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Selling? Improve The Appearance Of Your Home’s Bathrooms
Selling? Improve The Appearance Of Your Home's Bathrooms
Selling? Improve The Appearance Of Your Home's BathroomsFull-scale bathroom remodeling can be expensive and, in today’s housing market, you won’t likely get all of the money back that you put into it at the time of sale.
Knowing that bathroom projects tend to have a low return on investment, therefore, here are a few inexpensive changes which you can make to spruce up bathrooms in a home for sale.
Fixtures
Most sellers will notice if the fixtures in a bathroom are old, and it can have a negative effect on their view of your home. Buy a new set of bathroom fixtures at a home improvement store. Most stores have matching towel racks and bathroom tissue holders, too. There is a wide selection of stainless steel, wood or ceramic fixtures available at most stores, too.
Paint
A fresh coat of paint is a simple way to improve the overall look of a bathroom. Choose paints with a light, neutral color to make the room seem more spacious.
Floors
If your bathroom floor has tiles, it’s a good idea to add fresh grout to brighten up the bathroom’s overall look, or, at least, to clean the grout so that it looks like new. Scratched linoleum should also be replaced. There is plenty of inexpensive flooring which is easy to install, in a variety of patterns and colors at your local hardware or flooring store.
De-Clutter
Prospective buyers should be able to imagine themselves living in your home. It’s easier for them to do that when your home is free of clutter. This is even true in the bathroom. Clear out your medicine cabinet. (Yes, many buyers will look in there.) Leave only the essentials such as toothpaste and hairbrushes.
Making a good impression on your prospective buyers can be easier when you’ve redone a bathroom. It doesn’t require much money, and it may increase the final sale price of home.
For more information on preparing your home for sale, contact Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner, Windermere Real Estate Seattle-Northwest. 206-769-9577.
The ultimate house painting tips guide
The ultimate house painting tips guide
The ultimate house painting tips guide
Whether you are repainting an entire house, or just touching up the corner of a room, painting is an important part of home-ownership (and even renting). Knowing this, we've published quite a few articles on painting over the years, all of which were written by professional painters
and home improvement experts. We've rounded up all of our favorite painting tips articles into one handy guide. It's time to paint!
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/01/27/ultimate-house-painting-tips-guide/#ixzz2KcUsRRV5
For more information on Seattle area real estate and tips on how to wisely prepare your home before you sell, contact Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner, Windermere Real Estate Seattle-Northwest. 206-769-9577
15 Clever And Low-Cost Ways To Spruce Up Your Home
15 Clever And Low-Cost Ways To Spruce Up Your Home
15 Clever And Low-Cost Ways To Spruce Up Your HomeArt magazines and vintage books are great sources of frameworthy illustrations — just cut pages out neatly and pop them into any blank frame you have lying around.
Once I framed a whole series of '70s surfing photos from a feature in The Surfer's Journal (a particularly artsy surfing mag) for a cool retro take on the beach theme.
Look through your stacks with a fresh eye; you never know what you may find.
For information on how to sprice up your home to sell, contact Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner, Windermere Real Estate Seattle-Northwest. 206-769-9577
Home Sweet Homeowner: 3 Tax Credits to Take Advantage Of
Home Sweet Homeowner: 3 Tax Credits to Take Advantage Of
Home Sweet Homeowner: 3 Tax Credits to Take Advantage OfHooray for taxes! Bet you can’t wait to grab your W-2 and dig into that paperwork!
Not so much?
That’s understandable. Unless you’re a professional accountant, doing your taxes can feel like you’re wandering through a massive corn maze. Except instead of corn, there are a bunch of numbered forms. And it’s not fun.
But, that doesn’t mean you can’t save some money. In fact, if you’re a homeowner, there are a number of credits you can take advantage of this year. Here are few to consider once you work up the courage to start your 2012 return:
Note: Taxes are complicated, and eligibility for these credits can vary depending on location and income. It’s always best to check with a qualified professional if you have any uncertainties.
The Energy Property Tax Credit
This credit has been around in various forms for the past few years, and while it was set to expire this year, it ended up being reinstated (rock on, green tax credits).
If you made energy efficient upgrades to your home last year – such as purchasing an energy star appliance or installing insulation in your attic – you can receive a credit for 10 percent of the building materials!
The maximum amount you can get from this credit is $500. For more information, visit the IRS website.
Mortgage Insurance Deduction
This deduction was on the bench in 2011, but it’s back in action this year.
If you pay mortgage insurance, you can take advantage of this deduction by itemizing your federal taxes.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to deduct up to 25 percent of what you paid for mortgage insurance in 2012.
The New Homeowner Credit
The extremely popular tax credit, which began in 2008 and continued in various forms through 2010, is no longer available (however, if you purchased a new home between 2009 and 2010 and never took advantage of the credit, you should still have time to amend your return!).
If you purchased your first home in 2012, you may still qualify for a tax credit of 20 percent of the mortgage interest you pay back each year, for the next thirty years.
Just note that this credit is only offered by certain lenders, and only certain income brackets are eligible.
BrightNest is a free site that provides tools and tips to homeowners to help them save money, get organized and keep their home in great shape.
