Ask the Right Questions: Tips for Getting Moving Quotes
Buying and selling a home can be stressful. Once you’re ready to move, the relief can leave you vulnerable to scams. Frankly, you’re so happy to be “done” that you can overlook red flags in your excitement. To protect your belongings and avoid extra costs or loss, learn the signs of scams when moving.
The first step is to do your research. Always make sure the moving company comes to physically inspect your belongings and gives you a firm quote. Some companies may try to give you a quote based on the size of your home or number of bedrooms, then charge you more based on time or weight. Do not hire these companies. A reputable company will spend the time to come to your home.
Next, it’s critical to check references. Ask for local references and call them. Online references and reviews can also be a good way to learn more about service and their response to problems. Ask about how they handle damage and check reviews for the insurance they offer. Ideally, you want a third-party insurance company and you may even have coverage with your own homeowner’s insurance.
Finally, get multiple quotes. Read the contracts carefully and make sure you ask about anything that can change during the move, such as delay fees, storage fees, or weight charges. Never make a large upfront payment and most companies only require a small deposit at the time of the move.
It’s natural to relax after the close of a new home, but you can avoid moving scams by staying vigilant and trust your instincts. Ask about anything that doesn’t make sense and check references. The lowest cost provider is likely low cost for a reason.
Reach out today for a referral
Housing Market Update - Finally Seeing an Upward Trend
After over a year of slower sales activity in the local housing market, we are finally starting to see some encouraging signs of a rebound. Based on the latest data, the number of pending sales and recently closed transactions is ticking upwards compared to the same period last year.
Currently in the Pearl District (97209), there are 26 properties under contract and another 8 that have sold in March. While this may not seem like a huge number, it does represent an improvement over last March when only 23 total sales closed.
The past 12 months have been challenging, with just 267 total sales recorded. This pales in comparison to the prior 12-month window that saw a much higher volume of 415 transactions. However, the tide finally appears to be turning in a more positive direction.
As a data-driven real estate professional, I have been carefully monitoring trends to identify an ideal time for clients to list their properties.
I have proprietary search tools set up to continually track contract and sale prices. As market conditions potentially shift in the coming weeks and months, I will be closely watching and will notify clients of any developments that could impact pricing strategy.
The real estate market is cyclical by nature, and it's encouraging to finally see the start of an upward trend after a prolonged slump. Time will tell if this momentum continues building, but all signs are currently pointing towards a housing market rebound.
TO-DO List For First Time Home Buyers
If you’re first time home buyer, it can be a little difficult trying to figure out where to start. Here’s a handy to-do list to help you out, and be sure to call me if you have any questions!
1) Save: Save for a down payment, closing costs, and escrow for insurance and taxes. It is always safe to have 20% of the amount of the home you are trying to buy. So, if you are looking at a $300,000 home, try to have $60,000 saved. TIP: You can always get a loan if you do not have this.
2) Improve Credit Score: Make sure to stay current on your bills, make no major purchases, don’t cancel any credit cards. A higher credit score means a lower interest rate!
3) Calculate What You Can Afford: Look for a mortgage calculator online, or give me a call and I can let you know what you can afford!
4) Get Mortgage Preapproval: Shop for the best deal, choose primary and backup lenders, and look for mortgage advice. I have some great lenders you can choose from, and I am here if you need any advice.
5) Decide: Decide what you want in a home. Are you looking for a home with a pool, or do you need something with a big backyard for your dog to run-around in? How many bedrooms do you need? What kind of kitchen do you want? Do you want a new build? Write down all of the things you want in a home, and give it to your realtor and they will help you find a home with everything you need.
6) Choose a Realtor: Looking for a realtor? You have come to the right place! I have the experience, patience, and knowledge you have been searching for.
7) Visit Homes: Your realtor will take you to the homes you’d like, but there are a few things that you should do to ensure that your favorite home will end up working out for you. Take photos and make notes about each home that you visit and compare it to the list you made in step five.
8) Narrow Choices: Choose your favorite homes and visit the neighborhood during the day and at night to gauge traffic, noise, etc. Also, test the commute from work and consider the resale value.
9) Make an Offer: Make an offer on the home! I am here to make sure your offer is considered, and will work hard and collaborate with the other realtor to make sure I highlight how much you are interested.
10) Schedule Home Inspection: I have a great inspector that will do a walk-through of the home and let you know things that may need to be fixed.
11) Make Final Walk Through: Test the light switches and sockets, check and make sure that the doors and windows work, and test the faucets, drains, toilets, etc.
12) Close and Move In: Start your life and enjoy the happiness!
Seven tips to prepare for spring sale
Prioritizing personal circumstances is one of the best ways to determine when to sell a property.
