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Queenannenews.com
FEBRUARY 10, 2016
Vol. 97, No. 6
Serving Magnolia & Queen Anne for over 27 years. Seattle Born and Raised.
Start preparing now with these 10 steps
Windermere Real Estate
Mobile: 206.947.6800 Direct DaveReith@windermere.com
Home sellers in Queen Anne and Magnolia are enjoying the benefits of a strong seller’s market. Low inventory and high demand should remain the driving force for local home sales in 2016. However, sellers need to properly prepare their properties for the market in order to receive the maximum return on their real estate investments. Reducing clutter and enhancing curb appeal are obvious and I know that I am not breaking new ground by including them on this list. But many sellers procrastinate in taking these actions, adding stress or failing to complete them prior to going on the market. Even if your home sale is months or even years down the road, it is not too soon to begin. Here are the 10 essentials:
1
Think of your home as a product: Approach your home as if you are a buyer. What are your impressions from the outside? As you enter, how does your home look and “feel”? How does it smell? What jumps out at you both positively and negatively? Go room to room looking at things from this perspective. Think about what features of your home are the most marketable. Recently I worked with a homeowner where the spectacular view added considerable value to the property. But in future years the view was going to be blocked by trees not on his lot which likely would be an issue for potential buyers. We worked together to address and solve this issue before the home was to be placed on the market.
2
Consider investing in your home: This is not a one size fits all tip; each case must be judged on its own merit. In a seller’s market, it most often doesn’t pencil out to do major improvements to your home when considering the potential return on the investment. Some projects could actually lessen
who consult with me when considering upgrades to ask my opinion on the impact and potential return on their home improvement projects.
3
Ken Graff COLDWELL BANKER BAIN your home’s desirability to buyers. But in certain cases, investing in upgrades such as kitchens and bathrooms can result in a terrific return. Adding a back splash to a kitchen that lacks one can make it look great. Replacing chipped tiles or a dated vanity in a bathroom greatly improves the aesthetic. Adding crown molding is easy and inexpensive but can really add a lovely finish to any room. If you own an older home, it may make sense to upgrade wiring, plumbing or to decommission an old oil tank. Many buyers are reluctant to make offers on homes with dated systems. These issues could also be called out by a home inspector once your home is under contract, potentially costing valuable time and money. I have clients
“Pre-inspect”: This is another tip that doesn’t make sense for all sellers but can be useful in certain cases. Some of my selling clients have hired a professional home inspector and/or a sewer inspector before going on the market. Information from the report can help a seller to prepare for the market by allowing them to either address or fully disclose issues that could come up during a buyer’s inspection. The decision of whether or not to provide this report to buyers is a complex issue that should be thoroughly discussed with a REALTOR®.
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De-personalize: Family photos, degrees, political signs and personal items serve to remind buyers that they are in
Happy New Year! Lowest Inventory in the last 30 years. Perfect time to sell your home! www.FineSeattleHomes.com
What to Know about Applying for a Mortgage Although homeownership doesn’t make good financial sense for everyone, some experts say you may be qualified to purchase real estate without realizing it. “Factor in today’s very low interest rates and current home prices, and affordable mortgages are within reach for many qualified borrowers who may have been hesitant to enter the market,” says Christina Boyle, senior vice president and head of single-family sales and relationship management at Freddie Mac. After receiving your application, along with the required paycheck stubs, W-2s, bank statements and tax returns, lenders will evaluate the four Cs: • Capacity: Your income, employment history, savings, and monthly debt payments -- such as credit card charges and other financial obligations -- help lenders determine whether you have the means to take on a mortgage comfortably. • Capital: The money and savings you have on hand, plus investments, properties, and other salable assets.
➧ SELLING, Page 2 • Collateral: The value of the home that you plan to buy.
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home sales on Magnolia & Queen Anne in 2015
Address
2271 Westmont Wy W 2206 Eastmont Wy W 3001 44th Ave W 4715 W Ruffner 364 Ward St 122 Highland Dr 1521 9th Ave W 200 W Highland Dr #501 123 Prospect St 620 W Howe St 2720 W Galer St 2807 W Viewmont Wy W 700 W Lee St 615 W Prospect St 602 W Prospect St 511 W Lee St 524 W Highland Dr 160 Highland Dr 317 W Highland Dr 1228 2nd Ave N To start on the path to homeownership
Sell Price
Beds
$2,152,500 $2,160,000 $2,170,000 $2,250,000 $2,295,000 $2,350,000 $2,362,500 $2,425,000 $2,480,000 $2,630,000 $2,735,000 $2,795,000 $2,850,000 $3,000,000 $3,300,000 $3,400,000 $3,450,000 $3,500,000 $4,243,000 $5,100,000
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Contact Julia today
Sr. Loan Originator NMLS #120442
julia.eaton@axiahomeloans.com Give me a call at (206) 818-5576 Axia is a registered trade name of Axia Financial LLC - NMLS ID 27830
Sq. Feet 4,520 4,340 4,577 2,785 3,627 3,950 4,560 1,972 5,980 5,540 8,890 5,410 6,800 4,350 6,460 4,650 8,390 7,670 4,150 6,570
3.5 4 3.25 3.25 3.5 2.75 4.5 2 4.75 4.75 5.25 3.25 6 3.5 3.5 3 3.5 4.75 2.75 5
To receive a no-obligation analysis of what you could expect for the sales price of your home
Julia Eaton
Seattle, WA
Bath
• Credit: Your bill- and debt-paying record. More loan application tips can be found at myhome.freddiemac.com. (State Point)
Thinking of making your move? Now is your time. Contact us today! 3643 36th Ave W
PEND
ING
$539,000 This home just went pending with multiple offers in 6 days
Contact Ken today
Ken Graff
REALTOR®, Broker International Presidents Circle KenGraffHomes.com Kengraff@cbbain.com Give me a call at (206) 498-7818
Corey Hays 206-818-3386 corey@mrmagnolia.com
homes@mrmagnolia.com Facebook.com/mrmagnoliahomes
Dawn Bourdo 206-948-4340 dawn@mrmagnolia.com