Realtors' Code of Ethics and What You Should Expect

What is a Realtors' primary obligation to you as our client? In Article 1 of Duties to Clients and Customers, "Realtors pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve Realtors of their obligation to treat all parties honestly."

So, first of all, you should expect honesty from a realtor, whether your realtor is your agent or the other party's agent.

"What if I suspect that my realtor isn't being honest?" Good question! It's a fair one to ask too. First of all, communicate with your realtor and describe your situation and feelings, and of course, the facts. Perhaps your realtor was miscommunicated to and passed that along, not knowing of the misinformation. This first step of communicating is crucial in maintaining a great relationship with your realtor. If your realtor gets defensive and you feel uncomfortable, take the next step and ask if they would mind if their broker helped to mediate the situation. If they don't mind, set up an appointment. If they do mind, maybe you should reconsider who you are using as an agent.

As a first-time home buyer, I used the seller's agent. This can work for both parties, depending on who the agent is. I wouldn't mind representing both the seller and buyer. I'd know what is going on in each person's mind, and since I like to be treated fairly, I treat them both fairly. Unfortunately for our family (did I already tell you this story??), our dual agent did not treat us fairly, and was, well, deceptive. If I had known then what I know now about the way realtors are expected to treat us, I would have gone to her broker and talked with him/her about our situation. So, since you home buyers and sellers are getting more educated about real estate, be among the first to learn about the Code of Ethics for Realtors, and make sure your agent is a Realtor (r).

God bless you and Happy New Year!

Connie Suehiro
Real Estate Agent, (working toward my Realtor (r) status) :)
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
cell: 509-431-5804 (call me for a free list of homes!)
office: 509-765-3463

Moses Lake is in a Construction Boom

Even though the nation is experiencing some economic hardship right now, with Washington's housing and farming industries, among others like Boeing, Weyerhaeuser, Microsoft, according to the Seattle Times, Moses Lake and Seattle are two places in our state that are fairing well.

Now, don't quote me, but the businesses that I keep hearing about that are coming in to Moses Lake in the next two years are:
~ Lowe's
~ A furniture store on Valley Road, by the Eye Clinic
~ A storage facility on Central, near Chico's Pizza
~ Applebee's Family Restaurant, by the new hotels off I-90

Well, this may or may not be the last time I write to you for 2007. So, if I don't get back on til 2008, have a Happy New Year!

Connie Suehiro
Real Estate Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
(509) 431-5804
(509) 765-3463

Looking for a Room with a View?

Would you like to have a room with a view of the lake? Moses Lake? Banks Lake? Lake Roosevelt? Which one of these do you prefer? Call me and let's see if I can help you out with one of these three. We have some beautiful homes and awesome land to help meet your needs to find a dream home on the lake, or find a builder for you.

Connie Suehiro
Real Estate Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 direct
509-765-3463 office

Out of the office through Christmas and back in on Thursday the 26th.

Going.......going.........gone!

We're in the process of selling the 20.5 acres of land in Othello. The listed price is $100,000. I have a great seller I'm working with, and he has big heart. So, if you had YOUR heart set on the 20.5 acres there, keep watch on this blog and see if it is still here in a month. It has a mobile home on it, but with no value attached.

I have some other acreage with a waterfront view that just may be perfect for a developer, priced just right, coming up. Keep your eye out on the NWMLS. It should be coming out in a few days, or after Christmas. We'll see how it all works out.

Have Available:
Country Home on 2.2 acres, 5 bedrooms, bonus room with fireplace, fireplace in dining area, two pastures, ramp access, shop, barn, space for livestock, grapes and other fruit trees. $220,000.

Five (5) acres on Neppel Road in Moses Lake. Ready for you to build a home or place a manufactured home on it, just 1.6 miles down Neppel if you take the first entrance going north from Moses Lake on highway 17.

Beautiful manufactured home on waterfront property (one acre) with three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (including a soaking tub), 1404 square feet, huge deck facing the water, dock, great fishing, a natural spring, gazebo-type enclosure around the hot tub, huge shop, single-car garage, and two sheds. Very private, fully fenced with gated entry. $439,000. Put this one on your Christmas wish list! Address: 5804 Shorecrest in Cascade Valley.

Need for a buyer:
Three-bedroom home with tile and/or hardwood floors, deep and wide garage (for the boat and trailer), around 1700 square feet or more, lots of closet space, at least 1 3/4 bath (minimum), for $200,000 or less.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Connie Suehiro
Real Estate Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 direct
509-765-3463 office

Firefly Cafe in downtown Moses Lake

Did ya'll know there's a new cafe' in downtown Moses Lake?


I stopped in there the other day to introduce myself and met some real nice people working there. My co-worker and I asked if they had take-out menus, and sure enough, they did! So, I took one back to the office where I work at Gary Mann Real Estate so we would have one handy.


And you know how espressos have become a form of art? Well, Firefly Cafe' has a sandwich artist! So, they serve coffee and ice cream, sandwiches on croissant buns and sandwiches on regular bread. They also serve baked potatoes! Can you imagine a hot baked potato on a cold winter day? Put chili and butter, sour cream, and other goodies on it. Oh yes, and they also have hot dogs and hamburgers if you'd like something more traditional.


Go on down to Firefly Cafe' at 202 W. Third Ave. and tell them you heard about them from the blog at Moses Lake Real Estate Musings.


God bless you, and Merry Christmas!

Connie Suehiro
Real Estate Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
(509) 431-5804 cell
Call me for a free list of homes in your price range!

Find A Home in Moses Lake, WA

Do you like it when someone makes it easy for you to find something? Like a house? Or apartment or rental?

Go to www.GaryMannRealEstate.com and do a market search for a home that fits your price range. Then, call me, and I can show you any home in Moses Lake that is for sale by any real estate company. I enjoy helping people buy and sell their homes, and I am here to help you too.

Welcome to Moses Lake!

Connie Suehiro
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA
(509) 431-5804 cell

Moses Lake Business Association wants your input

The Moses Lake Business Association is soliciting input for direction as to what type of business you wish to see come to Moses Lake. I don't know exactly what kind of power they have to bring business in, but it doesn't hurt to send your comments in to them at mlba@moseslakebusiness.com and let them know what independent owner, franchised business, general type, or a specific brand you'd like to see here in Moses Lake. I'd like to see Target come in. How about you?

Have a great day!

Connie Suehiro
Real Estate Agent
(509) 431-5804 cell

Call me for a free list of homes for sale in Moses Lake in your price range.

91 Homes For Sale in Moses Lake for..

$180,000 and less. For a list of these homes and more, call me at 509-431-5804 or email me at homes@iglide.net and request a free copy of this list. Let me help you sell your home or buy some property here in Moses Lake. Our office is a very client-friendly office, ready to help you sell your home.

Connie Suehiro, Agent

Gary Mann Real Estate

305 E. Third

Moses Lake, WA 98837

(509) 431-5804 cell

(509) 765-3463 office

http://www.garymannrealestate.com/

10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying

I found a great tool that you can use in the homebuying process that will be SO helpful to you. I found it in a realtor-only section of a real estate source I use alot!

It's titled: 10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying

#1. First of all, you need to find a real estate agent that’s simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the agent you chose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.

