditional open house does. Rather than a cold, uninhabited space, buyers get to see a real home that's brimming with life and energy. This helps them picture living in your home themselves.
The open house is also a good opportunity to show off your home's best features. If your home has a gourmet kitchen, hire a chef to cook for the guests. This draws attention to a big selling point. Plus, free food never turns anyone away. If you have a fabulous deck, show it off with an outdoor barbecue.

Even inviting people who aren't in the market to buy a home can be beneficial. People like to talk, so even though one guest isn't interested in buying, they may tell a friend who is.
Extreme open houses are expensive and come with some negatives (after-party clean-up, possible property damage from lots of lively guests). But many sellers and agents think they're worth it, especially for slow movers.

DO IT YOURSELF: Make a list of your well-connected friends and acquaintances and mail them invitations. Keep it manageable. You don't want an open house of wedding-sized proportions. Have flyers out with your contact information and relevant facts about your home, such as asking price, square footage, etc.

While the temptation to attend your extreme open house will be strong, you should consider having your real estate agent or a friend handle the hosting duties. As with any open house, buyers will feel more comfortable exploring and discussing your home if you are MIA.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Attract Buyers With an Inviting Atmosphere

2008-11-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

By Shannon Petrie

There's no better time than the chilly fall and winter months to make your home seem warm and welcoming to potential buyers. When buyers walk into your house, use these tips to make it feel like a home. This will encourage them to stick around, giving them more time to admire the space.

Crank up the heat. When it's cold outside, buyers will be grateful for a place to warm up. Turn the thermostat up a couple of degrees to make it extra toasty, or light a fire in the fireplace for an extra homey touch. Just be sure not to leave a fire unattended.

Let in the light. To make your home look bright and open when it's a bit dreary outside, turn on all the lights and open all the shades and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Use amber-colored light bulbs to give your home a warm glow.

Add holiday adornments. While overly large decorations can distract buyers from your home, tasteful wintry accents can complement your decor. Consider a simple wreath on the door, a vase filled with poinsettias on an end table, or a centerpiece made of pinecones on the dining room table.

Create appealing aromas. The scent of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls or apple pie is almost universally appealing. Avoid artificial fragrances like sprays and scented candles, which some buyers might be allergic to.

Offer warm treats. If delicious aromas are wafting through your home, follow through by having food and drinks available for buyers, such as cookies, hot chocolate or apple cider.
Play soothing sounds. Classical or jazz music playing softly in the background can add to your home's inviting atmosphere.

Emphasize comfort. As a finishing touch, emphasize the comfort of your home with luxurious and inviting fabrics, like soft blankets, plush towels or a silky tablecloth.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Selling During the Holidays Is Not All Bad

2008-11-23T08:45:00.000-08:00

Buyers can, and do, get serious during this busy time of year.
By Shannon Petrie

The holiday season is generally known as the worst time to sell a home. While sales do tend to drop off between November and January, there are actually some good reasons to sell your home during these months:

Buyers are more serious. Anyone shopping for a home during the holidays probably has to buy before a certain deadline. January is a popular month for job transfers, so some buyers may be looking to relocate before the new year. Investors may also want to close before the end of the year for tax reasons. If you live near a university, students and staff may be looking for homes between academic sessions, and if you live near a military base, servicemen and women may be moving to the area. Work with your agent to target these motivated buyers.

Buyers have more time to house-hunt. Some buyers purposely wait until their families are together for holiday vacations to start looking for a home.

There are fewer homes for sale. Lots of sellers take their homes off the market during the holidays, assuming no one will be buying at this time. But with serious buyers still out there and a lower inventory of homes, your home has a good chance of standing out.

Services are more available. Business slows down for real estate agents, lenders, home inspectors, appraisers and title companies during the holidays, so they all have more time to spend with clients.

Homes show better in the winter. Decked out in lights and garland, homes often look their best during the holiday months.

The holidays are stressful enough without having to think about staging and open houses, so if you're not truly motivated to sell, it's probably best to wait a few months. But if you absolutely have to sell, don't be discouraged. A good agent can take the burden off of your shoulders, giving you more time to enjoy the season.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

How to Choose a Great Listing Agent

2008-11-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

Ask these 10 questions to identify the best real estate agent to sell your property.
By Jennie Phipps Published: 11/10/2008

The world is full of people who sell real estate. Some of them are smart, efficient, focused, versatile and willing to go the extra mile. And some of them aren't.

Finding an agent who will sell your home using a range of marketing tools to get you the best deal possible in a reasonable amount of time, all while charging a fair rate, takes some effort. Interview at least three candidates before you sign a contract.

Here, thanks to Alison Rogers, author of Diary of a Real Estate Rookie, and a practitioner in New York City, are 10 questions you really want to ask so you can identify the best real estate agent to sell your property.

How much? Ask potential agents how much they think they can sell your home for. If two agents say $600,000 and the third says $700,000, think hard. It's likely the high bid is an exaggeration to attract your business. In the trade it's known as buying a listing. In the end, you'll be the one who pays because the high price will scare away potential buyers before you inevitably drop the price.

How will you market it? Running a few classified ads in the local paper, listing it on the Internet and holding an open house shouldn't be the only answers. The practitioner should be able to talk about what kinds of people are likely buyers and how he will reach out to those specific people.

How has your business changed in the last five years? If she doesn't talk about website tours and smart phones, chances are this is not a highly wired agent. While Luddites can still sell houses, it is getting harder. And if this is one of those people who doesn't even use e-mail, you're letting yourself in for unnecessary aggravation. And you may cut yourself off from opportunities.

Tell me how your last two deals surprised you? Every agent has a success story, but this question will give you a much better feel for what this practitioner is like as a salesperson.

What's your specialty? If you're selling a starter home in a community full of young families, hiring an agent who specializes in seniors is probably a bad idea. It doesn't mean that if he only sells condos that he can't sell a house, but he may not be geared up to do the best job.

How many people are you selling homes for right now and what are you doing for them? It may not be a bad thing that a high-powered agent is juggling 15 homes, but don't expert her to give you personal service, although her assistant should be attentive. On the other hand, be wary of an agent with no other customers because she may lack experience and contacts.

What do you expect of me? A good salesperson will have expectations. He may want you to leave and take the dog when the house is shown, paint the garage, move some furniture around and scrub the tile in the bathroom. It shows that he can think like a buyer and that's a good thing.

What advice would you have for me if I get an offer from a buyer who wants to use an FHA loan? It wasn't very long ago when the right answer might be run the other way, but these days government-guaranteed financing from the Federal Housing Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs and state and locally managed loan assistance programs can be key to selling a property. Real estate agents shouldn't be pushing buyers toward their favorite lenders, but they should be able to help them and you wade through complex financing issues.

What's your fee? Forty-six percent of sellers Consumer Reports surveyed this year attempted to negotiate a lower commission rate. About 71 percent succeeded and those people were just as satisfied with the performance of their real estate agents as those who paid the standard 6 percent or more. In short, if you don't ask, you don't get.

Can I talk to one of your previous clients? You never know.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Staging Tips for the Holidays

2008-11-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

Before you deck the halls, see how the right holiday decor can help you sell.
By Kara Wahlgren, FrontDoor.com Published: 11/10/2008

It's that time of year as calendars are packed with holiday parties, budgets are strained by gift-giving, and the roads are covered in freshly fallen snow. Alas, 'tis not the season for real estate. But the good news is, the brave few house-hunters who do venture out are serious about buying, and stylish trimmings will make them want to ring in the new year in your home.

"Holidays can be personal on a lot of levels, but you want to make sure your decor is neutral," advises Amy Powers, owner of Accent Home Staging & Interiors of Atlanta. "You want to romance your buyer, not invite them to your Christmas party."

Try these tips to get buyers in the right spirit:

Clean and stage. "Before you decorate, your house needs to be staged," Powers says. If your living room is already piled high with clutter and tchotchkes, your ceramic reindeer collection is only going to add to the sense of overcrowding.

Create a cozy vibe. The less-is-more mantra of home staging may tempt you to forgo holiday cheer this year. But a few subtle touches like a bowl of pinecones, an evergreen wreath, or a pot of cider simmering on the stove can create a warm and festive feeling in your home.

Complement your palette. Before you start untangling your tinsel, make sure your holiday collection matches your current decor. If your living room is painted a soothing ocean-blue hue, skip the clashing red garland and opt for white snowflakes or a silver glass-ball wreath. If you've got an earthy color scheme, accent with rich tones like cranberries, forest greens and gold.

Accentuate the positive. Too many trimmings may distract buyers, but the right accessories can draw attention to your home's best features. Dangle mistletoe in an arched doorway, or display your menorah on the ledge of a bay window; just don't block a beautiful view with stick-on snowflake decals or clutter an elegant fireplace with personalized stockings.

Go light on lights. Step away from the inflatable snowman, Clark Griswold. One man's "merry" is another man's "tacky," so tone down any garish light displays while your home is on the market. (No, your neighbors didn't pay us to say that.) Instead, use simple string lighting to play up your home's architecture or draw attention to the gorgeous fir tree in your front yard.

Be an equal-opportunity decorator. Leave the life-sized Nativity scene in storage this year, because overtly religious flourishes may be off-putting to some buyers. "You want to keep neutrality throughout, so you can attract any type of buyer," Powers says. Not sure what qualifies? Powers adds, "No matter what your religion is, you're not going to feel offended by a nutcracker."

Mind the tree. A tall Christmas tree can help you show off your two-story great room, but make sure the wide base won't overwhelm the floor space. If your living area is on the small side, save space with a skinny tree. Swap the gaudy heirloom ornaments and trim your tree in a cohesive theme such as icicle lights and silver tinsel, for example, or blue and gold glass balls.

Clear the clutter. A few decorations can stir the holiday spirit, but don't feel obliged to hang every last ornament. "A lot of people, when they decorate, tend to use all the extra space in their house," Powers says. "You still want each space to look as spacious as possible." Limit yourself to a few hints of holiday flair, but stash the rest in the basement for now. If you start to miss your Santa figurines, just remember that with a little luck, you'll be celebrating next year's holidays in a new home. And you can decorate that place any way you please.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Take These Pointers When Buying a Second Home

2008-11-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

Brush up on location, lifestyle and finances while searching for your retreat
By FrontDoor.com Published: 11/01/2007

Buying a second home has become one of the fastest growing trends in the United States. In fact, more than 30 million Americans are expected to enter the second home market within the next decade. It can seem like a daunting task, but with a few essential steps you can learn how to turn buying your second home into a sane, reasonable venture.
Assess Your Lifestyle
Think about what spot you love the most and the amount of time you will be spending in your vacation home.
If this house will be for weekend getaways, anything more than two hours may seem like a long trip.
Condos have relatively low maintenance, making them a good option for those using their homes one season a year, or for those who want a place farther away from their primary home.
When considering a condo, find out whether you can live with the homeowners association rules.
With a single-family home, you will have more privacy but you'll have to handle all the maintenance.
Many hotels are now providing rooms as condominium hotel rooms. These offer all the services of a hotel, but yet you're still able to benefit from the appreciation of that property over time.
Choose a Location
The best way to spot the up-and-coming neighborhoods is to drive around the area that you like, and go farther out; the homes in these areas will likely see their value increase as well.
Find out from local people how the town has changed, what's being built and what types of people are moving to the area.
Pick up the local paper to obtain information about political issues, tax issues and more.
Visit your vacation spot during each season to get a good idea of what it's like year-round.
If you might retire in your second home one day, make sure that there is quality, accessible health care nearby and that the environment is both safe and affordable.
Find out if there are enough places to pick up part-time work if you want or need to.
It's always important to check out the weather, especially if you plan to use for all seasons.
Think beyond the price tag of the home:
Check out the area public schools.
Consider neighborhoods just off the beaten path.
Rent two or more years in a row to get the true flavor of a place.
Do a test drive to the location at peak times, look for alternate routes.
And, finally, ask yourself the following:
Do I love one spot?
Do I have enough time?
Is it close enough?
What can I afford?

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Open house & house hunting checklist

2008-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Evaluate and rate each house you tour with this helpful checklist

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Tired of Talking to a Voice Robot?

2008-11-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

Tired of Talking to a Voice Robot? Want to Talk with a Human? Save this website to your favorites http://www.dialahuman.com/

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

It's almost Thanksgiving! I am working on my menu...

2008-11-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

While working on my Thanksgiving day menu I came across this recipe that looks pretty good, I thought I would share...

Baked Artichoke Hearts

Ingredients
Serves 8
1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh curly leaf parsley
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
2 ounces Pecorino Romano, grated (1/4 cup)
1 tablespoon mixed dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, and savory, or Italian seasoning blend
1 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
3 packages (9 ounces each) frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and drained
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for baking dishes
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced (2 teaspoons)

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine breadcrumbs, parsley, cheeses, herbs, and salt in a medium bowl, and season with pepper.
Brush oil inside two 4-cup, 9 1/2-inch ceramic baking dishes. Divide artichoke hearts between dishes, and spread into a single layer. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over artichokes, pushing it into cracks between hearts. Tap bottom of dishes on counter to settle breadcrumb mixture.
Whisk oil, lemon juice and zest, and garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle dressing evenly over breadcrumb topping. Cover dishes with parchment, then foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Increase temperature to 375 degrees. Uncover, and bake until breadcrumbs are golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Opportunities for First-Time Homebuyers in Today's Market

2008-11-14T09:34:00.001-08:00

Historically low interest rates make right now a good time to buy
By Bo Menkiti, FrontDoor.com Published: 9/01/2008
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The Real Estate Bubble has Burst...Mortgage Meltdown...Home Sales Thud to Five-Year Low! These are the dramatic headlines that dominate the national conversations about the housing market, but what does all of this mean for the first-time homebuyer?
The reality is that housing sales have slowed across the country, but the interest rates remain historically low -- 6.35 percent doesn't look bad compared to the 10 percent we saw in the early '90s and 17 percent in the '80s. The combination of these two factors can easily translate into great opportunities for first time homebuyers to maximize their purchase power by taking advantage of the changing market conditions.
The shifting market provides buyers with broader housing inventory to choose from as well as the opportunity to do more due diligence before making a final purchase decision. There is also increased opportunity to negotiate with both motivated sellers and new construction developers. With low interest rates buyers are able to leverage significant borrowing power to find a home that meets their needs while maintaining or in some cases reducing monthly housing costs and positioning themselves well for future wealth building.
There are some key factors to consider when deciding if it's the right time to make the commitment to home ownership:
Compare current monthly spending on rent with the costs of owning. This is a valuable exercise that can make the decision-making process a more logical one. When making the rent vs. buy calculations make sure to take into account the principle reduction you will experience in a fix rate amortizing loan as well as the immediate and long term tax benefits of home ownership. Engaging an experienced lender in your market can also be a significant asset in this phase. The lenders expertise will assist first-time homebuyers in uncovering potential resources and assets that facilitate the home buying process.
Look at local market trends rather than national trends. Median home sales in your area could range from $141,510 in Memphis, Tenn. to $825,100 in San Francisco, Calif. and the supply and demand ratio will vary just as drastically. When tracking the market, you'll need to look at the local sales trends and average pricing to determine what is happening, and what you can afford. Although a significant amount of information is available through the Internet, this is the stage where a Realtor in your area can provide great insight about the market conditions. It is important to identify an agent that is experienced with the areas where you are focusing the search.
Research the Community Based Lending Programs and First-Time Homebuyer Programs available in your market. Some programs offer 100 percent financing, below market interest rates or down payment/closing cost assistance. Many of the programs only require attendance at a home buying seminar, so six hours on a Saturday could save you thousands on mortgage expenses. These programs are often locally based and another area where a local real estate agent and lender can be of assistance.
Decide how long you plan to stay in the home and look at appreciation in your market. The key in all of this is to have a long term perspective. The days of homes values doubling or tripling in a few years are gone, but those who buy well located quality property with a three to seven year time horizon (depending on the market) are bound to continue to realize the significant benefits of home ownership.
Ultimately the decision on whether to stop renting and make the move to home ownership should be made based on personal finances and local market conditions. Engaging a talented team of real estate professionals will allow first-time home buyers to navigate the home buying process and be better positioned to take advantage of the market shifts that can create long-term benefits to buyers.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Packing for a Move

2008-11-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

6. Place a clean set of sheets and bedding in a dresser drawer in each bedroom. That way, when your furniture arrives at your new home, you can get fresh bedding without having to find the carton in which it was packed.
7. Wrap breakables in colored wrapping paper or tissue paper before you place them in the moving box. The brightly colored paper will draw attention to the item and prevent them from being accidentally thrown out with the packing paper.
8. Use blankets, pillows, towels and other linens as fillers in the box when packing fragile items.
9. Prune houseplants about two weeks before the move. You may want to consult a florist or plant book for instructions. One week before the move, place them in a black plastic bag along with bug/pest strips, conventional flea colors or bug powder. Close the bag and place in cool area overnight to kill any pests on the plant or in soil. The day before the move, place plants in cardboard containers. Hold them in place with dampened newspaper or packing paper. Use paper to cushion leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist. Punch air holes in the top before loading into your car or moving truck.
10. If you are moving out of state you'll want to check with the local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Pumpkin-Swirl Brownies

2008-11-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

I think one of the very best things about Fall has to be Pumpkins! I'd like to share a wonderful Pumpkin-Swirl Brownie Recipe with you

Ingredients
Makes 16
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups solid-pack pumpkin
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts or other nuts

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan or dish. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper; butter lining.

