How Should You Price Your House For Sale?

In a rising market or in a falling market, you need to ask your Realtor to help you base the price of your home on the sales of homes that are already sold. It's tempting to say, "Well, my friend Joe has his house for sale, just down the street, for $365,000, and my house is just like his." You and your friend may have identical houses, but if Joe's house is over-priced, you don't want to overprice your house too. It will just sit on the market just like Joe's. You can expect your Realtor to price your home based on homes that are:

1) SOLD (not currently for sale)
2) recently sold in the past SIX MONTHS
3) are within 1/2 MILE of your house (unless you're out in the country, and then there's some wiggle room.

These three things are the basics for getting started on how to price your home for sale.

Nationally speaking, we're in a falling market. Regionally, we're doing better in Washington state than many other states. Locally, in Moses Lake, our home prices have come down just a little bit, but with so many businesses coming in and the need for homes increasing, the prices will start to inch their way up again.

As a seller, you need to understand that neither you nor your Realtor will set the final sales price.... the market will. Who has control over the market? The buyers.

If after three weeks, you haven't had any showings, a price adjustment may be necessary.

If after more than eight showings, you haven't had any offers, a price adjustment may be necessary.
**************************************************************************************************
You are invited to attend the Gary Mann Real Estate Showcase of Homes this weekend! Look in our local paper, the Columbia Basin Herald, on the back side of the front page for details on the homes that we're showing and are available for sale.
******************************************************

Quote of the day: Blessed are the flexible,

for they shall not be bent out of shape. - Anon

******************************************************

For a free list of

homes available

for sale in Moses Lake,

call me at 509-431-5804.

Have a great weekend!

~Connie Suehiro, Realtor (r)

Gary Mann Real Estate

305 E. Third

Moses Lake, WA 98837

509-431-5804 direct

509-765-3463 office

Community Event for Moses Lake

Have you joined in to help build the Doolittle Dream Park, the community-built playground for children in Moses Lake? There must have been 200 people out there working on the first day of the build. I had a GREAT time! They're building from Wednesday through Sunday.

Come on out to Doolittle Dream Park. Donate your time and/or your finances for our kids. (By the way, I talked with Tara Childs, who is spearheading this project, and she let me know that $30,000 is still needed for the project.)

Directions: Take Highway 17 up to Patton Boulevard (up on the base) and drive about a mile until you get to Doolittle Road where you'll see a big yellow and white awning. Turn left on Doolittle, then left at the first left. Turn left into the driveway that says Doolittle Entrance and park. Sign up at the registration table, then they'll take you to where you're needed most.

See you there! I'll be wearing my black Gary Mann Real Estate jacket...

Who Pays For Closing Costs?

When you buy a home in Moses Lake, you will pay approximately 2.5% to 3% of the sales price in closing costs. These closing costs include excise tax, title insurance, a loan origination fee (around 1% of the sales price) if you are getting a loan, recording fee of $42, which are most of the closing costs.

When you sell a home in Moses Lake, you will pay approximately 2.5% to 3% of the sales price in closing costs too. However, you will also pay commission when you use the services of a real estate agent. Sometimes, sellers prefer to sell on their own, but if you've never sold a home on your own before, be sure to do your homework on the legal forms that are required before you do this. Now, of course, I love helping people sell their homes, and I know how hard I work for my clients, so naturally I would recommend that you use my services. If you think you could save money by selling it yourself, it turns out that statistically, sellers who hire a real estate agent usually get a better sales price than if they didn't, but that's another topic.

Now, what if you want to be nice and just sell your home to a friend, and set the purchase price at the same amount that you paid for it 10 years ago, plus have them pay for the new vinyl windows and fencing? So, the purchase price would equal the original purchase price plus windows and fencing. So, you you want to walk away from the closing table with the exact amount that you put into it. At that point, which is rather unusual for a seller to do, but can be do-able, you would ask the buyer to pay for all your closing costs so you can do that.

What would the process be?

You let the buyer know what the purchase price is, then ask them to pay your closing costs. Assuming, and you should NEVER assume, that your house has gone up in value, their lender's appraisal should come in at the purchase price plus your closing costs. If not, you'll have to settle for the amount of the appraisal, but help them write up the offer for the amounts added together, and explain to their lender what the two of you are planning to do. See if that works out.

Happy selling!

Connie Suehiro, Realtor (r)

Gary Mann Real Estate

*******************************************************

Quote of the day: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

********************************************************

Are you or your kids into doing crafty projects? Join us at Midway Elementary on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. for the local, weekly 4-H meeting. Lynn is a GREAT teacher who is VERY patient with the kids. This Thursday we are going to tie-dye a pillowcase!

What Is The Value of Your Home?

There are several steps in determing the market value of your home.