Well, I have the listat my desk, but time has run out to type it all up because I need to get going to volunteer at the school where my daughter attends. Call me so I can mail the whole list to you. Have a great weekend!

Connie Suehiro

Real Estate Agent

(509) 431-5804 cell

Gary Mann Real Estate

Moses Lake, WA

(509) 765-3463 office

http://www.realestateclipart.com

Visit Real Estate Clipart for great real estate graphics!

Free Comparative Market Analysis of your home

Gary Mann Real Estate is a client-centered real estate office with many things to offer to you. One of the services we offer is a free Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA, when you use us to help you sell your home.

Preparing a CMA for you so you'll know what your home will sell for, in the current home buying market, is a valuable tool for you and your real estate agent. You need to know how much to set the price for on your home so that a reasonable buyer will want to buy it. If we set the price too high, you won't get many offers. If we set it just right and the buyers are available, you are more than likely to get offers on your home, at or near the listed price.

How do we prepare a Comparative Market Analysis, you might ask?

We compare your home with others that are similar to it in size, bedrooms, and neighborhood, that have sold in the past six months. To get this information, we do research on all of the homes that fit that criteria as close as possible, short of finding a duplicate of your home, and come up with a market value to set as a price on your home. Sometimes this is an easy process, and sometimes, it takes longer than we expect, because we pride ourselves on being as accurate as possible. If you need to "pad" the price a little and add to it because you need to net a certain amount, we'll do that if it's reasonable, but understand, there's no guarantee and it's ultimately the home buyers who set the price as you accept their offer.

Call me for a free Comparative Market Analysis, and let me help you sell your home. I look forward to your call and sharing this sign with you for your property!

Connie Suehiro, Agent

(509) 431-5804 cell

Gary Mann Real Estate

Moses Lake, WA 98837

(509) 765-3463 office

5108 Shorecrest Home - video clip

Yes, You Can Qualify for a Home Loan

BUT....

But what?

Okay, what are some things lenders look for when they're checking to see if you qualify for a home loan?

Your credit score. What are some things that affect your credit score? Well, whenever you apply for and receive a new credit card, it affects your credit rating negatively. And, when you cancel a credit card, it affects your credit rating negatively. Why? Because it means someone is checking on your credit rating. Even if it's you checking, it affects your credit rating. Interesting, and frustrating, but that's what I understand to be true. Please correct me if it's otherwise. I'd like to hear some good news on credit ratings.

What else do lenders look for?

Employment, or lack of employment. What if you're a very industrious person who enjoys working hard for a living wage, but your job is seasonal? Does that affect whether or not you qualify for a loan? What if you don't start until January, but the home you want to buy is on the market, and you're ready to buy it? Do you already own a home? Well, check with your current lender, if they're doing a good job for you, and ask if you can get a loan through them, contingent on, or based on, the sale of the home you're living in.

Well, those are just a couple of things lenders look at. Finding the right lender is the first step in getting your home loan. I met a new lender from Eastern Washington today. He takes pride in doing things with integrity and really helping you, not just making a buck. He said that if your current loan rate is at 7% or 8%, you should take a look at refinancing because it's quite possible that your loan could be at least a percentage point or two less with rates being so low now. That is not always going to be the case. But it doesn't hurt to check and see if a refinance is the way you want to go at this point in your loan. I'm no loan expert, but when a loan expert gives me good financial advice, I'll pass it along to you.

Here are the current properties I have available for you:

1. 20 acres of land in Othello on Hays Road, 6.5 miles down WA-26 from Highway 17 for $100,000. Bring your offer!

2. A five-bedroom, 2 bath, country home with 2.2 acres just 6 minutes outside Moses Lake on Rd 2 (follow the directional sign from highway 17), 2,968 square feet and two wood stoves and spacious bedrooms. Currently is being painted throughout the interior. Call for an appointment. Seller is motivated, so bring your offers. Listed price is $220,000.

3. A beautiful, immaculate, private, double-wide on an acre on the waterfront with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a very large shop/office/library with a half bath inside it, and with a single-car garage attached to the side. Oh, the deck is huge, and the view of the water and sky is quite a panoramic picture. I took an extra 25 photos today when it was on Broker's Tuesday Tour. Be on the lookout for a Public Open House for this home at 5108 Shorecrest in Moses Lake. It's fully fenced with a locked, gated entry. Listed price: $439,000.

4. Five acres of vacant land on Neppel Road for $75,000. The seller bought it several years ago and was going to retire in Moses Lake, but changed his mind. Ready to sell. Bring your offers on this one too. This is close to the price range that other five-acre lots have sold for in the McConihe area. To get to this one from Moses Lake, go past Big Bend College and turn left on Neppel. Go 1 1/2 miles until you get to the first mobile home on your right. The five acres for sale is the lot right after it, where my real estate sign is located. Grab a flyer or two and give one to your friends. Bring us an offer!

I hope you're doing well during this holiday season. I always get excited when Christmas comes around and we think about the birth of Christ. We have a lot of hope to share! Get out there and say, "Merry Christmas" to everyone you meet and brighten their day!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Connie Suehiro, Agent

Gary Mann Real Estate

305 E. Third

Moses Lake, WA 98837

(509) 431-5804 cell

(509) 765-3463 office

Rates are at another low

Heidi Backus called me from Homestead Mortgage yesterday and let me know that rates are at a very good low, less than 5.75%. If you have been waiting to buy that $150,000 home because the monthly payments are too high, and you could afford to spend around $50 less each month, think about making an offer on your dream home today. Rates fluctuate daily, so if you're ready, don't wait to make that phone call to your lender today.

If you'd like a free list of homes for sale under $150,000 (or over $150,000 up to your maximum amount) call me today at 509-431-5804 or email me at homes@iglide.net and I'll email a list out to you. Be sure to call your lender first to find out what size of a loan you pre-qualify for. It starts with a 5-10 minute call, and you'll be glad you called so that your time isn't wasted on something that doesn't fit your needs.

Connie Suehiro, Agent

Gary Mann Real Estate

305 E. Third

Moses Lake, WA 98837

509-431-5804 cell

509-765-3463 office

www.GaryMannRealEstate.com

Country Home on Acreage! 6 minutes from Moses Lake

This is exciting! We now have a home in the country listed. It has 2.2 acres, comes with 2,968 square feet and five spacious bedrooms. It still has some work to be done on it, and we've been painting and preparing it for sale, but there is still work to be done, but come out and see the potential! The seller is motivated and wants to move soon, so come check out their home and bring all offers.

6 minutes from I-90. Trees surround this country home on 2.2 acres. Finished basement, five spacious bedrooms, 2 wood stoves. Deck, garden space, pastures, fruit trees, grapes, barn, corral, grain bin, room for livestock, fully fenced with a large gate at the beginning of the driveway, new paint throughout the home, converted garage used as living space (extra bedroom or family room, or even a rec room, attached garage/shop, asbestos siding and wood siding. Home is partially remodeled for handicap accessibility, has ramp & shower seat.

For more photos of this and other properties and for a virtual tour, go to http://www.garymannrealestate.com/, click on "Moses Lake Agents", then go to the bottom of the page and click under my name, Connie Suehiro, on "virtual tours," and you'll see the home on 2.2 acres.