Melt chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, cayenne, and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Put sugar, eggs, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat until fluffy and well combined, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in flour mixture.

Divide batter between two medium bowls (about 2 cups per bowl). Stir chocolate mixture into one bowl. In other bowl, stir in pumpkin, oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Transfer half of chocolate batter to prepared pan smoothing top with a rubber spatula. Top with half of pumpkin batter. Repeat to make one more chocolate layer and one more pumpkin layer. Work quickly so batters don't set.

With a small spatula or a table knife, gently swirl the two batters to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle with nuts.

Bake until set, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 16 squares.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Organize Your Day

2008-11-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

How's tomorrow looking? Learn to plan tomorrow today, so you can boost productivity and look back and say, "That was easy."
These 5 simple rules of thumb will help you get through your day in an organized and productive manner.

1. Start the night before. Make a list of the things you have to do tomorrow, the evening before. Prioritize and organize each item in the sequence that it should be accomplished. Consolidate similar tasks together. When you wake up in the morning, you'll have a clear-cut guide detailing everything that must be done.

2. Watch out for diversions. Very often, a schedule gets thrown off track due to distractions, such as unexpected visitors or unscheduled phone calls. If you find that you constantly get off track, get a watch with a timer and set it so it goes off every 30 minutes. Every time it sounds, be sure you're working on what you originally said you would. If you're not, stop what you're doing and get back on schedule. Most distractions are not emergency situations.

3. Call before you leave. If you have an appointment during the day, always call to confirm before you leave your home or office. This will ensure that the person you're meeting did not forget about the appointment. Also, if there is going to be a long waiting time, perhaps you can do something else first, before you leave.

4. Check it off. Every time you finish something, cross it off your To Do List. This will give you a sense of accomplishment throughout the day and allow you to easily see what's still left.

5. Do a final check. At the end of the day, take a look at your list. How many items were you able to accomplish? Are there only 1-2 things left undone, or many? If there were just a few undone, simply move them to tomorrow's To Do List. If there were many undone, and you worked diligently on everything all day, then you probably had too many things on your list to begin with. Re-think how much you can possibly do in a given day. Remember, you only have 24 hours, and you should be using a third of those hours to sleep!

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Downsizing

2008-11-05T07:06:00.000-08:00

How can you scale down your home without overcrowding your new dwelling? Plan to declutter your life. Whether you do it alone or hire a downsizing specialist, look hard at what you own and eliminate excess belongings.

Are you or a loved one faced with the challenge of downsizing? Perhaps the time has come to move to a smaller home or assisted living facility? Whatever the reason, many people are faced with the challenge of sorting through and cleaning out most of their belongings. The daunting task of sorting belongings, finding a home for those you cannot move, organizing the move, unpacking, and finally getting settled into your new, albeit smaller home can be overwhelming.
There are three choices when it comes to downsizing. You can do it yourself (or allow family members to help you), hire someone to do the downsizing for you, or do a combination of self and assisted downsizing. If you plan on hiring someone to help you downsize, there are many services available. Resources such as senior move managers and other organizational professionals can be invaluable. Most of us, however, will plan on either downsizing ourselves or having some partial assistance to help us complete the task.

First, let’s tackle the procedure for downsizing. Most important, estimate how much space you will have in your new home. Obviously, you can take more furniture and other items to a retirement community home than you can into a room at a nursing home. Once you have an estimate on space issues, figure that you are overestimating the space by about 20%. You will actually have less space than you think! Nothing is worse than living in an overcrowded dwelling!

Ok, you have your space estimate. Choose your furniture for function as well as form. Try to make the best use of your space with these larger pieces of furniture. As painful as it is now to get rid of that behemoth tiger maple wardrobe, you may be thankful that you have not crammed it into your 10’ X 10’ master bedroom! Consult family members and friends to see if they would like these pieces. For valuable furniture, estate liquidators or antique dealers/liquidators are a great resource: a reputable dealer can get you top dollar. You can also call local consignment shops to sell nice furniture. Who wouldn’t like to start out their new living quarters with some extra money? If you can’t or don’t want to sell your furniture, many charities enjoy donations of nice furniture and some will even pick it up for you.

Now that we have pared down the large pieces, we are down to the toughest part of downsizing: those well-loved knick-knacks and collectibles, as well as just plain old clutter. Sad to say, most of these items are beloved only by you. Although you treasure them, others may not. The trick is to ask yourself if you can’t live without the item. This works for clothes, artwork, area rugs, shoes, books, really just about anything! I usually start with three boxes and a trash bag. One box I label with a black marker as “Charity”, one gets labeled “Give Away”, and one “Keep”. Of course, the trash bag speaks for itself. This is also the time to consider whether or not you would like to have a yard sale. If so, you’ll need a box (or several) labeled “Yard Sale”. To encourage yourself, remember that every item you can give away, sell, or trash is one less thing you’ll have to move and unpack in your new place!

Sorting can be boring! One way to break up the monotony of sorting is to set a timer. That way you break up a room into bite sized chunks, and you won’t feel so overwhelmed. Maybe you want to work on this 15 minutes a day? Perhaps you can devote an entire hour? Choose an increment of time, set that egg timer, and get to work!

Ask yourself the following questions:
Have I used/worn/read it this year?
Do I like/love it?
Will I wear/use/read it again?
Does it need repair?
Is it valuable?
Does someone else in my circle of family/friends love it?
Is it ugly?

You get the idea by now, I’m sure. Choose wisely what you place in the “Keep” box!
After you have completed your allotted time, you can close up the boxes. Leave them in the room if it is unused, if not, move them to the garage or another unused room. Work on one room at a time in manageable increments until it is complete. When the room is complete, look in your “Keep” Box, remove a few more items; be ruthless. Put those items into one of your other boxes or bags. You can now pack up this smallish box of “Keepers” and that room is packed!! Put this box in a safe place!

Move from room to room after each is completed. Don’t forget to sort through your attic, basement, or shed. Make sure you consider yard furniture and décor pieces: be thorough! You will be surprised at how quickly it goes. Sort carefully and you will be surprised at how many unused/unnecessary items you currently own. Remember, you may no longer need or want it, but someone else might!

Now comes the assistance part. You have done a phenomenal job of decluttering & sorting. Pat yourself on the back. However, now you may have some heavy boxes of things that are marked “Charity” or “Give Away”. You may have also have several Hefty Bags to get rid of. You have a choice. You can heft these boxes out to your car; make several trips to local charity, the landfill, friends or family, the library (they love good used books), etc. You can try to fit that gargantuan tiger maple wardrobe into your Honda, and try not to herniate any more disks in your back. You can take advantage of your friends and ask them to help you schlep all this around. A good alternative is to call in the assistance of a junk removal company. One well known company, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is noted for doing an exceptional job of removing items that you may no longer want. While you sit on your favorite chair (marked “Keep”), these friendly, uniformed people will do all the heavy lifting for you in no time flat. They will even remove the stained plaid sofa your basset hound used to sleep on or the old mattresses that you don’t know what to do with. That ancient avocado refrigerator in your garage? Gone, in a single phone call. Items marked “Charity” will go to charity, items for the landfill will go there. These folks arrive on time in clean, shiny trucks, and remove your junk with a smile. When they are done, they’ll even sweep up the mess.

Ahhh! Now, you can invite your friends and family to come into your now spacious, clutter-free home to choose from the “Give Away” Boxes.

Think how easy this next move is going to be, with a little planning and a little help
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Selling A Home: Remove Clutter!

2008-11-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

Cleaning to show a home may seem like a simple or even unnecessary step. But the process is important. The pictures and mementos that make up our memories only clutter a potential buyer's image of "their" new home. Help make the sale by giving them a fresh view of the home.
Most sellers understand keeping a house clean and picked-up but have difficulty understanding how to really remove clutter. It is more than keeping the house neat. Try some of the following and impress your agent and, more importantly, potential buyers.

The first task I suggest it to pretend you are not the owner or even that you have ever seen the house before. Tour your property both inside and outside and make a list of anything you see that catches your eye and takes away from the homes appeal. These will be offensive to your eye such as toys in the front yard, hoses that are not put away, busy shelves and too many items on the mantel. It could also be stacks of magazines or newspapers.Make the tour several times and keep adding to your list. The more you notice the less the potential buyers will. Most home owners, including myself, are attached to our home, how we have decorated it and our possessions we proudly display. Sellers must accept the fact they will not be in the house much longer and be willing to repaint rooms with neutral colors, remove pictures and put away those souvenirs from last years vacation. A good idea is to start by removing most of your personal items from each room. Get boxes or storage containers to store your items. Approach the removing clutter as if you are staging or preparing a model home for viewing by buyers. Remember you want the buyers to be able to imagine their belongings in the house. You will know if you have successfully removed clutter in your home by the number of boxes or storage containers you have when you are done. Your first thought may be to put all these boxes neatly in a closet. Resist the temptation and consider closet space can be a selling feature. They too should look as good as possible. Not overly packed closets will help create a spacious feeling in your home. If your closets are packed full or messy, the potential buyer may get the feeling the house is not big enough.

Don't overlook your garage as this is the place most of us consider as a storage area. Find a friend, neighbor or family member willing to store your boxes and containers. If this is not possible consider renting a storage facility on a short term basis. Selling your home quickly and at a higher price will more than cover the cost. After making your tours, list and removing your personal item I suspect your real estate agent will still think you have too much in the house. Don't be timid about asking your agent to help point out these final few items. We spend a fair amount of time in homes and have a good feel for which ones show best and why. If you ask, be prepared to accept their suggestions. We are here to help you sell your house, not be critical of your possessions. If all of this seems more than you want to cope with, consider using a professional stager. They can remove clutter and even help you bring in items that will make your house look like a model home. Again selling quickly and for the best price possible can more than pay for this service.Like above, consult your agent, they can help you make this decision.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Choosing Your Home Type

2008-11-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

Home! Home, sweet home — it’s a lovely image, isn’t it? Parents relaxing after a hard day’s work. Kids doing homework or playing in the yard. Maybe a cat in the windowsill, a dog in the yard. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Well, it’s not that simple.
The fact is, there is no single ideal home because there isn’t just one type of homebuyer. Some of us are single, some have spouses but no kids, and some would gladly forgo the yard (and the attendant yard work) for a balcony with hanging plants and a panoramic view. Home ownership, like love itself, is a many-splendored thing.

Condos, Co-ops, and Townhomes, Oh My
There are, of course, thousands of types of homes, but the vast majority fit into one of several broad categories. Depending on your particular situation, it may be best to focus on one of the following:
Single-family detached
It can be anything from a 100-year-old handyman’s special to a designer home in the poshest planned community in town. Yet whether it’s a starter home or a starter castle, it is, by definition, a single house on its own parcel of land.As the owner of a single-family detached home, you get to make all decisions (within reason) regarding exterior style, yard improvements, and household rules (parking, pets, late-night noise, etc.). The flip side, of course, is that you also get to pay for all repairs and routine maintenance.
Condominium
Condos, too, take many shapes and forms (attached townhouses, warehouse lofts, high-rise apartments, etc.), but all adhere to two basic principles: 1) Each owner owns the interior of their unit — “from the paint in,” as they say — and a portion of everything else from the roof and exterior walls to any communal facilities. And 2) All owners pay dues to fund a homeowner’s association that handles maintenance, common-area repairs, insurance, and unpleasant surprises.For some buyers — singletons, for example, and couples without kids — a condo can be an excellent choice. They tend to be more affordable (lower construction costs, shared expenses), require less maintenance (someone else cleans the gutters and mows the lawn), and often have amenities (a pool or fitness center, perhaps) that few of us could afford on our own. The downside? More noise, less privacy, and possibly less appreciation when you’re ready to sell.
Co-op
It’s short for co-operative apartment, and although they’re not common (except in high-cost, high-density areas like New York City), they are an option. They typically resemble condominiums, but instead of owning their own unit, co-op owners become shareholders in the corporation that owns the entire property. The corporation (through a board of directors) assesses monthly dues, manages the property, and pays the mortgage and other bills.
More to the point, perhaps, shareholders get to vote on all major decisions, including who gets to live in the co-op. In other words, your fellow owners can turn down prospective buyers based on everything from financial concerns to perceived reputation (although, by law, they can’t discriminate). In other words, getting out (i.e., selling) can be just as difficult as getting in.
A Word About Townhouses
The term “townhouse” or “townhome” isn’t a legal one, but rather a decorative one. Simply put, it refers to homes that are individually owned (along with the land beneath them), but that also share common walls with one or more neighboring homes. From inner-city row houses (think Rocky) to downtown duplexes to golf-course villas, they occupy a sort of middle ground between condominiums and single-family detached homes.Are they a good idea? It depends on your tastes and interests. Like detached homes, most provide a yard (although usually quite small); like condos, they often provide communal amenities (e.g., a swimming pool, tennis courts), but with the same noise, privacy, and stylistic issues. And, assuming you’ll sell someday, be aware that, all things being equal, townhouses generally appreciate more than condos, but less than detached homes. However, they are usually cheaper than a detached home.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

10 More tips for an exciting Halloween

2008-10-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

1 - Fog machines are now very inexpensive and readily available during the Halloween buying season, adding one to your haunt or party makes a big impact on your Halloween celebration and will add that extra effect to thrill and scare your trick or treaters. Visit Got Fog? for everything you need to know about fog machines!
2 - Add some spider web to your party decorations and haunt, you can find it at most stores selling Halloween products. Just attach to something and pull it out all over!
3 - Use apples for taper candle holders. Choose small, round apples that will sit stable on a flat surface and remove the stems. Cut a small round hole in the top of each apple - deep and wide enough to securely hold a taper candle. Make sure the apples are shaped so that they have a flat bottom, so they won't tip over.
4 - Great party idea, start a circle ghost story! Sit in a circle and start a scary ghost story. Each guest adds on to the story until it reaches a scary ending!
5 - Videotape your Halloween memories! Interview some of your trick-or-treaters, your yard haunt, carved jack-o-lanterns. You'll be glad you did when you sit down to watch it later!
6 - You can find candy companies on line that will add a personalized wrapper to your candy bars! They are relatively inexpensive and make a great treat to hand out at your yard haunt!
7 - Having a party for little ghouls? Let them make their instruments out of oat meal cans, tin cans, add a inexpensive plastic flute, noise makers, kazoos and start a musical Halloween parade through your neighborhood! The kids love it and the neighbors will, too!
8 - An alternative to bobbing for apples is to hang them by their stems with thread from the ceiling and let party goers try to bite them!
9 - Hang long strands of white thread on your porch to simulate spider webs. Make them long enough so that little kids will be able to feel them, too. Spray them with water to add an extra creepy factor.
10 - Have a pumpkin carving contest for your kids and their friends. Buy a few smaller pumpkins and give prizes for the most creative. You can also use paints as an alternative.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

Looking to try something new this Halloween? Find some inspiration with these suggestions.

1 - Spookify your computer with a scary screensaver!
2 - Old tree trunks or cut sections of thick limbs make great stands for your Jack O' Lanterns, witches cauldrons and other props. You can sometimes find these at nursery's. You can also check with local firewood providers.
3 - Hollow out mini pumpkins and use as votive candle holders. They are inexpensive and look really great, you can even carve or paint faces in them!
4 - Ask your Halloween party guests to bring a carved pumpkin to the party. Set up a special table to display them all on (this will also enhance your party décor!)
5 - Serve fresh veggies using a hollowed out pumpkin as a bowl. Cut of the top and clean out, leaving the top in a jagged edge design! Use mini pumpkins to hold dips!
6 - Add the effect of lightning to your haunted house, yard haunt or Halloween party with the Lightning Machine from Haunted Creations. This unit realistically simulates the effects of both thunder and lightning! Read all about it in the lighting section at: The Yard Haunter
7 - Use clear food handlers plastic gloves to freeze ice hands to throw in the punch bowl. It will keep it cold and look great!
8 - For an eerie effect, hang glow-in-the-dark bats, skeletons and spiders from the ceilings and trees! Write scary Halloween messages or body outlines on your front walk using colored chalk or washable fluorescent paint. Use a black lights to enhance the effect. Check out the Black Light Magic section of this site.
9 - Treating your kids to a spooky Halloween dinner will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them. Check here for some recipes for main dishes using pumpkins!
10 - Create creepy autumn centerpieces by filling vases with dried flowers, brown leaves, and empty branches. Tie a black ribbon bow around each centerpiece.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Top 10 things to do before you list your home

2008-10-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

Homes that have been staged sell 3-10% higher and 60% faster than other homes. Stage your home before you list your home for sale.

1. Make a great first impression
Make your home memorable. Home buying is an emotional purchase, with buyers deciding in the first 30 seconds of seeing the home if this is the one. The front entrance should be warm and welcoming. Does your home look great from the street (i.e., does it have great curb appeal)? Your home should be the one buyers want to see the rest of when they enter.

