If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably developed a pretty clear mental picture of what your new home should be like. But remember that even a home that’s not in ideal condition can still have great potential.
Here are some tips to help you look beyond bad decorating, old carpet and ugly wallpaper to see a jewel in the rough:
The floor plan is extremely important. Look at entrances and exits, where the rooms are located and how foot traffic will flow throughout the home. A good floor plan is worth a lot, especially when you consider the cost of changing it.
Walls and floor coverings make an important first impression. Paint is relatively inexpensive, so imagine the walls in the colors you would choose. Carpets and vinyl floor coverings can be removed and replaced, hardwoods can be refinished.
The kitchen is usually the center of any home. Paint and new appliances can make a huge difference if you don’t like what's there now. The most important thing to consider is whether it has enough counter and cabinet space to suit your needs.
Unless you're building your dream home, you will probably never find the perfect house. So before you make an offer, keep in mind what you can't live without and what you can improve upon with some well-placed upgrades and improvements.
If the house is cluttered and not as clean as you would like, remember that it will look different with your belongings and a thorough, professional cleaning is always an option.
If the exterior of the home doesn't have a great deal of curb appeal, just imagine it with a fresh coat of paint and new landscaping.
Please call or send us an email if we can help with more ideas on how to see past the surface when looking at a potential new home.
How to Give Your Home a Positive Image with the Right Scents
Taking advantage of a smell’s strong, almost subconscious effects on the brain is an easy way to accentuate your home’s positive image.
For a warm, inviting scent, boil a pot of water on the stovetop, pour in a teaspoon of vanilla, and add some cinnamon or cloves. The aroma of fresh-baked bread or cookies is another sure-fire winner.
While some smells create positive images, others create negative impressions and should be avoided. Cigarette or cigar smoke can make even a clean house seem dingy.
To absorb airborne smells, place a small bowl with half an inch of white vinegar in the room and let it sit for a few days. Vinegar sprayed on carpets, drapes or upholstery can also help with absorbed odors. (Be sure to test first on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t change the color.) A thorough cleaning can also help remove smoking or pet odors.
Use a lemon-scented wax to polish wood surfaces for a fresh, clean aroma. Bathrooms seem cleaner and brighter when scented candles are lit.
Please call or send an email if we can provide other tips to help you create a comfortable environment in your home or answer any real estate related questions. We appreciate the opportunity to be your trusted real estate resource.
For a warm, inviting scent, boil a pot of water on the stovetop, pour in a teaspoon of vanilla, and add some cinnamon or cloves. The aroma of fresh-baked bread or cookies is another sure-fire winner.
While some smells create positive images, others create negative impressions and should be avoided. Cigarette or cigar smoke can make even a clean house seem dingy.
To absorb airborne smells, place a small bowl with half an inch of white vinegar in the room and let it sit for a few days. Vinegar sprayed on carpets, drapes or upholstery can also help with absorbed odors. (Be sure to test first on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t change the color.) A thorough cleaning can also help remove smoking or pet odors.
Use a lemon-scented wax to polish wood surfaces for a fresh, clean aroma. Bathrooms seem cleaner and brighter when scented candles are lit.
Please call or send an email if we can provide other tips to help you create a comfortable environment in your home or answer any real estate related questions. We appreciate the opportunity to be your trusted real estate resource.
When was the Last Time You Did a Fire Safety Check?
In these hectic times it’s easy to overlook fire safety and safety precautions in your home. Here’s a list of things you can do to ensure the safety of you, your family and guests:
* Replace the old batteries in your smoke alarms with new ones. Test each alarm to make sure it is properly functioning. Make sure you have installed enough smoke alarms for the size of your home – at least one per story near bedrooms or in hallways.
* Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they’re fully charged. Many models have a fixed lifespan before they must be serviced or replaced. Check the label on yours to make sure they’re still fresh. Your home should have at least one extinguisher in the kitchen. Keeping a second one in the garage is a good precaution.
* Check your home’s electrical outlets to make sure you don’t have too many lights or appliances for their rated load. Overloaded circuits are the cause of many home fires. Replace any cords or plugs that have cracks or visible damage.
* Always store matches and lighters in a safe place out of the reach of children.
* Make sure your family has a home evacuation plan in case of emergency. Rehearse evacuation routes to make sure everyone is familiar with it.
Please call us or send an email if we can provide more information about home safety or maintenance.
* Replace the old batteries in your smoke alarms with new ones. Test each alarm to make sure it is properly functioning. Make sure you have installed enough smoke alarms for the size of your home – at least one per story near bedrooms or in hallways.
* Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they’re fully charged. Many models have a fixed lifespan before they must be serviced or replaced. Check the label on yours to make sure they’re still fresh. Your home should have at least one extinguisher in the kitchen. Keeping a second one in the garage is a good precaution.
* Check your home’s electrical outlets to make sure you don’t have too many lights or appliances for their rated load. Overloaded circuits are the cause of many home fires. Replace any cords or plugs that have cracks or visible damage.
* Always store matches and lighters in a safe place out of the reach of children.