We'll be having a Public Open House soon on this one. Watch this blog for this tour, and the Columbia Basin Herald for our WEEKLY open house tours for you!

Call me for a preview!

Connie Suehiro

Gary Mann Real Estate

Moses Lake, WA

Cell: 509-431-5804

Office: 509-765-3463 ext. 110

5 Acres for Sale in Moses Lake in McConihe Flats on Neppel Rd

Acreage in the McConihe area, up past Big Bend Community College, are selling for around $14,000 to $15,000 per acre. And now, there's snow out there! (I wish I had a picture of snow...but that's going to have to wait...)

Would you or one of your family members like to build your own home or buy a manufactured home and put it on five private acres out on Neppel Road? This is a brand new listing of a five-acre parcel, and it's 1.6 miles down Neppel Road from Highway 17. I'm just about to go put the sign out on it. The listing price is $75,000. Bring your offer and imagine your home on it!

Call me and make an offer on this land. The parcel backs up to government property which slopes up the hill to the highway, so there's a lot of land around the lot. The sunsets from this property are gorgeous!

Call Connie Suehiro at 509-431-5804, and let's put your home on this property.

Connie Suehiro

Gary Mann Real Estate

Moses Lake, WA

509-765-3463 office

509-431-5804 cell

In Moses Lake for Thanksgiving? Check out our Waterfront Homes!

Call Connie Suehiro at 509-431-5804, of Gary Mann Real Estate, to preview this home! We bring you a new waterfront home listing of a home on the market that will greet you with a breath of fresh air. This beautiful, immaculate home on the lake is priced for only $439,000 with over 90 feet of waterfront, a dock, large deck facing the lake, expansive views of the lake, sunset and mountains, plenty of fishing or swimming off the dock near the natural spring where it seems to never freeze over, and a choice of three bedrooms, including a second bathroom in the master bedroom.

If you prefer, lounge in the soaking tub in the master bedroom and get out of the cold. Bring in a cup of hot chocolate for these winter days, and relax. With several large windows facing the lake in the dining room, bring your telescope and gaze at the stars on these nippy winter nights.

If you have company and need extra room, the large building that currently is being used as an office and library, behind the home, can be turned into an extra, private room for guests to lodge since it is insulated and heated, including a spacious half bathroom in one corner. Or if you're a handiman or woodworker, or simply want an extra recreational room, bring a set of tools or series of couches in and create the den of your dreams.

Attached to this large building is a one-car garage, perfect for sheltering your car or other things you need to store, but those extra things that need to be stored can also go in one of two large sheds on the property.

This 1404 square foot home is located on one acre, almost at the end of Shorecrest Drive NE, where you'll enjoy a lot of privacy, where the fencing surrounds the property and is given extra seclusion with a locked gate at the beginning of the property. There is absolutely no mowing since the landscaping is all gravel, but you can sweep it aside for your own landscaping palette and tastes, like a blank canvas, awaiting your artistic and creative touch. So, come down to 5108 Shorecrest Lane, in Moses Lake. Be on the lookout for Gary Mann weekly open houses in the Columbia Basin Herald newspaper. This one will be coming up soon in December.

Directions to the property: east on Broadway, north (left) on Stratford, west (left) on Valley Road into Cascade Valley. Right at Cascade Grocery onto Ottmar, following the corner to go left on Dick, passing a few roads til you turn right on Shorecrest, following the road almost to the end, where you'll come to the property on the left. Look for the hot tub/gazebo enclosure!

Call Connie Suehiro at 509-431-5804 for a preview of the property. Be sure to call a lender so we can see if you qualify for this beautiful home! To request a copy of the plat map, email me at homes@iglide.net. Simply share your name and town, and I'll share a copy of the plat map. Thank you!

20.5 Acres In Othello For Sale Now

20.5 acres of vacant land in Othello.
645 Hays Rd.
$100,000
Private and very secluded!
Bring all offers!

YARD


DRIVEWAY ALONG SIDE OF PROPERTY


Directions: From highway 17 and WA-26 intersection, travel west on WA-26 about 6.5 miles and turn right on Hays. Go about half a mile on Hays and turn right on right side of double driveway. Go about 1/4 to 1/2 mile and see sign on the right. Occupied 1966 mobile home also on land, but has no value attached. Pumphouse on property. Two wheel lines go with the land also. Creek runs through property.









PUMP HOUSE








MOBILE on land, but no value attached




















Call Connie Suehiro at 509-431-5804.
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-765-3463 office
http://www.garymannrealestate.com/ (search for more properties here)

20 Acres in Othello for sale soon

Farmers and those who enjoy plenty of acreage, keep your eye out for this listing of 20 acres in Othello. I'll let you know when it's ready to go on the market. Or, if you want to be on my list of people to call when it's ready, go ahead and give me a call and let me know of your interest. I'll put your name in the file and call you when I have all the details. Or, email me at homes@iglide.net. I'll need your name and phone number(s) where I can call you or leave a message.

Happy home buying!

Connie Suehiro
Real Estate Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 cell
509-765-3463 office
http://www.garymannrealestate.com/

A Powerful Online Tool For You

This weblink has been changed. See the new link below.

Want to know what properties are in Grant County, WA? Go to the GIS mapserver on Monday and start your search for free. It's a public site you help pay for with your taxes, so, use it!

Go here: http://gismapserver.co.grant.wa.us:8080/discontrol.asp
Happy house hunting! Call me for a CMA (Current Market Analysis) on your home in the Moses Lake area.

Connie Suehiro
Real Estate Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 (direct)
509-765-3463 (office)

What Grade Do You Give the Real Estate Industry?

I just read an article in the Realtor(r) Magazine about industry performance. What grade would you give the real estate industry for customer service?

For an A grade, here are some things that customers expect from real estate professionals:

1. Clients want to feel everyone is there to serve them, not just the person who is your realtor.

"But," a realtor might say, "I don't want another realtor to feel like I'm stealing his client just by talking with his client." Then, there needs to be more communication, trust, and more of a familiy atmosphere in the office.

2. Clients want to be able to completely trust their agents and know without a doubt that they are transparent and trustworthy.

This reminds me of a realtor who was a dual agent, who represented both the buyer and seller. She started out being the seller's agent, and when she also became the buyer's agent, she ended up being deceitful with the buyer, not disclosing all information. That caused the buyers a lot of pain and financial irritations and they decided they didn't want to work with her anymore. They switched realtors to work with someone who had integrity. I know. I was that buyer. And now that I'm a real estate agent, I am even more adamant about being an agent with integrity.

3. Communication is a key factor in helping clients. Whether your communication is about something positive or something negative, it's important to be very up front with clients about homes, financial situations, your schedule, etc. Just keep on communicating.

4. Clients want to know at all times what is going on with their transaction. A title company in the Seattle area is excellent in this area of customer service. They have a point-list of everything they will be doing, that you can expect of them, and as each point on their list gets done, they send an email to the agent, who then in turn, calls the client to let them know the status of their transaction. Again, this is back to communication. Find out how much your client wants you to be in communication with you about their transaction and how much they need to know for each conversation. Some like more. Some like less. Some want all the details. Some just want to know when they get the key to the house!

5. Agents need to be up front with clients and let them know that they are there for the client, to do their homework for them, to give references when they don't have the expertise on a matter, and to let them know that they are going to do their best for them... and then DO IT.

