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Summer 2016

Summer Real Estate Guide 2016

REAL ESTATE GUIDE A Special Publication of Headlight Herald north coast

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HomeSource Jason Averill

IS WORKING FOR YOU!

Owner/Broker, Tillamook

1812 3rd St., Tillamook, Oregon • Office Phone: 503-842-2800 4805 Hwy. W., Netarts Oregon • Office Phone: 503-842-2828 165 S Miller St., Rockaway Beach Or - Office Phone: 503-355-2010

www.tillamookhomes.com

Jesse Arthur

Owner/Broker, Molalla

Gretchen Jacob Broker, Tillamook

River, Mountain, & bay views! $54,900 Wheeler

Build your cabin in the woods on 5 Acres $55,000 Tillamook

West side home! 2BD/1BA $77,000 Tillamook

Have it all on Easy Street! 1BD/2BA $100,000 Rockaway Beach

Downtown Condo close to the ocean.

1BD/1BA $110,000 Rockaway Beach

Over 1.5 Acres with shop & shed. $128,000 Rockaway Beach Stephanie Schriber Broker, Tillamook

Juli Blaser Sagar Broker, Tillamook

2BD/1BA home in parklike setting $130,000 Nehalem

Delightful light & bright Aframe 1BD/1BA $143,500 Rockaway Beach

Move in ready! 3BD/2BA $149,900 Rockaway Beach

Great fixer upper beach cottage 2BD/1BA $149,900 Rockaway Beach

Roomy and spacious 4BD/2BA home $154,900 Tillamook

SALE

Immaculate 3BD/2BA furnished home! $169,000 Rockaway Beach

G NDIN

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Affordable Coastal Retreat! 3BD/2BA $169,000 Garibaldi

Beautiful home with fenced backyard 3BD/1BA $169,900 Tillamook

3BD/2BA mfr home with shop! $190,000 Tillamook

Country home on 0.85 Acres 4BD/1BA $159,000 Hebo

ING

PEND

Single level living 2BD/1BA $199,000 Tillamook

Laurie Hibdon Broker, Tillamook

Single story w/basement & Jetty view 2BD/2BA $209,900 Rockaway Beach

Samantha Mattison Broker, Tillamook

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Case Roose

Broker, Tillamook

2 Story Bay View Home! 3BD/2BA $219,000 Bay City

River front on the beautiful Trask River 3BD/2BA $299,000 Tillamook

Hidden gem in Pacific City! 3BD/1BA $324,900 Pacific City

Beautiful Craftsman Home! 4BD/2BA $329,000 Rockaway Beach

Gorgeous 2 story home in Ocean Highlands! 3BD/2.5BA $349,900 Netarts

Just across the street from the beach!

2BD/2BA $379,900 Rockaway Beach Judy Sours

Owner/Broker, Rockaway Beach

Dave Farr

Broker, Rockaway Beach

29.4 Acres of beautiful farmland! $425,000 Hebo

Stunning beach home with deeded beach access! 4BD/4.5BA $557,000 Rockaway Beach

Delightful Oceanfront! 3BD/2BA $559,000 Rockaway Beach

Unbelievable oceanfront property!

3BD/2BA $575,000 Rockaway Beach

Great business opportunity in downtown RockawayBeach! $799,000 Rockaway Beach

Panoramic views of the coast & beach towns! 4BD/4BA $1,250,000 Manzanita

Kathy Monaco

HomeSource

Broker, Rockaway Beach

H61122

Tracy Jones

Broker, Rockaway Beach

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Summer Real Estate Guide 2016

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Brokers will often show your home at an Open House

By Ronda Addy You’ve made the decision to try to sell your house. One thing a real estate agent does to sell a home is to hold an open house. That sounds like a great idea, but you have no idea how to do it. What you need is a little help.

Preparing your home for an open house is the first step. Look at your house the way a buyer would. Make sure the grass is mowed, the windows are clean and any chipped or flaking paint is fixed. Look around for any loose carpeting, rugs or steps. Fix any leaky faucets or loose door han-

dles. Remove clutter so that the rooms and closets look bigger. Consider putting items in storage if needed.

To mask smells, bake something or burn candles and remember to change the kitty litter. Put new towels and a new shower curtain in the bathroom.

Put away all small valuables. When holding an open house, you don’t want to worry about your attention being divided, so have children and pets visit a friend or family member.

On the day of an open

house, make sure you are ready on time. If the

sign-in sheet where potential buyers can provide

open house is set for one o’clock, be ready at least 15 minutes early. Have a

their name, phone number, address and how they learned about the house.

Have a fact sheet about the house near the sign-in sheet. When potential buyers come in, introduce yourself and let them know you are available to answer any questions. Then stand back and let them look around without you. When they are getting ready to leave, ask them if they have any questions about the house or the neighborhood.