* Make sure your family has a home evacuation plan in case of emergency. Rehearse evacuation routes to make sure everyone is familiar with it.
Please call us or send an email if we can provide more information about home safety or maintenance.
Featured Local Business of the Week: Mrs P's Bakery
Treat yourself, your family and friends this holiday season to Mrs P's Bakery (http://www.mrspscookies.com) on Wenatchee Ave. Trust us when we say, there is no better choice in Wenatchee for freshly baked goodies like cookies, bars, scones and much more! And should you have the opportunity to meet Mrs P, you'll be blown away by her good nature and love.
Just be careful, you may become addicted!
Happy Holiday,
Blaine & Erin Davidson
Just be careful, you may become addicted!
Happy Holiday,
Blaine & Erin Davidson
Effective Tips for Cleaning Your Garage
Does it seem as if the things in your garage multiply almost overnight? For most people cleaning their garage is an onerous task. Here are some effective tips for gaining space to actually park your car.
* Gather all items you're not using and have a garage sale, donate the items to charity or take them to the dump.
* Dust the walls and corners; get rid of the spider webs.
* Hang heavy-duty wall hooks for larger items like yard tools, bicycles or exercise equipment that are taking up floor space.
* If you don’t have shelves, consider buying adjustable steel shelves on wheels available at warehouse stores.
* Get boxes and other items off the garage floor.
* Clean the floor and remove oil drips with cat litter and Simple Green detergent.
* Make sure all flammable materials, tools and toxic chemicals are stored out of reach of children.
* Check your garage door to make sure the opener is working properly in reverse.
Keeping your garage clutter-free and clean will allow you to have useful storage and workshop space. While your garage usually won't make or break a deal when you decide to sell your home, a clean, well-maintained garage may be a tie-breaker by enhancing an overall impression of a well-cared-for home.
Please call or send us an email if you'd like some additional real estate tips or neighborhood information.
* Gather all items you're not using and have a garage sale, donate the items to charity or take them to the dump.
* Dust the walls and corners; get rid of the spider webs.
* Hang heavy-duty wall hooks for larger items like yard tools, bicycles or exercise equipment that are taking up floor space.
* If you don’t have shelves, consider buying adjustable steel shelves on wheels available at warehouse stores.
* Get boxes and other items off the garage floor.
* Clean the floor and remove oil drips with cat litter and Simple Green detergent.
* Make sure all flammable materials, tools and toxic chemicals are stored out of reach of children.
* Check your garage door to make sure the opener is working properly in reverse.
Keeping your garage clutter-free and clean will allow you to have useful storage and workshop space. While your garage usually won't make or break a deal when you decide to sell your home, a clean, well-maintained garage may be a tie-breaker by enhancing an overall impression of a well-cared-for home.
Please call or send us an email if you'd like some additional real estate tips or neighborhood information.
How to Organize a Block Watch—and Why!
A Block Watch is simply an extension of what you're probably already doing: watching out for your neighbors' property and taking action in case of an emergency or suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1.
Joining or starting a Block Watch doesn't require you to perform any special tasks, go to a lot of meetings or take on extra responsibilities. You don't have to patrol the neighborhood or chase burglars. Block Watch just involves being alert as a part of your everyday life.
For example, when you go to the window to open or close the drapes, stop for a second and glance around the neighborhood to be sure everything is normal before adjusting the drapes. When you go out to get in your car, glance up and check the neighborhood. This is the kind of watching that's involved.
All a Block Watch requires is that you and your neighbors be familiar enough with each other to know who belongs in the neighborhood and who doesn't; which cars are a part of the neighborhood and which aren't; and when something suspicious is going on. This concept of "neighbor watching out for neighbor" is important for those who live in condos as well.
For more information on real estate or neighborhood news, please contact us by phone or email.
How Value-Added Features Affect the Sales Price of Your Home
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, a recent report by the National Association of Realtors measured how certain characteristics influence the value of a property. Here are some of the findings:
* A remodel adding an additional 1,000 square feet of living space increases a home’s market value by just 3.3%.
* Adding an extra bedroom adds about 4% to the price while an additional bath can add 24%.
* Houses advertised as “fixers” sell for 24% less than other houses.
* A garage adds about 13% to the price.
* Central air conditioning adds about 12% to the price.
* A basement increases a home's value by an average of 9%.
* A sitting area in the master bedroom increases the price by about 8%.
* Features that add the most value are a family room, a dining room, a whirlpool and a security system.
This information can help determine the return you can expect to see on your remodeling investment as well as to compare property values when you’re shopping for a home.
Please call or send us an email if you’d like us to help evaluate your remodeling plans and determine how much they’ll return on your investment. Or, if you are considering a purchase, we can help you get the best buy on a home with the amenities that are important to you.
* A remodel adding an additional 1,000 square feet of living space increases a home’s market value by just 3.3%.
* Adding an extra bedroom adds about 4% to the price while an additional bath can add 24%.
* Houses advertised as “fixers” sell for 24% less than other houses.
* A garage adds about 13% to the price.
* Central air conditioning adds about 12% to the price.