For instance, I have the responsibility to follow up with a new client regarding qualified buyers. I have told him that when I bring buyers to view his home, that the only people that I will have view the interior of his home after the broker's tour, is pre-qualified buyers, if that is what he prefers. It's my job to see that that happens if that is his wish. He is very private, and it's important to meet his needs as well as the needs of pre-qualified buyers.

Have a happy Thanksgiving month, and happy home buying!

Connie Suehiro
Real Estate Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 direct
509-765-3463 office
www.garymannrealestate.com (search here for homes and land)

Ways to find a home in Moses Lake, WA

Moses Lake, WA has over 30,000 people living here, and we're growing quickly! Do you know how many building permits were issued to builders for single family homes in 2007? November is not over yet, and there are an average of 21 building permits being issued each month! People are moving into town, moving up from smaller homes, and out into the country, and that means that there are more homes available for you to move into.

I know you want to be educated on buying real estate. You need to know how to avoid mistakes. I can make it easy for you to buy a home or property. I want to tell you about our First Time Homebuyer Class. It is presented by the representatives I've partnered up with at the Prosperity Center of the North Columbia Community Action Council. It's a FREE class, sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, who wants to help you own a home! You can discover the first time homebuyer programs that are available, and get started on your road to home ownership this month. Call Eric Slyter at 509-765-9206 Ext 240 and tell him that Connie Suehiro referred you to him to learn about the next class coming up November 17 in the morning. He teaches a monthly class, and I've partnered with them to help first-time homebuyers. If you aren't able to attend in November, ask about December and January's classes.

As of today, there are over 80 homes available in Moses Lake for $180,000 or less. If you are ready to buy, great! Give me a call and I'll help you. If you are not ready to buy, and you'll know from my other posts that you can find out by contacting my friend Heide Backus at Homestead Mortgage on a 10 minute call (771-1061) to see if you're ready, then let's get you scheduled for that First-Time Homebuyer class so you can prepare a game plan for saving a percentage of your income toward your home purchase. Call me and let's get you started!

Connie Suehiro, Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 (direct)
509-765-3463 (office)

Is a Real Estate Agent right for you?

What can a real estate agent do for you that you can't do on your own if you want to buy or sell a home?

C'mon, it's easy, right?

According to the National Association of Realtors(r)' 1991 Homebuying and Selling Process, 46 percent of For Sale By Owners (FSBO) wanted to avoid paying a commission. So, let's put some perspective on this.

A FSBO doesn't typically have the data of sold properties in their neighborhood to know how to effectively price their home. He may have date of properties that are currently for sale, but those don't give a current market value, only sold homes do. That makes financial sense. Sellers may make a great profit from their home over what they paid for it years ago, but still not realize the amount they could have made simply because market conditions change so much over time.

Buyers think that since they're in the market for a FSBO home, they can negotiate a better price. FSBO home owners have a certain amount of pride in their home, possibly moreso than if they listed with a realtor because they feel they have enough knowledge of selling and buying, that it's possible to offend them with a lowball offer, which could cause them not to want to work with you if you came back with a better offer at another time. A real estate agent can do the negotiating for you, whether you're the buyer or the seller.

If you're the seller, are you willing to sacrifice vacations and weekends to show your home to potential buyers who may cancel at the last minute? Are you able to leave work in the middle of the day to go show your home to buyers who are not able to come by in the evenings? Are you willing to miss a school performance for the buyer? Are you prepared for the mass amount of phone calls at all hours of the day and night and for appointments that may or may not be met?

Seller and buyer, are you able to ask and answer these questions??
Are you sure of the property's legal description?
What kind of title policy will be used?
What escrow company will you use?
How will you pro-rate escrow, taxes, insurance, and interest?
What inspection company will you use?
Will you go with a conventional loan, VA, cash out, or owner carrying the contract?
Who will print out an amortization schedule with a lower interest rate than the current rates?
How do you work together to figure out the possession date?
What if the seller moves and then the sale falls through?
What are the closing costs and who is going to pay for them?
Is the commission to a real estate agent usually part of the closing costs, or is that eliminated or pro-rated in the escrow costs?
Do we need to pay escrow? What in the world is escrow?

Can you write a legally correct ad for the newspaper? There are fair housing laws, and the fair housing groups pay attention to the words in real estate ads. A real estate agent can help you to avoid using words that could cause you to get fined. You are a decent, upstanding citizen who has a fine piece of property with a special ramp that can be used for someone in a wheelchair, but your ad could be illegal if you note that you have a "wheelchair accessible" ramp or "handicap accessible bathroom."

Keep these things in mind as you work out your plan for selling or buying a home this season. Call me if you'd like some help buying or selling!

Connie Suehiro, Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 (direct)
509-765-3463 (office)

Will have in a few weeks: a country home, five minutes out of town, with almost 3,000 square feet, five bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, some acreage, lined with trees for privacy, and three home entrances: including one with an efficient ramp access, and bathroom with a sturdy, fold-down seat in the shower.

Need: 100 - 1,000 acres for recreational property, including fishing and hunting, with a fixer home to rebuild or remodel, or to build on. Needs to include power andwater. No more than $1,000/acre.

Need: 1,700+ square foot home with three bedrooms, 1 1/2 to 2 bathrooms, with a 2-car garage, and room to park a boat, all well-maintained for less than $200,000.

View Current Listings

What homes are available in Moses Lake? Is there one that is just right for YOU and your family?

You can search for your ideal home by viewing current listings with detailed descriptions and photos. Go www.GaryMannRealEstate.com , then click on "Market Search" to find your home. Under "County" scroll down and click on "Grant County," then scroll down and click on "Moses Lake" and start searching with the rest of your criteria until you find a list of homes you are interested in. Then, call me at 509-431-5804 to preview your list of homes. I'll help you get pre-qualified so we look for the homes that fit your budget. That way, we save time looking only for the homes you can afford, not the ones that will waste your time. If you prefer to get prequalified before you call, which I highly recommend, contact loan officer Heide Backus at Homestead Mortgage at 509-771-1061, and she will ask you an assortment of questions to determine what price range you qualify for in buying a home. This step will save you a lot of time as you prepare to look for your ideal home in Moses Lake.

Congratulations on taking the first step of buying a home! I am here to help you and look forward to your call. Again, call me at 509-431-5804. Let's find your home!

Connie Suehiro, Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 (direct)
509-765-3463 (office)
www.GaryMannRealEstate.com

Free List of Homes on MLS in Moses Lake!

Do you ever see advertisements for a "Free List of Homes" and then they want you to fill in your name and address and telephone number so they can contact you before they give you the list?

I can give you a free list of homes too. All you need to do is ask. And I won't ask for your information unless you want to give it to me. Although, it does help me to know who you are so I can email that list to you.

Right now, we have just under 100 homes in Moses Lake for less than $180,000, and I can get a list of homes to you in any price range and specific area you want to look in. If you're from out of town, I'll help you choose among a few different neighborhoods you might like to be in, based on the criteria you give me.

