You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to add value to your home.

Posted on March 28, 2023 by Snohomish County Homes Team

It’s Springtime! If you are considering selling your home or, just want to spruce it up here are my top tips to add value.

Simple upgrades to increase your home’s value You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to add value to your home. Here are some easy and “financially” easy on the pocketbook tips.

Change fixtures and hardware. This adds appeal and newness quite easily. If you’re selling your home a new mirror in the bathroom and new fixtures can make a huge difference. Upgrade sinks, showerheads and faucets to newer water conserving models in sleek finishes. Sorry folks but brass is dated and out! If wanting a remodel on a larger scale replace cabinets, windows and doors. New molding that’s been painting also really pops out.

Declutter. Clean and organize storage areas including the attic and garage. Believe it or not organization adds tremendous value. Keep kitchen and bathroom counters clear.

Spiff up landscaping. Ever hear of curb appeal? An ugly front yard can torpedo your homes value. Add flowers to add color. A study was done on homes for sale in which red flowers were used on the front door step. These homes sold faster and were more appealing to the client. You can also add path lighting for style and safety. Dust off the exterior. Gutters, siding and windows are often forgotten. Clean them! Crud cutter is wonderful for cleaning off gutters and getting the grime off. Also make sure everything is properly sealed and is good shape. It looks better and helps conserve energy.

Replace appliances. From the refrigerator to the washer and dryer upgrade appliance to new energy efficient models to add instant value and convenience not to mention Earth friendly.

Are You and Your Home Prepared for Winter?

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Snohomish County Homes Team

I have posted before but I think a great reminder that we are still in winter and storms happen. Take care of yourself and your home.

Remodeling What Is The Biggest Bang For The Buck?

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Snohomish County Homes Team

There are so many good reasons for home improvement — even in a tough economy. You may want to boost your home’s future sales value, add livable space, refresh an aging room or feature. Or you may just want to enjoy your home more, especially if you wanted to move but the market didn’t cooperate. Find out which projects could bring you joy — and some cash back!

Is the kitchen the biggest project that will pay you back or the bathroom?

A Room By Room Tour

Must have a good location when selling your HOME

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Snohomish County Homes Team

One thing is common among all properties that receive multiple offers these days: the home is in a good location. Location is nearly always what drives homebuyers in their search. Before considering price, number of bedrooms or size of home, a buyer looks for location.

If your home is on a busy street, not in the best school district or near a freeway on/off ramp, chances are you won’t receive the kind of activity that a well-located home would. In that case, work closely with your agent to price the home correctly.

Must be priced right

Buyers in any market look for perceived value. Homes priced 10 percent (or more) over their market value won’t get noticed. Pricing isn’t an exact science, and it’s nearly impossible to pin a precise number to a home until buyer and seller sign a contract and close. Then, the price officially becomes the home’s market value. Until that time, agents can provide sellers with a value range. Have a good location? Does your home show well? Are you in a strong sellers’ market? Price your home on the bottom of that price range and you’ll be sure to attract buyers — and possibly multiple offers.

Must show well

A generation ago, sellers simply did some deep cleaning and maybe some de-cluttering before their first open house. Presentation wasn’t as important then as it is today, given online listings. More buyers today develop an emotional connection to a home. They want to imagine themselves in your home and not feel like they’re a guest. What does that mean? Appeal to the masses. If you have a good location and you plan to price your home realistically, then you need to make sure you give buyers what they want. If you can afford it, make cosmetic upgrades; invest in some staging and work to turn your home into a “product.” Emotionally disconnect from your home and try to see it more objectively.

Plan on having the home in perfect condition for the photo shoot. A buyer’s first impression of your home likely will be via the Internet or an email from their agent. Make them want to step inside. The more buyers you attract to your home, the more activity.

Know your market

Don’t assume that national trends apply to your region, city or neighborhood. If you’re not in a strong sellers’ market or you spend a fortune on last-minute upgrades, you could be in for a giant surprise. Just because you hear about bidding wars and multiple offers on the news doesn’t mean that applies to your area. Home selling is like the stock market it is goes up, down and can have a bit of a lull when interest rates go up and what is happening in the news for your area and even around the world.

Work with a good Realtor and, no, not all agents are Realtors learn the difference. A local Realtor knows the area and what has recently sold as well as ones that have sold over the past six months to a year. Knowing those homes, having walked inside and personally knowing the agents who have sold them matters. This is market data that an outsider just doesn’t have access to. This knowledge empowers good local agents to educate their sellers.

The Home Connection for June

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Snohomish County Homes Team

It’s that time again for your monthly newsletter! Notice QR codes seem to be back? While I like QR codes and think they are handy I sure hope we all can “experience” some of the beautiful places the Pacific Northwest has to explore in person and soon!

June June1

Are You Ready for the Rainy Season?

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Snohomish County Homes Team

Don’t get all wet. Prepare for the rainy season while it’s dry.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

We know. The last thing you are thinking about at the summer barbecue is preparing for the stormy season. But it really is worth taking a look around your house during fair weather, because finding out you have a problem during inclement conditions is at best inconvenient and at worst very costly.

Check your rain gutters.
Clear them out and make sure they are in good working order to prevent damage to the roof or house.

Look at your roof.
If you see loose or damaged shingles, get them repaired. Look for tears and buckling on flashing. Check the chimney and look for damaged bricks, cap or cracked joints. Don’t forget the flashing there too.

Check indoors for signs of roof leaks.
Look for discoloration and peeling paint on ceilings and walls. Check in the attic for damp rafters.

Check the trees.
Trim back branches and cut sections that could fall in a rainstorm.

Check doors and windows.
Make sure there are properly insulated with weather stripping.

Look for water collecting at the base of the house.
Redirect water with trenches or drains.

Keep sandbags on hand.
if your area is prone to flooding, keep them filled and at the ready.

Check for erosion.
This is important if you live near a hillside. Shore them up if necessary.

Most importantly enjoy the fall and all the beauty it holds.