When talking to potential buyers, don’t volunteer information that could be used

against you, like you need to sell the house quickly because you’re being transferred. Limit praise and enthusiasm or you could come off phony and turn off potential buyers. Some people just like to go to open houses.

Be cordial to them but concentrate your time on those who seem genuinely interested. Don’t let criticisms upset you-not everybody will like your house or the way you have decorated it.

The perfect person for your house is out thereand they could be right outside the door.

LIFE|| |BUSINESS BUSINESS HOME BUSINESS||||HOME HOME|||AUTO AUTO || HEALTH HEALTH LIFE BUSINESS HOME AUTO| HEALTH HEALTH LIFE AUTO Michael Ismert Insurance Agency • 503 543-3990

Mackenzie Mullins Michael IsmertOwner/Agent Owner/Agent Michael Ismert Owner/Agent AgencyProdu Prod MackenzieMullins MullinsAgency Michael Ismert Mackenzie Agency Produ 52648 NE 1st St. • Scappoose, 97056 • www.farmersagent/mismert mismert@farmeragent.com makenzie.mismert@farmersagency.co mismert@farmeragent.com makenzie.mismert@farmersagency. ismert@farmeragent.com makenzie.mismert@farmersagency.c Your Hometown Insurance and Financial Professionals – Helping You Protect What Matters Most

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How to figure the right asking price

By Doris A. Black Determining the selling price of your home, most likely your single largest investment, can be tricky.

There is no predetermined formula to give you the price a buyer is willing to pay, while at the same time giving you the largest possible profit. However, through diligent market research, you may be successful at reaching an optimum price.

The right price will attract the interest of buyers and real estate agents alike. It will also generate showings and offers which could produce a sale in record time.

Many factors influence a homebuyer when it comes to viewing houses. Location, neighborhood and the number of bedrooms are important. The most important factor, however, is price. The right price will determine who chooses to view your home and who doesn’t.

Most homeowners know it may take months to sell their

home (average time is 90 days), but many don’t real-

ize that from the time they put the “For-Sale” sign in the yard, most activity will take place within the next 15–20 days. This is the time that most serious buyers will walk through your door.

People who have looked at all the available homes rush to see anything new on the market

as soon as it appears. Homes that are priced right create a sense of urgency in prospective buyers. They know a house priced right won’t be on the market for long.

Let’s look at the most obvious mistakes homeowners make when pricing their home: In an effort to get the highest possible price, homeowners often overprice their homes. Many try to compensate for improvements by raising the asking price to more than what the market will bear. For example, the

n See PRICE, nest page

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addition of a 30-foot deck on the back of the house is a luxury item potential buyers may not want and may not be willing to pay extra for having. Generally speaking, homeowners only recoup a percentage of their remodeling costs. According to experts, the most profitable home improvements include moderate kitchen improvements and bathroom remodels. Homeowners may be able to recoup approximately 80 percent of a kitchen remodel project and slightly less for a bath remodel. Any other home improvements will reap a much lower return.

Another mistake homeowners often make is to intentionally start the selling

Summer Real Estate Guide 2016

process with a higher asking price than what is reasonable because they think it will give them room to negotiate. This is a false assumption. Most buyers will assume you’re looking for a full price offer or close to it. Consequently, most won’t bother making an offer. By pricing it right you’ll encourage full price offers. Additionally a price that is too high will give the impression that you don’t really want to sell and serious buyers will pass you by, so will real estate agents who have a prospective client.

The correct price will draw buyers to your home. Once word gets out that your home is on the market and priced right, buyers will flock to

your door and so will real estate agents. Some agents may have an interested buyer and ask if you’d be willing to do a one-time showing for a 2% commission. One-time showings are a great way to sell your home. Everyone comes out a winner—the seller, buyer and agent—so don’t hesitate to allow a one-time showing for an agent with a qualified buyer.

As the seller, there are no surefire ways to predict the optimum price, but there are steps you can take to help you get in the ballpark. Researching the market is key. By viewing similar homes in the neighborhood or surrounding area, you’ll be able to find a basic starting point. From

there, increase or decrease the asking price of your home accordingly. Don’t hesitate to ask the owners of those other homes for sale how they arrived at their price. Their experiences can often lower your learning curve when arriving at the right price.

Before you arrive at a price, ask a local real estate agent to do a Comparative Market Analysis of your home. A Comparative Market Analysis utilizes data from recently sold homes in your area— homes with the same features as yours, such as the number of bedrooms/baths and square footage—to arrive at a price. Most agents are willing to help even if you plan to sell the home yourself in

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the hopes that you’ll remember them should you decide to list your home with a real estate agent. Be sure to get more than one analysis for comparison. If neither analysis comes close to the price you were thinking of asking, you may want to re-think your price. Many times, our expectations are higher than they should be, so be sure to do your own market research, too.

