How to Ditch Your Real Estate Agent (for a better one)

Earlier today, I showed a home to a new client, a buyer. After the showing, they let me know that they had been working with another agent previously to see homes, and they even placed an offer on a home with that agent. Unfortunately, they were unhappy with that agent’s service and decided to explore the services of others – others being myself.

I appreciated their honesty.  Their letting me know about their previous negative experience was great information for my creating a positive one for them this time around.  For this same reason, it’s important for you to be honest about your real estate experiences, no matter the reason.  Sometimes, it’s merely a personality conflict, but other times, it can be important issues, so it’s important to determine what went wrong.

If you’re ever in the unfortunate situation of needing to fire your real estate agent, here’s how to handle it:

1. Ask Yourself Why You Want to Leave Your Real Estate Agent

First of all, ask yourself why you are unhappy with the service being provided, and make sure it’s a valid concern.  If it’s something that is out of the agent’s control, such as market conditions, scheduling conflicts, or incorrect listing information for example, you will likely run into the same problems with another agent. If it’s due to a reason that is in their control though, such as lack of professionalism, inattention to needs, or little to no knowledge of the area, then it’s probably time for an upgrade.

2. Communicate with Your Former Agent

Although it may be uncomfortable, you should really inform your former agent that they are now, well, former.  Real estate agents invest a lot of time in their clients, and you don’t want them investing any more time if it’s not going to result in a paycheck.  Additionally, it’s important to communicate why you’re moving on, not only so you can get a little closure with whatever’s got you miffed, but also so they can learn from their mistakes and become a better agent.

3. Start with Honesty for a Great New Agent

This time around, hopefully, you’ve done your research, and your second pick for real estate agent will be much better.  Start this relationship off right by communicating your concerns about your past agent as well as your needs and priorities moving forward.  This will help your new agent avoid those same missteps and get you on the same page.  There may even be future situations in which your new agent and your old agent must deal with each other, so your information can likewise be helpful in this situation.

If you currently find yourself needing to upgrade when it comes to agents, don’t waste time.  Contact me, real estate agent Jenelle McCleary, to find Gorge homes that meet your needs, and let’s start our real estate relationship off on the right foot!

How to Avoid Common Moving Day Mishaps

Moving day is full of lots of details and moving parts, so it’s no surprise that  so many things are forgotten or overlooked. Accidents happen, schedules are changed at the last minute, and sometimes life just doesn’t go as planned.

You can avoid these things, however, by being prepared and organized. Because there’s so much to think about and plan for, you’ll need to start thinking about moving day months in advance if possible, and while it will be taxing to keep everything organized for such a lengthy period, it’s essential if you want things to go smoothly.

It’s also important to have the support and help of your friends and family during this time. Even if you hire movers to get your belongings from one house to another, you’ll need your loved ones to help ensure that nothing is left behind and that everyone stays on task.

Consider these tips on how to avoid common moving day mishaps:

Get organized

The first step to planning for a smooth moving day is to get organized. This means making lists of everything that must be done and checking off each task as it’s completed. Not only will this help you stay on top of things, it will help keep stress and anxiety to a minimum. Designate one room or area to be a “packing place” where you can keep packing materials as well as packed boxes that have been taped up and are ready to go. This will keep your home clutter-free; just make sure to use a packing list for each box and tape it to the outside so you can find things easily. Also, be sure all paperwork relating to the sale of your home or the purchase of the new one is together in one easy-to-find place, along with the keys and anything else of importance.

Do your research

It’s crucial to do your research and plan well before making any decisions about movers or packing services, not only because they’re such a big part of your moving day, but also because you don’t want any last-minute surprises.

“Moving can be a stressful and emotional time for people and unscrupulous operators know it,” says Mary O'Sullivan-Andersen of the Better Business Bureau. “Fly-by-night and no-name ‘truck-for-hire’ types can take advantage of the fact you're under emotional, financial and time pressures when moving. It's so important to do your research before entrusting a mover with all of your belongings.”

When it comes down to it, the highest moving volume occurs between Memorial Day and Labor Day in the United States. According to simple laws of supply and demand, moving rates cost more during this time. Plan ahead with these tips from AngiesList.com.

Avoid accidents

Moving -- especially when there are lots of belongings involved -- can be dangerous if you aren’t prepared. That means never lifting a heavy box on your own, refraining from carrying heavy or bulky items down stairs, and never leaving heavy equipment or slippery packing materials on the floor as they can be trip hazards. You’ll also want to ensure that pets and small children aren’t in the area when boxes are being moved or loaded up, as they can get underfoot and easily become injured.