Are you interested in waterfront homes? There are several available, and I even know of a home on the lake for less than $430,000, with a huge shop, jetted tub in a gazebo, huge deck, fishing dock, fencing all the way around, RV parking, privacy, and expansive view of the lake and sunset. This is one of those private listings, not even on the MLS, so don't look there. But I have permission to show it to a pre-qualified buyer. Bring your letter of qualification from the bank, and I'll show you the home. Come on out. Let's take a look and make an offer.

For a free list of homes, contact me at 509-431-5804 and I'll email a list to you. Or, if you prefer to go online and look, go to www.GaryMannRealEstate.com. You'll find my picture there too.

See you soon!

Connie Suehiro, Agent
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 (direct)
509-765-3463 (office)
www.GaryMannRealEstate.com
www.MosesLakeRealEstateMusings.blogspot.com

It's time to sell your land.

Do you live in the McConihe/Neppel area? Do you have some vacant land?

Well, in my opinion, it's a good time to sell your land. Like my broker has been saying, "People focus on Thanksgiving and Christmas, then in January, they are thinking about building in the spring." So, if you have your property on the market for sale with our office ahead of the spring building season so it's ready for sale, wouldn't that be a great time for you to prepare for earning an income to pay for the kids' college education or that remodeling project you've had to put off for a lack of finances?

I have been doing yet more research on land available for sale. I help people buy and sell homes and land mostly in Moses Lake. I've noticed that the acreage in the McConihe/Neppel area has been selling for about $14,000 to $15,000 per acre. (That's compared to Bridgeport, about an hour's drive north of Moses Lake, where some land is for sale for about $500 per acre.)

Now, if I knew some buyers who were interested in buying an acre of land for $15,000, would you be interested in selling it? I asked about seven property owners in that area if they would be interested in selling. One of them contacted me today and asked me to sell his land for him. I am so excited to help him because he is going to make a nice profit on his land AND a buyer is going to make a great investment. You'll see it in my list of land for sale sometime next week. So, drive down Neppel Road and see if you're interested in that location. I'll help you buy (and sell), and you can get started building the home you've been dreaming about.

Connie Suehiro
Gary Mann Real Estate
305 E. Third
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 (direct)
509-765-3463 ext. 110 (office)

Can You Really Save Money Selling Your Home On Your Own?

That depends on how much knowledge you have of real estate in general, and it also depends on how much knowledge you have of the local real estate market you are selling (or buying) in.

What if you have a three bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home, and you have 1400 square feet? How much do you know that you can sell your home for? Remember the rule of three when you are valueing your home?

1. Compare it to other homes in your neighborhood.
2. Those homes should be homes that have sold, not those that are on the market now.
3. The sold homes have sold recently, in the past six months.

Where do you get this information? Go knock on doors of homes that have sold? Do you boldly go where no one (except the new owner) has gone before, and ask how much they bought their home for? If I was a new neighbor and someone asked me that question, I would feel uncomfortable telling them that information. Isn't that private?

No, not if you know where to go for public information.

Who has that kind of information?

Your local real estate agent (or an appraiser, for a $100 - $500 fee).

What if your home is in the Knolls Vista area and is in average condition? You could probably put your house up for sale for $135,000.

But what if your home is on the water, and you have amenities such as a boat lift, boat launch, a gazebo with a jacuzzi, a two-car garage, and two beautiful, tall trees in your front yard with 300 spring bulbs planted all around? How much should you market your home for now? Well, what part of the lake is your property on? Do you have low bank, high bank, or no bank? All of these things come into play for valueing your property. What if you value it too low? Say, $299,000. Or too high... $999,900?

Statistics show that people who sell their homes on their own can get good prices. However, they typically get a better price for their home when they list it with a realtor.

So, call us at Gary Mann Real Estate. Ask for Connie. I'd love to help you.

Connie Suehiro
Gary Mann Real Estate
Moses Lake, WA
509-431-5804 cell
509-765-3463 ext 110
www.GaryMannRealEstate.com

Need: 300 to 1,000 acres of contiguous land with power and water, fishing and hunting rights, for up to $1,000 or less per acre, for recreational personal property buyer.

That beautiful home for $150,000 is sold.

Availability of Land and Homes for Sale in Moses Lake

Would you like to know, week by week, how many vacant lots there are for sale in Moses Lake? How about homes? What kind of price ranges would you like to see?

For instance, as of today, there are nine private lots for sale in Moses Lake. It is difficult to find a reasonably priced lot in our town because people are moving in rather steadily, and the demand is increasing. I just sold a lot for $29,000 on a corner in the neighborhood near Home Depot, and I'm looking for more for several clients. Most of the vacant lots in Moses Lake that are for sale have prices more like $45,000 per lot, but are they selling? Yes, two for $20,000 each. You'll find lots near Pelican Point over $100,000 each, even if they have only a lake view and aren't directly on the lake.

As for homes, as of yesterday, there were 95 homes for sale for $180,000 and less. And there were 45 homes for sale for $150,000 and less (this includes those in the "$180K and less" list). If you would like a summary of either of these lists mailed to you, call me at 509-431-5804 with your email address, and I'll mail one to you. I'd post my email address here, but the "spammer crawlers" would pick it up and I'd have an inbox more full of spam.

What's going on in Moses Lake? What businesses are coming into town? There has recently been a ground-breaking for a mini-storage to be built on Central. From Stratford, turn down Valley, then right on Central. It is behind Pops In-N-Out, on the left, before you get to the Goodwill store.

Does anybody know of a few other businesses that are moving into town?

Will have: the country home on acreage with five bedrooms, a sunken family room, ramp to a door, deck on the back, pasture, trees. We're working on it. There is new paint in the living room, dining room, hallway and bathroom so far, and the old sink looks brand new and is getting some new faucet fixtures.

Need: affordable vacant lots for $30,000 and less in Moses Lake, between ML and Ephrata, in Wilson Creek, and somewhere between ML and the Potholes Reservoir also. If you know of any affordable lots in East Wenatchee or Cashmere, let me know. I have parties interested in those areas. Of course, in East Wenatchee, we're probably looking at something more like $60K since it's more expensive. Let me know if you know of some. Thanks!

Need: 3 bedroom, 1 3/4+ bath home with over 1600 square feet with garage and room to park three vehicles and a boat on the southern side of Moses Lake (Garden Heights, Pelican Point, out Wheeler, etc.) for around $200,000.

Connie Suehiro
Gary Mann Real Estate
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 cell
509-765-3463 ext 110 office
http://www.garymannrealestate.com/

Home Damage and Insurance

When disaster strikes, don't wait to file a claim with your insurance company.

In fact, don't wait for disaster strikes before you set up an insurance policy for all of the belongings in your home.

Do you have an inventory of your belongings? Is it up to date? Or is it ten years old? I confess, mine is ten years old! Or more! So, it's time to update it and keep it up to date as I remove from, and add to, my inventory of belongings.

It's a good idea to take photographs of your clothing, furniture, music CDs, movie DVDs, electronic equipment, children's toys, bathroom inventory, everything of value to you. Write it all down on an inventory list sheet. Keep it on a computer and keep it up to date. Keep a copy of it in a safe place, and keep an extra copy of it too, at a friend's house or in a safety deposit box. That goes for your photographs and negatives too.

When I was listening to the news about the raging California fires that are going on right now, homeowners shared how they lost everything, including wedding albums and their childrens' school pictures, everything.