There is no surefire formula for pricing a home. It is a game of hit or miss. But through proper research and the advice of professionals who view hundreds of homes each year, you can arrive at an optimum price.

(503) 842-0101

36505 North Highway 101 in Nehalem Adam Schwend (503) 457-8865

Margaret Page (503) 801-3603

16-432 - REALLY ROOMY! Light, bright, spacious 3 Bdrm+Den+Family Rm, 3 full baths, 762 sqft partially finished basement! Glowing granite counters in kitchen, custom cabinetry w/pull outs, xtra wide oak staircase, lots of closets, ductless heat pump, jetted tub! Deck off LR overlooks woods & pond--very peaceful. Spigot in garage. Double-deep lot. Washer/dryer, 2 fridges, shelving & pool table in basement included. - $349,000

15-914: 2 blocks to Nehalem Bay! Comfortable 2 bedroom, 2 full bath mfg home has covered porch in front, covered fenced area in back, 2 sheds. Master bedroom has WI Closet & bath ensuite. Newer roof & siding. Lot abuts common area in back.

No HOA for this part of Bayshore Estates. Convenient to beach, bay, river. $139,900

16-629 - Riverfront Ranch on Nehalem South Fork sits on approximately 1.5 acres comprised of two tax lots--1 with the home & one in back with mature fruit trees--possible second home-site. 1400 sqft barn. Mostly level, approx. 250’ of riverfront, boat dock okay. Nehalem at this point navigable to the ocean. Newer paint & carpet. Near a couple of really great fishing holes (Roy Creek, Barn Hole, Windy Bend. $289,000

16-141: It’s Perfect! Level/sloping lot in gated community features stately trees showcasing view of Nehalem Bay just south of charming Nehalem. Effectively waterfront, steps lead you down to water’s edge. Public water & sewer, paved road, 150+ acres of common area/protected area. Imagine gazing over morning coffee at graceful heron, leaping salmon, even eagles & elk. Neighborhood of upscale homes. $144,000

14-930: Lovely level riverfront acreage south of Tillamook.

Septic already installed, driveway base rocked to homesite near river, water & power at street. 100 yr. flood plain. Owner terms. $139,900

16-473 - SO Private, but SO close to the coast you can hear the ocean! 4 bd/4 bath superbly maintained triple-wide manufactured home, set creek-side on over an acre of land.

Brand new roof in 2007, fresh interior paint. New backyard fence, two master suites and a gazebo-covered hot tub make this the perfect vacation rental, weekend get-away or full time Oregon Coast dream home. $329,000

16-7: Fabulous ocean view, plus view of Daley Lake & Winema Beach from this parcel high about the tsunami zone but less than 1200’ to the beach. Neighborhood of upscale homes.

Standard septic approval. Will need well. 15 minutes to Lincoln City for golf, casino shopping & services. Fulfill your coast home dream here! $229,000

16-552 - Nestled among trees, cleared homesite waits for you to make it your own retreat. Small stream flowing thru property keeps life simple, serene. 1 mountain ridge west of ocean, property lies in protected Miami River valley, minutes to beach/river/bay. Great base camp for hunting, fishing, clamming, crabbing, surfing or just sit back & listen to birdsong & the breeze soughing through trees. Has septic approval.

H60995

LAND

HOMES 16-113: Warm & Welcoming home just over 1 block to Manzanita Beach; sheltering mature trees in front provide privacy, plus you have a compelling view ocean, beach & waves. Originally built as a duplex, has two kitchens, one up & one down. Upper deck wraps around three sides of home. Two full baths plus toilet in laundry room. Kitchen pantry, breakfast bar. Perfect for shared ownership or vacation rental. $439,000

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1315 Manzanita, OR 97130 Office Email: info@coast-pros.com Website: www.coast-pros.com

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Taking your family’s needs into consideration before buying a home

Bill Parsons Loan Officer

NMLS #1281743, OR

Cell: 541-270-4553 Direct: 541-264-4004 Fax: 844-889-3498 BillParsons@eaglehm.com BillParsons.eaglehm.com

Eagle Home Mortgage offers a variety of loan programs, including:         

Reverse Mortgages & Reverse Purchase Mortgages Manufactured Home Loans as low as 3.5% down Conventional Loans as low as 3% down Jumbo Loans, FHA, and Rehab Loans 100% financing options available through USDA & VA State Bond Loans Rural/USDA Home Loans Fixed and Adjustable Rate Mortgages And More!

Committed to Seeing You Home.

2039 North Coast Highway, Newport, OR 97365 Universal American Mortgage Company, LLC dba Eagle Home Mortgage - Company NMLS #1058, Mortgage Lending License #ML-5079-18, Branch NMLS #829450, WA #CL-829450, 2039 North Coast Highway, Newport, OR 97365. Certain restrictions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Applicants must qualify.

Buying a new home can be a dream come true for many families.

