Palouse Living, May 2017

Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

Renovating a

rental property

May 2017 Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Home financing for every stage of life Choose a lender who’s with you all the way, no matter what your home financing needs may be.

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| May 2017 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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First time home buyers:

the housing market’s key players NewsUSA

F

irst-time homebuyers, more than any other demographic, stand to benefit the most in today’s real estate market.

In fact, a recent survey commissioned by Move. com reveals that 23 percent of adults plan to purchase a home in the next five years and that more than half of them (53.5 percent) will be first-time homebuyers.

Consider that every time a renter buys a home, they make possible a chain reaction of transactions worth many times more than the actual value of the home they purchase.

Because first-time homebuyers aren’t selling properties, they don’t put new homes on the market when they buy. As a result, first-time homebuyers reduce real estate inventories and allow existing owners to trade-up or relocate.

The growing number of first-time homebuyers suggests that conditions are finally attracting buyers back despite the critical picture in the overall economy.

In the past, high prices and large down payments made buying a home for the first-time difficult. The right mix of attractive listing prices, tax credits, improved financing and a wide choice of properties seems to be attracting the firsttime buyer. For first-time homebuyers looking to be players in today’s real estate market, Move.com offers the following tips:

Make a list of what you want Let your realtor know your criteria in order to find homes that meet your needs. You can go to Realtor.com to view homes that fit your specifications. This will give you an idea of what is possible in your price range and in the location you prefer.

Get pre-approved Although not a final loan commitment, a pre-approval letter can be shown to listing brokers when you are bidding on a home. It demonstrates your financial strength and shows that you have the ability to go through with a purchase. Lenders can be found in the finance section of Realtor.com.

Make a decision Once you find the best home that fits your needs, take action. Homebuyers often hesitate, and this could mean you miss the best home that meets your needs. If you have chosen a good mortgage broker and a sharp realtor, you should have the facts to make the right decision.

Research Your Market All real estate is localized and the key to a successful purchase is to know the market. In fact, the real estate market is so localized that prices among similar homes vary greatly even between neighboring towns.

Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

Renovating a

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May 2017 Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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ONLINE: Check out the latest edition online at DNews.com, just click on the Special Sections tab.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | May 2017 | 3

How to clean outdoor furniture MetroCreative

A

s temperatures rise, people increasingly venture outdoors to soak up the sun, enjoy the mild breezes and entertain under the open sky. Clean and comfortable furniture can make outdoor entertaining that much more enjoyable.

After months in storage or nestled under protective tarps, outdoor furniture likely needs a good cleaning before it’s put to the test once again. Mildew may have formed, insects may be hiding out within cushions or other crevices and dirt may have accumulated - even if the furniture was cleaned before being stored away.

Experts recommend cleaning outdoor furniture between three and four times per year to keep it in optimal condition.

Before cleaning, determine the material your furniture is made of, as some cleaning products may not be safe for all materials. When in doubt, read the care tags on cushions and other products or refer back to the original packaging for cleaning instructions. Always test a cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first.

The following are some additional general furniture cleaning guidelines.

Moscow Realty Since 1947

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Wood Wood comes in many varieties, from hard and softwoods to wicker furniture. Mild oil-based soaps and products geared especially to cleaning wood can be handy. On wicker and painted woods, it may be best to dilute the solutions before use. Hardwood furniture and built-in decking structures may benefit from annual sanding and then reapplication of a protective finish to maintain the look of the wood for long periods of time.

Plastic resin Commercial cleansers may be too harsh to use on plastic resin furniture. Before risking discoloration or scratching, try some ingredients that are may be lying around the house. For example, use a wet sponge dipped in baking soda as a mild abrasive to clean resin. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse off the powdery residue afterward.

Automatic dishwasher detergent mixed with a gallon of warm water also may do the trick. The detergent contains a mild bleaching agent that will not cause damage like straight bleach.

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dishwashing detergent, 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon borax together. Saturate a sponge and use it to wash the cushions. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then spray it off with a high-force hose. Stand the cushions on their edges to dry outdoors.

Dish detergent and general home cleaning solutions work well on glass surfaces. Remember to clean all sides, including bottom-facing areas. After cleaning, use vinegar or a glass cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to produce a streakfree shine.

Remember, vinegar can help inhibit mildew growth.

Therefore, keep a bottle of diluted vinegar around to spray on plastic mesh and furniture that gets wet from the rain or a pool.

Store outdoor furniture away from inclement weather whenever possible to prolong its life.