Moving can be a stressful experience, especially if you have a big family and are taking on a lot of jobs at once. It’s a good idea to delegate different responsibilities so that everyone is in charge of something; not only will this help the day move more quickly and efficiently, it will also help reduce your stress load. With a good plan and some research, you’ll be able to make your moving day run smoothly.

Tips for Seniors on Selling Your House and Moving

As a person reaches their golden years, they may look around and realize the house they have been living them is not quite right anymore. It may be too big and empty now that the kids are gone. Or maybe they are interested in moving to a warmer climate to be more comfortable as they age. Whatever the reason, selling your house and moving is a huge endeavor. Many people stay in the same place their whole adult lives and it has been years since they went through the process of putting their house on the market. 

If you are a senior interested in moving, check out these tips for home selling.

Preparing Your Home to Sell

If you want your house to sell, it needs to be in tip top condition before people come to see it.

•       Repaint big ticket rooms like the kitchen, bathrooms, master bedroom, and living room. Real estate analysis shows painting certain rooms particular colors can add thousands of dollars to your home’s overall value. Consider painting your kitchen and bathrooms light blue to attract buyers. Avoid certain matches such as a yellow kitchen, red dining room, or white bathroom which can diminish your final sale. 

●      While we highly discourage painting over lovely exposed brick, painting other exposed parts of your house’s exterior “greige” (a grey and beige hybrid) can add over $1500 to your home’s value.

●      Make sure your home has great curb appeal. Keep your lawn and garden maintained, update flower beds, and have your driveway and walkways power washed to get rid of dirt and grime.

●      While you are outside, clean your gutters and check your roof for broken tiles. A professional roof washer can also remove mold and algae that grows on there without damaging the structure.

Staging for Potential Buyers

Once your house is on the market, you want to make it as appealing as possible once people walk through the door. That’s where staging comes in.

●      Make sure you house is sparkling clean. Have a professional housekeeper come every other week to deep clean while you are showing. Keep up between visits by dusting, vacuuming, and removing grime and fingerprints daily.

●      Clear away clutter. Any non-essential items can go ahead and be boxed up. Not only will this make your house more appealing to potential buyers, but it also makes moving easier once the time comes.

●      Make sure you home is warm and inviting for guests by crafting a batch of stove top potpourri that fills your entire home with fragrance without being as cloying as some artificial air freshener that’s supposed to smell like fresh baked cookies.

●      Decorate your dining room and set the table with a runner, chargers, a centerpiece, and your good china. 

Moving Day

Once you’ve sold your house, the next hardest thing is moving day. To make sure you have everything you need during the transition, make a list of essential items you want to keep on you: medications, phone numbers, toiletries, etc. Once you have the list made, you’ll be able to reference it any time you catch yourself wondering if you forgot anything.

Hire professional movers that can box up your items with care and move heavy items safely. You don’t want to risk pulling a muscle or falling trying to get a box from point A to point B. It is also a good idea to pick a slow moving day to make sure you get the best movers at a good rate. The busiest moving days change depending on your area. For instance, the busiest moving days of the week in Hood River, OR are Wednesday and Saturday.

***

There are many reasons people in their golden years may want to move, but the amount of work it takes can feel daunting. Make it easier by preparing for the situation in stages. Before you put the house on the market, paint the house and repair what is needed to ensure your home has curb appeal. When it’s time to show, stage the home by cleaning, decluttering, and creating a warm environment other people can see themselves in. Finally, when moving day comes, have a list of all your essentials handy so you can refer to it as needed. Hire professional movers that can do the heavy lifting for you safely-- you don’t want to ruin this exciting time by throwing out your back

Simple Open House Preparations Sellers Should Not Overlook

Hosting an open house is one way to increase your chances of selling your home quickly. The key is to properly prepare your home to make it as appealing as possible to prospective buyers. With everything you have to do to prepare to sell your home, however, it can be easy to overlook a few tasks before the open house. Our tips will ensure you don’t make those mistakes.

1. Prioritizing the First Impression

People will see the exterior of your home first, so don’t neglect it when preparing for your open house. Mow your grass, trim your shrubs, and pull weeds. Buy a new mailbox, make sure your house numbers are visible and in good shape, and clean outdoor lighting fixtures. Scrub your porch, sweep your walkways and driveway, and park your cars somewhere else so people visiting your open house can see the front and your garage. Realtor.com offers other curb appeal tips including replacing your garage door, washing your windows, cleaning your gutters, and painting the exterior.

2. Declutter and Clean

Once you’ve made a good impression from the outside, turn your attention to the interior of your home. Decluttering will make your home appear spacious and help visitors envision their belongings in your home. When decluttering, clear your kitchen counters of all unnecessary items including small appliances. Store sponges and cleaners neatly under your sink, and pack away tools and pans you don’t use frequently. Apply these same decluttering methods to your bathroom.