It will probably also be the biggest investment you will ever make in your lifetime. Not only will a home provide a sense of security, but it will also be the primary inheritance you will leave behind for your children.

But above all, buying a home is an investment that must be carefully planned and budgeted. That means you might have to push aside your dreams and take a good hard look at reality.

For example, what is your current situation, and do you expect it to change in the future? Are you a couple without children? Do you have school-aged children? How many?

How old are they? If it is just you and your partner, remember that it’s important for each of you to have your own quiet space to call your own.

Do you have family members with

physical disabilities? If so, you may need extra space for special equipment.

What are your hobbies and interests? Does this mean having a large backyard that can accommodate a pool, or a large living room for a home theatre system?

Do-it-yourselfers might want a large garage or basement for their workshop, and artists might want to have a large, bright attic to work in.

And don’t forget to make sure that you have ample bedrooms and bathrooms!

You also have to consider your finances. How much can you really afford to pay for insurance, taxes, utilities and a mortgage? Don’t forget to factor in the cost of maintenance and unexpected repairs. If you cannot afford to properly care for your home, its value will surely decrease over the long run.

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Summer Real Estate Guide 2016

Amy Plechaty

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541-992-4469 177 NORTH HWY 101, DEPOE BAY, OR 97341 whalecoveamy@gmail.com

Little Whale Cove:

Amenities include on-site security & surveillance, community center w/indoor pool, saunas, Jacuzzi, exercise room, library, indoor & outdoor tennis courts, 3 1/2 miles of walking trails that lead alongg the ocean front, through g an ancient cedar forest and down to the private p beach.

Little Whale Cove Lots

Ocean View home on rare .55 acre guest house lot. Open kitchen w/granite counters, cherry cabinets & floors, 2 gas fireplaces.

MLS# 16-1165 $699,900

Breathtaking home located in a spectacular serene setting w/ abundance of upgrades & quality throughout.

MLS# 16-872 $585,000

Bright and spacious upgraded one level home, entry w/18 ft ceiling, 8 skylights & a wall of art niches w/back lighting, granite counters & hardwood floors. MLS#16-1310 $380,000

Big Ocean views from this custom quality home w/heated floras, gourmet kitchen, T&G ceiling w/beams. Master sue on the main level, steam shower w/multiple shower heads, sitting room & attached enclosed hot tub room.

MLS# 16-457 $799,000

Stunning ocean front home designed by acclaimed architect Saul Zaik to capture the ever changing ocean views. Open floor plan w/ vaulted ceilings, skylights, dramatic slate fireplace, custom kitchen & main floor master suite.

MLS# 16-728 $989,000

Immaculate home on very private oversized lot close to the ocean & fenced in rear yard w/expanded wrap around deck. Generous master Suite w/see thru gas fireplace, large walk in closet + 2 storage areas, Jacuzzi & balcony. MLS#16-1702 $469,900

DEPOE BAY WHALE WATCHING

CRAFTSMAN STYLE

UPDATED CUSTOM HOME

Cape Cod 1956 sq ft home w/3 car garage that includes complete canning kitchen, RV parking w/hookups & dumps, gazebo w/hot tub on large private back deck.

MLS# 16-513 $299,995

Stunning ocean views from this elegant 3,417 sq ft home w/ an open floor plan concept. The high quality finishes thru out, bamboo flooring, slab granite counters & 4 car/RV garages.

MLS# 16-258 $499,950

Craftsman style home w/open floor plan, hardwood floors, alder cabinets, gas fireplace w/stone surround & fenced in rear yard. MLS#16-1666 $279,000

180 Gull G ll SStation, i MLS# 15 15-2968 2968 $80 $80,000 000 Lot 16 NW Walking Wood, MLS# 15-2345 $89,900 Lot 17 SW Walking Wood, MLS# 15-2787 $89,900 184 SW Gull Station, MLS# 16-140 $92,000 Lot 162 Cormorant, MLS#16-1668 $80,000 Lot 50 Cove Point, MLS# 16-467 $299,900

Ranch style home located on a lot that backs up to a beautiful meadow w/private side & rear porch. Upgrades include gas fireplace w/stone surround, Silestone counters and hardwood floors. MLS#16-2069 $335,000

PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS

On top of the world with panoramic ocean views!

Enjoy the spa room w/tiled floors, 8x14 therapy pool & full bath. Very functional floor plan w/an elevator that serves all three levels. MLS 16-1483. $299,900

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A conditional Offer to Purchase Always state your conditions on your Offer to Purchase before signing it. Some common conditions include: • Financing approval. Unless you’re paying cash, you’ll need to have the necessary financing to purchase your new house.

Once accepted, your Offer to Purchase becomes a legally binding contract between you and the seller, so take the time to properly outline the terms and conditions of your offer. You won’t be able to make any changes once the papers have been signed.

Are you in the market for a small farmhouse, farmland or even a woodlot? Then trust the services of a specialized real estate broker.