Despite high prices being recorded in many locations, plenty of homeowners have held on tightly since mid-2023 in order to avoid the 22-year high interest rates of 7% to 8%.
But, with mortgage costs forecast to fall during the next 12 months, it could be an excellent time to start preparing your home for an early-spring sale.
These tasks will help present your property in pristine condition to potential buyers.
It's not personal
Stow away your personal photos and favorite knick-knacks. It will make your home easier to keep clean. More importantly, buyers will be able to visualize living in your home rather than feeling like they're a visitor.
Declutter like crazy
It's incredible how open your home will feel with a clean-out. Be brutal with items that you've accumulated but never use. Double down on storage areas. They should be no more than half-full. If they overflow, they'll give the impression of being inadequate.
Deep Clean
Put cash aside to employ a professional cleaner just days before your sales campaign begins. Alternatively, you'll need to dust, vacuum and mop. Do it in that order and work your way from ceiling to floor. Don't forget the light fixtures and baseboards.
Get it fixed
Small problems can lead to big negotiations when prospective buyers seek a discount because of maintenance issues. Avoid this scenario by getting problems fixed.
Curb cool
For spring sales, the weather will warm up, and folks will pay more attention to the garden. Focus on the front, giving the buyer an excellent first impression of your home. Consider a little landscaping, mulch the flowerbeds and keep the lawn tidy. A worthwhile investment may be to repaint the exterior.
Let there be light
You won't need any money to dramatically improve your home by maximizing the natural light. Pull back curtains and move any furniture from in front of windows.
Interior elegance
Embrace spring by buying some cut flowers. Place them in the living areas and give your buyer a splash of seasonal color.
Six crazy trends taking hold at home
It's always fun to see what the hottest home trends will be for the year, even if they won't suit your property.
Website Zillow has highlighted six of the zaniest trends in interior and exterior home design, most of which are suitable for the luxury end of the market.
However, super-luxe trends can cascade down through the market, adding value to your property.
The folks at Zillow asked a research team to analyze 300 design features and home styles cited in listings content to pick up six trends for 2024.
Brutalism
This is undoubtedly best suited to the luxury market. This style of design, which features stark cement walls and stunning tiled floors, increased in popularity by more than four times in 2023. The mix of cement, stone, wood, iron and brass throughout the home can be stunning with suitable interior and exterior tropical plants.
Garden sense
An exciting idea for any home, a sensory garden is about harvesting nature's calming aura and aromas. The gentle splash of a fountain or stream adds to the effect and is a fantastic way to connect with nature. Zillow says this trend for sensory gardens tripled in 2023 and will accelerate further. You can do this in even the smallest garden or courtyard.
Cold plunge pools
Health and wellbeing is pushing aside the staple hot tub. A cold plunge pool is perfect for fitness fanatics as it reduces muscle soreness and accelerates recovery after a workout. And they're a lot cheaper than hot tubs.
Pickleball courts
Super-hyped and popular, pickleball courts are being installed in homes across America. Zillow's team said listings mentioning a pickleball court lifted 64% last year. This “unofficial” sport has taken the country by storm, and many more owners will be thinking about an installation.
Glass chandeliers
Nothing says luxury quite like a glass chandelier handcrafted on the island of Muran in Italy. You'll find them in living areas and dining rooms and, in one Californian home that sold this year, in the wine cellar.
Murals
These hand painted features will certainly sass-up the style and character of your home. Mostly, murals will appear in entryways and staircases. If you like this idea but can't afford your own Picasso, try peel-and-stick wallpaper of an image of your choice. Mentions of murals in listings were up nearly 20% in 2023. Expect more of the same this year.
Loan options for first time home buyers
The first sign of a sustainable fall in mortgage costs will likely inspire thousands of young Americans to jump into the property market for the first time.
But making your first purchase is not just about finding the ideal property; there is lots to think about.
You want to have a good team working for you, including a great agent, lawyer and mortgage broker, who will all help you navigate through the buying process.
Inexperienced buyers often do not realize there are several types of loans to choose from to ensure your first home is affordable.
The selection of banks and their various loan options can be bewildering, even for an experienced buyer. This is why more than $26 billion is expected to pass through the hands of brokers in America this year, according to researcher IBIS World.
This checklist will give you a head start.
Fixed-rate loan option
This is the most popular loan option, although with rates at around 6% to 7%, many buyers are waiting for the percentage to drop before fixing their rate. Loans can run for 30 years.
Ups and downs
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) will give you the benefit of falling mortgage costs when the rates go down. If the economic picture remains stable, this is a good time to opt for an ARM.
