Research shows that for most of us, the equity in our homes is more than three times greater than the value of all our other investments combined. In spite of the cyclical volatility in the housing market, you can increase the long-term equity in your home through regular maintenance and well-planned improvements.
Postponing needed maintenance can substantially reduce your home’s market value when you decide to sell it. The three types of maintenance most commonly deferred are water damage, pests and roof repair or replacement.
Remodeling can add improvements that will make your home more functional and pleasurable to live in now as well as more valuable when you do put it on the market. Updating your kitchen and bathrooms are your best remodeling investment while converting a basement into a family room, adding a sport court or swimming pool provide the lowest return in terms of increased equity.
Prospective buyers are looking for a home that best fits their living needs with a minimum of work before they move in. While you may not be ready to sell right now, making sure your home is properly maintained and tastefully updated can provide a handsome return on your investment when you do decide to sell.
Please contact us if we can answer any questions or provide you with additional information.
We Won 2007 NCW Realtor “Rookie” of the Year!
It’s hard for us to believe that just over one year ago we were teaching real estate agents how to be successful in their businesses and developing products to support their efforts. Now we’re implementing the same business model, systems, processes and cutting edge technology in our own business, and couldn’t be any happier doing it.
Thank you for making our first year in Wenatchee and in business a special one. In fact, we were named the North Central Washington Realtor Association’s Realtor “Rookie” of the Year. We’ve also been nominated to receive Realtor Magazine’s 30-Under-30 award, given to the top 30 Realtors in the United States under 30 years of age. We’re very proud of these accomplishments and recognition, and appreciate your business and friendship!
We are blessed to be enjoying so many amazingly positive experiences, business and personal learnings, and new friends! Warm regards and happy New Year!
Thank you for making our first year in Wenatchee and in business a special one. In fact, we were named the North Central Washington Realtor Association’s Realtor “Rookie” of the Year. We’ve also been nominated to receive Realtor Magazine’s 30-Under-30 award, given to the top 30 Realtors in the United States under 30 years of age. We’re very proud of these accomplishments and recognition, and appreciate your business and friendship!
We are blessed to be enjoying so many amazingly positive experiences, business and personal learnings, and new friends! Warm regards and happy New Year!
Developer pushes big plans for resort on Columbia
Today's Wenatchee World reports exciting plans for a new resort and golf course on the Columbia, between Rock Island and Trinidad:
"Resort plans, which have been approved by Douglas County commissioners, call for 497 single-family homes and 628 condominium and townhouse units, ranging from about $250,000 to $1 million in price. About 85 percent of the units will have river views. Work on utilities, including a $12 million sewer plant, is expected to begin this summer."
Click below to see the entire story:
http://wenworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080116/NEWS04/373562478
"Resort plans, which have been approved by Douglas County commissioners, call for 497 single-family homes and 628 condominium and townhouse units, ranging from about $250,000 to $1 million in price. About 85 percent of the units will have river views. Work on utilities, including a $12 million sewer plant, is expected to begin this summer."
Click below to see the entire story:
http://wenworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080116/NEWS04/373562478
Smart Questions to Ask a Home Lender
Recent news stories about so-called ‘subprime' loans illustrate that it's a good idea to shop carefully for a loan, especially one whose payment amount won't abruptly increase and jeopardize your ability to make monthly payments and possibly lead to foreclosure.
If you're shopping for a loan, here are some important things to ask a prospective mortgage broker:
What will his total compensation be from you and the lender for the loan he helps you to get?
How will her compensation vary depending on what type of loan you choose or which lender makes the loan?
Is he willing to work for a flat fee agreed to in advance and to rebate to you any additional compensation he receives from the lender?
How many lenders does she work with on a regular basis? Do any of them account for a majority of her business?
If you are thinking of purchasing a home, we can help you. Our preferred mortgage adivsor, Kevin Nelson, from Discover NCW Mortgage, would be happy to help you select a loan that will be best for your needs.
If you are considering a refinance, a home evaluation can give you a good idea of what your home is worth and we can give you a general price range right online based on recent sale prices of comparable homes in your area. For a more precise estimation of value, we can drop by for a quick review of your home.
Please phone or email us for more information. We are happy to help you, your family and friends.
If you're shopping for a loan, here are some important things to ask a prospective mortgage broker:
What will his total compensation be from you and the lender for the loan he helps you to get?
How will her compensation vary depending on what type of loan you choose or which lender makes the loan?