Why turn to a real estate professional who is specialized in agricultural concerns?

The successful purchase or sale of any agricultural property largely rests on the expertise of specialized brokers. For a secure transaction, trust those who know the industry.

• They have extensive lists of buyers and sellers that aren’t openly available on the market.

• A satisfactory home inspection.

Obtaining a detailed report from a certified home inspector is the best way to know the actual state of the property you’re looking to buy.

• They have in-depth knowledge when evaluating rural buildings, livestock, lands, machinery, quotas, etc.

• The sale of your current home. The last thing you want is to be paying two mortgages.

Is a tiny house a good fit for you?

The market for tiny houses is rapidly growing. More and more homebuyers are turning to smaller-sized dwellings as a more affordable way of becoming homeowners.

Combining a functional and no-frills layout with comfort and beauty, tiny houses are captivating celebrities, young professionals and childless couples alike.

There’s no room for clutter and unnecessary furniture in this type of home, so you’ll need to think twice about the occasional shopping spree or compulsive purchase.

The living space is defined by an ergonomic design that is both simple and practical.

What’s more, a tiny house is heated at a fraction of the cost of bigger, more traditional homes, thereby turning your energy savings into actual money in the bank.

Venturing into the world of agricultural real estate

• They have a deep understanding of agriculture and are proficient negotiators in this unique market.

The American-E versions of the nglish these pages ar texts on e av in the page foldailable er.

Four renovation projects to avoid when selling your home More and more cities and towns are embracing the idea of tiny housing projects. However, it’s always a good idea to pay your town hall a visit before settling on a particular model. Some municipalities prohibit the construction of houses that aren’t at least 750 to 1000 square feet (70 to 93 square metres).

Choosing your new neighbourhood A lot goes into buying a new home. You have to figure out your budget, what type of house you want, how many bedrooms you need, and how big of a lawn you’d like. But before you start listing your criteria for your next house, you need to think of your new neighbourhood first. Your dream home can quickly become a nightmare if it’s poorly situated.

ludes all the amenities and services you need in a neighbourhood. These might include schools, grocery stores, pharmacies, public transportation services, parks, bicycle paths and sports centres. Do you want to live on a street with or without a sidewalk? Do you want to be near other families, or are you looking for an area that’s a little more removed and discrete?

The first thing you need to do is ask yourself where you’d like to live. Are you looking for a country setting, a life in the suburbs or maybe a more urban vibe? Taking your lifestyle into account, write a list that inc-

GET A FEEL FOR THE NEIGHBOURHOOD You should always inquire about the neighbourhood before making an offer on a new house. Without being too nosy, try to get some information about the surrounding area.

Are your potential neighbours known for throwing parties every weekend? Do they own a loud and noisy dog? Is their lawn well-kept, or are they neglectful of their landscaping? Be sure to ask the current owners questions, and if you can, try to speak with potential neighbours.

When putting your house on the market, some remodelling projects can allow you to increase your asking price and make your home sell faster. Updating your kitchen or bathroom will boost your property value and fetch you a 50, 75 or even 100 per cent return on your investment. Be careful though, because other costly renovations yield very little return and can even frighten potential buyers away.

1. Paving your driveway. The majority of middle-class buyers won’t pay more for your home simply because the driveway has been recently paved. Chances are, you’ll only recoup 25 per cent of the amount you paid to finish it — maybe even less.

2. A pool. You’ll be lucky to get back about 15 to 20 per cent of your money if you decide to install an above-ground or inground pool. And remember, certain buyers will avoid visiting your home because of the insurance, repair and maintenance costs that come with a swimming pool.

3. A wine cellar, home movie theatre or solarium. Unless you have a high-end home, these add-ons won’t increase the value of your property or incite buyers to visit your house. Albeit unique, these remodelling projects only target a limited number of individuals.

4. A luxury garage. Building a two- or three-car garage requires a substantial outlay, but unfortunately you’ll only see roughly a 50 per cent return on your investment. This ambitious project might also potentially limit your pool of potential buyers to a cluster of car enthusiasts, collectors and mechanics.

It’s always best to use caution when renovating your home to sell it. Avoid investing staggering sums in refurbishing your property. Instead, freshen up the interior and exterior with some neutral paint and fix little holes and cracks. For a few hundred dollars, you’ll be able to attract more buyers and get the most out of your investment.

Finding the right home is all about due diligence. A real estate broker can help you find the neighbourhood that best suits your needs. And don’t forget to visit the residential areas you’re interested in during both the day and the night.

34 / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2016 / NEWSPAPER TOOLBOX

The texts on these pages are perfect to use as fillers or for any section you may want to sell on this subject.

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Summer Real Estate Guide 2016

Helping your child buy a home Are you considering helping your child buy their first home? Here are a few ways you can make it happen.