For more information about the Seattle area homeownership, contact Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner Windermere Real Estate Seattle Northwest. 206-769-9577.
The Seattle Real Estate Market is Hot!
Home prices show strongest growth in 7 years
NAR: Nearly 9 out of 10 metro areas posted annual gains in Q4
The median home price nationwide saw its biggest jump in seven years last quarter as for-sale inventory hit its lowest level in 12 years, according to a quarterly reportfrom the National Association of Realtors.
Of 152 metro areas, 133 (87.5 percent) saw their median sales prices rise year over year in fourth-quarter 2012 compared with 120 in the third quarter and only 29 in fourth-quarter 2011.
Nationally, the median sales price jumped 10 percent on an annual basis, to $178,900 — the strongest annual price increase since fourth-quarter 2005 when the median rose 13.6 percent, NAR said.
"Home sales are on a sustained uptrend; mortgage interest rates are hovering near record lows; and unsold inventory is at the lowest level in 12 years," said Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist, in a statement.
"Home sales are being fueled by a pent-up demand and job creation, along with still favorable affordability conditions and rents rising at faster rates. Our population has been growing faster than overall housing stock, so supply and demand dynamics are very much at play," Yun said.
More housing construction is needed to relieve some of the pressure in the market and keep home prices from overheating, Yun added.
BY INMAN NEWS, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2013.
For more information on the Seattle Real Estate Market, give us a call.
Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate Seattle Northwest
206-769-9577
It’s a great time to sell and to buy! Give us a call and ask us why!
It's a great time to sell and to buy! Give us a call and ask us why! Learn more about Steve and Sandra here.
Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate Seattle Northwest
206-769-9577
Considering Selling Your Home? Now Is The TIme
Local supply of homes for sale hits another record low
December median price, sales volume up from a year ago, Northwest Multiple Listing Service says.
Seattle Times business reporter
The number of houses for sale in
“There’s just nothing available out there,” said Glenn Crellin, associate director of research at the
Just 2,945 houses were listed for sale as of Dec. 31, the service said, 46 percent fewer than on the same day a year earlier.
Inventory was down 21 percent from November — and that was the first month since at least 1999 in which the number of houses for sale in the county dipped below 4,000, said real-estate blogger Tim Ellis of Seattlebubble.com.
“Now it’s below 3,000,” he said. “That’s just amazing.”
Shrinking inventory may be a factor in rising home prices, the listing service said in releasing its December market report: The median price of houses sold in
But the dearth of houses for sale also may be turning off some potential buyers, Ellis said.
Pending sales — offers accepted by sellers that haven’t yet closed — were up just 1.6 percent in December year-over-year, the smallest increase since early 2011.
Closed sales, however, rose nearly 19 percent. And they helped dry up an already dry pipeline.
While buyers closed on more than 1,700 houses in
Some of that is seasonal: New listings traditionally tail off during the holidays. But December marked an unprecedented fourth straight month in which pending sales outpaced new listings, the listing service said.
Inventory — or lack of it — has been driving the
The UW’s Crellin predicted inventory will increase in coming months, in part because rising home prices mean fewer homeowners are underwater.
But Ellis said the number of new listings during the first week of the new year isn’t promising.
Crellin attributed the 19 percent year-over-year increase in the median sale price mostly to a change in the mix of houses that changed hands. “More higher-priced houses are selling now,” he said.
Sales volume was up 33 percent on the Eastside, the county’s priciest area, but fell more than 5 percent in
Also, lower-priced bank-repossessed houses make up a smaller percentage of sales now than a year ago.
After hitting post-bubble lows last winter, the median price has hovered between $370,000 and $385,000 since June.
The median price, $206,000, was more than 11 percent higher than in the same month last year.
In
Low housing inventory makes it a seller’s market in Seattle
It's A Seller Market in Seattle
by MEG COYLE / KING 5 News
So much for Seattle's housing slump. It's a sellers' market these days.
According to zillow.com, metro home values rose 6.5 percent in the past year and are expected to rise another 4.6 percent this year. You can thank low interest rates and rising home values.
"When we decided to sell, the real estate man said, 'do you want to go on the market now?'" recalls Lou Watne. "We said sure."
That was right before Christmas. One week later.
"And we got three offers," says Watne.
So they now find themselves carefully wrapping up their 43 years in their northeast Seattle home. Their timing couldn't be better. Inventory is so low, buyers aren't always waiting for homes to hit the market.
"Got lots of buyers, don't have anything to show them at this point," says realtor Tim Lenihan with Windermere Real Estate.
What would it take for you to sell your house even it's not on the market? Many homes on Zillow have a "make me move" price. And even though it's often above what it's worth, Linehan is still interested.
"It's a shot in the dark but I feel like I'm at least trying to find my clients other avenues besides what's on the multiple listing service."
Linehan hasn't made anyone move just yet. But nothing is off the table.
Unless you're the Watnes, capitalizing on a housing market that looks to be on the way up.
"43 years enjoying your house has to count for something," says Watne.