2. Clean, Clean, Clean
This is something most sellers overlook but the buyer will not. Buyers will look at the kitchen and bathrooms with a critical eye. So, if the grout around the sink or the shower needs to be recaulked, do it! Clean the carpets and rugs (this might eliminate any weird odors, too). If buyers see evidence that they will have to clean and fix things, they will offer less money for the home. A clean home looks like it has been taken care of and loved. If you need help, enlist a friend or hire a professional cleaning service.

3. Declutter
Nothing is worse than entering a home with clutter. And, since you are already planning to move, START PACKING! Get all personal items that you do not need or use packed and stored, such as photographs and children's art. You want the potential buyer to see themselves in the home and they can't do that if all they see is you and your family. Remove magnets and notes from the fridge.

4. Store it
Most of us have more furniture than we need or use. Grandma's chair, or that special rocker being saved for the grandchildren needs to be packed up and stored. Remove any furniture that is not absolutely necessary. If a room is open, it looks large and adds square footage to the home; this is $$$ in the real estate market. Have the kids put a few toys in special basket and pack the rest.

5. Let there be light
Open the curtains and let the sunshine in! You may like your privacy, but the buyer doesn't want to think about that when looking at a home. They want to know that light will come in and the house won't be dark. Turn on all the lights before a showing or open house.

6. Neutral background
Look at your walls -- are they clean and bright? Has it been years since you painted? Neutral walls (not just white) that are clean and have an up-to-date color makes a huge impression. Make sure your artwork matches your decor tastefully and the scale and size is right for the room and furniture. Don't forget the woodwork -- make sure it is painted and clean. If your woodwork is stained, make sure it's clean and dusted.

7. Set the stage
Most people only use their dining room on special occasions. Make it look as though you are having a dinner party in an hour. Make sure you have a center piece and fresh flowers are an inexpensive way to make someone want to sit down and join the party. If your home is casual, set a casual table. If your dining room is formal, pull out all the stops and set it with China.

8. Empty closets
Empty every closet as much as you can. Remove out of season clothes. Pack all items that you are not going to use in the next 3 months. The kitchen cabinets should not be overlooked, nor should the bookcases, hutches, built-ins, entertainment centers or any other storage space. You want it to look as though there is room for the buyers' things. Buyers will open cabinet doors to see inside, make sure they see space. If you have a lot of stuff in the attic, basement or garage now is the time to pack it up or get rid of it; remember you are moving.

9. Pet smarts
If you have pets, contain them. Preferably, move them out of the house during open houses. Find a friend or neighbor to help if you can't board them. If you are leaving for a showing or open house take them with you. Remember that a litter box should always be out of sight and clean. Pay attention to the yard, when a buyer steps out to see the property make sure they don't step in anything.

10. Smells good
Remember smell is a very important sense and your house has a smell of its own. Does yours have a good smell or a bad smell? Do you have pets? Most owners are immune to the smell of their pets and the odor of their home. Ask a friend who is sensitive to these things to give you feedback. Does she smell Rover, or the cat? Can she smell the fish you had last night or your teenage sons shoes? Odor eliminating sprays work very well, baking cookies or cakes is a good idea, but a high-end home fragrance is another great alternative.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Staging Your House

2008-10-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Dressing homes for success before their debut day on the market has not only become de rigueur but it has spawned a booming industry that even has a trademarked name. It's called "staging," and if you think of it a little like getting a stage ready for a theater performance or the television crew, you're not far off.

Seducing the Buyer
The idea is to set the "stage" for would-be buyers to imagine themselves happily living in your home. Setting the stage to sell your home does indeed mean that your home must be attractive and appealing even beyond being clean and in excellent repair. In short, your home needs to seduce.

There are professionals called "Home Stagers" who are trained in assisting home sellers and Real Estate Agents in preparing homes to sell. In fact, statistically professionally staged homes sell 50% faster and for 6% more then homes not professionally staged. You can find a directory of professional home stagers and additional home staging resources at the Home Staging Resource (http://www.homestagingresource.com).

Staging Tips From the Pros
De-clutter one more time. Think of it as a second, more thorough editing. When you removed clutter and personal items the first time around, you probably weren't hard-nosed enough.
Remove large unnecessary items. Even if it means paying for storage somewhere else. Large items can make rooms smaller than they are.
Get serious with the closets. Staging pros suggest removing about half the clothes from your closets, then buying new, attractive, matching hangers for all the clothes that remain. Hang the clothes all facing the same direction. Organize shoeboxes into neat stacks. In linen closets wash all the towels and sheets so that nothing smells musty, and fold them perfectly, as if they were on display at a high-end department store.
It may be worthwhile to invest in some plush new bathroom towels and an attractive new bedspread. Remember you will take these with you when you move, and if your old towels and bedspread look threadbare or faded, the message is that your home is dated or unkempt.
Make sure every window sparkles and that the drapes/blinds are all open. No one wants to live in a dark house so make sure every possible ray of light gets in. Check all the light bulbs in every single fixture to make sure they work. Replace them with brighter ones, if possible.
Professional stagers have lots of "beauty tips," such as replacing shabby throw pillows in the living room with new ones; turning every jar and bottle in your kitchen pantry and bathroom medicine cabinet so that the label faces toward you - this gives your pantry and medicine cabinet an orderly look; organizing books on books shelves so that books of the same height are arranged next to each other; and storing any kitchen appliances or cookware that doesn't fit easily into a cupboard. Since people will open your kitchen cupboards, consider removing any truly ugly or dinged up cookware.
Make sure your home smells good. Now that you've ridden it of any animal, smoke, or cooking smells, throw open the windows for a while.
All ready for your visitors? It never hurts to take one, last, very careful look. Leave the house. This is important. Many buyers find it weird to encounter the seller when they go to an open house. They will hesitate to look in rooms and closets and will leave quickly, never a good sign. If you're selling it yourself without an agent try not to hover and don't follow visitors from room to room.
Also, don't forget about the outside of the home. Plant blooming flowers near the front and back doors and add fresh bark around the yard. Make sure your shrubbery is well trimmed and the grass is mowed and fertilized. A buyer gets a first impression of your home by driving by, so the outside look is just as important as the inside.

Real Life Example ...
Who: Home seller on a last tour of a rental home she was selling.The quote: "I power washed the house, cleaned the gutters, cleaned the roof, cleaned the driveway, put beauty bark and gravel around the house, painted one room, and that was it. I came by one last time to mow and found a dead rat on the workbench in the garage and an agent coming up the driveway. I flung the rat into my neighbor's yard and then went back later to retrieve it."Who: Seller hid loads of soiled laundry in her car during a showing.The quote: " Buyers were not looking at or in my car so it was a safe place to hide my piles of unfinished laundry."

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Enticing Buyers With a Home Warranty

2008-10-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

When you buy a new home from a contractor or housing developer, it comes with a warranty guaranteeing that the home's mechanical systems, including plumbing, heating, electrical, and air conditioning, will work for a certain period of time. The major appliances, if included in the new home, are also covered by the warranty. If anything malfunctions while under warranty the appliance or mechanical system is repaired or replaced for a small deductible of usually no more than $75 paid by the homeowner. Warranties on new homes typically cover one to five years, and can be renewed.

Competing With the New
Sounds like a pretty good deal, right? Homebuyers naturally love warranties that are included in the price of the home. Often homebuyers have plunked down a lot of their savings and have borrowed heavily to make their home purchase. The last thing they want to think about is the possibility of having to make costly repairs in the first year or two. A warranty means no big repair bills for at least a year.But say the home you want to sell isn't new. It's 30 years old and you've been living in it for the last 10 years. How do you compete with the new homes in your market and their attractive warranties?Easy. Buy a seller's warranty, which is essentially a home warranty that you buy to make your older home more attractive to would-be buyers. Basically it's the same deal as any home warranty: You pay about $300 to $400 for a year's worth of coverage, and if anything malfunctions during that time, the new homeowner only pays a deductible of $50 to $75. There are many places to buy home warranties, from insurance companies to banks. Some companies that offer home warranties even have programs for home sellers whereby you don't have to pay the warranty premium until you actually sell the home. Also, most companies will offer a warranty even on homes that are quite old.Do not confuse home warranties with homeowner's insurance. Homeowner's insurance almost never covers a home's mechanical systems or appliances. It generally covers damage due to fire, theft or vandalism, windstorms, or other natural disasters, accidents, or crime.A seller's warranty can also be a nice bit of insurance for you as home seller. The last thing you want is to be settled in your new home and get a call from the guy who bought your previous home complaining about the heating system, which, now that it's October, is not working. Even worse, you may get a call from his lawyer.More than half the states in the nation now have strict disclosure laws obligating sellers to inform would-be buyers about a home's existing problems, if any. If you live in a state with a disclosure rule you are legally required to tell the truth about such past and existing problems as whether your home was ever flooded, when you last replaced the roof, and if you know of any problems with your mechanical systems. (See Tell All: Disclosure for the Seller.) Still, despite these required disclosures, in the worst-case scenario you still could be vulnerable to a lawsuit if the buyer of your home suddenly finds himself with a completely non-functioning plumbing or heating system. A $400 warranty may be worth it for your peace of mind.

Warranties and Market Trends
However, in a housing market that is relatively hot - meaning lots of buyers chasing a limited number of existing homes - few sellers offer warranties. As long as you follow your state's disclosure requirements, if any, and do not lie about existing problems, most buyers assume they are taking on the responsibility of maintaining the home and fixing future malfunctions. If they love your home and its location, they'll buy the house with or without a warranty.In a very hot market, would-be buyers may be contemplating buying your home primarily for its location and then doing a major remodel, including adding entirely new heating or plumbing systems. A few years ago, for instance, one of the most popular high-end remodels was to replace older plumbing systems, often made of lead, using copper pipes. Buyers in such a market know they'd better jump to get the house and figure out how to remodel later. They would have no particular interest in a home warranty. And you would waste money buying one.Most sellers of existing homes do not offer warranties. And if you are selling in a strong market, there's probably no big reason to offer one as a competitive advantage. But, if you think your home needs a bit of a boost to make it stand out from the competition, you might consider buying a warranty.

Seller's Tip: As always, you need to research your market. Go to open houses for homes like yours and see if sellers offer warranties. Ask friends and colleagues who've recently bought if the sellers threw a warranty into the deal. If you really need a competitive advantage to sell your house, you can think of the $400 premium for a warranty as a part of your marketing plan. If your house is highly desirable anyway, skip the warranty and save your money.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Do I Need a Home Warranty?

2008-10-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

A warranty is a kind of insurance against defects or malfunctions that might occur in the home after the sale. As with anything else, you usually get what you pay for. Your real estate agent can advise you about the kinds of warranties available in your area, including what they cover and what they cost. You can also look for home warranty companies in the phone book, in the real estate section of your local paper, or online.Typically, home warranties protect buyers (or home owners) for such items as:
Repair costs of built-in appliances
Roof leaks
Plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems
Structural problems
Some sellers include a home warranty as part of the sale—and if not, you might be wise to ask for it. Sometimes buyers and sellers split the cost; it offers peace of mind to both parties. Be sure to educate yourself as to what a warranty in your area covers and what it costs.Some warranties exclude appliances from coverage. Some warranties also specifically exclude swimming pools and spas, or else require an additional fee to cover them.
Warranty Policy Example
How one warranty policy describes what is covered and what isn’t:KITCHEN REFRIGERATOR/SUB ZERO UNITCovered: All parts and components that affect the operation of the unitNot Covered: Ice-makers (except where noted, subject to all other agreement limitations), crushers, dispensers and related equipment, internal shell, racks, shelves, food spoilage, independent freezers (except where noted, subject to all other agreement limitations)MICROWAVE OVEN (BUILT-IN)Covered: All parts and componentsNot Covered: Interior lining, door glass, shelves, rotisseries, meat probes, portable countertop units, lightsGARAGE DOOR OPENERCovered: Motor, wiring, switches, receiver unitNot Covered: Garage doors, remote transmitters, track drive, sensorsELECTRICAL SYSTEMCovered: Outlets, switches, junction boxes, breakers, main panel, sub panelsNot Covered: Power failure/surge, D.C. components, low voltage, and accessories. All intercoms, fixtures, inadequate wiring capacity, cable wiring, fiber optic, access to wiring
What to Look For
Whether the seller buys the warranty or you purchase your own, read it carefully. If what you read is not satisfactory, choose a different policy or a different company. Make sure the policy spells out:
The term of the warranty (usually one year but there may be an option to extend)
The names of the persons being protected by the warranty
If the warranty is being transferred (from the seller to you), clear specifics of how that transfer will take effect
A precise explanation of how to file a claim
A clear description of what is covered — what is included, what is excluded, any limitations on personal property coverage. Any deductibles or other fees besides the cost of the policy itself
A clear explanation of who will make repairs (Does the warranty company have its own repair people? Does it have a designated service company? Or will you be reimbursed for the cost of having repairs done?)

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Contingencies Are the Buyer's Friend

2008-10-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

A significant portion of the purchase contract consists of clauses relating to conditions, or contingencies, that must be satisfied, each within a certain timeframe, in order for the sale to go through. These are the legal loopholes that allow you to back out of the contract under certain circumstances. They apply a practical brake to the emotional rush that often drives a home purchase.

Keeping Track of Due Dates
A useful tool during the weeks leading up to closing is a calendar or schedule that reminds you of dates by when certain tasks must be completed. Contingency clauses also specify when and how notice of cancellation must be given and received. Your real estate agent and the escrow company handling the transaction should be staying on top of this schedule, but it will help if you keep an eye on it as well. The others are juggling many schedules; this one is your baby.Contingencies are a double-edged sword. Some of them are designed to protect you from major disaster, letting you cancel the contract without penalty. By the same token, of course, the seller is allowed to rescind the contract if you don’t meet your obligations.

Disclosure Requirements
Many states now require sellers to give buyers a completed disclosure form within a few days of both parties having signed the purchase contract. Often the form contains a statement that the seller knows that the buyer is relying on the form's contents. Some real estate companies require seller disclosures, and agents can be held legally responsible for not disclosing defects to buyers.Even where disclosure is voluntary and even if the sale is deemed “as-is,” sellers must disclose all material problems and defects that would affect the value of the home and the buyer’s decision to purchase.The disclosure statement covers everything from roofs, appliances, plumbing, and termites to environmental hazards (abandoned oil or septic tanks, for example) and zoning changes or assessments that might affect the cost of living. If the property is in an earthquake hazard zone, flood zone, or other area where government regulations apply special building restrictions and requirements, that must be disclosed as well.The seller must declare whether or not he or she has knowledge of any of these problems or others such as past water or fire damage, even if repaired.If you have not received a disclosure form by the deadline, you have the right to cancel the contract and get your deposit back. Once you receive the disclosure form, you have a limited time to decide what you want to do, including rescinding your offer.

The Financing Contingency
Perhaps the most essential contingency clause for most buyers is financing. This makes the offer conditional upon your getting a mortgage for the amount and at the terms you specified in the offer, including the interest rate, whether the rate is fixed or adjustable, the duration of the loan, and the amount of the monthly mortgage payment. If you’re assuming the seller’s existing mortgage or the seller is “carrying back” a second deed of trust, those terms would be spelled out as well.Having your financing pre-approved before you make an offer gives you an enormous step up, but other necessary items in the loan process — appraisal and homeowner's insurance — can cause the deal to fall apart.

How Appraisals Affect You
Your mortgage lender will require an appraisal of the property before issuing the loan. Most lenders require that the loan-to-value ratio be no greater than 80 percent. That is, the bank usually will not lend more than 80 percent of the appraised value. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price you’ve agreed to, you may suddenly find yourself several thousand dollars short of needed cash at closing.If the purchase price is in line with strong CMA numbers, you could ask the mortgage lender to have another appraisal done or to override the appraisal value and issue the original amount you requested. If that doesn’t work, a properly written appraisal contingency clause would allow you to renegotiate the purchase price so that it matches the appraisal, or to cancel the offer and get your deposit back.

Homeowner's Insurance
To protect their investment, lenders require you to carry fire and hazard insurance. If you don’t have insurance in place before closing, the lender won’t come through with your loan. If you don’t purchase your own policy, you will have to pay for the more expensive one the lender will take out for you. Failure to pay insurance premiums will result in foreclosure.In certain parts of the country, lenders will require additional coverage for events — hurricanes, floods, earthquakes — excluded from ordinary policies. If your house is in a labeled flood zone, you will need to take out special flood insurance. This is sometimes available from the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program. Earthquake insurance is sometimes difficult to come by, so if you need it and can’t find it, contact your state insurance commission.To avoid last-minute problems, apply for homeowners insurance as soon as the purchase contract is signed. Get price quotes from at least three companies and have the policy delivered to the escrow company or closing agent a few days before the scheduled close.Make the purchase contingent upon a satisfactory Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report, or upon your being able to obtain affordable insurance. Your agent may need to attach a rider or an addendum to the purchase contract.