1. HELP WITH THE DOWN PAYMENT Gifting a portion or total of the initial down payment is a great way to help your child buy a home, as long as you can afford it.

the debt, so this might not be the best option if your child doesn’t have a stable income or has difficulty managing his or her finances.

A word of advice: helping your child purchase a home is a big investment, so take the time to weigh your options and finances before committing to anything.

2. BECOME A CO-OWNER This option can be a bit more complicated if you’re already a homeowner.

Once sold, you’ll have to pay capital tax gains on your child’s house if it’s considered your secondary residence.

Mistakes you might regret making when buying or selling a home

SELLER • Concealing defects. Not disclosing your home’s latent defects is a deceitful and fraudulent act that could wind up getting you sued and ultimately costing you a lot of money. Repainting a wall to cover water damage is never a good idea.

• Listing too high. Inflating your asking price to make a large profit on your house is counterproductive. The only thing you’ll accomplish is making potential buyers realize they can get much more for their money elsewhere.

• Being unprepared for visits. A cluttered kitchen counter, dirty windows, strong smells and poor lighting won’t make a good impression on potential buyers.

Real estate bargain-hunting You need time, creativity and connections in order to find the very best real estate deals.

Here are a few tips that will help you get the most for your money when it comes to buying a new home.

• Looking through the classifieds, property listings and specialty sites each and every day.

• Be ready to buy, because bargains tend to not last long.

• Estate sales, auctions, divorces, foreclosures, and even disagreements between co-owners can sometimes lead to some great bargains.

• Solidify any connections you may have within the industry, such as with bailiffs, real estate agents and bankruptcy or insolvency lawyers.

• Tell as many people as possible that you’re looking for a bargain.

How much does it really cost to become a homeowner?

3. CO-SIGN THE MORTGAGE Qualifying for a loan can be a big hurdle for many first-time buyers, so it’s quite common for parents to add their names to their child’s mortgage. Know that you become equally responsible for

There are a number of common mistakes you should avoid making when buying or selling a home. By being properly informed and prepared, you’ll be able to save yourself time, money and a lot of trouble.

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BUYER • Not visiting the neighbourhood. Buying the house of your dreams can quickly become a nightmare once you realize there’s a lack of public services or schools nearby.

You might regret your purchase if you don’t take the time to visit the home’s surroundings.

• Buying on impulse. Never let your emotions get the best of you when it comes to real estate. Buying a home that’s above your financial means is a recipe for disaster.

• No home inspection. Not having your house properly inspected by a certified professional is a huge gamble. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to investing your hard-earned money, so have your home inspected before signing on the dotted line.

Buying or selling a house is a considerable financial operation that should never be taken lightly. It will most likely be the biggest transaction of your life, so take the time and necessary measures to do it right.

Dreaming of owning your own home, but not sure how much it’s going to cost you?

Depending on the region and type of home you buy, the number of expenses and fees can be quite significant. Here are two lists of likely expenses.

CLOSING COSTS • Inspection, appraisal and/or land survey fees • Initial down payment • Land transfer tax (welcome tax) • Notary and/or lawyer fees • Real estate and/or mortgage broker commission • Reimbursement of property tax and public services already paid by the seller • Moving costs

ONGOING COSTS • • • • •

Mortgage payments Home insurance Property and school taxes Condo or co-op fees Heating, electricity, water and telecommunications services • General upkeep It’s important to consider all of the potential expenses before making an offer on a house.

You can always meet with a mortgage or financial advisor to determine your needs, goals and expectations when it comes to buying a home.

Thermographic inspections More and more buyers are having a thermographic inspection done before purchasing a new home. This process involves using infrared photography to survey a house in order to identify problems that aren’t readily visible to the human eye.

Thermography uses cameras to capture, collect and record variations within the surface temperatures of a house. This information is then transmitted in the form of thermograms — colour images — depicting heat and cold sources, as well as disparities between the two.

Cold temperatures appear as darker colours, such as green, blue, purple and black. Lighter colours such as yellow, orange, red and white, on the other hand, represent hot temperatures.

For example, a poorly insulated wall will give off a blue or purple tinge because of the cold that’s seeping through. However, when viewed from outside, the same wall will appear red because of the escaping heat.

THE PURPOSE OF THERMOGRAPHY Thermographic inspections are practical because they map out problem areas without requiring openings to be cut in several different walls. In addition, this type of inspection can help you determine how much it will cost to improve the energy efficiency of your new home.

Thermography can detect water infiltration originating from the roof or walls,

The American-English versions of the texts on this page are available in the page folder.

• Renovations and/or repairs • Utility connection fees

air leaks, humidity and moisture. It’s also useful in uncovering the presence of insects or pests, insulation problems, losses from heating units as well as overheating in electrical circuits.

It’s always recommended that you choose a home inspector certified in thermography.

You’ll want a professional who knows how to operate an infrared camera as well as interpret the results correctly in order to produce a reliable inspection report.