Is he willing to work for a flat fee agreed to in advance and to rebate to you any additional compensation he receives from the lender?
How many lenders does she work with on a regular basis? Do any of them account for a majority of her business?
If you are thinking of purchasing a home, we can help you. Our preferred mortgage adivsor, Kevin Nelson, from Discover NCW Mortgage, would be happy to help you select a loan that will be best for your needs.
If you are considering a refinance, a home evaluation can give you a good idea of what your home is worth and we can give you a general price range right online based on recent sale prices of comparable homes in your area. For a more precise estimation of value, we can drop by for a quick review of your home.
Please phone or email us for more information. We are happy to help you, your family and friends.
5 Smart Steps for Lowering Home Energy Costs
As the price of energy continues to rise, so too does the importance of using it efficiently in your home.
Increasing your home's energy efficiency doesn't cost a lot and the financial savings can add up quickly. Plus, when you decide to sell, the resulting lower utility costs give you a marketing advantage with today's savvy buyers.
Take these 5 steps to make your home more efficient:
1. Replace your old thermostat with a new programmable digital model.
2. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).
3. Replace the seal around your refrigerator and freezer doors.
4. Get a furnace tune-up and replace the filter every three months.
5. Install a ceiling fan to circulate warm air from the top of a room down to the bottom.
Many utility companies offer free energy audits that show you where your home is wasting the most energy. The audit pinpoints areas for home improvement.
Please call or send us an email if we can provide more tips for home maintenance. If you are considering selling, an energy efficient home is an added selling feature. Let us know how we can help you with any of your real estate needs.
Increasing your home's energy efficiency doesn't cost a lot and the financial savings can add up quickly. Plus, when you decide to sell, the resulting lower utility costs give you a marketing advantage with today's savvy buyers.
Take these 5 steps to make your home more efficient:
1. Replace your old thermostat with a new programmable digital model.
2. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).
3. Replace the seal around your refrigerator and freezer doors.
4. Get a furnace tune-up and replace the filter every three months.
5. Install a ceiling fan to circulate warm air from the top of a room down to the bottom.
Many utility companies offer free energy audits that show you where your home is wasting the most energy. The audit pinpoints areas for home improvement.
Please call or send us an email if we can provide more tips for home maintenance. If you are considering selling, an energy efficient home is an added selling feature. Let us know how we can help you with any of your real estate needs.
Featured Local Business of the Week: Mission Ridge
Wenatchee's own ski mountain, Mission Ridge is The Davidson Team's Featured Local Business of the Week. If you haven't yet checked out this gem, you're missing out. It's rare combination of Wenatchee Valley sun, dry snow and 2,000 acres of wide open terrain make it a must ski/board.
Visit the Mission Ridge website today http://www.missionridge.com/ to the latest on conditions, trip planning, lessons, activities and events, and much more!
As of Thursday, January 3, it's 21 degrees (F) and the powder is flowing!
9 Tips to Safeguard Against Burglars While You’re Away
Many people take vacations or weekend trips throughout the year. But an empty house, condo or apartment can be a tempting target for would-be burglars.
By using these 9 tips to secure your home before going on vacation (or away for a long weekend) you can help ensure your vacation has a happy ending:
1. Make your home appear lived-in while you're gone.
2. Use electrical timers to turn on a radio and lights at different intervals.
3. Install secure locks on all the outside doors and windows.
4. Stop deliveries of mail and newspapers.
5. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house while you're away. Be sure to leave them a phone number where they can reach you in an emergency.
6. Schedule someone to mow your lawn and maintain your yard.
7. Leave your blinds in the same position they would be if you were home.
8. Never leave a house key hidden outside your home.
9. If you will be gone for an extended period of time, put your valuables in a bank safe deposit box.
Please call or email us if we can help with more ideas about home security.
By using these 9 tips to secure your home before going on vacation (or away for a long weekend) you can help ensure your vacation has a happy ending:
1. Make your home appear lived-in while you're gone.
2. Use electrical timers to turn on a radio and lights at different intervals.
3. Install secure locks on all the outside doors and windows.
4. Stop deliveries of mail and newspapers.
5. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house while you're away. Be sure to leave them a phone number where they can reach you in an emergency.
6. Schedule someone to mow your lawn and maintain your yard.
7. Leave your blinds in the same position they would be if you were home.
8. Never leave a house key hidden outside your home.
9. If you will be gone for an extended period of time, put your valuables in a bank safe deposit box.
Please call or email us if we can help with more ideas about home security.
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