That reminds me of our own Sara in Moses Lake, who lost everything she owned in the fire a few weeks ago, including some precious family members. I want to say here that I am so proud of those of you in our Moses Lake community who have stepped up to help Sara. There are many anonymous givers who have contributed to the bank account that was opened for her, those who are praying for her and being a shoulder to lean on, and others who have given of themselves to her in various ways. I would like to meet her some day and hear about the support she has received during this time. I want to commend the Motorcycle Ministry group that sponsored $5 hamburgers (with a soda and chips!) last weekend for her. What a great group of people! God bless you guys!

So, you are either a renter or home owner. Either way, be prepared for disaster. Get that fire escape rope out of the shed and do a practice fire drill with your kids so they'll be prepared and not scared if a fire starts in your home. Keep the blankets away from the plugins, and turn the heater away from combustible materials. Turn the heater OFF when you're not in the room. Who knows when it could get tipped over?

Prepare, prepare, prepare, and have a great, safe weekend!

Connie Suehiro
Gary Mann Real Estate
Moses Lake, WA 98837
509-431-5804 cell
509-765-3463 office
www.GaryMannRealEstate.com

Looking for land in Cascade Valley

Do you own or know of someone who owns vacant land in Cascade Valley? I have been looking at vacant land in that area today. Do you realize that there are over 35 lots in that area that have no home on them? Are you interested in building a home there, or putting a beautiful, new manufactured home in Cascade Valley? Land isn't too expensive there, and I'm looking for some folks who'd like to sell some of it. I have some clients. Are you ready to sell? Do you know someone there who needs a real estate agent who is serious and persistent in helping sell land and homes?

Call me: 509-431-5804
Connie Suehiro
Gary Mann Real Estate
Moses Lake, WA
509-765-3463 office

It's STILL the right time to make an offer

That beautiful home for $150,000 is still available. Call me if you'd like to make an offer on an immaculate, updated home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms off of Valley Road, not far from Knolls Vista school.

I'm curious about the vacant lots for sale in Moses Lake. I just sold a $30,000 lot for just a wee bit under the listed price while two other $45,000 lots both sold for $20,000 a piece. On the other hand, a vacant lot on the peninsula just had a raise in price from $29,900 to $45,000. That perplexes me. My builder friend tells me that it's quite possible that the time will come when you won't be able to buy vacant lots for under $65,000. So, do you want to build now, or later? When can you afford to buy? Now, or later?

I guess it depends on the "location, location, location," and how much you are able to put down as a down payment.

There's a saying that goes like this: "Make all you can, save all you can, spend all you can, and make sure you give some to God." I don't know who coined that phrase, but it seems to make good sense to me. We just need to figure out where our priorities are as to how much weight we give to each part of the phrase.

Anyway, back to lots in Moses Lake... don't be surprised if you own some vacant land and you get a call from me. I have several potential buyers who are looking for affordable lots to build or develop on. Perhaps you'd like to call me first?

Have a great week!

Connie Suehiro, Realtor
Gary Mann Real Estate
Moses Lake, Wa
509-765-3463 office
509-431-5804 cell

When Should You Make An Offer?

We have a beautiful newer home available with three bedrooms in a newer neighborhood, and the price is $150,000. When should you make an offer?

Analyzing and trying to figure out the housing market and when you should make an offer on a house can be a losing battle. The best time to make an offer is when you have the money to do it, and when you have found the home you want to live in for a few years.

Here are some statistics of mostly three-bedroom homes in Moses Lake for sale
for $150,00 or less:

As of October 19, 2007 there are 28 available right now.

Average number of days on the market: 79 days
1 of those homes has been on the market for one day
1 of those homes has been on the market for over 400 days.
5 of those homes have been on the market over 130 days.
I'll eliminate those 5 momentarily...

23 of the homes have been on the market for an average of 41 days.

Statistics of three-bedroom homes in Moses Lake that sold in the past six months
for $150,00 or less:
As of October 19, 2007 there are 67.
15 were manufactured homes.
7 homes were on the base.

55.2% were on the market for less than 30 days.
19.4% were on the market for 31-60 days
25.4% were on the market more than 61 days

Average square footage: 1,200 square feet
Average price: $116,000

Remember that beautiful newer home available with three bedrooms in a newer neighborhood for $150,000?

When should you make an offer?

Right NOW.

Connie Suehiro, Realtor
Gary Mann Real Estate
Moses Lake, WA
509-765-3463 office
509-431-5804 cell

Helping clients is so FUN!

Does that sound unprofessional? I hope not! Let me tell you in summary what I feel about being in real estate for you, the client, and even you, the agent on the other end of the purchase. It is SO exciting and SO much fun to help people, and I think I'm going to do this for a long, long time. I am doing my best to be as professional as I should be while enjoying the fulfillment of helping you in a transaction to get the best price to fit your needs and our clients' needs.

Whenever people ask me how I like real estate, I keep giving the same answer,

"It's fun and it's challenging!"

Looking forward to serving you...

~Connie Suehiro, 509-431-5804 or 509-765-3463
Gary Mann Real Estate
Moses Lake, WA

Need: a vacant lot to put a new manufactured home or small duplex on. Just sold my $30,000 lot. Can share "sold price" with you after it closes, for privacy reasons, of course.

How much should you offer for your dream house?

Now that you have found the home of your dreams, how much should you offer for it?
Some other questions to ask yourself before you make an offer include:

1. How much can I afford?
2. What is my debt-to-income ratio?
3. How do I find out the answer to #2? (see a mortgage company or bank)
4. How badly do I want this home? In other words, how high is my motivation level?
5. How long do I see myself living in this home?
6. Do I think I could resell this home easily if I really needed to? (Resale value
is an important thing to consider when buying a home.)
7. Are there any other homes similar to this one that are less expensive?
8. Do I plan on staying in my current job long enough to make the mortgage payments worthwhile?

Are you an experienced home buyer, or are you a first-time home buyer? What are the feelings you are going through? Are you excited? Nervous? Scared? At peace? If you have been nervous, but have asked all the questions you need to ask or have been afraid to ask and are satisfied with the answers, go ahead and make an offer. If you're still a little bit nervous as to whether or not you can afford it, make your offer contingent on financing. In other words, apply for a loan and have your mortgage company or lender make sure you can afford your offer. Go ahead and submit your offer, then let the lender put a stamp of approval on it, or not.

If the lender approves your loan and says that you can afford the monthly payments, which include property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and sometimes mortgage insurance, you've got a solid offer which hopefully, cross your fingers, will be accepted by the seller, and you'll have your dream home!

On the other hand, if the lender doesn't approve a loan for you based on your income and expenses, you don't lose anything with a financing addendum attached. You get your earnest money back, and you have learned a wealth of information from your experience of making an offer on your dream house.

Help yourself in this process by pre-qualifying first, and THEN looking for the home of your dreams that fits your budget. I can't stress this enough.


Tip of the day: Buy a lot that is zoned for manufactured homes and put a brand new manufactured home on it with a garage. Need help finding a manufactured home dealer with a good reputation? Let me know, and I'll help.

509-431-5804 my cell
509-765-3463 ext. 110 - office of Gary Mann Real Estate

Open House

There are public open houses and then there are broker's tour, open houses. Brokers and real estate agents tour homes that are only for them to see in so that we can let our buyers know what homes are available for sale. When we find homes that we like that we could see our buyers living in and loving, we'll let you know about them.