Don’t forget, a professional home inspection can protect you in the event of hidden construction defects. And one that includes a thermoFind the material for these graphic inspecpages under HOME in tion could be the the editorial library search option of our website. best investment you make.

NEWSPAPER TOOLBOX / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2016 / 35

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10 10 • Summer Real Estate Guide 2016

Preparing Your Home For Sale

By Doris A. Black

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Once you decide to sell your home, you’ll need to prepare it for viewing. You may think your home is in top condition, but there are ways to make potential buyers drool over your property. And since you want top dollar, a little sprucing up could go a long way.

The best way to determine what your home might need is to consult the experts. Call several real estate agents and ask them to view your home and give you some advice. They look at homes all day long and can tell you exactly where your house excels and where there’s room for improvement. You don’t need to sign a contract in order to get their advice either. Most will advise you freely in hopes that you’ll remember them when you are ready to put your property on the market.

The first thing potential buyers see is the outside of your home: the exterior paint, siding, roof, windows, entryway and driveway. By inspecting your home, you may notice areas in need of repair.

Walk around the outside of your home and examine it objectively as if you were a buyer—be critical. Is the paint chipping? Do the bricks need tuckpointing?

How does the roof look? Are any shingles missing? Are there any broken or cracked windows on the house? What condition are the entryway and driveway in? You may use your back door everyday, but buyers will be looking at the front door. If your storm door is damaged, replace it.

The driveway takes up a good portion of the front view of most homes. If it’s in good repair, most buyers won’t notice it, but a cracked and crumbling driveway will stick out like a sore thumb and turn buyers off. A crumbling driveway is an indication of a home that has not been well maintained and could prompt low offers. In order to make a good first impression, fix or replace it. A good rule of thumb to

remember for the exterior is: fix what is broken and clean what is not. Home buyers list dirt as the biggest turnoff.

You’ll want to show your home to potential buyers in the best light. The easiest and least expensive way to improve any home is to clean it and paint it inside and out. Inside, nothing spruces up a home quicker than a coat of paint

and clean carpets. When painting, use neutral colors, such as white or cream, and don’t overlook ceilings. Although ceilings don’t get scuffed up, they do collect dirt which makes the room look darker. And don’t paint natural wood trim. Just clean it with a good wood cleaner to give it a high-gloss finish. Pay particular attention when painting the kitchen and bathrooms; buyers look very closely at these two areas. Use a high-gloss paint that’s easy to clean. Outside, give the front door two coats of paint. Potential buyers will be seeing it up close.

All of these ideas will make your home more

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marketable, but don’t go overboard and think you have to remodel your home. Experts say you won’t get a dollar for dollar return on your investment. Spending money on hidden areas, such as new wiring or a new furnace, won’t impress buyers. Fix potential hidden area problems, but don’t replace them. Plan wisely and put your dollars where they’ll work the hardest.

Small interior renovations can make a big difference. Replace outdated lighting fixtures with modern ones. Install updated plumbing fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen. If the kitchen really needs work, a small investment of say $10,000 will bring a better return than a totally new $50,000 renovation. Replace worn or stained carpets, especially in the major living areas. Pick a neutral color that shows well. It may also show dirt easily, but your main concern is that it will bring a luxurious and elegant feeling that potential buyers will notice. Make sure your improvements stay within the norm for your neighborhood. If you live in a neighborhood where $100/sq. ft. carpeting is in every home, don’t install $35/sq. ft. carpeting.

Once the cosmetics are completed, tackle the clutter. Pack up everything you don’t absolutely need. One half of everything in each closet should be removed to make the closets look bigger. Furniture that is non-essential can be put into storage to make rooms look larger.

Clean out the garage, basement and attic, and store off-season items at another location. You want your home to appear large and airy, neat and orderly. Remember, potential buyers will be looking in drawers, cabinets and closets, so put your best foot forward by being prepared.

Again, let the experts guide you when making improvements. Since you’ll only get one chance to make a good first impression, take the time and effort to dress up your home before putting it up for sale.

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Summer Real Estate Guide 2016

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Pam’s Homes by the Water 16-379 SPECTACULAR OCEANVIEW FROM A SPECTACULAR home. Sumptuous interiors throughout incl lavish cherry woodwork, floor-to ceiling stone frplc, fun wetbar & party loft with frplc, hi-tech media room, romantic master ste with luxury bath & intimate frplc, heated flooring, coffered ceiling. Dream kitchen w/ high end appliances, granite, cobalt pendants. 3900sf. The Capes. $775,000

16-520 ALMOST 2 ACRES Whiskey Creek Ranch. Breathtaking ocean and bay view, custom 2583sf. Large garage & abundant parking. Upscale amenities incl stainless appliances, travertine floors, custom cabinets. Fabulous vaulted family room with lots of room to entertain. 2 full baths & 2 half baths. Superb neighborhood. $479,000

16-347 NETARTS 4 to 6 bdrm bay/ ocean view daylight basement home, just a block up from Bayfront. RV parking pad, dbl garage w/shop area.