Outdoor cushions Outdoor fabrics are derived from different materials.

However, this general-purpose recipe, courtesy of the DIY Network, may help clean many outdoor fabrics. Mix 1 teaspoon

Beauty

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oi ponds can make for beautiful additions to landscaped backyards or home gardens.

While many people are drawn to koi ponds because of their aesthetic appeal, there are many additional reasons for homeowners to consider installing koi ponds in their backyards.

Ponds and water gardens can transform yards rather quickly. Ponds can add appeal to otherwise mundane yards and provide eye-catching, relaxing spots to sit and enjoy the scenery.

Spence Hardware & Supply, Inc. - Sales & Service 1401 S. Blaine Street Moscow, ID 83843 208-882-3134 www.spencehardware.com *Product Price — Actual retail prices are set by dealer and may vary. Taxes, freight, setup and handling charges may be additional and may vary. Models subject to limited availability. Specifications and programs are subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect dealer inventory and/or unit specifications. †Built using the highest quality components sourced locally and globally. Cub Cadet Commercial products are intended for professional use. ** Cub Cadet Utility Vehicles (UTV) are intended for off-road use by adults only. They are neither designed nor equipped to be registered as motor vehicles for public roadways. Always use extreme caution when operating UTVs, and carefully follow all operating, maintenance and safety instructions and warnings. Please see the operator’s manual and the warning labels posted on the vehicle itself for more details. ††See your local Cub Cadet Independent Dealer for warranty details. © 2017 Cub Cadet 2016_3PV_Q

| May 2017 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Koi ponds have recently fallen into a favor with homeowners in North America, but these popular water features date back several centuries to Asia.

Centuries ago, Chinese rice farmers began keeping carp in their rice paddies, and that practice eventually caught on in Japan. The fish started to breed and form slight color variations. Koi, often referred to as “Nishikigoi,” are actually descendants of the common carp, though the koi of today are more brightly hued and ornamental fish than carp.

Low-maintenance Koi can become a low-maintenance family pet. These fish tend to grow accustomed to having people around, and will often interact with visitors at the surface of the water. It’s not unusual to have koi beg for food or take food from a person’s

Palouse Living

of backyard koi ponds hand. They also may tolerate some light handling.

Miniature ecosystem Another benefit of koi ponds is that they create a miniature ecosystem within the yard. When stocked with aquatic plants and other fish that can help keep mosquito larvae and other parasites at bay, they can sustain themselves quite nicely.

Ponds also can attract birds and beneficial insects, such as butterflies and dragonflies. By implementing straight vertical walls on the perimeter of the pond and setting up some natural barriers, homeowners can avoid unwanted predators from disturbing their koi ponds.

Soothing and relaxing Koi ponds also provide some psychological benefits. The sound of the water can be soothing and relaxing. Sitting by the pond may help alleviate stress, as unwinding next to a pond and watching the fish swim by can help individuals decompress.

Culligan Water LLC 320 NORTH JACKSON ST. Moscow, ID 83843 208-882-1351 www.culligan.com

Homeowners who have koi ponds may also benefit socially from these eye-catching additions to their landscapes.

Homeowners may connect with others who share their passion for koi and water features. This opens up the opportunity to share the landscape and pond with others, building new friends and relationships in the process.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | May 2017 |

Making a family move easier MetroCreative

W

hether or not to relocate can be a difficult decision. Sometimes such decisions are borne out of necessity when a parent is relocated by his or her company. Other times it is a personal reason to try out a new neighborhood or upgrade to a larger home. Date from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates a stable annual rate of moving hovering at around 12 percent of the population since 2008.

Whatever reason is behind a move, it can take some time to adjust to both the idea of moving and the new living space - especially for children who may seem disconnected from the decision. The following tips can make the transition a little easier for families.

Talk about it Do not blindside children with a move. Begin having conversations as a family as soon as the possibility of moving arises. Involve the children in some of the decisions. Ask about the features they want to see in their new home. Explain that people, be it prospective buyers, real estate agents or movers, will be visiting your current home and that this may be a little disruptive. Talk about the reasons for the move, such as a

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new job or that the family has outgrown the space. Kids can process much more than many adults give them credit for.

Discuss any concerns Children may have concerns about the move that differ from adults’. Many of these may pertain to fears about making new friends or coursework at a new school. Let them voice their opinions. Removing some of the mysteries by visiting schools or local hangouts before the move is made can assuage some fears.

