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Neighborhood Features That Drag Down Prices

Neighborhood

Living near bad schools can decrease a home’s value big time. Indeed, the median home price in ZIP codes with schools that receive a one to three rating (out of possible 10) is only $155,000.

Realtor.com® analyzed home prices and appreciation rates in U.S. ZIP codes to identify possible factors that could drag down prices. Researchers compared the median home price of the ZIP with that facility with the median price for all homes in the same county.

Here are five neighborhood features that had the biggest impact on dragging down nearby home prices.

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Renovation Tips to Attract Millennial Buyers

Front Door 2

Generation Y makes up the largest pool of potential buyers, and builders and current home owners alike are keeping their needs in mind when building and renovating homes.

The millennial generation is overwhelmed with options and information online, which is also reflected in their home search process. They are not looking to settle for a home that is good enough, they want to find one that is ready to move in and enjoy right away.

Read the article on REALTORmag…

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305 Easy St SE, Rainier, WA 98576

1

$285,900

4 bedrooms; 2.5 bathrooms; 3,482 square feet

This beautiful home boasts big rooms and spaces! You’ll enjoy the giant pantry with freezer that stays, huge master suite with walk-in closet and large versatile bonus room. You’ll also appreciate the beautifully landscaped level yard with trex deck, garden spaces, 8 x 12 shed and greenhouse; fully fenced with multiple gates, backs to a dry pond, RV/boat parking. Live life on laminate floors and stay cozy with the gas fireplace and pellet stove during winters. You’ll savor this peaceful setting that’s close to Yelm and JBLM!

Sold 10/31/16

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Paint Primer: Quick, Affordable Change-Artist

Designers

Life was simpler when the choice of paint colors was more limited. Thousands of shades with catchy names now vie for attention, from “Knitting Needles” to “Dead Salmon.” Even deciding to use white can lead to the question of which one. Paint manufacturer Benjamin Moore offers more than 250 variations on that popular theme.

And that’s just the first part of the paint quandary. Once a color is applied to walls and dries, its hue may not resemble what’s on the paint chips (the sample, also known as strip chips or color cards, displayed at many paint, hardware, and big-box stores to guide shoppers). The reason for this variation can be anything from the lack of a primer to conceal the prior color, which can bleed through, to the amount of light in the room or the color of furnishings, both of which alter the look. Even the amount of sheen in the finish selected by home owners can make a big difference in the final appearance.

By heeding these five steps, buyers and sellers can improve the odds of getting the colors they desire, which will save them time and money by avoiding the dreaded task of repainting.

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4 of 5 Americans Rate Housing a Good Investment

Young Family

The majority of Americans say that owning a home is a good investment, according to a new poll of more than 2,800 registered voters commissioned by the National Association of Home Builders.

“The survey shows that most Americans believe that owning a home remains an integral part of the American Dream and that policymakers need to take active steps to encourage and protect home ownership,” says NAHB Chairman Ed Brady. Those surveyed were split on which one of the current presidential candidates they felt would be best for housing, at 37 percent each, while 25 percent of those surveyed said they “don’t know.”

The survey found that 72 percent of Americans say that they support the government providing tax incentives to encourage home ownership.

Eighty-one percent of 18-29 year olds surveyed say they want to be able to buy a home one day.

However, obstacles still remain in their path, as well as for others too. Among all those polled, 55 percent say that the biggest obstacle to buying a home is finding a home at a price that they can afford. Fifty percent said they were prevented from buying due to insufficient savings for a down payment, and 41 percent say they are struggling to get approved for a home loan.

Still, 36 percent of the more than 2,800 Americans surveyed say they hope to buy a home within the next three years, the survey showed.

Source: REALTOR Mag

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What Are Americans’ Top Housing Concerns?

Planning

It might not be all low inventory and high prices. It seems Americans have a confidence problem when it comes to the housing market. They’re increasingly apprehensive to move forward, citing concerns over the economy and job security, according to the latest ValueInsured Modern Homebuyer Survey, a measure of confidence in the health of the housing market among more than 1,000 home owners and buyers.

Americans also still express lingering concerns from the housing crisis of 2008, particularly millennials. Sixty-three percent of Americans and 72 percent of millennials say the crash worried them and impacted their decision to either purchase their first home or upgrade to a new one, according to the survey.

Read more…

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Baby Boomers Chart New Direction in Housing

Purple Door

Economists are having a tough time figuring out what housing market moves baby boomers will make next. Americans over the age of 55 are veering from previous generations, opting not to retire but instead launching second or even third careers. They are shunning the traditional patterns of retirement and that could have a big impact on their housing choices, according to Freddie Mac’s latest Insight report focusing on the baby boomer generation.

Read more…

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Popular Low Down Payment Options

Many first-time buyers shy away because they think they need a bigger down payment than they really do. Contrary to popular belief, there are alternatives to putting less than 20% down on a home. This infographic highlights a few key pieces of information to consider when considering loan options with a low down payment.

Popular Low Down Payment Options

Read the related article…

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Americans Will Pay More to Live Near Transit

Planning

Fifty-five percent of Americans say they are willing to pay more for their mortgage or rent in order to get to work and recreational activities without having to use a car, a new study of transit-oriented developments by the HNTB Corp revealed.

Millennials, in particular, show much more willingness to pay more each month than older Americans – 70 percent versus 49 percent.

Read the full article…

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Buy a Blizzard® Treat, Make a Miracle

Miracle Treat Day

(select the photo for more details)

Since 1992, RE/MAX agents have donated more than $147 million to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® – mostly by making donations in their clients’ names after each closed transaction.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care.