Tag Archives: sell

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Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time: How Bridge Loans Can Help


One of the biggest stressors for home buyers and sellers is the prospect of being financially responsible for two homes. To avoid that possibility, many buyers make their offer contingent on the sale of their existing home. But contingencies can weaken buyers’ chances of landing the home they want. So, some buyers lean on personal loans, piggyback loans or even their 401(k) savings.

Find out why more borrowers are temporarily tapping the equity in their current home to avoid making a contingency offer on their next home.

Read the details…

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Proposed Settlement by the National Association of REALTORS®


Many of you may have heard about this over the last week. Sadly there is A LOT of misinformation out there. I’ve given it a lot of thought and think that the NWMLS’s statement summarizes it best for the majority of Washington State:

“NWMLS is owned by its member real estate firms and not affiliated with NAR.

Beginning in 2019, and continuing in 2022, NWMLS made changes to its rules, forms, and processes that address the issues raised by the national litigation and outlined in the proposed settlement agreement. NWMLS’s changes enhanced transparency, consumer choice, and negotiation opportunities related to broker compensation.

NWMLS’s most recent efforts, in cooperation with Washington REALTORS®, culminated in revisions to the Washington state “Agency Law” that were effective January 1, 2024. As a result, Washington law already requires brokers to enter into a services agreement to represent a buyer, which is one of the primary “practice changes” in the proposed settlement agreement.

While NWMLS’s system of rules and forms, together with the revised Agency Law, provide both buyers and sellers with complete transparency, choice, and control of broker compensation, NWMLS and its members will continue to take advantage of every opportunity to enhance the quality of real estate brokerage services in the Northwest.”

Watch this 30 second video that highlights what Washington REALTORS® recently did to advocate for more transparency in real estate.

4/23/24 Update: Judge Bough granted the Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Approval of this agreement, which means that the settlement agreement is preliminarily approved.

Don’t hesitate to call or contact me with any questions!



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5 Timely Tips for Home Sellers, According to Real Estate Agents

Current housing market conditions and seasonal demand may impact how sellers prepare their property to sell this summer.

Feel that summer sunshine? It’s an indicator that one of the busiest times for buying and selling homes is officially here. According to the latest RE/MAX National Housing Report, inventory remains low but the number of homes for sale is up nearly 10% since the same time last year. With prospective buyers having a few more options to choose from, home sellers need to make sure their property stands out among the competition.

If you’re planning on selling a home this summer – and hoping to earn top dollar – consider these pointers from RE/MAX agents.

1. Work with an agent from the get-go

A qualified real estate agent isn’t just helpful when it’s time to list a home for sale. They can also offer guidance as a seller prepares the home – leveraging extensive market knowledge to provide suggestions on aesthetics and price.

“My first piece of advice is to find a real estate agent and bring them on board as quickly as possible,” shares Christopher Audette, team leader of The Group at RE/MAX First in Calgary, Alberta. “Starting the conversation as far in advance is really advisable. Get their advice on items to clean up or fix up – things that will make the biggest difference in getting the best listing photos and the best listing price.”

When searching for a professional to work with, consider their comparable properties sold and experience through different housing markers. It’s good to keep in mind that RE/MAX agents have more real estate sales experience than other real estate agents.

2. Put your (home’s) best foot forward

In many locales, housing continues to rebalance, with homes spending more time on market than years prior. Sellers are having to work a bit more on preparing their home for showing.

“In my local market, we’re still low on inventory so we’re still in somewhat of a seller’s market, but sellers are having to do more to spruce up their home,” says Donna Deaton, an agent with RE/MAX Victory + Affiliates in Liberty Township, Ohio. “We’re also seeing the return of home inspections on nearly every property. People are taking a bit more time before they make an offer or bid high.”

Deaton continues, “It’s essential to depersonalize your home. You want the buyers to be able to envision themselves living there – without your personal mementos.”

3. Leverage the season in listing photos

When it comes to searching for a home, buyers often form their first impression based on an online listing, which typically depicts a property’s exterior – the same exterior they’ll see when they first arrive for a showing. Curb appeal, in turn, is especially important in the summertime when vivid outdoor colors can enhance a yard’s appearance – and a lack of proper care can be glaringly obvious.