Create some familiarity Set aside boxes or bins that will house kids’ toys or things that the family recognizes. These may include photographs, games, throw blankets, or the creature comforts of home.

Make these the first items that are unpacked upon moving into the new house.

Use the agent as a resource Many real estate agents live in the towns where they make their living. Find out if the agent can set up a meet-and-greet or if he or she knows of any clubs or leagues that suit your

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family’s interests. Making a few introductions ahead of time will give children and adults some familiar faces on their first days in their new home.

Families shouldn’t shy away from making their own introductions as well. Knocking on a few neighbors’ doors and letting them know a new family is coming to the street can pave the way for familiarity and friendships.

Stay in touch Encourage children to stay in touch with their current friends. Video chat enables kids to see and speak with peers. When things settle after the move, arrange for a surprise play date where children can introduce their old friends to newer ones.

Stick to a routine One of the ways to breed familiarity is to stick to the same routine. If a big Sunday family dinner was the norm, continue the tradition in your new home. Wake in the morning and go to bed at the same time. According to Vanessa Lapointe, a registered psychologist in Surrey, British Columbia, structure and routine are key for children. Try to focus on one new thing at a time to minimize stress.

Moving can be exciting and scary at the same time.

Children may be anxious about the process, but families can work together to iron out the kinks and settle into their news homes successfully.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | May 2017 |

Renovating a rental property NewsUSA

R

Update the paint

elatively minor renovations to rental properties can earn landlords substantially more money over the course of a typical lease.

Apartments are typically empty when shown to prospective renters, and any issues with the paint job are very noticeable during such viewings. If the paint is outdated or there is any fading, update the walls with a fresh coat of paint. It’s ideal to do so whenever a tenant moves out, but landlords whose buildings have a high turnover rate likely won’t need to repaint every time a tenant moves out. When adding a new coat of paint, choose a light, neutral color to give the property a fresh, inviting look.

When the economy struggles to the point of recession, few people benefit. However, there are some businesses that thrive during a recession, using the circumstances to their advantage and actually growing business in spite of a sagging economy.

One such business is rental agencies or property management companies. Even landlords with a single investment property tend to do better during a recession, when individuals might be fearful of buying a home or simply unable to afford it. Such individuals still need a place to live, however, and landlords benefit as a result.

Replace the carpeting Carpeting is another area prospective renters are instantly drawn to when viewing an apartment. New carpeting is always attractive to potential tenants, and landlords won’t have to break the bank to replace the carpets when an existing tenant moves out. Instead of expensive carpeting, choose a medium grade carpet with a neutral color, ideally beige or light brown, which can hide spills or stains should the next tenant prove messy and move out after the original lease terms are up.

Before laying carpet, don’t forget to lay down quality padding underneath. Such padding makes the carpet feel softer and of higher quality.

One of the best things a landlord can do during a recession is to pay more attention to their rental properties, ensuring the properties are in tip-top shape so they can get the most out of each unit at a time when the rental market is most competitive.

This might require some renovations, which landlords should be making periodically anyway, regardless of how strong or tenuous the economy might be.

Upgrade the appliances

WHEN BEAUTY

Perhaps nothing evokes a stronger response from prospective renters than a property’s appliances. Outdated appliances make renters speculate as to what else might be outdated and if the building is well taken care of. On the other hand, newer appliances, particularly stainless steel items, create a contemporary feel and give the impression, true or false, that a landlord won’t allow the building to grow dated or fall into disrepair. When shopping for appliances, choose ones that are more basic so any eventual repairs won’t be too complicated or costly. Newer appliances enable landlords to charge more rent for a given property, and many renters would agree that such properties are worth the extra money.

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Older buildings tend to have creaky or drafty windows, which not only makes the property colder during the winter months, but it also drives up utility costs as renters are forced to turn up the thermostat to combat drafts and cold air entering the unit. New windows can eliminate such drafts and reduce utility costs, something landlords can use to their advantage when discussing the property with potential tenants. Landlords might even be able to earn tax breaks when installing new, energyefficient windows. Discuss if any such breaks exist with the local municipality.

When it comes to renovating a rental property, landlords can make a handful of small renovations that, while relatively inexpensive, enable them to earn substantially more money from each unit over the long haul.

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A Day In The Life of a REALTOR Explain market trends Get contract and Earnest money to title company

Manage client emotions

Provide advice on value Negotiate repairs

Present Buyers with contract revisions

Get Survey

Schedule Walk-thru

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Review settlement statements

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