To declutter your family room and dining room, eliminate stacks of books and magazines and extra accent pillows. Thin your collections to make shelving appear larger and organized. Remove personal photographs from end tables and walls and keep just a few tasteful pieces of art in view. If you have children, organize their toys and limit the number of large baskets and toy containers.

Once you’ve decluttered and organized, focus on cleaning. Hire a cleaning service to give your home the deep clean it needs to attract more buyers. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cleaning service cost is $165 nationally. A one-time deep cleaning will better prepare your home for an open house than you will be able to do while working, taking care of the kids, and searching for a new home. Once your windows, carpets, counters, bathrooms, and nooks and crannies are professionally cleaned, you will be able to keep up with daily dusting and vacuuming more easily.

3. Remove Pets and Their Belongings

We know you love your pets, but not all potential home buyers are animal lovers. When preparing for your open house, take care of all pet-related tasks. First, repair damages caused by your pets, such as scratched door trim, holes dug in the yard, and stains on the carpets. Next, remove pet odors by using an enzyme-based cleaning product or discussing the issue with your cleaning service so they can take care of it for you. Remember, these odors may be in your carpets, bedding, and upholstered furniture.

On the day of the open house, make sure all traces of your pet are gone. Remove toys, beds, litter boxes, and food dishes. Run the vacuum to pick up pet hair one final time. Then, put your cat in a crate and send him to visit a friend or ask a relative or friend to take your dog during the open house. Spray a deodorizer around your home immediately before the open house to err on the side of caution.

4. Light It Up

You want your house to be bright and cheerful for visitors during the open house, so put up your blinds, push back your curtains, and turn on the lights in every room no matter the time of day or the weather. Buyers should feel welcome, so utilize your natural lighting. The more light you have, the larger your home will feel and the better mood you will create for guests.

To prepare for your open house, complete these tasks to ensure your home attracts as many potential buyers as possible. Make a great first impression by sprucing up the exterior of your home. Then, declutter and clean, remove pets and their belongings, and make your home bright and welcoming.

Image via Pixabay

Top 5 Questions about Real Estate Agents

When first looking for a home, many see real estate agents as a valuable tool.  If you don’t understand the purpose of the real estate agent though and how they fit into your home buying experience, you might not be as prepared as you think.  As an agent, I get asked a lot of questions about what I do, so I wanted to highlight the top five of those questions.

Where Can Real Estate Agents Work?

An agent is licensed by state and could technically practice real estate anywhere in that state, but they may only be comfortable working in a certain geographical area.  Every area has different quirks as far as the real estate process goes, but it is important for an agent to really know the area as well so that they can educate the buyer if needed as far as school districts, upcoming zoning or city planning ordinances, or issues like shifting water tables, etc. 

An agent can help a buyer purchase any home within the state that that agent is licensed in. It doesn’t matter what agent or company has the home listed. Some agents will even assist you in the purchase of For Sale by Owner or limited representation properties.

Should I Just Call the Listing Agent?

I often get calls from buyers who do not have a dedicated agent and are calling around to each of the agents who are listing the homes they are interested in to set up showings. It is better for you to pick an agent you want to represent you in a sale and have them reach out to the respective listing agents and schedule showings. They can cut down your work load by knowing which listings fit you best and by filtering out those already pending.  Some listing agents are comfortable with representing both a buyer and a seller in a single transaction, however some are not. The buyer or seller may also not be comfortable with the agent representing both parties either.

Why Do Agents Refer Each Other?

When an agent refers you to another agent, they are usually getting a cut of that agent’s commission should they help you close a sale.  A good agent will properly vet the agent before they refer you, but of course, not every client is a great fit for every agent. If you aren’t completely satisfied with the agent referred to you, let your referring agent know, so they can try to find you a better fit and still get their referral fee as well.

When Do I Pay My Agent?

When a seller lists a home, they sign a listing contract. That contract typically covers both their agent’s commission AND a buyer’s agent’s commission. This means that the buyer’s agent’s service is completely FREE to the buyer- so utilize them!

A real estate agent does not typically get paid (at all!) if they do not sell your home or help you close on the purchase of a new home. It doesn’t matter how far into the process you get. If the sale doesn’t close- they don’t get paid a dime.  That means no matter how many showings they do, offers they write, open houses they throw, or how much money they pay out for things like professional photographers, marketing and advertising, they may not get paid at all and do not typically get reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses either.  They only get paid when the home sells.

How Do I Know You’re the Right Agent?