“If a buyer is going to come in with a strong offer, you want them to know that your home is well maintained and cared for,” Deaton says. “In the spring and summer, we want to see clean landscaping with the addition of flowers, fresh mulch and/or new rocks. We don’t want to see bushes that look like they haven’t been trimmed in six months. We want to see a freshly painted door, and we don’t want to see paint chipping.”

4. Aim for a move-in-ready appearance

Nowadays, modern life means many people are constantly on the go. Consequently, many don’t have the time or resources to take on a fixer-upper.

According to the 2023 RE/MAX Future of Real Estate Report, “While construction woes and inflated material costs have left many reconsidering their love affair with home renovation and DIY, the desire for durability upfront has others looking for better quality homes from the get-go.”

This means today’s prospective buyers seem more inclined to pursue a home that looks as move-in-ready as possible. As a seller, making smaller upgrades upfront can aid in that.

“We have a lot of first-time homebuyers who aren’t in the market to make tons of repairs. So, if you’re walking through your home and notice your faucet dripping, fix it or replace it. Make sure you don’t have anything that’s going to make that buyer turn around and walk out,” Deaton warns. “A lot of times I’ll even recommend sellers have a pre-inspection done; that way we can knock these issues out.”

5. Think like a buyer, too

If you’re selling a home in the current market, there’s a good chance you’re also going to be buying a home in the current market. Keep those costs – and timeline – in mind if you’re navigating two transactions simultaneously. This helps keep priorities straight when you consider offers on your home for sale.

Audette advises sellers to think about their current mortgage, and what a future one could look like, too.

“Interest rates are a big topic of conversation right now. It’s important to figure out if you’re able to port your mortgage rate and take it with you, perhaps saving you from higher interest rates,” he says. “When moving, understand what it looks like getting into a new mortgage and what the difference in [monthly] cost may be. These things are really important to discuss with your bank and/or your mortgage broker in advance to get a clear look at the whole financial picture, both on the sale and upcoming purchase.”

Preparing to sell your home this summer? Contact me; I’ll be happy to help!

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3 Strategies for the Move-Up Buyer

Moving up to your “forever home” is exciting. When you bought your first place, chances are you were young, strapped for cash and prepared – if not warned – to make some concessions. The move-up buyer typically has some savings and home equity to work with, making this next move feel less like a compromise and more a thoughtful selection.

But move-up buyers face their own set of challenges that call for a carefully considered strategy. Here are three options for the smart move-up buyer with a plan!

The “Sell First” strategy is ideal for the move-up buyer who can’t afford to pay two mortgages simultaneously. Selling your property first eliminates the risk of having to carry two mortgages if you don’t sell your existing home in time. It also reduces the chances of having to reduce your asking price in the interest of speeding up the sale. This is a good option for move-up buyers who are banking on the proceeds of their sale to fund their new (and likely more expensive) property. By selling first, you’ll know exactly how much money you have to purchase your next home.

If homes in your area of choice are selling faster than the ‘For Sale’ signs can hit the front lawn, the “buy first” strategy might be the way to go. By buying your new home before selling your old one, you won’t feel rushed into settling for a sub-par property, or having to seek alternative temporary housing options while you shop the market. This move-up buyer still lives in his or her existing home, allowing them time to shop around, and continue looking until they find that perfect place. This move-up buyer typically requires a bridge mortgage.

When all is said and done, this move-up buyer approach is the most ideal, but getting there is another story. Aligning your purchase and sale closing dates can be tricky. Remember that there are three dancers in this tango – you, the person you’re buying from, and the person you’re selling to. You’ll also have to move out and move in on the same day. In this scenario, time is your best friend and flexibility your savor. This means you’ve planned ahead – you’re researched neighborhoods, gotten pre-approved for a mortgage, and you’ve started the organizing and de-cluttering process before the big move.

The right move-up buyer strategy depends on a number of factors, such as your financial situation, current housing market conditions, your personal comfort level and your personality. Consider all these when making your decision. Plan ahead and work with a pro to ensure a smooth transaction on both sides of the bargaining table.

During my 17 years in the business, I’ve helped many move-up buyers and will be happy to help you and those you know!

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Want to Get the Most Money for Your Home? Don’t Do These 9 Things

Owning a home and making mortgage payments is like putting money in the bank. Barring a market reversal, that nest egg of equity in your home will grow and grow. And for most homeowners, their house is their largest asset—which means there’s a lot of money at stake when it comes time to sell.