Don’t Be CLUE-less
Insurance companies have lately been running the equivalent of credit reports on properties to see how often these homes have been involved in insurance claims. If the home you wish to buy is deemed a bad insurance risk, you may be unable to get insurance at all or else have to pay much higher rates.One way to guard against this situation is to ask the seller for a CLUE home seller’s disclosure report. CLUE, or Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, is a national database containing more than 40 million personal property insurance claims. The CLUE report for the house you wish to purchase will show all claims reported over a five-year period. This will show the date, type of loss, and amount paid for claims such as water damage, mold, and fires.Only the homeowner or the insurance company can request the CLUE report, so you need to request it from the seller.

Sale of Buyer’s Property
This is a contingency some buyers might feel safe in waiving if they’ve got a buyer for their other property. However, if you need the proceeds from this sale in order to close on your new home and the other sale has not yet closed, you’d be wise to leave the contingency in place. Otherwise, you could lose your deposit if your other deal falls through and you can’t close on the new house. But recognize that this makes your offer much weaker to the seller.

Satisfactory Survey
A clause making the purchase contingent on a satisfactory survey ensures that you know whether any structures of your new home encroach on your neighbor’s property or vice versa. Your mortgage lender may want a valid survey as well. The question of who pays for it may be negotiated between you and the seller. If you’re thinking of installing a major improvement such as a swimming pool or replacing a chain link fence with a beautiful rock wall, you will definitely want to know precisely where your property lines are. You will also want the seller to obtain written statements from any neighbors with whom there are encroachments that have previously been accepted.

Clear Title and Other Claims
The title insurance company is charged with researching the title on your property to determine that you will have clear ownership and that there are no outstanding claims against the property. The most common type of lien against real estate is a mortgage, but liens for unpaid work performed on the property also occur. If you are purchasing a home from an estate, make sure that the estate has paid all estate taxes. If the estate defaults, the IRS can and will come after the new owner (that would be you) for delinquent estate taxes; the estate tax lien lasts 10 years. However, if you have title insurance, the insurance company will have to foot that bill.Buyer's Tip: Pay attention to the "exclusions" in your title insurance policy. They might make you wonder what the title insurance policy does cover. In general, it covers anything that is legally recorded, and excludes anything that is "on the ground" (e.g., a fence that crosses the property boundary). It's the latter that could get you in trouble later on. If you see anything that makes you wonder about the property lines, ask for a survey paid for by the seller.

Condominium Documents
If you’re buying a condo, you will at some point be handed a thick packet of documents from the condo association detailing the condo rules and regulations, covenants, and financial documents. Your purchase can be contingent on your approval of these documents.

Review Contingency
You can include a clause specifying that the purchase contract is subject to the review and approval of your attorney or subject to the approval of your spouse after he or she has had a chance to see the house in person. Review contingencies are often used to give you an out if you suddenly realize you’ve made a bad mistake. In some cases, you can also include a "neighborhood review" as a contingency, meaning that you have a certain amount of time to ask questions of neighbors and hang out in the area until you are satisfied it's where you want to live.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Explaining Escrow for Buyers

2008-10-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Escrow is not an everyday word for most of us. In fact, it’s a confusing word because in a real estate transaction it has several meanings.
Weeks ago when you made an offer on your new home, you wrote an earnest money check that was to be placed in “escrow,” which meant it was to be given to an impartial third party while you and the seller negotiated a purchase contract. A real estate agent probably took care of creating this escrow.
Now your lender is talking about creating an “escrow” account, also called a “reserve” or “impound” account, where money for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance will be held. The lender may have an in-house department that handles this type of escrow.
Even more confusing is that the “closing of escrow” is being described by someone called an escrow officer.
All of the above are accurate uses of the word. An escrow is something of value such as your earnest money check, or documents such as your purchase and sales agreement, that are given to an impartial third party to hold until specific conditions are met. When everything is finished — everybody paid and the deed recorded with the county, the escrow will close.If you remember nothing else about the word escrow, remember the concept of the impartial third party — someone with nothing to gain or lose from your real estate transaction. Depending on where you live, that third party — an escrow agent, title agent, or closing attorney — is the person handling your escrow process.They will juggle all incoming paperwork and money from buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and assorted others. They will arrange the title search, give each party instructions, schedule the closing meeting, disburse all funds, and see to it that everything that needs to be recorded with the county is completed.

Hold-Back of Funds
There are circumstances when funds will continue to be held in escrow after the ownership transfers to the buyer.For example, perhaps you’ve agreed to let the seller’s family stay in the house for another week until school is out. You signed a “rent back” agreement, and under its terms the seller is paying you a daily rate to stay in the house. You likely were advised to have the escrow agent hold back a portion of the seller’s proceeds until they’ve moved out and left the house in the condition specified in your contract. Or perhaps you found something wrong on your final walk through the house. The seller agreed to make the repair, but the work couldn’t be completed by closing day. Money is then held back in escrow to cover the cost.If you’re purchasing a new home, it is quite common to have funds held back in escrow until unfinished work is complete.
Close of Escrow
When buyer and seller have signed all the paperwork and all the funds have come in, the closing agent disburses the funds and oversees the recording of the documents with the county.When the deed is filed, title to the property is transferred to you, the new owner. The deal is complete. The escrow is closed.You and the seller will receive a final closing statement and other documents in the mail. Check the statement carefully and call the closing agent immediately if you spot an error. File the statement with your most important papers. You’ll need it when you file your next income tax return.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Homeowner's Insurance for the Buyer

2008-10-24T15:52:00.001-07:00

Ready to buy a home? One of the lender’s conditions for loaning you money is that you buy a homeowner’s insurance policy, also called hazard insurance. You must bring proof to closing that you have insurance in effect and that it’s paid for 12 months, or your loan won’t close.
What is proof? Your policy declarations page, which shows the time your insurance went into effect, the policy period, and the cost for 12 months. So bring either your whole policy or just the declarations page to closing. In addition, you’ll need a receipt or letter from the insurance company to prove you’ve paid the bill.
It's Just Protection
The reason the lender requires insurance is to protect his interest if catastrophe strikes. For example, if your home is destroyed by fire, he knows the mortgage will be repaid from the insurance proceeds.But even if you didn’t have a lender, you should insure your home. It’s a major investment that contains all your worldly possessions. Just imagine what it would cost to replace them.You also need to protect yourself against lawsuits if someone is injured or worse on your property. Let’s say you hire a neighbor kid to help you clean debris from the roof after a windstorm and he falls off and breaks an arm and ankle. If his parents are the type to file a lawsuit, perhaps claiming his future athletic career just ended, you could find yourself needing an attorney and fighting for your very house and retirement savings.

Where It Is
So how do you find the insurance to protect yourself and all you own? Many companies offer homeowner’s insurance. You will need to research and follow through on it prior to closing your home purchase.
Ask family, friends, and co-workers for insurance company references. Also ask what their experience has been. We’ve all heard stories about someone making a claim against a policy only to find their rates shooting up or the policy cancelled.
Contact your state insurance office, which may have helpful consumer materials including information on consumer complaints.
Explore online sources of information describing ways to save on your homeowner’s policy. Discounts are given for many reasons, including having smoke and burglar alarms and having more than one policy with the same company — auto insurance, for example.
Know what insurance you need. The experts agree on these basics:
Your best bet is guaranteed replacement cost coverage, not an actual cash value replacement policy. An actual cash value policy covers the value at a depreciated rate.
Ask about and understand the personal property protection offered. You may be able to get a personal property replacement guarantee as part of your basic policy. If not, ask if the company offers that feature as an add-on, called a rider. Again, the value of your used possessions is less than the cost of replacing them.
The amount of liability coverage you need depends on your personal worth and circumstances. The more you’re worth, which is to say the deeper your pockets, the more you have to lose if you’re sued. Some experts say you need coverage equal to double your assets. There are excess-liability policies available for those who need the protection.
Some possessions may need to be insured on separate riders. Say, for example, that you inherited a collection of antique tea cups that appraise at $50,000. They need a separate rider.
Standard homeowner policies do not insure against floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or wildfires, among other things. If your house is in a flood plain, your lender will require flood insurance. Otherwise, specific hazard insurance is up to you and will require riders separate from your basic policy.
Buyer's Tip: You need to do research and buy homeowner’s insurance far enough in advance that it is in effect by closing day and you have proof in hand.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Basic Mortgage Questions

2008-10-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

Wait -- we see your cursor drifting towards the big red X button! Mortgages are probably the most crucial piece to buying, selling, or just plain owning a home. And, honestly, they are not as hard to understand as you might think. You can benefit from the experience of others who have mortgages (which is just about everybody you know), and with a little homework, you can make the best financial decisions.
1.) What is a mortgage?
It’s pretty simple: A mortgage loan is a loan, with your house and land used as security; if you don’t pay back the loan, the lender forecloses on your home. The loan is secured by a lien (the "mortgage") against the property (your house and land). The lender doesn't own the house, you do. They just have the lien with your house as their collateral (i.e. the security).When you are looking for a first mortgage, there are two things to think about: what you can actually afford, and what you can borrow. Why are they different? Because the lender is not going to look at how much you spend in a month on gourmet wine or movies, or how comfortable you'll be with a big payment. They may be willing to loan you much more than you think you can spend on your mortgage. Only you know how much flexibility or not that your lifestyle has, which determines how much you can afford in a home. A lender looks at your income (and income potential) vs. your debt, as well as your savings and credit history. Then they determine how big a risk you'd be for the lender to take on. They're also going to look at the value of the house you want to buy, and the interest rate of the loan you'll be getting. And then they arrive at a loan amount their firm can live with. In a perfect world it will match (or exceed) what you need to bridge the gap between your down payment and the price of the house you want.

2.) Why are there so many kinds of mortgages! How will I ever figure it out?
When it comes to looking at mortgage types, ask yourself one giant question: What is your goal? Will you be in this new home when the grandkids come to play, or is this a starter home that you'll trade up in the next five years? The answer to that question will help narrow your mortgage choices.

3.) Why does my length of time in the house matter?
It matters for two reasons: It will determine which type of loan is better for you, and it will dictate whether you look hardest at interest rates or at points.If you are going to stay in your house and plan to pay off your mortgage over its lifetime, you can get a fixed rate loan where the payments will not change. (Of course, taxes and insurance are usually included in this type of loan and they might change.) The interest is a little higher than with an Adjustable Rate Mortgage but you have the security of knowing what your loan payments will be.But if you know you won't be in the house long, you can get a lower interest rate on an ARM. If rates take a big jump in a few years, it won't matter because you're planning on selling then anyway. You'll also have the option of a hybrid ARM that is fixed for, say, five years, and then adjusts annually.The lender may charge points, and required third parties charge for their services, which increases the cost of the loan. If you sell your home in a few years and have paid points to get a better interest rate, you may not recoup the cost of those fees. And your equity in the house will be minimal, but you are betting the home will appreciate enough to cover the fees, or that the money you save in interest will balance out the additional cost of the loan. (If you stay in the house longer than you expect, you take the risk that you can't afford the higher payments as the interest rates adjust, or you risk not being able to refinance.)There's no free lunch (or free loan): You can choose between higher rates with lower points, or lower rates with higher points. The key is to compare different types of loans to see what works for your needs.Tip: In general, you should never pay more than 1 to 1-1/2 points to a lender, depending on the loan. (In certain circumstances, you might pay 2 percent, but only if there is a good reason; e.g., bad credit, complex loan, or you are buying a great interest rate.) You should discuss with an independent mortgage professional the effect discount point have on your rate. If your holding time is less than five years, you might consider "negative points" or receiving a credit from yield spread premium for your closing costs.

4.) Where can I find today’s rates?
Lenders and your local bank will have the latest rates for each type of loan. Shop around for rates in your city to see who is offering the best deal locally. Looking at the advertised rates will not tell you which loan you qualify for and often times the lowest rates ("teaser rates") can be misleading, so you should investigate several lenders.

5.) Why are some rates shown as a percentage and as an APR too?
The Annual Percentage Rate is what you will actually end up paying in addition to the principal. It wraps up the interest, points and fees in an effective annual rate. (When a lender quotes you a rate, it will be for interest only, so ask to see the APR.) As above, when you are using the APR to compare loans, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. You need the same loan from different lenders to make the comparison work.Tip: Compare the APR on two identical loans and choose the one with the lesser rate. Does this seem confusing? Take a look at the resources at the bottom of this article or seek independent mortgage advice.
6.) What is amortization?
It is a true measure of what you are paying per year against your loan. A loan has a life -- whether it's 15, 30, or even 50 years. You pay in installments, and the principal decreases (except in the case of interest-only loans or negative amortization) until the loan is paid off by the end of the term. The payments are evenly spread over the life of the loan, with the interest payments the majority of the payment at the beginning, and then principal paid off toward the end of the term. Pay attention to the amortization schedule, which shows the payments for the life of the loan including interest.Tip: Pay half your house payment every two weeks instead of one monthly payment. This results in 26 payments per year, one more payment annually than if you just paid monthly. The re-amortized loan will eventually result in more of the payment paid on principal and less on interest. The extra payments go to pay down the principal on the loan.

7.) I keep hearing that ARM rates are tied to an index. What's that?
Fasten your seatbelt. This can get complicated.An ARM loan's interest rate is determined by an index, which adjusts periodically, plus a pre-set margin (e.g., Prime plus 2). In general, you want to understand this because some indexes change faster than others. The more change, the more fluctuation in the ARM. Most buyers want to choose an ARM based on a stable index (especially if you suspect the economy is less than booming), or at least consider it along with all the other aspects of the loan. Ask your lender to fill you in on how the index works for your loan.Some popular indexes include:
T-Bills, the federal government's treasury bill index; the most commonly used
LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate Index), based on international rates
COFI (11th District Cost of Funds Index), based on a moving average of rates
Prime Lending Rate
8.) What else should I watch out for?
Prepayment penalties. Think it's a good thing to pay off a loan? Well, it might be, but certain lenders charge a penalty if you do. Penalties apply for a specific period of time, usually 1, 2, or 3 years after the loan is originated. How much is the penalty? Could be six months of interest or 2 percent of the principal remaining on the loan, but it varies.You might think that it’s stupid to get a loan with a prepayment penalty, but some lenders offer very low (and therefore tempting) interest rates in exchange. Also, some borrowers agree to loans with penalties if they have bad credit and it's the only way they can get the loan. Mostly, a prepayment penalty is a financial decision. There are situations where accepting a prepayment penalty on a loan can save you thousands of dollars in interest.

9.) What's a traditional vs. non-traditional loan?
Lenders are creative when it comes to loans to enable people to own a home. That sounds very American, but sometimes the loans are issued regardless of a buyer's ability to pay. Recently, when the housing market was hot, non-traditional loans sprouted up like dandelions in your front lawn.
Non-traditional loans include:
Interest only loans mean the buyer pays no principal and only interest for a period of time. Payments are low because the buyer is not paying anything down on the principal, though he can if he wants (though few do). If this is a short-term loan, buyers can benefit from the reduced payments -- it enables them to borrow more in the loan amount. But it all depends on the length of the interest-only period; the shorter the better.
Payment-option ARMs let the buyer choose from a selection of payments: negative amortization, interest only, or fully amortized. The buyer has to be careful not to pile up an even higher debt by always choosing the lowest payment.
Zero-down loans do not require a down payment, so the loan amount, as a percentage of the purchase price, is usually higher than the Fannie Mae guidelines; if the borrower gets a second mortgage to cover the amount above the guidelines, it's called a "piggyback loan" or a "purchase money second mortgage." Ditto if the borrower does not have enough for a down payment, and gets two mortgages instead. (See Understanding Mortgage Types.)
Home Ownership Accelerator Loan Products are mortgage products (or software) that promise to accelerate your mortgage payoff; many times promising that you do not have to change your spending habits! Buyer beware; these products require a high degree of financial dicipline and adequate discretionary cash flow. Please seek independent mortgage advice before applying for any type of home ownership accelerator loan.
Traditional loans are those where the principal and interest are paid in an agreed-upon payment schedule, with a down payment that fits within the usual parameters. Fixed and conventional ARM loans fall into that description.

10.) What's mortgage insurance? Do I need it?
If you are making a down payment of less than 20 percent, you will most likely have to get Private Mortgage Insurance (or PMI). It ensures that the lender is guaranteed, by the mortgage insurer, 80 percent of the loan if you default. The insurance premium amount varies by the loan to value of the house and type of loan. Another option is to get a second mortgage to use for part of the down payment. For example, you can get an 80/10/10 loan (80 percent loan, 10 percent second mortgage, and 10 percent down) or a variation thereof and avoid paying PMI.Government loan programs, such as FHA or VA loans, are backed by the government rather than PMI. There is no monthly mortgage insurance on VA loans, however you will have monthly mortgage insurance on a new FHA loan.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Florence from the sky!

2008-10-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted fresh photos of our beautiful town, the weather has been kind of un-cooperative lately, some days it's clear skies for miles and miles, some days it's raining, and some days it's both. It's OK, every day is like a surprise. Moving on, a friend of mine (who happens to be the Mayor) took a little jaunt over the hills to Eugene last weekend, and his co-pilot (Who happens to be a Pilot in training) took these fantastic pictures from the plane. I'd like to share them with you, they are simply breathtaking. Florence is indeed an amazingly beautiful town.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Are you a property pro or a real estate rookie?