As I said before, not every agent is going to be right for you.  That’s why I like to discuss your priorities, needs, and questions up front, so we can figure out if I have the answers and resources you need.  I go out of my way to advertise my clients’ homes, both in real estate listing publications and websites as well as on social media.  I also go out of my way to find the right home for buyers, and I have a lot of experience in the region as a native to the area.  If you want to find out if I’m the right agent for your home purchase or sale, please contact me by email, phone, or social media.  I’d love to discuss it with you!

When to Call a Real Estate Agent

We all know how exciting it is to start looking at houses.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who aren’t yet serious about buying a home who go ahead and call me with questions and requests for showing appointments.  While this may be fun for them, it can be frustrating for busy agents like me who have a lot of clients waiting to get into or out of their homes.  Just because you see a home on Zillow that you like doesn’t mean it’s time to call a realtor.  Take these tips into consideration before diving into the home search process.

Real Estate Agents are Busy

My time is really valuable for me. I don’t make any money unless I actually close a sale.  That means you’re moved in and the deed is recorded in your name. Before a showing, I coordinate with the listing agent to set it up, I gather the property information, and I do a search of similar properties you may be interested in (even if you don’t ask me to).  Because I am licensed in both Oregon and Washington and cover a large geographical area, I might have to drive an hour or more one way just to show you a house for 15 minutes that you have no intention or means of purchasing (and I won’t complain about this). I may have rescheduled my entire day and could even be missing something important like my kid’s swim lesson or a serious buyer’s document signing, etc. I am happy to spend my time guiding you towards your dream of buying a home, but I need you to be prepared for that commitment, not just dreaming about it.

Home Sellers Work Hard

It’s not just about the agent though.  A seller goes through a lot of work to put their property on the market as well. That work doesn’t stop once the property is listed for sale either. If they want the best chance at selling the property, then they have to keep it looking as good as possible for each and every showing. That means a mad dash to pick up and clean the house before a showing, mow the lawn, remove any pets from the home, and make sure they and their family are out of the home in plenty of time in case you show up early. They get excited about the possibility that you may be the one to buy their house, but also anxious that you may not. It’s a very stressful rollercoaster for a seller, so please don’t put them through that if you aren’t actually ready to place an offer.

Home Buyers are Eager

Studies have shown that buyers start looking for a home as early as 1-2 years before they ever actually purchase a home.  If that’s you, get your feet wet first by searching sites like Zillow. Another way to satisfy your lookie–loo urge is to go to open houses!  Agents and sellers work the same to prepare their homes for events like these, so it’s no sweat to have a few extra guests.  You can ask the agent questions about home and process, and maybe even get their card for when you are prepared to start seriously searching for a home.

When you’re actually ready to buy- or think you might be- call a local agent like me and schedule a meeting to talk about the process and the market. I can help you determine if you are truly ready and point you in the right direction of where to start.

USDA Lending and Qualifications

If you live in an area that’s rural, it’s possible that you might be eligible for a USDA loan, in addition to an FHA loan. USDA loans aren’t as common, but they can be highly advantageous for those who qualify. In essence, the United States Department of Agriculture will guarantee a private loan to help those living in rural communities. See if you might qualify for a USDA loan.

What is the USDA’s Financing Process?

The primary goal of the USDA is to make mortgage loans accessible to lower-income families in Oregon. The organization usually does this by guaranteeing mortgage loans issued by approved private lenders. You can expect these guaranteed mortgages to include no down payment at a fixed rate on a 30-year term.

Who is a USDA Loan Intended for?

If you’re a low or moderate-income household located in rural Oregon, you could potentially qualify for a USDA loan. Many Hood River County buyers are eligible, but you’ll want to do some legwork to truly know if you can get one. The loan is a good choice for you if you’re looking to purchase a single family home, condo, or planned unit development. You’ll likely need a credit score of at least 620.

What Are the Requirements and Qualifications of a USDA Loan?

In a USDA loan, unlike with FHA loans, it’s possible to get 100% financing. In other words, you can go into the loan with no down payment. Just be aware that the USDA Rural Development Mortgage amount can’t be higher than 102% of the appraised value of that new home you’re trying to buy. It’s not uncommon to roll closing costs into the amount of the loan, but this is only possible if your income isn’t higher than the USDA maximum for your particular area.

Digesting all of this information about USDA loans can be a little intimidating, but we’re here to help. Contact us today to get connected with a knowledgeable mortgage broker to find out if it’s worth pursuing a USDA mortgage on your new Oregon home! 