* A basement increases a home's value by an average of 9%.
* A sitting area in the master bedroom increases the price by about 8%.
* Features that add the most value are a family room, a dining room, a whirlpool and a security system.
This information can help determine the return you can expect to see on your remodeling investment as well as to compare property values when you’re shopping for a home.
Please call or send us an email if you’d like us to help evaluate your remodeling plans and determine how much they’ll return on your investment. Or, if you are considering a purchase, we can help you get the best buy on a home with the amenities that are important to you.
Blaine's Recipe of the Week - 12/6/07
A delightfully easy and fresh tuna dish...
Seared Tuna with Herb Salad
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
6 6-oz 1-inch-thick ahi tuna steaks
8 cups coarsely chopped fresh herbs: dill, chervil, basil, chives
Cherry tomatoes
Kosher salt
Course black pepper
Whisk 4 tablespoons oil and lemon juice in small bowl; salt and pepper to taste. Heat BBQ on high. Brush tuna with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for 1 minute on each side, until grill marks appear but still rare. Place herbs in large bowl with cherry tomatoes and toss in dressing to coat. Top salad with Tuna and serve.
How to Use an Appraisal and Inspection When Buying a Home
Ever wonder about the difference between a property appraisal and an inspection, and how each is used during the home buying process?
An appraisal is a formal written assessment of the value of a home or property. A lender usually requires an appraisal to determine the market value of the property to make sure the amount borrowed does not exceed the value of the property being purchased. An appraiser is usually hired by the lender and their fee is one of the expenses included at settlement or closing.
An inspection is an onsite assessment of the systems and structural integrity of the property. An inspection is intended to find any hidden problems and as a condition of the sale. Prospective buyers hire an inspector directly and normally make payment at the time of the inspection.
Both appraisers and inspectors act as independent third parties while real estate agents represent either the buyer or the seller and thus have a stake in the outcome of a transaction. As an agent, I can still provide you with a free comparable market analysis or CMA which will give you a good idea of what your home is currently worth.
Please call or send us an email if you’d like to learn more about how much your home may be worth.
An appraisal is a formal written assessment of the value of a home or property. A lender usually requires an appraisal to determine the market value of the property to make sure the amount borrowed does not exceed the value of the property being purchased. An appraiser is usually hired by the lender and their fee is one of the expenses included at settlement or closing.
An inspection is an onsite assessment of the systems and structural integrity of the property. An inspection is intended to find any hidden problems and as a condition of the sale. Prospective buyers hire an inspector directly and normally make payment at the time of the inspection.
Both appraisers and inspectors act as independent third parties while real estate agents represent either the buyer or the seller and thus have a stake in the outcome of a transaction. As an agent, I can still provide you with a free comparable market analysis or CMA which will give you a good idea of what your home is currently worth.
Please call or send us an email if you’d like to learn more about how much your home may be worth.
Important Real Estate Documents to Keep in a Safe Place
As long as you own your home, here is a list of important real estate documents you’ll want to keep in a safe place:
1. Property deed: keep it for as long as you own the property.
2. Closing statements: keep statements for three years after your purchase to show capital gains.
3. Home improvement: some remodeling projects can reduce a potential capital gains hit when you sell your property, so save your receipts and consult your accountant.
4. Warranty information: keep until the warranty expires.
5. Loan papers: keep until paid off or refinanced, or in the case of mortgages that have tax-deductible interest, keep them for three years.
6. Insurance policies: keep until the policy expires.
7.Receipts or statements: save credit card receipts and/or checking account statements or cancelled checks for all major purchases such as appliances, furniture, antiques and art
When you sell your home, you’ll usually be required to submit a disclosure form. Receipts for major home improvements like a new roof or remodeling project can help you complete disclosure forms and substantiate the good condition of your home.
A bank safety deposit box or fireproof safe is the best place to store your important documents. Be sure to save an up-to-date household inventory, complete with appraisals, receipts and photos or a videotape for insurance purposes in case of loss.
Please call or send us an email if we can provide you with an updated home evaluation for insurance purposes.
1. Property deed: keep it for as long as you own the property.
2. Closing statements: keep statements for three years after your purchase to show capital gains.
3. Home improvement: some remodeling projects can reduce a potential capital gains hit when you sell your property, so save your receipts and consult your accountant.
4. Warranty information: keep until the warranty expires.
5. Loan papers: keep until paid off or refinanced, or in the case of mortgages that have tax-deductible interest, keep them for three years.
6. Insurance policies: keep until the policy expires.
7.Receipts or statements: save credit card receipts and/or checking account statements or cancelled checks for all major purchases such as appliances, furniture, antiques and art
When you sell your home, you’ll usually be required to submit a disclosure form. Receipts for major home improvements like a new roof or remodeling project can help you complete disclosure forms and substantiate the good condition of your home.
A bank safety deposit box or fireproof safe is the best place to store your important documents. Be sure to save an up-to-date household inventory, complete with appraisals, receipts and photos or a videotape for insurance purposes in case of loss.
Please call or send us an email if we can provide you with an updated home evaluation for insurance purposes.
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