Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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/
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/
Friday, October 26, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
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
Call me: 509-431-5804
Connie Suehiro
Gary Mann Real Estate
Moses Lake, WA
509-765-3463 office
Monday, October 22, 2007
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
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
Friday, October 19, 2007
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
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
Thursday, October 18, 2007
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,
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
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
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
Monday, October 15, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
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.
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....
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....
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
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!
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!
Monday, October 8, 2007
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...
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...
Saturday, October 6, 2007
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
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
Friday, October 5, 2007
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....!
And I know just the person to call....!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
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. :)
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. :)
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