When you get ready to sell your house, would you like to have a private, broker's open house tour, or would you prefer to just wait for the public open house for potential buyers and those who are simply curious? What do you think is the best thing to show when you have your house prepared for the Open House tour?

Gary Mann Real Estate has implemented open house tours. Let us know when you're ready to sell so we can let the public buyers make an offer!

Needed: One and one-half acre parcels in McConihe and in Cascade Valley for around a $30,000 price tag for manufactured home clients who are ready to set their brand new homes on land.

Have: Lot on corner of Mary and Gary for $30,000. Make an offer! Ready for a duplex, manufactured home or single-family residence.

How to fix a screw-hole in the WOOD

When you're getting ready to sell your home and you have to fix screw holes in the wood before you put your home on the market, how do you fix them? I'm no expert, but I enjoy watching the experts.

A knob goes in the spot where you need the fix, or that's the hole you have to use because the door hinge depends on it. I saw the perfect fix on one of the TV home shows not too long ago, and it worked!

The low-cost answer: toothpicks! Get several round toothpicks and some glue. Put the glue into the hole, then put one, two or three toothpicks into the hole. Break them off so they're flush with the wood. If you need more removed so that it's not sticking out, you can use a knife, some sandpaper, or the edge of a popsicle stick. Let the glue dry, then drive the screw back in, and the toothpicks hold onto the screw, almost like a new piece of wood would hold onto it. I tried this, and it works like a charm.

Fix that hole in the wall... but HOW?

We're talking about just a little hole in the sheetrock, one that you've repaired before, but now it's there again. How do you repair it? I really don't know, but a really nice customer service man who works at the Ace Hardware in Moses Lake showed me that I could use screws with metal shanks that actually grab onto the front and back of the sheetrock. Do you have a similar problem like mine, you moms and dads who have children? I love my kids, and I'm glad they wipe their wet hands on a towel, but the manner in which they wipe their hands (and lean) causes the towel bar to eventually come out of the wall. So, don't use those hard plastic "pre-screws." Instead, save yourself a step (and some time) and use the screws that have a metal shank with little teeth that grab onto the sheetrock. I don't have mine in yet, but I'm looking forward to having my towel bar back up.

HAVE: a vacant lot on the corner of Mary and Gary Streets in Moses Lake for $30K

NEED: 10-20 acres of vacant land with no rocks or creek, within 5 miles of the edges of Moses Lake. If there is a manufactured home on it in good condition, that's okay. Price range: less than $200,000.

COMING UP in about two weeks or so: a country home with 2 acres, less than 10 minutes from the edge of town. Chickens possibly included. Attached garage, older home, garden area, 4 bedrooms, one which is wheelchair accessible, grapes, completely fenced with driveway gate.

I'd like to set up a challenge for all real estate agents and builders in Moses Lake. Everyone has been so helpful to me as a new agent. We all like to help people. Let's help Sara Villareal, whose two children and husband died in her home that burned down on Moon Drive. She needs clothes for a one-year old boy, a couple of beds, food, money, towels, sheets, furniture, a home (could she qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home?), a table, chairs, dishes, pots, pans, prayer, clothes (size? 8?), and you can deliver these or call in to Amber Palmer who works at Miller Jewelry on Third in Moses Lake. Or call me and I'll get them to her: 765-3463 ext. 110. I don't know Sara, but I do know Amber who has known Sara for a long time. Thank you for your help! And yes, there is an account opened up for her at one of the banks in town. Can someone help me remember which bank?

Helping others help themselves....

Open Houses

When you decide to "list" your house with a real estate agent, you have made the choice who you are going to ask to help you sell your house. That real estate agent will help you know what price to put it at so that it will sell with the least amount of days on the market for the price range that certain buyers will fit into.

Be ready to have an open house for all of the real estate agents in town. I have heard that there are somewhere between 130 and 150 real estate agents in Moses Lake. Does anyone here have a firm number for me? I just met a new agent today named Lisa. She was very professional and knew the information about each house that I met her at while we were on Broker's Open House Tour. (Weekly Tuesday tours, something that FSBO's miss out on, sadly.)

When your real estate agent tells you that he or she would like to hold an open house for the agents, do everything you can to de-clutter, clean up, paint, and stage your home for them as if they were going to buy the property themselves. One of the things my broker told me that I thought was real smart was that it is natural for real estate agents to sell homes they like. Real estate agents are people too, and if we like a home, if it just feels good to be there, we will more than likely want someone else to feel good in that home too, so we'll try to sell it. So, when you prepare for the Open House on our Tuesday tours in Moses Lake, spruce it up well! The best thing I can think of is for you to ask your real estate agent for their Open House To-Do List to get ready for your Open House. If they don't have one, ask a real estate agent who does have a to-do list. I got one from my new friend Rebekah who is also relatively new in real estate.

Let me check my file.... come and get it!

When is it time to talk to a lender?

Before you start looking for a new house to buy.

Why? A lender will help you to know exactly what price range you can afford in a home. What if you could only afford a home for $200,000, but you tell your real estate agent, before talking with a lender, that you are interested in homes in the $200,000 to $300,000 range? Let's say you go look at beautiful homes, like the ones we have for sale on Viking or Laguna, and you fall in love with one of them, only to find out it is out of your price range?

Will you be glad you looked at those homes because they have so many ideas for you to try when you decorate your home that you're going to buy? Or will you be a little frustrated that you looked at homes during your family time or lunch hour, which is valuable time?

I know it's a LOT of fun looking at homes. That's half the reason why I'm a real estate agent. But the other half of the reason is that I primarily enjoy helping people find a home that fits into their needs, which definitely has a lot to do with their budget. I'm not going to ask about your budget. That's private. But I do want to know.... what did your lender say you could afford?

And if you want to know which lender to use, I'll let you know about a couple of lenders (bank and mortgage company) that I've begun to get to know here in Moses Lake.

Looking forward to helping you find that home to fit you to a tee...

Big House? Small House? Medium Size?

What size of a house are you interested in living in? Some of us prefer the large homes that are in the Pelican Point area, near the water, with upscale dining rooms, living rooms and very modern kitchens, with tile on the floors and walls, and beautiful wood on the cupboards. Others prefer to live in the upper end homes in the Laguna area where it seems more like country living, with wetlands on one side (privacy!) and the neighbors aren't too close, but close enough. Others of us prefer the good ol' one-story rambler in the middle of town that most everyone can afford.

Still others prefer to buy something like Rod's cabin in the "back 40" that one of our agents will get special recognition for if we sell it. It's a cozy place! I have a buyer for it! Just not an offer yet. What's the advice you'd give a rookie who would like to satisfy the needs of the buyer who might be just a little bit hesitant to put his money down on a home that would perfectly fit his criteria?

(I know a good lender, let's get you started! :) )

Let's go on a tour of Moses Lake! Let me know your criteria (how many bedrooms, bathrooms, area, price, etc.) and I'll help you find the home that fits you almost to a tee...

May you enjoy your house hunting experience as we enjoy welcoming in the Fall Season. God bless you!

www.GaryMannRealEstate.com

There could always be another offer waiting...