Zillow Sr. Economist, Svenja Gudell released a statement, saying there are a few factors that are driving low inventory numbers in the Seattle area.
"For one, negative equity is still relatively high in the metro, at 34.2 percent. This means that some homeowners who want to sell aren’t able to, unless they bring money to the closing. Additionally, some homeowners don’t want to sell this close to the bottom, and would rather wait for home values to increase further before selling their home. On the demand side, we have seen both consumer and investor activity increase, which translates into shorter time periods for homes to stay on the market. In fact, the Seattle metro is a sellers’ market according to Zillow’s recent Buyer/Seller Index analysis, meaning homes in the Seattle metro are on the market for a shorter amount of time, there is a low percentage of homes with a price cut, and the sale-to-list price ratio is relatively high. These conditions paired with low interest rates and rising home values (metro up 6.5% annually) gives you the recipe for tight inventory in the area. "
It's not just Seattle seeing high demand and low inventories. Zillow compiled a forecast for 2013 of the hottest cities and neighborhoods in Western Washington.
For more information about the Seattle area real estate market, call Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner, Windermere Real Estate Seattle-Northwest 206-769-9577.
Windermere Real Estate Client Satisfaction
99% Client Satisfaction
99% Client SatisfactionThat’s what you tell us. And that’s what drives us.
How we achieve this goal is pretty straightforward: good-old-fashioned customer service. Because earning your trust and respect is our highest priority. It’s been that way for more than 40 years, passed down from one generation of Windermere agents to the next. Buying or selling a home is rarely a simple endeavor, so we use a combination of knowledge, passion, and market savvy to meet all of your real estate needs – a commitment we intend to uphold.
Here is what some satisfied clients have to say about their experience with their Windermere Real Estate agent:
"Our agent offered a complete package from beginning to end. By placing our trust in her knowledge and experience, we were able to get results that exceeded our expectations in the most difficult of markets."
– Tom and Jennifer
"Our agent went above and beyond for me and my family. She was really a great support, teacher, and coach through the whole process of clearing the house and preparing it for sale. She got to know what my needs were and how I think, and helped prepare me. I really learned a lot from her – she took the time to explain things so that I could make good decisions. This was very important to me. She provided the clear thinking and understanding of project management that meant so much at the time. She also pitched right in and rolled up her sleeves! I can only say that she made all the difference in the world. I am very grateful that she was my helper – I certainly would recommend her to any friends or relations that need a good agent."
– R. Hershey
"Our Windermere agent helped my husband and I purchase our first home in May of 2012. He works extremely well with military families because of his former military background and knowledge of the VA process. This made home buying a pleasant experience rather than painful. Our agent has a very dedicated and trusting personality and will definitely go out of his way to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase. My husband and I are now happily settled in our first home and couldn't have asked for a better agent."
– Kayla and Minh
"In the fall of 2010, we hired our agent to market our elderly parents’ house in Laurelhurst. Despite a very weak real estate market, we were able to sell the house in a relatively short time and at a fairly aggressive price. Our agent was on her game throughout the process – beginning with the listing and marketing, then negotiating the sale and, finally, closing the deal. She was extremely helpful with her advice about the logistics of downsizing all the furnishings and general "stuff" accumulated during the 40+ years that my parents lived in the home. She also had invaluable advice about the emotional journey of moving my aging parents from their family-sized home to their new retirement-sized home. We wouldn’t hesitate to hire her again."
– P. Miller and J. Johnson
"My wife and I trusted the experience and market savvy of our Windermere agent and his team and it paid off. He guided us through the necessary plan to sell and kept us focused on the goal of selling smart and buying smart. His patience and guidance were key in putting a deal together. We sold, and bought the house of our dreams, and feel our agent helped us get a great deal. It really shows that experience pays off. We have already recommended our Windermere agent to our friends and colleagues and will continue to do so."
– Brad & Dina
"Our agent was outstanding! She handled every detail with care. Her understanding of how to position our house in the market helped us get a better price and a faster transaction than we ever hoped for. I recommend her to everyone!"
– John
"Our Windermere agent’s outstanding sales record speaks for itself, but beyond the numbers is a solid real estate expert who both understands the intricacies of the market and is highly sensitive to the needs and best interests of her clients. We would recommend her without qualification."
– Michael
“Our agent displayed expertise, integrity, professionalism, and stellar customer service throughout our entire home buying process. He not only carefully guided us through the home buying process, but went above and beyond to connect us to resources in the community for our remodeling plans. This was truly a fantastic experience for our family. We'll continue to use Windermere services for our real estate needs.”
– Julie & Brandon
For exceptional client service, contact Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate Seattle-Northwest
206-769-9577
Spectacular View Home Open Sunday 12PM-3PM
1238 NW Blakely Ct, Seattle 98177
Not in the market for a $2.7M home? No worries…come visit us anyway! This is a fun house and area to tour. As we've said before, Blakely Court is one of our favorite streets in all of Seattle. The views in this area are absolutely stellar. This particular lot has an exceptional view and you feel right on top of the water. But come see for yourself… Conversation and cookies are always free.
View online HERE.
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Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate Seattle-Northwest
206-769-9577