2008-10-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

With today's real estate market, it's important to stay sharp and play it smart. Take this quiz and bone up on everything from mortgages to staging. We'll tell you how your knowledge stacks up and give you tips on how to increase your expertise.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Getting Your Home Ready for the Market

2008-10-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

As a seller, your No. 1 goal is to sell your home as quickly as possible at or near the listing price. In today’s market, where there is much more competition for buyers, it is important to put your best foot, or in this case, home forward because first impressions are vital. Many of today’s prospective homebuyers have busy lifestyles and are looking for properties that don’t require a lot of work. Therefore a home in move-in condition is much more attractive. Before placing your home on the market, you may want to invest in making needed repairs. To get started, inspect both the inside and outside of the home. Take inventory of practical and aesthetic repairs. You may want to apply a fresh coat of paint on the walls, doors, and shutters. Clean the carpet and buff and polish wooden floors. Tighten and polish hardware. Repair cracks in sidewalks and driveways, and clean any stains on them. Replace missing or warped roofing. Clean or re-grout kitchen and bathrooms. Repair dripping faucets and drains or plumbing fixtures that aren’t operating. Fix sticking doors and replace old locks and doorknobs. Replace old bulbs and broken electrical sockets. Replace cracked windows and torn screens. Repair broken fencing and reseal the deck. Clean up stains on the tiles and countertops. Some experts also recommend hiring a certified home inspector to thoroughly and impartially evaluate the property. (For a list of inspectors in your area, visit the American Society of Home Inspectors website, www.ashi.com, or ask your real estate professional for recommendations.) A standard report will review the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, basement and visible structure. If there are recommendations for improvement, consult with your real estate professional in prioritizing the list of repairs. Depending on your goals and budget, you may want to repair only items that could cause significant deterioration to the home, such as a leak. In addition, your local market conditions may dictate how extensive your repairs need to be. Let your budget and your real estate professional guide you. However, be careful about major repairs. Sellers rarely recoup money on major remodeling projects, and you may want to save funds for your new home. A home in good condition demonstrates pride of ownership. Taking the time to make small repairs to your home can go a long way in making sure that your home is presented to potential buyers in its best possible light. They also just might make the sale.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Choosing the Right Community for You

2008-10-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

If you are buying a home, one of the first things your real estate professional will do before taking you on home tours is interview you to determine the type of house you want such as a 2,000-square-foot four-bedroom, split-level with a formal dining room and two-car garage. But just as important is the type of community you want to live in. Knowing what your requirements are will help narrow your home search and save time.
To expedite the house-hunting process, start by making a list of the dream home factors that are most important to you and your family’s lifestyle. Consider style, location, proximity to work and schools, yard size, children in the community, and of course, price.
Price and location generally are the key factors you’ll use to identify the communities that best suit you. If you are moving within the same city, you may want to start your community search by getting in your car and exploring. There are also resources on the Internet that let you compare communities.
You’ll want to ask yourself critical questions, such as: Do you dream of something quaint and charming that can only be found in an older area? Or, do you prefer everything new? Are you willing to sacrifice size and space for architectural detailing? What about drive and commute time to the office and schools? Will you forgo the number of bedrooms and a big yard for proximity to a lake or other recreational areas?
Whether you have children or not, buying a home in a community with good schools is important. It not only adds value to your property, but also is an attractive feature when and if you decide to sell. There are plenty of resources available to get information about schools within the communities you are considering. Various Internet sites offer school reports and profiles. They provide statistical data such as graduation rates, college-bound percentages, and standardized test scores. You can also learn about special programs the schools offer. In addition to these reports, many schools have their own Web sites you can peruse. And of course you can always talk to people in the area or take a tour of the school.
Additional factors you’ll want to consider during your community search are crime, recreational activities, proximity to shopping and restaurants, and other specific family needs.
Once you’ve narrowed your search to two or three communities that fit your price range and lifestyle, make comparisons of price and sales activity. Your real estate professional can help you determine which communities are most sales-worthy at present, and which are more likely to continue to be.
There are many factors involved in selecting the right community for you and your family. Discuss your options with your real estate professional. This will provide the information he or she needs to help you find property listings to tour. Remember, a targeted approach to house hunting is less time consuming, less expensive and more efficient.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Veterans Day Parade Committee of Florence

2008-10-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

The 3rd annual parade for 2008 will be held on Tuesday, November 11th, at 1 pm. Experience a moving moment as the sound of 'Rolling Taps' echos up Bay Street, accompanied by the silence of the crowd.For more information click here.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

How to keep your gutters and downspouts flowing

2008-10-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Gutters and downspouts work hard to protect your house from moisture damage. If gutters leak or downspouts are clogged, water can spill out and accumulate near foundations, soaking the soil and causing foundation walls to settle. In worst-case scenarios, moisture-laden soil presses in on basement walls, causing bulging and cracking. Water can even be forced inside by means of hydrostatic pressure. Continue reading here

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

10 time-saving tips to give your backyard a head start on spring

2008-10-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Aaaah, autumn. The kids are headed back to school, the leaves are turning, and a chill is in the air. If you're like most homeowners, fall also means an opportunity to spruce up your yard and cut down on the work you'll need to do when the weather turns warm again.
It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned landscape professional or somebody who just wants their yard to look as good as it can with as little work as possible, everyone can benefit from backyard fall cleanup, says Michael Miller, president of Minnesota-based backyard tool manufacturer Hound Dog Products. "A little bit of work in the fall will really pay off when spring rolls around," he says.
Miller offers 10 tips that the professionals use to ensure a successful backyard fall cleanup effort - and to get a head start on next year's growing season.
Rake those leaves. Once the snow flies, an unraked layer of leaves can get matted down over the turf and smother it all winter long. Raking or using a mulching mower in the fall helps avoid dead patches in the spring. But don't worry about getting every last leaf, especially in the garden. They help insulate plants, and as they decompose, they provide valuable nutrients.
Feed the grass. Fertilizing in the fall is like a day at the spa for your lawn. Using a slow-release fertilizer allows the grass to soak up nutrients and - just as important - spend the cool days and nights of autumn recovering from summer heat and stress. And building a healthy, rejuvenated lawn is one of the best ways to protect against heat, cold, drought, insects and other stresses.
Weed all about it. Weeding in the fall is probably the most valuable thing you can do to prepare for spring, and it's one that many people overlook. The good news: Pulling weeds used to be a backbreaking chore, but tools like the Weed Hound have come a long way from the tiny weeding forks of "the good old days." There's no reason to get down on your hands and knees and gouge at the turf. All you do is place the tool over the weed, step lightly on the footrest, and pull.
Pick up the pet waste. When the snow melts next spring, the last thing you want to see on your lawn is pet waste. Fall is the perfect time to get out there and clean up Rover's little leftovers. Don't look forward to getting on your hands and knees? Hire a neighborhood kid to do the dirty work, or invest in a long-handled pooper scooper.
Remove thatch build-up. A build-up of aboveground roots called thatch prevents sunlight, oxygen and moisture from getting to the nutrient-hungry soil below. But it's easy to remove, especially if you don't wait until it overwhelms the yard. Just go at the yard with a dethatching rake in early fall, or for an easier - but more expensive - option, rent a power dethatcher.
Aerate. Heavy use throughout the summer can cause soil to become compacted. Perforating your lawn with small holes helps reduce compaction and lets water, air and fertilizer get down to the soil, which strengthens the grass plant's root structure. For smaller yards, a manual aerating tool that removes plugs from the turf while you step should be just fine. If you've got a larger yard, consider renting a power aerator.
Water trees and shrubs. Dehydration during the colder months is an all-too-common cause of tree damage, but it's easily preventable. To sustain them over the long winter, it's important to give trees a drink before putting them to bed. After they go fully dormant - but before the ground freezes - use a soaker hose or root irrigator to water them thoroughly.
Clean out your garden. Fruits and vegetables left in the garden can rot all winter long, and provide a comfy home for insect eggs. Gross? Not as gross as they'll be in the spring. Now's the time to get rid of diseased plants, too, but keep them out of the compost pile so the problem doesn't spread to the rest of your garden next year.
Plant spring bulbs. Fall is not all about closing up shop. It's also the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips. But pay attention to the weather in your area; planting too early can cause bulbs to sprout before winter, and planting them too late can mean their roots don't have enough time to develop before the ground freezes.
Give your tools a tune-up. When it comes time to put away the backyard tools for the season, don't just shove them into the garage or shed. Spend a few minutes wiping them down and removing debris and dirt, then apply a light layer of oil to keep them from rusting over the winter. That way they'll be all set to go again come spring.
Old Man Winter may be on his way, but with a little work now, you can lay the groundwork for a happy, healthy backyard that's ready to thrive next season. For more backyard tips, visit www.hound-dog.com .

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Fall Garden Cleanup

2008-10-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

These Garden "Gangsters" know that one of the tricks to successful gardening is a good, thorough fall cleanup. You can make the basic cleanup chores happen gradually and naturally by giving your garden the once-over every week. Click here for insider tips and tricks!

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

ROCA MAR RESTAURANT & LOUNGE BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY

2008-10-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Avert Disaster: Listen to Your House!

2008-10-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

10 red flags that signal your home's weakest links.
Just like a car that sputters when something under the hood is amiss, houses send out warnings of their own. Protect your investment not to mention your security by learning some of the warning signs and seeking out help. Be sure not to blow off the red flags: Left untreated, these small problems can become big, expensive disasters. Continue by clicking here.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Five Tips for a Green Home

2008-10-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy-efficient. These catch phrases have become part of our lexicon as we’ve become more aware of our impact on the environment and our role in protecting it. As a homeowner, there are some simple, inexpensive steps you can take to make your home energy-efficient. Get started on the road to being “green” with these five tips:

Change Your Light Bulbs
By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, you can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse gases from the environment.

Buy ENERGY STAR® Appliances
ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and air conditioners, meet a higher level of energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy than standard models. According to ENERGY STAR, if just one in 10 homes used ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, the impact could be compared to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees. And, switching to these appliances is not only good for the environment, but easy on your pocketbook. Although these appliances may costs more, you can reduce your energy bill by $80 per year.

Seal Up
Cracks and air leaks represent cash seeping from your doors and windows. Get rid of air leaks in doors, windows and other areas by caulking gaps and cracks. This will help decrease your heating and air conditioning bill. But make sure you use silicone sealants. Acrylic caulk tends to shrink, while silicone sealants are waterproof and won’t shrink or crack, creating less waste.

Use Less Water
Did you know that roughly 60 percent of a home's water consumption takes place in the bathroom, according to the California Urban Water Conservation Council? The largest culprit is the toilet, which accounts for 27 percent of your household supply every year. By installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year. In addition, replace leaky fixtures. That slow-dripping faucet can waste as much as 2,400 gallons of water per year.

Adjust the Thermostat
When adjusting your home’s thermostat, the rule of thumb should be: turn up the dial in the summer and down in the winter. Lowering the temperature by just one degree will reduce your electrical costs. And if you use a programmable thermostat, you can program your air-conditioning and heating systems to reduce output while no one is at home or at night while you sleep. Ceiling fans are also helpful in circulating the air to keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Going green doesn’t have to be overwhelming or costly. By making just a few small changes within your home, you can help decrease energy consumption and help make the world a “greener” place.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Qualities of a great real estate agent

2008-10-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

by Ilyce Glink

When shopping for a home, matching agent to your needs is vital
There are great real estate agents and terrible real estate agents. Within each category are agents whose behavior puts them at the top and bottom of the spectrum.
In other words, the best real estate agents are truly stellar. The worst agents? Well, let's just say that if you wind up with a terrible real estate agent you'll probably have war stories to share about your home purchase or sale at the next cocktail party you attend. (Unfortunately, stories about terrible real estate agents are shared more often than stories about great real estate agents.)
When hiring a real estate agent to help you buy your next home, the trick is to find one who really listens to what you have to say; who will go the extra mile to help make your purchase a little less stressful; who will help you be objective when you become emotional about plunking down the single biggest chunk of cash ever; and who can help you understand and work with local market conditions.
I suspect that most buyers spend more time thinking about the curtains they'll hang, the granite countertops they'll install, or the boxes they'll need for their move than the agent they'll hire to help with the purchase of the property itself.
Why is that? Why isn't creating a home-buying team the top priority when beginning the process of buying a home?
Perhaps it is because going through the process isn't perceived as being that much fun.
But that's where hiring a great real estate agent can make all the difference. What qualities should you look for?
The real estate agent you hire should have an intimate knowledge with your neighborhood of choice. The agent should have worked in a neighborhood for awhile, seen a lot of the housing stock, and know the history of the neighborhood, trends associated with it and where the locals hang out. The agent should know about home values and should have the ability to come to you and tell you what other homes have sold for in the neighborhood and what other homes are listed for in the same neighborhood. The agent should also have information to back up why some homes are listed for more than others and be able to represent you when you are ready to make an offer for a home. The agent should know about the school district, shopping, commuting and recreational options. He or she should basically be a wealth of information, and be able to point out the flaws as well as the outstanding features of the community.
The real estate agent you hire should be able to really listen to your wants, needs, dreams and desires, and ask questions that help you delve beneath the surface to figure out what's really driving those wants and needs. Real estate agents sometimes say that "buyers are liars," because buyers tend to change their mind about what they really want to buy during the home-buying process. But if an agent is able to draw out the buyer ahead of time, and help him or her focus on the important issues of the purchase, it will save everyone a lot of time.
It's also important to hire an agent who is willing to tell you what you may not want to hear -- but should. If you're a buyer who is unrealistic about a local neighborhood, you'll want an agent to tell you that what you want to buy can't be found for the price and is unworkable in the current marketplace. No one wants to have their dreams dashed, but you'll come to see that your real estate agent is doing you a favor by not allowing you to run away from reality.
A great real estate agent comes laden with resources, similar to a hotel concierge. (Some real estate companies talk about the "concierge" services they provide.) The agent you hire should be able to provide you with a handful of great home inspectors, mortgage lenders and real estate attorneys for you to interview. (Be wary of the agent who steers you to one specific inspector, mortgage lender or real estate attorney. What you want is a choice of great partners.) If you need help locating service people, a handyman, or even a new pediatrician, a great real estate agent should have those names and numbers at his or her fingertips. Being a walking neighborhood directory for many longtime top agents is part of the service they provide.
A great real estate agent stays in touch. Top real estate agents use technology to help them communicate frequently with their buyers. E-mail, BlackBerrys, iPhones, cell phones, electronic newsletters, Web sites, digital photography and video help agents share properties that they've previewed, provide feedback, and keep buyers updated on the progress that is being made.
Finally, when you hire an agent, it's like a short-term marriage. When the transaction is completed, when you've bought your new home, the intense relationship you've created comes to an end. With a great real estate agent, you'll find you don't want your time together to end. While these are just some of the qualities you should look for in determining whether the agent is a good match for you, you still need to make sure to get referrals and recommendations for the agent from other buyers he or she has represented recently.
What happens next? Dinner -- ostensibly to discuss past and future deals, but really to move your relationship into the long-term-friendship stage.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Top ways to boost curb appeal

2008-10-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

by Paul Bianchina Fri, Sep 26, 2008

Whether selling or staying, first impression makes world of difference
You've no doubt heard the term "curb appeal," which is the first impression that your home makes when a visitor arrives. Whether you have your home up for sale or just want things to look a little nicer when you or someone else pulls up out in front, the best place to start is by giving the front of your home a critical examination.
Driveway: A driveway, by necessity, tends to be a fairly dominant feature, and it is often one of the first things that a person sees when they arrive at your home. If you have a concrete driveway that is oil-stained, check with your local home center for cleaners that can spruce it up. While you're there, get a crack repair compound and take care of smaller cracks before they become larger. For asphalt driveways, a seal-coat can often make a big difference in appearance and help prolong the asphalt as well.
For concrete or asphalt that is badly damaged, it's time to be thinking about replacement. You can replace the driveway with the same material as before, or consider an updated look by using paving stones instead -- they hold up well in all types of weather, and can even be a very satisfying do-it-yourself project.
Walkways: When someone arrives, is there a clear and safe path to your front door? You may not mind walking across your front lawn, but guests and prospective buyers would definitely prefer a walkway. There are lots of options for creating a new front walkway or replacing an existing one, so check out your home center or some landscaping magazines for ideas.
Landscaping: Speaking of landscaping, do you actually have any? Is it well maintained? Few things look worse out front than an overgrown or neglected yard, and you can often remedy things with a little hard work and some minimal expense. Cut back or remove trees and bushes that have gotten out of control. Feed the lawn to get it to green up again, or consider removing all or part of it and replacing it with low-maintenance materials.
If you have planter beds, be sure they're weeded and have fresh bark in them. Plan your landscaping to create a visual appeal by not having all the same type of plant. Intersperse some plants that provide spots of color at different times of the year, and mix plants for different heights as well.
Shade Trees: Consider adding a couple of new shade trees in front. Trees are good for the environment in general; they help a home look more established and appealing; and they can help lower your summer cooling costs as well. Trees look best planted in odd numbers -- a grouping of three or five, for example -- and the folks at your local nursery can help you with proper spacing.
Exterior Paint: There is probably nothing that will help or hurt the outside of your home as much as how your paint job looks. A fresh coat of paint in up-to-date colors works wonders, while old, peeling paint in a color scheme that went out of style when Eisenhower was president can really ruin a first impression.
If the paint is in generally good condition and just has a few bad spots, spend a couple of hours with a paint scraper and a can of exterior primer to get things ready for touch up, then have your local paint store match you up a gallon of paint and touch up the primed areas so they blend in. You might also want to consider repainting the eaves or window trim in a fresh new color to liven things up a little.
A New Entrance: Your front door is one spot that every visitor has to pass though, and it can make a lasting impression. A fresh coat of paint or stain can sometimes do the trick, but if your door is badly beat up you should consider replacing it. Check with a local company that specializes in doors (not a home center) and see about having a new door matched to your existing frame. The door company will cut the door, mortise the hinges, and drill for the locks using your old door as a pattern, so you can slip the new door right into place without expensive frame alterations or extensive carpentry.
Whether you're getting a new door or working with your old one, make sure that there are no squeaks or groans when it opens, and that it fits well in the frame without binding. Check the operation of the door handle and deadbolt; check the condition of the weatherstripping; and don't forget the operation of any screen and storm doors.
Cleaning: Last but far from least, clean things up a little. Pick up any trash that's accumulated, including dead leaves, cigarette butts and other small debris. Wash the siding to remove dirt, dust and cobwebs, and wash the windows. Hose off the walkways periodically, and make sure that all exterior lighting is operational. Finally, clean off the front porch -- including porch furniture and knick-knacks -- so that that area is clean and inviting as well.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Get Your House Ready for its Close-Up

2008-09-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

First impressions can often decide whether someone wants to see more of your act, or gong you before the show even starts. To ensure a Chuck Barris "Wow!" instead of a gong of rejection, run through this checklist before your open house:
Plant new flowers, especially up the walkway to your home;
Clear off your front porch;
Burn potpourri (or bake cookies in the morning, then leave them out for your visitors);
Clean! Clean! Clean! (Yes, even the baseboards.);
Place fresh flowers on the dining room table;
Remove all clutter from the house;
Leave every light on and every door open;
Hide the picture of Uncle Dave in his Speedo;
If you have a Realtor, leave the house while buyers are looking at it;
If you are representing yourself, sell the house and the neighborhood, not your astounding card tricks (even the one you filmed for YouTube)

Read 13 more tips on making your house irresistible to buyers!