It's exciting to sell houses and land! The negotiating process is also exciting, as long as you keep a good sense of humor and a good attitude. That being said, my most recent seller negotiated himself out of an offer today. But you know what? There could always be another offer waiting.

And I know just the person to call....!

All commissions are not alike

Real estate agents have different commissions. No two are alike. Even if two commissions are both the same percentage, there are many, many variables. What are you paying for, anyway?

You're paying for your agent's expertise as a professional, much like that of other professionals, like lawyers, doctors, interior designers, and other business people. It's not a minimum wage job, in other words. But if your agent is working as hard as the agents in our office, once their expenses are paid to sell your property, some of our agents' incomes has been as low as 38 cents an hour after paying all expenses. Can you imagine having an agent put that much time into selling your property? They do! So, what are some of the things we do for the commission we earn?

I haven't learned it all yet, but here are just a few things, and maybe you agents reading this will add to the list with your comments and feedback...

~ Advertising expenses, how many times an ad goes into the paper, and how much each ad costs. (Our local newspaper ain't cheap.)
~How much time your agent spends talking to other agents and potential buyers about your property.
~How many open houses your agent has for you.
~The ad costs for the open house newspaper advertisements.
~The costs and time involved in researching to give you an accurate market value (the Current Market Analysis or CMA) of your home.
~Research often involves contacting the experts at City Hall to figure out sewer, water, and easement questions.
~Putting a "for sale" sign together to put on your property. Yes, it actually takes some time to do that, and then go and place it at the right spot for buyers and agents to see it.
~Phone calls to you to discuss the property and expectations of pricing and commissions with you.
~Emails back and forth with sellers to answer questions that come up throughout the days and weeks of marketing your home.
~Time helping you to know how to best prepare your home for each home showing.
~Time and money in preparation of documents to list your home.
~The knowledge a real estate agent knows about the documents you need, by law, to sell your home, is invaluable. This includes the purchase and sale agreement, and there is one other that is mandatory. What are all these documents? If you don't know, you need to make sure you can count on an agent who does know.

We, at Gary Mann Real Estate, do know. Even the rookie knows. :)

Your Path To Home ownership by Ginnie Mae

Buying vs. Renting

I've rented, and I've bought homes. I could have used a calculator like this 15 years ago to "compare the advantages and considerations of owning vs. renting a home." (Ginnie Mae.gov website)

Click here: http://www.ginniemae.gov/rent_vs_buy/rent_vs_buy_calc.asp?Section=YPTH

What Drives You To Look For A Home?

Do you drive by a home because the real estate sign in the yard catches your eye? Did you see the address in the Nickel Saver or Columbia Basin Herald and decide to drive by? Was there a yard sale you went to where the house had a For Sale sign on it? Or were you combing through CraigsList.org and saw some real estate that you were interested in?

Just exactly where do consumers go shopping for a real estate company or agent first, and most? And why?

There are all kinds of options:

- yard signs

- internet postings (craigslist.org, online newspapers, etc.)

- newspaper ads

- nickel saver

- a friend told you

- you walked into a real estate office

- you drove by a vehicle with a realtor's phone number on it and called

- you received a certificate for a free Home Market Analysis and redeemed it

- you were already friends with a realtor . . . . .

Agents want to know the mind of the buyers and sellers so we can give you the best customer service possible. How can we help you?

Whose turn is it to fill out the Seller Disclosure Statement?

It's always the Seller's responsibility to fill out this form, and every seller must fill one out.

Why? It is for the Seller's protection, and it is also for the real estate agent's protection. It's about liability.

What if the Seller doesn't know about whether or not a certain condition exists on his or her property, like if there are any known problems or repairs needed on the property? A seller is to fill out the form to the best of their ability. You can research the information by finding out more from the title insurance records or calling City Hall, or just by looking through your property for those items.

Also, if you want to sell your property on your own, a "FSBO" (For Sale By Owner), it is Washington state law that you give the Seller Disclosure Statement to your buyer.

You learn something new every day, hm?

Be direct, but be careful

I like it when buyers and sellers are direct with me. I like to cut to the chase and find out exactly what is on their minds, and I enjoy it when I can be direct with them, but in my experiences in life, I have also learned that it is important to carefully weigh my words before speaking.

My broker has learned how to do this too. He weighs his words. You can tell that he's thinking about the right thing to say so that he gets his point across and also so he can be direct. This is a good combination in one's personality.

What do YOU prefer as a buyer or seller, from a real estate agent? Do you prefer that I tell you that a wall needs to be painted? Or do you prefer to be the one who tells me?

Be direct, but be careful. A good motto!

When does vacant land have water and sewer?

When it's "stubbed" to the property.



I found a very helpful gentleman in the engineering department at Moses Lake City Hall today. I let the kind folks there know that I was a new real estate agent and that I needed to know if water and sewer were on the property of the vacant lot I'm listing. I also needed to know if the City of Moses Lake was the service provider of the water. I didn't know there was more than one water provider in the city limits, did you?



The gentleman gave me two maps, one of the water pipeline, and one of the sewer pipeline under the street near the lot. Each pipeline was designated with a color and the letter S or W. I found out later, when I contacted the company that services the water supply, that the water was indeed ON the property, and that the sewer was stubbed up TO the property, but might be ON the property as well.



The lady in the planning department was helpful too. She let me know that since the land is zoned R2 within city limits, a single-family residence or duplex can be built on the property. Manufactured homes are okay too. However, city ordinance determines that the manufactured home must be brand new, double wide, and must have a garage. All these laws are fascinating to me!



I need: a 3BR home with about 1600-1800 square feet (sf), and a big area to park a boat and SUV, in a neighborhood not too far from the Nelson Road firehouse. (2-3 miles max)

I have: two listings in waiting... vacant lot, and soon, a country home with acreage

Real Estate Rookie

Having always enjoyed helping people and looking inside all kinds of homes, and having the real estate and legal background experiences I enjoy on my resume', I decided, with the awesome support of my husband, to become a real estate agent.

I've had my license for about six weeks now and LOVE working with the professional and fun (and smart!) group of men and women at Gary Mann Real Estate in Moses Lake, WA.

I just got my first paycheck today! I sold my first home, a split-level, to a family from a neighboring town. I have a lot of irons in the fire, so to speak, and am looking for just the right home and right piece of land to fit the families who are asking for my help. I've had many jobs in my life, and I can say, without a doubt, this is one of the most fun and challengings jobs I've ever had. (Aside from the publishing assistant job I had working in Tukwila several years ago.)

I started this real estate blog because it didn't seem that there were very many rookie real estate blogs in my area, and I want to be able to share real estate from a rookie's point of view and be an encouragement to others who may be going through the same experiences I'm going through, and be helpful to others. Like my broker said to me today, "I like asking you questions in the staff meeting. You have a perspective that is different from the experienced agents." I thought that was very thoughtful of him.

In the meantime, I'll also share some generic thoughts with you on what is for sale in the Moses Lake market. Of course, you can always find out at our website, and even check out the pictures of homes online (internet shopping is great, isn't it?). Just do a search on Gary Mann Real Estate. (Is it okay to post the website here, or is that spamming?)

I need: duplex in good condition for local investors
I have: (my first two listings are coming up soon...a vacant lot, and a country home with acreage)