FHA loan option
To qualify for a Federal Housing Administration loan, you need to meet certain criteria. You only need a deposit of 3.5% but the loan limit maxes out at $417,000. Government-backed, these loan options are available for 15 or 30-year periods only.
VA loan option
If you've served in the military, you will qualify for a Veteran Affairs loan. You'll either have needed to serve for 180 consecutive days, or seen active duty for 90 days. The rate currently stands around 5.7%, some 20% cheaper than those offered by a commercial bank.
USDA loan option
This is the perfect product for families living outside cities. The Government will give you a 100% mortgage to make ownership of a rural home an achievable goal. Your repayments must not exceed 41% of your total household income. The current adjustable rate is hovering around 7%.
Six safety tips in the garden
With spring just around the corner, it's fun to start thinking about how you might revitalize your garden once the winter blues have been blown away. Here are six safety tips in the garden to pay attention to.
Planning your garden will not only save you time and money, but give you a sense of purpose and a goal when you pick up your gardening fork for the first time in 2024.
If you're considering selling soon and catching the spring wave of buyer interest, you will be rewarded if you take care of your garden.
That's especially true if young families are your target buying market.
When young children are in the picture, a garden where they can play safely becomes a powerful selling point.
These tips will help you enjoy your gardening this coming spring.
Handy idea
Always wear gloves, even for the quickest or smallest tasks. You'll not only protect yourself against thorns and the like, you'll also prevent skin irritation from soils and fertilizers.
Cover up
It doesn't have to be a boiling hot day for the UV danger to rise. So, wear a hat and maybe have a shirt with the collar turned up to protect your neck from burning. A minimum 30+ UV sunscreen is never a bad idea.
Avoid injury
To avoid injuries caused by repetitive movements, consider rotating tasks every 20 minutes. Move easily between raking, pruning or digging to give you a little variety. You can still finish your tasks but you don't need to do them sequentially.
Mower mayhem
In America, 2.6% of injuries caused by lawn mowers are fatal, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. More than 6,000 children are hurt by lawn mowers annually and they account for 9% of all child amputations.
Deep breath
Did you know you can catch the fatal Legionnaires' disease from the Legionella bacterium in potting mix? Always wear a mask when handling this material.
Short circuit
Always watch out for electrical cords when using hedge trimmers, strimmers, hover mowers and other equipment that needs to be plugged into the mains power. It is so easy to cut through a wire so move to battery-powered tools when your budget allows.
Understanding Condo HOA Dues: What You Need to Know
If you're considering buying a condominium, you've likely come across the term "HOA dues." HOA, which stands for Homeowners Association, dues are fees that condo owners pay to cover various expenses related to the upkeep and maintenance of the condominium complex. Understanding what these dues entail is essential for any prospective condo buyer. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of condo HOA dues to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Condo HOA Dues?
Condo HOA dues are monthly or quarterly fees paid by condominium owners to the homeowners association responsible for managing the common areas and amenities of the condominium complex. These dues are used to cover a wide range of expenses, including but not limited to:
- Maintenance and Repairs: Dues typically cover the cost of maintaining and repairing common areas such as lobbies, hallways, elevators, swimming pools, gyms, and landscaping.
- Utilities: The HOA may include utilities such as water, sewer, trash removal, and in some cases, even cable TV and internet services for common areas.
- Insurance: The HOA often maintains insurance coverage for the condominium complex's common areas and structures, and a portion of the insurance premiums may be included in the dues.
- Reserve Fund: A portion of the dues is typically allocated to a reserve fund, which is used to cover unexpected expenses and major repairs or replacements of common elements over time.
- Management Fees: The HOA may hire a professional management company to oversee day-to-day operations, and part of the dues may go towards covering their fees.
Factors Influencing Condo HOA Dues
Several factors can influence the amount of condo HOA dues:
- Size and Amenities: Condominium complexes with more extensive amenities such as pools, fitness centers, concierge services, and security may have higher HOA dues to cover the increased maintenance costs.
- Age and Condition: Older condominium buildings may require more frequent repairs and maintenance, which can impact the cost of dues. Conversely, newer buildings may have higher dues initially to build up the reserve fund.
- Location: The cost of living and property values in the condominium complex's location can also affect HOA dues.
- Special Assessments: In addition to regular dues, condo owners may be subject to special assessments for unexpected expenses or major repairs not covered by the reserve fund.
Importance of Reviewing HOA Documents
Before purchasing a condominium, it's crucial to review the HOA's governing documents, including the bylaws, budget, reserve study, and meeting minutes. These documents will provide valuable insights into the HOA's financial health, upcoming projects, any outstanding issues, and the history of dues increases.
