Real Estate - Keeping it Simple

More information on the advantages and disadvantages of a Pocket Listing, for the seller

My thoughts on the brokerage fees charged...i.e.,. Commissions that real estate agents charge and earn and how the discussion in the news never reveals how commissions really work and the risk real estate agents take when working with sellers and buyers. Can an hourly fee work better? 

What should you, as a buyer and as a seller, expect when a home has been inspection by a building inspector? What you should be looking for and what should not be part of an inspection response? I try to answer some of those questions

Some suggestions on how to show your home during the holidays and some encouragement to buyers to go look to buy a home during the holiday season as it is a great time of year to sell or buy a home

My thoughts on the current market, possible trends on the growth in our area and how this may effect homes sales. Have added some suggestions to help you get prepared and ready to sell or buy a home.

Before you really begin your home search process, it's best to have a lender in place with a pre-approved loan amount so you know how much you really have to work with. But how do you find a lender? What's the difference between banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers?  We'll cover all of that and give you a few things to consider as you tackle that process.

Real Estate is full of jargon. You hear words like 'Title & Escrow' all the time. But what do they mean and why are they important? We talk about those things and more this week. Have a listen, let us know if you have questions and as always, let us know if you have any topics you'd like us to cover!

The NWMLS is the main governing body for the Real Estate industry in the state of Washington. Not only is it is a great resource for getting homes listed and before as many prospective buyers as possible, it also works to protect the rights of buyers and sellers. Beginning October 1, 2019, a new rule about the disclosure of Buyer/Broker fees will go into effect. Find out what you need to know.

Financing is a key part of buying a new home. And to get that financing, banks are going to run a credit report on you. Do you know what your credit score looks like? Do you think it's accurate? Do you need some help getting it corrected or repaired? In this episode, we talk with Maria Kolesnikoff with Kidworth Group & Associates about credit. Things to consider, best ways to go about che...

If you're selling a home, holding an Open House is a great way to attract a lot of people to your home. What should you do to prepare for that event? What is your agent's role? If you're looking for homes, go to some Open Houses! But consider a few points of etiquette when visiting other homes. We'll give you an idea of what to expect, whether you're the home seller or loo...

This week we talk about home staging. Is it necessary? Can I do it myself or do I need to hire someone? Where did the idea of staging a home even come from and what all does it entail?  Tune in as we answer these questions and more!

Listing your home is really just Real Estate jargon for putting your home on the market.  What things should you consider? Do you need an agent? How do you find an agent? What kinds of things need to happen to make sure your home is ready? Is staging necessary?  We'll answer these questions and more! 

You saved the money. You've secured home financing. You've made your list of home/location criteria. Now what? How do you find these homes? Is an agent necessary? What do you risk if you do it on your own?   We'll answer these questions and more!

Buying and/or selling a house should be an exciting time. It usually signals a new chapter full of anticipation. Except the forms. What a killjoy. But they are an important and necessary part of the process for all parties involved. We'll address some of the 'whys' behind those forms and let you know how your Realtor can help.

The idea of a building inspection for a home you're trying to buy or sell sounds a bit scary. It can be easy to think the inspector is trying to ruin everything. But that's really not the case. Find out more about this process and why it's really not as daunting as it seems. 

Buyer's Agent, Seller's Agent, Dual Agency . . . You hear these terms thrown around, but what do they really mean? How can you be sure your agent is really representing you, whether you're a buyer or a seller? 

C,C,&Rs, HOA, Sewer capacity . . . What does all of that mean and how can they affect the home buying process? 

So you want to buy a house. But where do you begin? There are so many things to consider from finding an agent, looking at financing, knowing where to find houses . . . it can be overwhelming!  This episode provides valuable insight on how to get started and important things to consider in your home search process.