Conventional Loans

If you’re new to the world of buying a home, you’ve probably heard the term “conventional loan” thrown around. Basically, it’s referring to any loan that isn’t guaranteed by the federal government, such as a USDA or FHA loan. These are loans with more flexible terms and options than a typical government loan, including greater choice in whom you choose as a lender. Is an Oregon conventional loan right for you?

The Conventional Loan Process

Here’s a little bit about how the conventional loan process works. The first thing to do is determine if you’d rather have an adjustable rate loan or a fixed rate loan. Your adjustable rate loan goes up and down with interest rates, but usually starts out at a lower rate than a fixed rate mortgage. As for a fixed rate mortgage, they are beneficial because the payment stays the same for the life of the loan. The most common terms for a mortgage are 15, 20, 30, and 40 years.

Who Qualifies for a Conventional Loan?

If you’re applying for a conventional loan, you’re going to need a better credit score and a more sizable down payment than you’d need to qualify for a typical government-based loan. Fortunately, in spite of some stricter requirements, you also have a lot more choice at your disposal in whom you lend from as well as what the terms are. It’s wise to save up a down payment of 20% to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), but you may possibly qualify with as little as 3% down to get a conventional loan.

Requirements and Qualifications of Conventional Loans

In addition to fixed rate or adjustable, conventional loans can be conforming or jumbo loans. A conforming loan is any sum borrowed for less than $417,000. This will get you a more favorable interest rate and isn’t as difficult to qualify for. Here are a few other requirements to consider:

• Credit quality
• Loan size
• Debt to income ratio
• Condition of the property
• Loan to value ratio

How do you know if you should choose a conventional loan for your new Oregon home? Ask us today to find out more!

Easy Steps for Saving Up a Down Payment

It’s sad to say, but many future homebuyers never quite reach their goal because they don’t

manage to save the down payment they need. Ideally, you should save at least 20% of the

purchase price for your desired home to use as a down payment, but even a government-

secured FHA loan is going to require at least 3.5% down. No matter how you slice it, you’ll likely

need to save thousands of dollars if you want to make a down payment on an Oregon home.

Here’s how to do it:

Research

What sort of Oregon home are you interested in? Start by asking yourself what you’d actually

buy right now if you had the money you needed. Search for a home you like and put some real

numbers to it, such as the current purchase price, estimated property taxes, homeowner’s dues

and closing costs, along with any other available data you can uncover. This research will help

you do the math you need.

Math

Now that you have a realistic assessment of a home you’d buy, do some math. How much

money can you save up for as a percentage of the purchase price? Take a look at your current

monthly budget. It’s probably more doable than you realize, but it’s going to take some number

crunching to see where you can make room for additional savings toward a future down

payment.

Saving

If you did the first two steps well, now is the time to take action. While you focused more on

what you could cut from your expenses in the previous step, the real focus of saving should be

on generating as much income as you can. That might mean looking for a job that pays better,

but you can also get pretty far with a side job, garage sales, and more. Most importantly, treat

this down payment as a mortgage you already have to pay. If it’s a bill like any other, you’ll find

yourself getting closer and closer to achieving your goal of owning an Oregon home faster.

FHA Loans and Requirements

It’s no secret that some people get extra assistance from the federal government for

home ownership. The agency responsible for providing loan aid to first time

homebuyers is the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), an organization under the

jurisdiction of the US Department of Housing and Development (HUD). It applies to

states all across the country, including Oregon.

What Is an FHA Loan?

In essence, an FHA loan is a loan guaranteed by the federal government through

approved private lenders. It’s intended for people who have a difficult time qualifying

for a conventional loan or don’t have the means to accumulate a sizeable down

payment before they’re ready to buy a home. The FHA itself isn’t technically a source of

loans, but by guaranteeing loans to riskier borrowers, it encourages private lenders to

provide mortgages to homebuyers who may not otherwise qualify.

Who Is an FHA Loan For?

Is an FHA loan the right choice for you? Any Oregon first time homebuyer with a credit

score below 720 but higher than 620 is a possible candidate for an FHA loan. Another

important factor is having a high debt-to-income ratio. It’s also good for people with

stable employment but a blip or two on their credit history. Another great benefit of an

FHA loan is being accessible to those who don’t yet have a 20% down payment, which is

the equivalent of $40,000 or more in many cases.

What Are the Qualifications for FHA Loans?

Oregon FHA loans are given to people with savings as little as 3% of the purchase price

for their down payment. Every Oregon county has a maximum loan limit, with Hood

River County’s currently set at $371,450 for a single family home. The amount you may

qualify for can vary depending on the lender you choose, so you may want to shop

around for the right FHA lender.

For more information on Oregon FHA loans—and to find out if you qualify contact us

today!