Conclusion
Condo HOA dues play a vital role in maintaining the overall quality and value of condominium communities. By understanding what these dues cover and the factors influencing their amount, prospective condo buyers can make informed decisions and budget effectively for homeownership. Remember to review the HOA documents thoroughly and consult with your real estate agent or legal advisor to ensure a smooth condominium buying process.
Discover the Charm of Portland, Oregon: Top Attractions and Activities
Welcome to the City of Roses! Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant metropolis known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving arts scene, and eclectic culture. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the Pacific Northwest, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Portland. Let's dive into some of the best things to see and do in this dynamic city.
1. Explore the Pearl District
Start your Portland adventure in the trendy Pearl District, where historic warehouses have been transformed into art galleries, boutiques, and chic restaurants. Stroll along cobblestone streets, admire public art installations, and discover unique shops showcasing local craftsmanship. Don't miss the iconic Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore, for a literary escape.
2. Wander Through Washington Park
Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a visit to Washington Park, a sprawling green oasis in the heart of the city. Explore the lush gardens of the International Rose Test Garden, home to over 10,000 rose bushes of 650 varieties, and revel in the fragrant blooms. Marvel at the exotic plants of the Portland Japanese Garden, renowned as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan.
3. Indulge in Culinary Delights
Portland is a food lover's paradise, with a thriving culinary scene that celebrates farm-to-table dining and diverse international flavors. Sample gourmet food carts offering everything from artisanal donuts to mouthwatering tacos, or dine at award-winning restaurants serving up innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine. Be sure to explore the vibrant food markets, such as the Portland Farmers Market, for fresh produce and artisanal treats.
4. Experience the Outdoors
Embrace the city's outdoor spirit by exploring its breathtaking natural surroundings. Hike through the lush forests of Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline. Cycle along the scenic waterfront of the Willamette River or kayak through the serene waters of the Columbia River Gorge for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
5. Immerse Yourself in Arts and Culture
Portland boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters to explore. Visit the Portland Art Museum to admire its impressive collection of contemporary and traditional art, or catch a performance at the iconic Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Don't miss the vibrant street art scene in neighborhoods like Alberta Arts District, where colorful murals adorn building facades and alleyways.
6. Discover Craft Beer and Coffee Culture
Portland is renowned for its craft beer and coffee culture, with a plethora of breweries and cafes to satisfy your cravings. Embark on a brewery tour to sample local brews and learn about the city's rich brewing history, or cozy up in a hip coffee shop and savor artisanal espresso blends. Join locals in the lively beer gardens and coffeehouses, where you can unwind and soak in the city's laid-back vibe.
Conclusion
From its picturesque parks and vibrant neighborhoods to its thriving arts scene and culinary delights, Portland, Oregon, offers a wealth of experiences for visitors of all interests. Whether you're exploring the city's iconic landmarks or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, you're sure to fall in love with the charm and diversity of this dynamic Pacific Northwest city. So pack your bags and get ready to explore everything that Portland has to offer!
Selling to Gen Z buyers
If you intend to upgrade your entry-level home, or you're an investor seeking to divest a cheaper property, you'll likely have to deal with the Gen Z buyers as they start to filter into the real estate market.
The Gen Z cohort, which follows the much-discussed Millennials, were born between the years of about 1997 and 2012, although there are debates between researchers on what the precise dates should be.
However, their increasing emergence in the property market is not in doubt, and they do have a different take on who and what to believe.
If you intend to sell an entry-level home, then understanding this demographic will help you increase the number of potential buyers and accelerate the speed of your sale.
Gen Z has grown up in very different times. They have witnessed and participated in rapid technology progression, and rejected paid advertising for the spruiking of influencers.
Emphasis on digital brands, rather than the old-school approach of bricks and mortar businesses, is universal. So reaching them on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram is essential.
If you're selling a property that will appeal to this generation, then it's important you use an agent who understands their consumption habits.
This list of Gen Z traits will help you understand their points of view.
Trust factor
Gen Z has a problem with trusting corporations. They'll sooner take the word of friends and influencers on social media. So, engaging with them on their preferred platforms is essential if you want to appeal to this market.
Be Authentic
For precisely the reasons Gen Z scorns corporations, you need to be authentic in your marketing. Don't say the apartment is two minutes from the shops when a Google search will show it's not.
Be unique
This cohort welcomes properties that sell special features rather than stating an apartment has two bedrooms. Focus on what's actually cool about the property you're selling.
Be quick
Perhaps this is a bit patronizing of the older generations, but there's research to suggest Gen Z has shorter attention spans than the rest of us. So, ensure your marketing is concise.
Be Green
Social responsibility is a big thing in the lives of most Gen Z. If your home has energy-saving devices, even solar panels, then this will be a big plus.
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