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

How Much for My House?

2008-09-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Having a tough time selling your home? Consider offering buyers a range of prices instead of just one.
Real estate agents call this strategy Value Range Marketing. It's meant to bring in more potential buyers and prevent seller resentment of a buyer's low-ball offer. Prudential Real Estate introduced the concept to the U.S. real estate market. Its origins are in Australia.
How does Value Range Marketing work? The real estate agent comes up with a price range that encompasses the price the seller wants, the market value of the house and the price buyers might offer. A sample range might be something like $149,000 to $169,000.
The range brings in buyers who, otherwise, would not look at your house, says Joe Farry, vice president of Prudential Manor Homes in Albany, N.Y. If a buyer tells the real estate agent, "My top price is $155,000," and your house is priced at $169,000, your house wouldn't be considered. But with the value range, the potential buyer may come to look at it.
Do buyers go higher than their limit?
"All the time," Farry says. They fall in love with a house and that gives it more value in their eyes.
A price range also keeps sellers in the game who otherwise might drop out in a huff instead of making a counteroffer to a buyer who makes a low-ball offer.
"It takes the hurt feelings out of the process," says Nancy Creech, marketing director for Prudential Carolinas Realty in Raleigh, N.C. "People can be so sensitive ... 'Well, my house is worth more than that.' "
"It kind of takes the emotion out of making an offer," she says. "It opens up that negotiation."

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

The Price Is Right

2008-09-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

One of the most important steps in the house-selling game is trickier than it appears: Pricing your house to sell. Not pricing it at what you think it's worth, but pricing it according to the current housing market. For this, you will need to think not with your heart but with your acronyms --- your CMA (comparable market analysis) and FMV (fair market value).
A CMA is a compilation of statistics on recent, nearby sales of comparable houses or "comps" (houses with a similar number of bedrooms and baths, similar square footage, etc). Your real estate agent provides the CMA to determine your FMV. In a busy market, this can be unnecessary since the agent (or you) will be able to determine the value based on knowledge of neighboring properties.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Are you a property pro or a real estate rookie?

2008-09-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

With today's real estate market, it's important to stay sharp and play it smart. Take this quiz and bone up on everything from mortgages to staging.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Sharing a Vacation House

2008-09-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

A second home has been called the ultimate discretionary purchase; it's something that many people would like to have but no one needs. People who own a place at the beach, the lake or in the mountains often are quick to express frustration at not being able to spend more time there. It hardly makes sense to have the expense of a mortgage, upkeep, insurance and taxes for a place you don't use more than a couple of weeks a year.
That's why more and more family members and friends are joining forces to buy a vacation home. It cuts down on the cost, and everyone gets to enjoy a place that's more than just a hotel room. In 1994, a new concept debuted in the United States: fractional ownership of vacation homes. Patterned after fractional ownership of private jets, the concept formalizes the idea of a group of relatives or buddies pooling their resources to buy dream getaways, including chalets with walkout skiing in the Rockies, oceanfront houses or condos, and island properties in the Caribbean and Europe, often with resort-style amenities including on-site restaurants, fitness clubs, golf courses and a concierge service.
How It Works
Ownership is usually divided into fourths, eighths, 13ths, whatever, with each owner having an equal number of days a year to use the unit. Owners buy their shares from a management company, which handles maintenance and scheduling everyone's time.The more fractions sold in a fractional ownership property, the more it resembles a time share. Both can be bought as deeded properties (some time shares are now sold as club memberships instead of time in a specific unit), and can be rented out, shared with family and friends, sold or left to someone in a will.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Take These Pointers When Buying a Second Home

2008-09-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

Buying a second home has become one of the fastest growing trends in the United States. In fact, more than 30 million Americans are expected to enter the second home market within the next decade. It can seem like a daunting task, but with a few essential steps you can learn how to turn buying your second home into a sane, reasonable venture.
Assess Your Lifestyle
Think about what spot you love the most and the amount of time you will be spending in your vacation home.
If this house will be for weekend getaways, anything more than two hours may seem like a long trip.
Condos have relatively low maintenance, making them a good option for those using their homes one season a year, or for those who want a place farther away from their primary home.
When considering a condo, find out whether you can live with the homeowners association rules.
With a single-family home, you will have more privacy but you'll have to handle all the maintenance.
Many hotels are now providing rooms as condominium hotel rooms. These offer all the services of a hotel, but yet you're still able to benefit from the appreciation of that property over time.
Choose a Location
The best way to spot the up-and-coming neighborhoods is to drive around the area that you like, and go farther out; the homes in these areas will likely see their value increase as well.
Find out from local people how the town has changed, what's being built and what types of people are moving to the area.
Pick up the local paper to obtain information about political issues, tax issues and more.
Visit your vacation spot during each season to get a good idea of what it's like year-round.
If you might retire in your second home one day, make sure that there is quality, accessible health care nearby and that the environment is both safe and affordable.
Find out if there are enough places to pick up part-time work if you want or need to.
It's always important to check out the weather, especially if you plan to use for all seasons.
Think beyond the price tag of the home:
Check out the area public schools.
Consider neighborhoods just off the beaten path.
Rent two or more years in a row to get the true flavor of a place.
Do a test drive to the location at peak times, look for alternate routes.
And, finally, ask yourself the following:
Do I love one spot?
Do I have enough time?
Is it close enough?
What can I afford?

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Repair Everything In Your Home!

2008-09-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Discover the fun and the function of fixing things around your home by clicking here.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Happy Tuesday!

2008-09-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Clean and Green

2008-09-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a collection of natural cleaning formulas, concoctions and witches brews. MOST are safe and nontoxic, with a few exceptions which are clearly noted. Use the ingredients listed below when making your own alternative cleaners, most are inexpensive and you probably already have many of them in your kitchen cupboards. All can be found at your local supermarket, natural food store or drugstore.Used individually or combined, these cleaners are safe, effective and cost-efficient.

Click here :0)

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

A view from the top!

2008-09-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about living in Florence, is that no matter where you are, you are surrounded by beauty. (And I have the pictures to prove it!)

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Strategies for Selling a Vacant Home

2008-09-07T03:33:00.000-07:00

As the real estate market continues to stabilize, sellers may find that their property remains on the market significantly longer than the days of “list today, sold tomorrow.” There is also more competition for buyers. So, it can be frustrating to put your home on the market, expecting a fast sale, only to find that after six months you’re still waiting for an offer. This is especially true if you need to move quickly and leave your unsold home vacant.
Besides creating a marketing challenge, a vacant home can also be a target for vandalism. Here are strategies you can use to hasten a sale and protect your property during the process.
· Instead of producing a spacious appearance, an empty room tends to look smaller than a furnished room. So, leave behind a few select pieces of furniture and keep the window treatments in place. A chair or lamp on a small table will confer a sense of scale and help potential buyers gauge whether their furniture will fit the space.
· If you decide to remove the furniture, have the house cleaned and painted. Furniture, rugs and decorations tend to hide or minimize imperfections. When furniture and artwork have been removed, every blemish and bruise becomes accentuated, faded paint and wallpaper become more noticeable and scratches and nicks stand out.
· Repaint brightly and boldly colored rooms to a neutral tone. What was an eye-popping room when fully-furnished may appear stark and small when empty.
· To thwart unwelcome visits, give the house a lived-in look. Set a couple of lamps on timers, and ask a neighbor or friend check on the house daily to collect mail, park a car in the driveway, and close and open drapes and windows. Continue using a gardening service or hire someone to cut the grass regularly. During the winter months, arrange to have snow shoveled from the walks and driveway.
· If available, consider employing a home manager or house sitter. At little or no cost to homeowners, the house is furnished and decorated for show-to-sell condition. Most companies require home managers to mow the lawn, shovel snow, even pay pool maintenance and utilities. Having someone living on site discourages vandalism, protects against deterioration and weather hazards and may even reduce insurance costs. (Check with your insurance carrier.)
· Leave the utilities connected. Depending on the season, make sure the thermostat in the house is set at a comfortable level. You don't want a potential buyer to run through the home because it is too hot or cold.
· Review your homeowner's insurance policy with your insurance agent to find out what the stipulations and coverage pertain to your vacant home.
· Find a real estate professional with experience selling vacant houses. Often, these sales professionals specialize in relocation. You want to make sure that you are comfortable with your lines of communication. If you will be residing in another town, come up with an agreement on how often your representative will check on the home and what should be done if a problem develops.
Although a vacant house presents certain challenges, it does not need to be difficult to sell.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Moving With Children

2008-09-06T03:32:00.000-07:00

Moving is an exciting time full of commotion that can be tough on everyone, including the
children. The impact the move will have on kids usually is age-related. Babies, toddlers and young children tend to deal well with moving, while adolescents may resent and resist the move. Here are a few timeless tips that may help all families on the move:
Clearly explain why you’re moving. Children like to be in the loop and talking to them about the move, what it means and what it will entail can help limit move-related anxiety.
Familiarize the children with the new location by providing them with exciting information about the area. Some useful tools include maps, news stories and pictures. Highlight some of the location’s points of interest that you think your children will appreciate, like an amusement park or nearby lake.
Make sure everyone has packed and clearly labeled their most-used items and keep these items easily accessible. For a small child, this could include a few favorite toys or a security item. Older kids may not be able to survive without certain electronics or favorite clothing items.

Moving Babies and Toddlers
Babies and toddlers typically are easy to move, but they also can become confused or scared. Consider the following tips for them:
· Pack their rooms last and keep favorite toys and other must-haves close at hand.
· Try to stick to established routines like lunchtime and naptime.
· Once in the new house, young children may need to be reminded about which household appliances are dangerous and other safety precautions or rules they learned at the previous house.

Moving Preschoolers and School-Age Children
Kids this age can get excited about moving and may be eager to help. If you’re moving with school-age children, consider the following tips:
Let the children help pack their own rooms and once you’re in the new house, let them help decorate and arrange their new rooms.
Locate the recreational facilities and children’s group activity centers. Once you’re in the new location, enrolling your children in group activities can help them quickly make new friends.

Moving Adolescents
Adolescents are deeply involved in their social network. Child development experts suggest these kids receive news of the move as soon as possible. They will need more time to get used to idea and to say good-bye to their friends. Some other tips to consider:
Spend time together getting to know the new area by driving around and noticing what other kids are doing and wearing. Discuss how you can help your child “fit in.”
If your child is a senior in high school, some child-development experts suggest letting the child stay behind to finish the school year. These experts emphasize that this decision only makes sense if your child’s living conditions will be appropriate and safe.
Moving is an exciting time when families tend to work together to make sure the adventure goes smoothly. Your real estate professional has helped many families move and is a great resource for more information about moving with children.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Preparing Your Home for a Successful Open House

2008-09-05T03:31:00.000-07:00

Buyers are drawn to homes that appeal to their senses. This is important to remember when preparing your home for an Open House. Through sight, sound and smell, buyers should leave your home with a lasting impression. Here are some tips to showcase your home in the best-possible light.
Exterior
Start outside by inspecting the front of your home from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and flowerbed and a freshly painted front door. Polish door handles and knockers and replace worn items such as a rusty doorbell. Consider adding a new doormat and flowering plants at the entrance. Do the windows need cleaning? Be sure to remove oil stains from the driveway.
Next check the side and back yards. Add some flowering plants to the back as well. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Put away gardening tools. Tidy around the grill area.
Interior
Now focus on the inside of the home where cleanliness, space, smell and lighting are key. First, get your house in tip-top condition by cleaning and clearing away clutter. Steam clean and vacuum the carpet. Make sure your floors are waxed and shiny. Touch up nicks on walls and make sure the porcelain sinks and tubs and metallic fixtures shine. Your kitchen and bathrooms should pass the white glove test. Be conscious of any lingering odors such as smoke, pets or strong-smelling foods. You may need to air out your home prior to the Open House. Consider grinding fresh lemons in the garbage disposal or even baking chocolate chip cookies. And don’t forget to empty all trashcans.
Next, set the mood. You want buyers to be able to picture your home as their own. Consider rearranging the furniture so that rooms look more spacious. Add accessories from rooms with too many furnishings to those that appear bare. Look at your countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms and the tops of your bureaus. Do they seem cluttered? Clear away and store as much as possible. The idea is to make your home appear spacious.
Lighting is also an important factor in creating an inviting atmosphere. Bright lights provide a cheerful environment and make a small space appear larger. Pull back all the drapes and open the blinds. Turn on all the lights. Make sure all the light sockets have working bulbs and install the maximum-wattage bulb that is safe for that fixture. For rooms that you want to have a warm, cozy feeling, use softer lights.
Don’t forget little touches such as fresh flowers, lighted candles in the bathrooms, new logs in the fireplace, or a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. You may even want to set your dining room table with color-coordinated table settings.
An Open House is a terrific way to show your property to many people in a short amount of time. However, keep in mind that buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day. The most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious and the most cheerful. So, don’t rely on buyers to use their imagination. Help them capture it. Work with your real estate professional to get more tips on creating an unforgettable home.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Five Tips for a Green Home

2008-09-04T03:30:00.000-07:00

Can You Afford That House?