2.5 baths, vaulted ceilings. Floorplan is laid out well for 2-family living. Zoning allows duplex. 2152sf. $345,000

16-211 COZY COTTAGE in Netarts, West side of Hwy 131. Blocks to bay/ tavern/restaurants/espresso/bus stop.

3 bdrm 1.5 bths, family room with woodstove, built in shelves & brick frplc in LR/DR, single garage with shop, raised garden beds. Bay/ocean peeks. $239,500

15-717 UPSCALE! Gorgeous, very upscale Netarts townhome. Maple floors, maple cabinets with lavish dentil moulding, view of bay and ocean, 3 bdrm 2.5 bath, garage, fireplace, golf! $289,000

16-413 GREAT NEW PRICE for quality built 3 bdrm near the beach. Newer septic, paint &carpet! Spacious rooms & 640 sq ft of cedar decking. Vaulted ceiling, beautiful tile work, certified woodstove, open kitchen w/eating bar, maple cabinets.

Every bdrm adjoins a bathrm. Dbl garage.

Quiet area of desired Nedonna Beach, Extra large lot. $309,000

15-334 TWO SEPARATE LIVING AREAS ON ONE ACRE Utterly secluded Netarts 2634 sq ft with 4 total bdrms, 4 full baths, 2 kitchens, one common area great room. Huge deck & hot tub. Hardwood floors. $374,500

16-176 COMMERCIAL ZONING in Netarts! Live here & make money.

2 bdrm 1 bth, 944 sq ft on .27 acre.

Plenty of parking, 2 road approaches.

House with good bones & great curb appeal. Attached single garage & large storage attic. Huge utility room. $248,000

15-1029 IN THE HEART OF OCEANSIDE VILLAGE just 3 short blocks to beach & great restaurants. Solid ocean view 3 bdrm 2bth home, beautifully remodeled with new Ikea kitchen, new floors,windows , siding & added room on lower level. Located on a large lot with plenty of parking + garage + large shed. Quiet dead-end street. Huge view deck. Chimney for 2nd frplc/stove.

Vacation rental ok. $384,900

13-265 4 BDRM ACCESSIBLE main floor with rich dark oak flooring.

2 large decks overlook wooded area.

Bay windows. Family rm + library loft add to the living space. Wetbar, large laundry room. Mullioned windows, fireplace. 2687sq ft Oceanside $359,000

16-275 CHARMIN OCEANVIEW cabin on the hillside just yards to beach access in Cape Meares. View of waves & whitewater & city lights at night. Garage 11x16 great for kayaks, plus lots of offstreet parking.

Huge wraparound deck. Newer wood floor in greatroom. Beautiful juniper floor in loft bdrm + sleeping nook w/ocean view all the way to NeahKahNie Mountain. $259,000

15-58 EASY LIVING with newly redone deck, siding & windows & EZ care yard in this special Capes townhome. Panoramic whitewater oceanview, located across from park & nxt to greenspace. Only 1 shared wall & no South neighbor so yard is very private. 2 Master Suites, 1 w/jet tub/separate shower. Light, bright, soaring ceilings. South exposure for max sun on the deck. Oversized Dbl garage PLUS 2 shop areas. $419,000

16-157 DREAM HOME in every way. Exquisite finishes & quality craftsmanship. Quiet corner of Nedonna backing to dedicated greenspace. Slab granites, rich thick hardwoods, luxury lighting. Heated mastr bth floor. 3212 sq ft. 3 bdrm + fam rm. Stone frplc. 2.5 bth. $519,000

16-17 DREAM SHOP on Nestucca River (no flooding) with gorgeous upscale 4 bdrm 2144sf home blt in 2010. Total baths 3.5. Stone frplc in house, woodstove in shop with fabulous den & full bath. 3 bays - 1 for motor home. Covered deck. 2 lots. $497,500

16-615 RARE SECLUDED SETTING, awesome waterfront view of estuarial open space populated by waterfowl. Whiskey Creek Ranch, upscale homes at the end of a long private drive. Charming design with nostalgic porch. Granite counter,knotty pine cabinetry, window mullions, hardwood floor in kitchen. Vaulted ceiling, loft/den. Lots of light. Ground floor bdrm/bath withTravertine counter. Rooftop rainwater collection.

2 bdrm +loft, 2 bths. Bay view hot tub. $399,000

Pam Zielinski, CRB, GRI, Principal Broker

For a showing appointment call 503-842-3046 or 503-815-1743 pzielinski@bhhsnw.com Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Northwest Real Estate

www.PamZielinski.com H61124

12 12 • Summer Real Estate Guide 2016

Everyone Needs a Place to Call Home.

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