Want to get as much money back as possible from this big-ticket investment? Of course you do! So avoid doing these nine things when you put your home on the market.

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Finding Time for Fun in Real Estate

When you hire a real estate professional to help buy or sell a home, they can help free up time you would otherwise spend on sorting through listings, scheduling showings, or trying to figure out paperwork. You might even have time to focus on the fun parts of moving, such as:

  1. Building a Pinterest board of décor inspiration

Don’t have a particular design style in mind? No problem. Check out the RE/MAX Pinterest page for ideas.

  1. Clearing out the clutter with a yard sale

Remember, each thing you sell is one less thing you’ll have to pack – and unpack. Here are some top yard sale tips.

  1. Planning your housewarming party

You’ll want to show off the new place – especially after you’ve made it Pinterest perfect. Put together a Facebook event and start thinking about party favors to thank friends who helped you move in.

  1. Bargain shopping for furniture

There are plenty of options for you to furnish your new nest without breaking the bank. Here are six places to find furniture within your budget.

It’s easier to find time to prepare for your move if your agent does the heavy lifting. I’ll be happy to help; contact me today!

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Should You Sell Your Home Or Rent It Out?

Sometimes, you decide exactly when you’d like to move. Other times, life swoops in and decides for you. Your company might transfer you, a family emergency might require relocation, or you might finally find the love of your life—three states over. Should you sell your house or hang on to it as a rental property? Here are 5 important considerations.

1. Are you gone for good?

Or do you need an exit strategy? If there’s a good chance you’ll return to your current home in a year or two, the money and time you spend selling your home and then buying a new one might make renting it out a smarter option.

2. How’s the rental market?

Look at online rental sites to see what properties in your neighborhood and in similar condition to yours are renting for. Are there a lot of listings? Think about what you might charge and what you might have to do to bring your property up to the market standard. You can then get an idea whether your potential rental income will cover your expenses.

3. Where’s the neighborhood heading?

A lot of factors feed into property values, from national trends to long-term construction plans. An agent can help you understand your property’s potential for appreciation and whether or not it might pay to hang onto it.

4. How much is the hassle of being a landlord worth?

Unless you pay for a property management company (about 10 percent of the rental income), dealing with issues, emergencies and uncooperative renters (sometimes all at once, often in the middle of the night) can be trying. Ask yourself if it’s worth the stress.

5. What are the tax implications?

Each situation is unique, so before you decide to rent out your home consider talking with a tax professional. They can help you figure out how much you can expect to pay in taxes on the rental income.

If you’re ready to sell, I’ll be happy to help! Contact me today!

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The Internet Didn’t Take Down Real Estate

The internet may have entered more aspects of a real estate transaction over the past decade, but consumers haven’t abandoned their desire for a real estate professional’s assistance, according to Steve Murray, president of the consulting firm Real Trends, who has been tracking for 40 years how real estate agents conduct their jobs. In fact, consumers are willing to pay even more for real estate agents’ services. The average real estate commission paid to real estate agents has risen slightly since 2005, according to Murray.

Real estate agent jobs have stayed firm, while the internet has disrupted other industries, like travel agents and stock brokers.

“There’s not a shred of evidence that the internet is having an impact,” Murray says.

The internet may have changed how agents work—like in automating several tasks–but it hasn’t taken their jobs, he adds. The number of real estate professionals has increased 60 percent in the past two decades, Murray notes.

It’s the opposite of what so many predicted.

Read more…

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Get Moving! 4 Urgent Reasons You Should Sell Your Home in 2017

Young Family

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about selling your home, it might just be time to hop off. Now. To put it in other terms: 2017 is poised to be the year of the home seller, real estate experts say. So what are you waiting for?

“Sellers have been in the driver’s seat for the last two years, but this year is shaping up to be even better for several reasons,” says Jonathan Smoke, chief economist of realtor.com®. “Nothing is bad for sellers today.”

A combination of factors is coming together to make 2017 a prime seller’s market for most of the nation. Here’s what’s driving it…

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10 Reasons to Sell Your House This Holiday

Thinking of selling your home, but planning to wait until spring? There are many reasons to list your home now! Watch this video…

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