2008-09-03T03:28:00.000-07:00

Before you start searching for your dream home, you first need to determine a price range you can afford. According to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), depending on the consumer’s current debt ratio, most people can typically afford to pay 31 percent of their gross monthly income for mortgage payments. For example, if you earn $50,000 annually, then your monthly income is about $4,167. Thirty-one percent of that is $1,292.
There are several online tools to calculate a monthly mortgage you can afford using factors such as your current monthly expenses, down payment and the interest rate. You can also work with a lender to get pre-qualified for a loan. This estimate will help you gauge how much money you may be able to borrow and the monthly mortgage payments.
However, the amount you are able to afford for a home loan should not be your only consideration for determining your price range. With homeownership come other housing expenses.
Utilities
The most obvious of additional housing expenses are utilities—gas, electricity and water. But don't forget about telephone, trash collection, and cable or satellite bills.
Taxes
As a property owner, you are responsible for property taxes. The rate will vary from city to city. In our community, the tax rate is (insert %) percent. That means for a home with a market value of $200,000, yearly taxes will run (insert dollar amount). To get a general idea on how much the tax bill will be for a property, ask the seller for a copy of the previous year's tax assessment. Your real estate professional can help you refine these figures.
Association Dues
Another cost you may incur is homeowner association (HOA) dues. Most condominiums and some (residential developments/subdivisions/neighborhoods) have HOAs, which are legal entities, created to maintain common areas and enforce deed restrictions. As a property owner, you are required to pay the established monthly or annual homeowner association dues. Be sure you factor this cost into your budget.
Maintenance
You also need to consider the upkeep of your home. You should budget for seasonal maintenance such as lawn care, pest inspections and carpet cleaning, as well as unexpected repairs. The amount you budget will depend on the age of the home, as older homes tend to require more repairs such as installing a new roof, painting and replacing older appliances.
Insurance
Depending on the type of coverage and your area, the costs for homeowners insurance each year can be anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. And, if you live in an area that has high risks for flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc., you may need supplemental insurance.
Remodeling/Upgrades
Unless the home you purchase is picture perfect, you’ll more than likely be adding your personal touch. Therefore, you need add to your housing budget the costs for remodeling and upgrades. According to “Remodeling Magazine’s” 2007 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average for a midrange minor kitchen remodel is $21,185; a bathroom remodel averages $15,789.
Even minor cosmetic fix-ups such as light fixtures, window treatments, carpeting and decorative cabinet knobs can begin to add up.
By determining all the costs associated with homeownership, you can go into your home search with a reasonable price range that will allow you stay within your budget.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

2008-09-02T03:26:00.000-07:00

Home-price adjustments in markets around the country have opened doors of opportunity for many renters. If you are transitioning from renter to homeowner, the prospect of making such a large investment may be exciting, while at the same time overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are six common mistakes to avoid.
1. Not understanding the homebuying process. Educate yourself. Find a homebuyer seminar that you can attend or research online. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Web site (www.hud.gov) has an entire section devoted to homebuyers with common questions of first-time homebuyers, mortgage and home-buying programs information, downloadable tools such as a wish list and home-shopping checklist, tips on selecting a real estate professional, etc. Likewise, Prudential Real Estate’s popular Web site, prudential.com/realestate, offers consumers brand-new tools for the homebuying process, such as free home environmental reports, Value Range Estimates and Property Profiles, among other resources.
2. Not asking questions. There are many facets and intricacies to the homebuying process, so although you may gain a basic knowledge, you will still have questions. Don’t hesitate to let your real estate professional know that you are new to the process. Make sure you choose a sales professional who is willing to spend time with you and walk you through the entire process. He or she will expect you to have questions at each step—from house hunting, to making an offer to the closing. Remember, this is one of the largest financial transactions of your life, so you want to have a clear understanding of what’s going on.
3. Buying on impulse. Don't feel pressured into making an offer on the first home you see. Buyers, especially first-timers, may be impressed by the first two or three homes they view. Look at a good selection. List the positives and negatives about each home. Narrow the prospects to three or four and then return for a closer look. When you decide to make a bid on a property, work with your real estate professional to get all of your questions answered before making an offer. But don't wait too long to make an offer. The longer you wait, the greater the chance other prospective buyers may place offers, making it harder for you to negotiate a good deal.
4. Looking outside your price range. Before beginning your home search, consider getting pre-qualified to so get an idea of how much you may be able to borrow. Use this information as a starting point in determining your price range. Then take into consideration other factors that will affect your monthly budget once you are a homeowner, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, private mortgage insurance (PMI) and maintenance.
5. Not planning ahead. Think about personal changes you are planning in the next five to seven years. For instance, are you starting a family, and if so, is the home large enough and will it continue to be? If this will be a starter home or if you think you’ll be relocating in a few year, you’ll probably want to pay closer attention to appreciation and resale value. If a double-income is necessary to qualify for financing and to make your payments, do your plans foresee an income sufficient to continue making payments?
6. Failure to focus on location. Don’t just focus on the house. Examine the community. Does it suit your lifestyle? Is the area safe, well-maintained, close to work, stores and schools? Find out about zoning and what new construction is planned on vacant land in the immediate area. Also consider the property marketability when it’s time to sell.
Above all, remember knowledge is key. No question is a silly question. Your real estate professional can be an invaluable asset throughout the process. Making smart home buying decisions will make the home-buying process less scary and your first home purchase a rewarding experience.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Should Buyers Use a Real Estate Professional?

2008-09-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

With just the stroke of a few keys, you can find myriad resources on the Internet to help you in your search for a new home. Besides property listings, you can find out about specific communities, schools and mortgage options. Prudential Real Estate has made three great resources – Environmental Profile, Property Profile and Value Range Estimate – available on prudential.com/realestate that provide detailed real estate information just by keying in a U.S. property address. With this wealth of information at your disposal, do you really need a real estate professional to represent you? Absolutely. Think of it this way, when you go to an unfamiliar place, sure you could do a self-guided tour. However, your tour is much more rewarding and enriching when you have someone who is familiar with the location to guide you along because he or she has inside knowledge on the history, culture and stories that you may not have otherwise received. The same can be said about sales professionals. Their role is more than someone to drive you around from property to property. They can be a great resource, especially to homebuyers relocating from other communities. He or she knows the local area including home values, taxes, utility costs, and school data, and may even be knowledgeable about resources pertaining to your special interests or needs. For instance, should you require help relocating an aging parent with you, your real estate professional may be able to direct you to local services or organizations for the elderly. A sales professional can familiarize you with the processes involved in buying a home, alert you to potential risks, help you determine how much house you can afford, explain alternative financing strategies, as well as provide tremendous moral support. Another benefit is having a strong advocate during the negotiating process. Sales professionals can help you objectively evaluate an offer then work to negotiate a favorable contract. During the process, he or she will review the contract and obligations before you sign, explain how contingencies and release clauses work, and so on. And something easy to overlook is our familiarity with the complexity and risks inherent in the process. In the years I have been practicing I have been continually amazed at how quickly a seemingly simple transaction can grow legally complex and risky. When complex questions arise, a sales professional can help you quickly locate an attorney or other licensed professionals whose services you may require, such as home inspectors, engineers, surveyors and lenders. As your single point of contact, a sales professional can manage the entire transaction including coordinating inspections, keeping in touch with the other real estate professionals, managing the documentation for the loan process, monitoring deadlines associated with contingencies, providing applicable paperwork, estimating closing costs, and helping prepare for a smooth and uneventful closing. If you’re about to begin the process of buying or selling a home, consider involving a real estate professional. When the stakes are high, it’s comforting to have a specialist by your side.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

ROCA MAR RESTAURANT & LOUNGE BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY

2008-08-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Custom Homes 101 - A Buyer's Guide to Success

2008-08-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

by Brandon Cornett
So you have decided to turn your dream home into a reality, and you are looking for a custom home builder to make it happen. In that case, congratulations are in order. Moving up to that kind of property is an exciting step.
But it also requires more homework than when buying a more traditional home. You must do more research and consider more things when having a custom home built from the ground up. There are three primary reasons for this:
For obvious reasons, there is usually more money on the line with these types of properties.
Building a customized home takes longer and requires more input from you.
The word "custom" means different things to different builders, so the process can vary quite a bit.
More Builders Today Than 10 Years Ago
One bit of good news for buyers is that there are many more custom builders today than there were just a few years ago. The reason for this can be summed up with one word -- demand. The consumer demand for these types of houses has risen steeply over the past couple of decades. And anytime demand for a certain product rises, there will be more providers looking to get in on the action. To an extent, this has been the case with custom builders.
Of course, this has a down-side to it as well. For one thing, it means you'll have to do more homework when screening builders for your project. In a major metropolitan city, for example, you could realistically have ten or more to choose from.
On top of this, there are also builders entering the custom market who lack experience at that level. Though they are the exception to the rule (a case of bad apples spoiling the bunch), they pose a risk nonetheless. You've probably seen one of these stories on the news in the past, where a project got abandoned halfway through, the buyers had to sue, etc.
The good news, as I've said, is that most custom builders are very good at what they do and take great pride in their work. In addition, it's fairly easy to avoid the "shady" characters within this particular industry. With a little homework, you can find out which builders in town have the best reputations, and which ones have the worst. The Internet makes this kind of research even easier. Google is your friend during this process!
What Does "Custom" Mean to the Builder?
This is another topic worth addressing. Many consumers don't realize that any licensed building firm can refer to itself as a custom builder. There is no special certification to create those kinds of homes. So many who enter the field may have general construction experience, but a lack of experience customizing floor plans and properties.
And while we are on the topic, what exactly does the word "custom" mean to the builder anyway? Here again, the standards are loose. Is it the same as a luxury home? And what the heck does semi-custom mean?
Here's an easy way to look at it. A truly custom builder can create a one-of-a-kind home for you. They can either design it from scratch, or work from plans created by an architect. Either way, the end product is the same -- a house that is built for you, from the floor to the ceiling.
On the other hand, some homes labeled as "custom" do not live up to that label. If it starts with a common floor plan and merely adds on a few customizable options here and there, it does not deserve the label. Sure, it may be luxurious, and you might be able to provide some input on certain features. But if it's built from a common floor plan, then it's not a one-of-a-kind custom home. Keep this in mind when choosing a building firm to work with.
Three Important Questions to Ask
And while we are talking about choosing builders, let's address some of the questions you should ask along the way. When you consider the amount of time, money and energy that go into these projects, it becomes clear why should ask the right questions in advance. Here are a few good ones to start with.
1. How many homes do you build each year?
This will give you insight into the company's experience, as well as their completion rate. Do they start more projects than they finish, or do they complete all projects within a reasonable time frame?
2. Have you ever operated under a different name?
Some people feel like they are being too nosy when asking a question like this, but it's a perfectly fair question to ask. Remember the "bad apples" we talked about earlier? Many of them will simply open up under a new company name, if their reputation gets bad enough. You need to know this information when doing your Internet research.
3. Can I speak to some of your past clients?
Sure, their brochure says they are one of the best builders around. But that's just marketing language. Other companies will say the same thing. The best way to get an honest assessment of the builder's service and quality is by speaking with some of their past clients. Most reputable builders will have a list of references prepared in advance, because (A) they know you will ask for it and (B) they are proud to show it off. If they can't give you any names ... it's a red flag.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Home Moving Made Easy - Top Tips for an Easier Relocation

2008-08-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

Homeowners in the United States sell their homes and move, on everage, every five to seven years. That's a lot of moving, and it can be a stressful time for anyone. But by preparing for your next move, you can greatly reduce the stress involved and simplify the entire process.
Here are some tips on how to do that:
1. Get the Right Materials
Some moving companies will come and pack up your belongings, if you pay for that service. But if you'll be doing your own packing, you will need to obtain the following supplies:
Boxes *
Packing tape
Black markers for labeling
Scissors
Newspaper or newsprint for cushioning
Moving blankets (for high-value furniture items, mirrors, etc.)
A pocketknife (they always come in "handy")
Some plastic storage bins (Rubbermaid, Sterilite, etc.)
* You may be able to get some boxes from your local supermarket, if you go in and ask the manager on duty. This works 90% of the time. You can also buy boxes (include specialty items like wardrobe boxes) from your nearest U-haul rental place.
2. Get Rid of Items You Aren't Taking
A garage sale is one of the best things you can do before moving. It's a way to purge your home of unwanted items you don't plan to move with you. You can also donate unwanted items to your local Goodwill drop-off. The sooner you do this step, the easier your packing will be.
3. Label Boxes Appropriately
Many people think they can remember which items are in which boxes after they reach their move destination. But this rarely works. On the outside, a box is a box. So you should label each box with its contents, being as specific and thorough as possible. It's also a good idea to put the room in big letters at the top (kitchen, master bedroom, etc.). That way, you or your movers will know where to put things on move-in day.
4. Back Up Computer Files
Before shutting down and packing up your computer, it's a good idea to back up your files. In the unfortunate event that your computer was damaged during transit, you would at least have all of your important files.
Make back-ups of computer files and determine how you will move this delicate equipment.
5. Make Use of Luggage Items
Don't just throw those suitcases in your car empty. Pack them with as many clothes as you possibly can. The same goes for duffel bags and other luggage items you might have. It will save space and reduce the number of trips when loading and unloading.
6. Segment Your Most Needed Items
Make a list of things you'll need during your move -- clothes, toiletries, medications, pet foods, etc. Pack these items separately into an "Open First" box (if you're only moving locally). If you're moving long distance, keep these items with you (as opposed to putting them onto the moving truck).
7. Choose a Reputable Mover
When researching moving companies, ask friends or family if they can refer a mover they have used. Check to see if the mover is a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Ask the moving company if they have any complaints filed against them, or just check their BBB record online.
8. Conduct a Room-by-Room Check
Before your final departure from the home you've leaving, give each room a final once-over for forgotten items. This is especially important for out-of-the-way areas like basements, tool sheds, attics, etc.
9. Unpack in Room-by-Room Fashion
Before you begin unpacking in your new home, be sure to move all of the boxes to their destination rooms (kitchen, master bedroom, etc.). You did label those boxes, right? Properly positioning boxes prior to unpacking will reduce confusion as well as clutter.

About the Author: Brandon Cornett writes for M&M Moving, an Austin moving company that does both local and interstate moves from their headquarters in Austin, Texas. Learn more by visiting http://www.mmmoving.com
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home's Exterior

2008-08-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

Make your home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:
1. Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details.

2. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle.

3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.

4. Install new doorknobs on your front door.

5. Repair any cracks in the driveway.

6. Edge the grass around walkways and trees.

7. Keep your garden tools and hoses out of sight.

8. Clear toys from the lawn.9. Buy a new mailbox.

10. Upgrade your outside lighting.

11. Buy a new doormat for the outside of your front door.

12. Clean your windows, inside and outside.

13. Polish or replace your house numbers.

14. Place a seasonal wreath on your door.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

101 Tips for a Smoother Home-Buying Process

2008-08-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

by Brandon Cornett
I created this list for two reasons. First, I want to give you a good understanding of the home buying process from start to finish. Secondly, I want to help you identify those areas where your knowledge-level is lacking, so you can conduct further research on your own.
Preliminary Considerations
1. Learn the home buying process in advance. You'll make much better decisions with a better understanding of the process.
2. Learn the lingo while you're at it (especially all the mortgage terms). You'll have a smoother home buying experience if you "speak the language."
3. Obtain your credit report. To get copies from all three credit bureaus at once, visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com.
4. Review your credit report. Make sure there are no errors. Check everything from the administrative information to the credit history.
5. Fix errors quickly. If you find an error on your credit report, go to the company's website where the report came from (TransUnion, Equifax or Experian) to contest it. Don't delay.
6. Run the numbers. Use an online mortgage calculator to get an idea how various mortgage amounts translate into monthly payments.
7. Check your debt-to-income ratio. Mortgage lenders prefer your overall debt to be no more than 20% of your net monthly income. If your debt is more, pay it down as quickly as possible.
8. Start saving your cash. Mortgage lenders like to see that you have some cash reserves on hand, and you'll need them for any unexpected fees or costs that might arise.
9. Get pre-qualified. Pre-qualification is an informal review of your finances by a mortgage lender to see what amount you might qualify for.
10. Avoid new lines of credit. Don't sign up for new credit cards or make any large credit purchases while you're "under review" by a mortgage lender.
11. Add HomeBuyingInstitute.com to your Internet favorites or bookmarks. Few websites contain as much helpful home buying information for first-time buyers.
Finding a Real Estate Agent
12. Ask friends or family. People who know you well are in the best position to recommend an agent who is right for you.
13. Talk to multiple agents. Don't think you have to sign on with the first agent you meet.
14. Ask how they search. Make sure your agents is going to use every means possible to find the right home for you. That means using the MLS in addition to their preferred listings.
15. Ask how they network. An experienced agent will often be part of a vast network of real estate professionals. This can sometimes help you find a home before it's even listed.
16. Ask about mortgage connections. It will save you time and headache if your agent can point you toward a good mortgage company.
17. Read paperwork carefully. At some point, your chosen agent will ask you to sign an agency agreement. It's usually a boilerplate document, but be sure to read it carefully all the same.
18. Consider the "vibe" factor. You might be working with this person anywhere from 2 to 12 months, so it certainly helps if you like them on a personal level.
19. Exchange cell phone numbers. You should have your agents cell number in your wallet, and vice versa. You don't want to miss an opportunity simply because you couldn't be reached.
House Hunting
20. Create a "need vs. want" list. Make a spreadsheet or checklist of the things you need in a home, versus the things you want. Print a copy for each house you visit and check items off.
21. Practice self-reliance. Don't over-rely on your agent when it comes to finding a home. Get out there and do some hunting yourself. It's a necessity, but it's also exciting!
22. Use multiple channels. The more channels you use to search for a home, the better. Read the newspaper, cruise the neighborhoods, and surf the web.
23. Use the Internet to your full advantage. Bookmark the real estate listing sites you find most helpful. Visit them once a day and write down new homes that meet your criteria.
24. Create a Google Alert. Visit Google's home page, click on "More" and find the Google Alerts. Enter real estate phrases for your area, and you'll get daily updates with news and info.
25. Feel free to snoop (sort of). When house hunting, it's okay to peek into dark corners, basements, storage sheds and the like. Respect the owner's privacy, but see the whole house.
26. Ask plenty of questions. Don't be shy about asking the sellers questions, if they're home.
27. Validate the asking price. It's called an "asking price" for a reason. Compare it to recent sales in the area. Your agent should be expert at this.
28. Consider shopping, dining and the like. Is the home near the places you frequent, or will it be a long drive?
29. Consider the commute. If you're a daily commuter, distance is a big consideration.
30. Visit during rush hour. Is the home hard to access or exit during rush hour? Is there a lot of traffic noise?
31. Check out the zoning. Are you surrounded by residential areas, or is there a soon-to-be-used commercial zone right across the street?
32. Research the neighborhood, not just the house. Neighborhoods impact property value as well as your own happiness.
33. Research taxes. Sometimes, two neighborhoods right across the street from one another will have different tax situations. Don't make assumptions.
34. Research future development. Will that nice meadow down the street be a highway extension or shopping mall in two years?
35. Bring a "disinterested witness." A level-headed friend or family member will help you judge the pros and cons of each home.
36. Avoid "The One" syndrome. Don't pull up to a home and say, "This is the one!" It might be, but you need to be cool-headed and open-minded during your first visit.
37. Bring a digital camera. It's a great way to record the details of each home for later review.
38. Bring a notepad. Jot down some notes about each home, and label each page by address.
39. Ask about ghosts, poltergeists or other forms of haunting. Just kidding.
40. Think five years ahead. Will the home still suit your needs if your family grows?
41. Play home inspector, casually. The full inspection will come later, but you should at least give the "big ticket" items (roof, heating system, etc.) a glance when visiting.
42. Keep an eye out for mold, standing water and other symptoms of disrepair.
43. Research schools. This is important whether or not you have school-aged children. Schools affect property values.
Making an Offer
44. Base your offer on evidence, not emotion. Remember, the lender will appraise the home later on. If it appraises for less than you've agreed to pay, you'll have problems.
45. Use your agent's experience. It might be your first offer, but your agent has probably seen dozens.
46. Discuss contingencies. Will your offer be contingent upon something, like the sale of your current home?
47. Prepare for all possible responses. What will you do if the seller makes a counteroffer or rejects your offer outright? Conduct "rehearsals" for each scenario.
48. Move quickly (but cautiously) in seller's market. Delays can cause a home to slip through your fingers.
49. Plan the closing date. This will normally be agreed upon during the offer process.
Choosing a Mortgage
50. Study the different types of mortgages, especially the pros and cons of each.
51. Consider your staying time. How long you plan to stay in a home will often determine which type of home loan is best for you.
52. Learn about new mortgage packages. A variety of "creative financing" loans have emerged in recent years. Learn about them.
53. Shop for the best interest rate. Mortgage lenders will offer different rates based on how comfortable they are lending to you. So shop around.
54. Read up on RESPA. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act protects you from unethical lenders. Familiarize yourself with it.
55. Consider paying points. A point is one percent of the loan amount. Paying points can lower your interest rate. Look into whether or not it's a good idea for your situation.
56. Don't go it alone. Ask your agent for advice. Talk to friends and family who've been through the home buying / mortgage process before.
57. Factor in PMI. If your down payment is less than 20% of the loan amount, you'll probably have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI).
58. Visit the mortgage section of HomeBuyingInstitute.com. You can learn about everything mentioned above, in much greater detail.
59. Watch out for unethical lenders. Talk to your agent or real estate attorney is something seems strange or too good to be true.
The Mortgage Application
60. Be honest. Don't let anyone talk you into falsifying information on your mortgage application. You'll be the only one held accountable.
61. Ask questions. And ask them again, until you're comfortable that you understand each part of the application.
62. Read the fine print. Often, the most important parts of an application are in the fine print. Don't let these details go unnoticed.
63. Don't sign blank areas. If a section of the mortgage application is blank, either 'X' it out or leave it unsigned.
64. Keep a copy for yourself. This applies to all documents during the home buying process. Start a folder with copies of everything.
65. Get a truth-in-lending statement. After you apply for the loan, the lender is required to give you an estimate of the total costs associated with the loan.
66. Plan for more than truth-in-lending statement. Unfortunately, it's common for the actual costs of a loan to be more than the lender's estimate. So plan for more.
The Home Inspection
67. Get a home inspection! At around $500, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
68. Hire a certified inspector. Anyone can claim to be an inspector. So make sure yours is certified by a professional organization.
69. Tag along if possible. You'll learn a lot about the inner workings of the home.
70. Categorize discrepancies, based on whether or not you want the seller to fix them.
71. Be realistic with repair requests. In a seller's market, you may not get all the repairs you want. So be realistic with what you're asking.
72. Get a termite inspection. Make the offer contingent upon a termite-free inspection.
The Home Appraisal
73. Understand the appraisal process. It's for the lender's protection, but it will also tell you if you're overpaying for the home.
74. Have a plan for under-appraisal. You can pay the difference, the seller can lower the price, or you can walk.
Pre-Closing / Pre-Settlement
75. Read up on closing procedures. Start with a refresher on RESPA.
76. Talk to friends and family who've been through a closing process. Learn from them.
77. Stay in touch with your lender, your agent, and the escrow company. Make sure they have all the paperwork they need to avoid delays.
78. Keep saving your money. Real estate closings often come with unexpected costs.
79. Be on the lookout for your HUD-1 statement. You should get one several days before closing. It will list the total amount due at closing.
80. Transfer utilities. Now might be a good time to start putting the utilities into your name.
81. Get hazard insurance. Most lenders require it, but it's mainly for your own protection.
82. Conduct your final walk-through. Make sure all requested repairs have been made.
83. Get a certified check for the amount due on the HUD-1 statement.
84. Confirm the time and location of the closing.
The Closing / Settlement Process
85. Bring your ID. The escrow company will probably want to verify it.
86. Don't forget the check!
87. Bring some blank checks, just in case unexpected costs or fees arise.
88. Don't feel rushed. Escrow companies do it for a living, but it's probably you're first time.
89. Read thoroughly. People make mistakes, so read each document carefully (especially the bottom-line amounts).
90. Ask questions. You're not being a pest for asking a lot of questions. You're simply looking out for your finances.
91. Don't make assumptions. For example, just because you agreed to buy mortgage points for a lower interest rate, don't assume it has been processed that way. Check the paperwork.
After Closing
92. Follow-up on your utility transfer.
93. Complete a change of address form for the postal service.
94. Notify friends and family of your new address. Postcards and emails work well.
95. Get a safe deposit box for your important documents, like your homeowner's insurance policy.
96. Set up auto-pay for your mortgage payments. It will be one less hassle to worry about each month, and it will also help you avoid missing payments.
97. Go meet the neighbors. If your neighbors don't come and introduce themselves, go say hello. Remember, these are the people who will keep an eye on your home when you're away.
98. Ease into your mortgage payment. Before filling the house with new furniture or electronics, give yourself a few months to adjust to the new mortgage payment.
99. Do the happy dance (whatever your version might be). Just remember to stretch first.
100. Break out the champagne, or your preferred non-alcoholic beverage.
101. Exhale.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

No-Nonsense Guide to Home Buying - 12 Steps to Success

2008-08-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

In the last few years, the process of buying a home has been altered by the so-called mortgage crisis and the continued evolution of online real estate tools. So in this article, we will take a fresh and modern look at the process of buying a house. More specifically, I will outline the general process in twelve clear steps.
1. Check Your Credit
Credit scores have always been important for home buyers, but they are more in the wake of the mortgage meltdown of 2007 - 2008. According to industry experts, home buyers in 2006 needed a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for the best interest rates on a loan. Two years later, borrowers needed a score of 760 or higher to get the best rates. That's a much stricter requirement!
So your first step should be to review your financial situation. Order your credit reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, and check them for errors. Order your credit score (different from your reports) to see how you stack up against the national average. If necessary, focus on improving your score by paying down credit card balances, making all future payments on time, etc.
2. Determine Your Budget
Don't make the mistake of letting a mortgage lender tell you what you can and cannot afford, in terms of a monthly mortgage payment. In reality, the only thing a lender can tell you is the amount you qualify for -- not the amount you can realistically afford. In other words, you should determine your home buying budget for yourself. There are a lot of free mortgage calculators online that can make this process easier for you.
3. Research and Choose a Type of Mortgage
Do you know the difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and an ARM? This is just one of the things you need to understand before applying for a mortgage loan. Because of increased competition in the lending industry, there are more types of home loans today than ten years ago. The key to success when choosing a mortgage is to consider your long-term plans and find a loan that matches those plans. To do this, you must learn the pros and cons of the primary loan types.
4. Get Pre-Approved for a Loan
Pre-approval is a process in which the mortgage lender reviews your financial and credit history to determine your "creditworthiness" ... an industry term that means: "How much of a risk is this person, and how much are we comfortable lending?" When you get pre-approved for a certain loan amount, there's a good chance that you'll receive final approval for that amount as well, when the time comes.
Having a pre-approval letter in hand also shows sellers that you are serious about (and capable of) purchasing their home. This can make a big difference in hotter real estate markets, where the seller may receive multiple offers from competing buyers.
5. Find a Real Estate Agent
If you are buying a home for the first time, or in a new city you're not familiar with, it's wise to hire a professional real estate agent. When you compare the amount of money you'll pay for a new home with the size of the agent's commission, you'll see that it's worthwhile to hire an agent. Choose an agent who specializes in helping buyers, as opposed to sellers.
6. Narrow Your Search
The neighborhood you choose is nearly as important as the house itself, because both have a direct bearing on your quality of life -- not to mention the future resale value. For these reasons and more, it's always best to live in a city for a while before buying a home, even if it means renting an apartment for a while. That way, you can discover which areas you like best before committing to an area.
7. Begin House Hunting
This is where you and your agent visit properties in order to find one that matches your needs. Here are some helpful tips. Take a digital camera with you to get pictures of each home. This will help you recall the details later on. Bring a notepad as well, and for the same reason. While you're at it, you might want to bring a friend along for an unbiased opinion of each property -- you know, that outspoken friend who calls it like it is.
8. Evaluate the Asking Price
It's referred to as the "asking price" for a good reason. Just because a property is listed at $250,000 doesn't necessarily mean it's worth that amount. This is another area where it helps to have a real estate agent. Most agents are expert at validating sale prices against recent sales in the area, and that's the best way to find out if the price is realistic or inflated.
9. Make an Offer
Once you've determined that the price is fair and reasonable, you are ready to make an offer on the property. Always make the offer contingent upon the home inspection (see next item). That way, if the inspector uncovers an issue that you consider a deal breaker, you have a way out of the contract. Ask your agent about contingencies.
10. Get a Home Inspection
Most inspections only cost a few hundred dollars. That's a small price to pay for the peace of mind you get in return. A home inspector will review the structural and mechanical aspects of the house, including (but not limited to) the roof, foundation, electrical, and heating / cooling system.
11. Attend the Closing / Settlement Process
So, you've made it through all of the inspections and the process is still on track. Great! The next step will be the closing / settlement process (it goes by different names in different parts of the country). Actually, you can prepare for this process early on by putting extra money aside. This is when the title to the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. You'll also be signing a lot of paperwork and paying any other fees that are due.
12. Tie Up Loose Ends
After your move, you'll have a few more things on your task list. Transfer your utilities if you haven't done so already. Complete a change-of-address form with the post office. Get a safe deposit box for your home insurance policy and other important documents. Set up a mortgage payment schedule or an online auto-pay system. And give yourself a pat on the back ... you're now a homeowner!

About the Author: Brandon Cornett is the publisher of Home Insurance World, a educational website for first-time home buyers. Learn more or contact the author by visiting http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com/insurance
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

How to Improve the Odds of an Offer

2008-08-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

1. Price it right. Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range.

2. Prepare for visitors. Get your house market ready at least two weeks before you begin showing it.

3. Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show at the spur of the moment. But the more amenable you can be about letting people see your home, the sooner you’ll find a buyer.

4. Anticipate the offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you’ll find acceptable.5. Don’t refuse to drop the price. If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, you should be prepared to at least consider lowering your asking price.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

How to Lower Your Home Insurance Costs

2008-08-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

by Brandon Cornett
When you buy a home, your mortgage lender will require a homeowners insurance policy in order to protect their interest in the home. In most cases, the lending institution owns most of the home during the first years of the home, until the homeowner gains equity. So it only makes sense that lenders want to protect their investment in the home.
But this policy protects your investment in the home, as well. It gives you peace of mind that, in the event of a loss, you will be covered in some form or fashion. So you should make sure you get solid coverage from a reputable insurance provider.
With that being said, it sure is nice to save money wherever possible. And this goes for insurance policies as well. Here are some of the ways you can lower the overall cost you pay for a homeowners insurance policy.
Compare Insurance Companies
When you compare one provider to another, you are doing two important things at once. First, and most obvious, you are finding out who offers the lowest rates for a comparable level of coverage. Secondly, you are learning about the different types of coverage these companies provide, including the many components that make up a policy, the terminology associated with it, etc. Both of these items are important when trying to lower the cost you pay out of pocket.
Save Time by Using the Internet
The good news is that you can conduct much of the above-mentioned research fairly easily, just by using the Internet. In the past, you had to make a lot of phone calls (or even office visits) to compare insurance companies and policies. There are many big insurance websites that allow you to do this. But as always, watch out for scam websites that ask for too much personal information up front.
Another benefit to getting a home insurance quote online is the speed factor. Using the Internet, you can accomplish in a few hours what used to take a few days or even weeks.
Improve Your Credit Score
These days, in the wake of the subprime mortgage crisis of 2007 - 2008, it's more important than ever to have a good credit score. For one thing, mortgage lenders require that borrowers have higher scores these days to get the best loan rates. But there's another good reason to maintain good credit. Many insurance companies are beginning to use this factor when determining the price for policies.
Raise Deductible to Lower the Costs
The deductible is the money you would pay toward a loss before your insurance policy would cover the rest. If you have coverage on your car, you are probably familiar with the concept of deductibles. It's the same basic concept with a homeowner policy.
You can lower your premium by raising your deductible amount. Many financial experts recommend doing this as a way of lowering premium costs. The logic is that you know for certain that you'll pay the premium on your policy, but there's only a small statistical chance of suffering a loss and having to file an actual claim. So this approach seeks to lower the amount you know you're going to pay (the premium) by increasing the amount you may never have to pay (the deductible).
Purchasing insurance for your home can be a balance between cost and coverage. You want to control the former without sacrificing the latter. I hope this article has given you the knowledge and confidence you need to accomplish these goals.
For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Questions to Ask When Choosing a REALTOR®

2008-08-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Make sure you choose a REALTOR® who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs.1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales?

Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.

2. What designations do you hold? Designations such as GRI and CRS® — which require that agents take additional, specialized real estate training — are held by only about one-quarter of real estate practitioners.

3. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

4. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The REALTOR® you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.

5. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the REALTOR® is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers. Of course, other factors also may be at play, including an exceptionally hot or cool real estate market.

6. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your REALTOR® is responsive.

7. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your REALTOR® should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

8. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because REALTORS® are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Practitioners should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

9. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

10. What’s your business philosophy? For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

2008-08-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here are five reasons why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.2. Get objective information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?3. Find the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties.4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.6. Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.7. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical.8. Buying and selling is emotional. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.9. Ethical treatment. Every member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for REALTORS® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every four years.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

7 Reasons to Own Your Home

2008-08-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

FHA Home Loans to the Rescue - Help for Homeowners

2008-08-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

by Brandon Cornett
You can't turn on the TV these days without seeing a news story about the U.S. economy in general and the housing market in particular. Starting in 2007, we began to see record numbers of home foreclosures, a trend that continued into 2008 (and one that shows no sign of slowing).
But for many homeowners, help is on the horizon. And it comes in the form of FHA refinance loans. Let's take a closer look at this new program and what it promises to do.
Housing and Economic Recovery Act
The recently passed Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 will help "at least 400,000 families" who are struggling with their mortgage payments and facing foreclosure. It will do this by providing FHA-insured refinance loans to switch the homeowners from high-rate ARM loans to lower fixed-rate mortgages. For those accepted into the program, the end result will be a lower monthly payment and more desirable fixed rate that will no longer adjust / increase.
History of the FHA
The Federal Housing Administration was created in 1934, during the Great Depression, to make home financing available to a greater number of Americans. The FHA does not actually make home loans to consumers. Instead, they insure certain loans made by private lending institutions.
You've probably heard the term "government-backed financing" before. The FHA program is an example of this. By having government insurance in their favor, private lenders are more willing to offer mortgages to borrowers they normally wouldn't qualify (due to credit problems or other qualification issues). The lender is assured of getting their money back on the loan, even if the homeowner defaults and stops making payments. That's what the FHA insurance does.
The Refinancing Angle
Traditionally, the FHA program was focused on helping buyers in the purchase of a home. But as a result of the aforementioned Housing and Economic Recovery Act, the program is being opened up to homeowners who want to refinance. According to the HUD website, "an estimated 400,000 borrowers in danger of losing their homes will be able to refinance into more affordable government-insured mortgages." The program is slated to begin in October of 2008. To find out if you are eligible, visit the HUD website or refer to the Home Buying Institute resources mentioned at the end of this article.
Getting Away from ARM Loans
The goal of this new program is two-fold. It is designed to help struggling homeowners who have adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) convert to fixed rates. It's also designed to lower their mortgage rates in the process. Lower rates and less uncertainty -- a double win.
About the Author: Brandon Cornett is the publisher of Home Buying Institute, a website that offers advice for home buyers and mortgage shoppers. To learn more about FHA loan program or related topics, visit the Institute at http://www.homebuyinginstitute.com

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com

Looking for a unique place to stay on the Oregon Coast?

2008-08-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

Sans Souci is located North on Highway 101, ½ mile from South View Development in South Yachats (YAH-hots) Oregon.

For more information about Florence Oregon Real Estate give me a call 541-991-7794 or visit my website www.maureensellsflorence.com