A Realtor(r) searches for homes that are most similar to your home, within 1/2 mile, that have recently sold in the past six months. Then, we take the price per square foot, depending on the condition of your home and the homes we compare your home to, and apply this value to your home's square footage. Taking a look at the various differences in your home (flooring, age, remodeling changes, condition, appliances, landscaping, etc.) we get an idea of price per square foot and get an average of what your home's value is.

However, your home's value is NOT just based on the averages. Have you ever wanted to call a real estate agent and just have them give you a quote over the phone without seeing your home? That wouldn't be fair to you, the agent, or your potential buyer. So, go ahead and let your real estate agent into your home so she can give you an accurate market value.

What is YOUR home's market value? Call me if you're interested in selling your home at market value so it will sell in today's economy. Let's find out your home's market value together and help you move forward in the direction of your dreams!

***********************************************

Quote for the day: "Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working 24 hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force."
- Tom Blandi
***********************************************

Call 509-431-5804 for a list of homes in your price range.

*********************************************************

Gary Mann Real Estate

305 E. Third Ave.

Moses Lake, Wa 98837

509-431-5804

111 Acres in Grand Coulee overlooking Lake Roosevelt

WOW!! I am so excited about this new listing I have co-listed in our office. 111.9 beautiful acres in Grand Coulee at the end of Springs Canyon Road, with spacious, sweeping views of Lake Roosevelt, a couple of springs on the property, an older manufactured home, all kinds of wildlife like deer, quail, cougars, perfect for hunting, and hey, BUILDERS, check with Lincoln County at Davenport to check out and verify the four or five buildable lots up there. Oh, the area is absolutely beautiful and private! Listed at a decent price of $425,000, you gotta see it! Call 509-431-5804 for the listing and I'll email it to you. (Outlined in blue.) We have several people who are interested in it, so don't wait! Call me today.

Connie Suehiro, Realtor (r)

Gary Mann Real Estate

305 E. Third

Moses Lake, WA 98837

509-431-5804 direct

homes@iglide.net

List of Homes Available in Moses Lake

Every Monday (or Tuesday), I check on how many homes are for sale in the Moses Lake area for $180,000 or less and post it here. Here is a more extensive list, and you will be able to compare the market from week to week as you read this and search my archives.

Active listings priced at:

$100,000 or less: 14

$100,000 - $200,000: 81

$200,000 - $300,000: 71

$300,000-$400,000: 39

$400,000-$500,000: 22

$500,000-$600,000: 18

$600,000-$700,000: 10

$700,000-$800,000: 4

$800,000-$900,000: 3

$900,000-$1,000,000: 1

Over $1,000,000: None

Are you curious about the last one for over $900,000? I would be! Since it's not my listing, I am going to go by the rules and not advertise it here, but I can tell you it has five bedrooms, over 6,000 square feet, and it's beautiful!

*****************************************************************************

Call me for a list of homes in your price range and let's see if I can help you find just the right home for you by summer time. Call 509-431-5804.

*****************************************************************************

QUOTE OF THE DAY: People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
Elizabeth Kubler Ross

SHOWCASE OF HOMES this Saturday

SHOWCASE OF HOMES this Saturday! From Noon to 3:00 p.m., you can attend all our Open Houses. Come by the Gary Mann Real Estate office on 305 E. Third in Moses Lake to get your copy of the tour route. Or stop by my Open House on Saturday at 1213 Lakeland for a copy of the route. From I-90, go north on 17 into Moses Lake, stay right on 17 and take the first right onto Nelson toward the fire station, then left onto Lakeland. Home will be on the left. Look for the Open House sign. I'll see you there!

*********************************************************************************************************************************

I enjoy getting the bi-weekly newsletter from Mike Bess, Mortgage Banker, and with his permission, here is his newest one:

Here is a link to my "March 7, 2008 Economic Update":

http://realtytimes.com/ncmeu/33/1.MikeBess

This Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.This month's issue includes the following topics:

- "Press Begins To Suggest It's Time To Buy A Home"

- "Appealing Your Property Tax Bill"

Plus a Calendar showing the most important economic indicators and their upcoming release dates.

I hope you enjoy this bi-weekly Newsletter. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to me. Or, if you would like to see a certain topic covered in future months, let me know that too!

Sincerely,

Mike Bess

***************************************************************************

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success." - Norman Vincent Peale

***************************************************************************

Three Things That Sell Houses

You probably think that I'm going to say location, location, location, right?

No.

Location IS important, however, I'll tell you that three things that sell houses are the PRICE, the EXPOSURE (advertising), and the SELLER.

You have to have the right price, or it will sit on the market and you'll end up blaming your real estate agent that it didn't sell, when, in reality, you didn't take your real estate agent's advice on the market value and wanted to see if it would sell at a higher price. When you see the letters CDOM on your listing, that means Current Days On Market. If you don't get an offer within three weeks, especially when Spring is in the air, then you need to make a market adjustment that is closer to a selling price. Why Sellers think they'll get a higher price because of their higher advertised price is like playing Pricing Roulette. It's a big gamble to play while buyers look over your beautiful property and buy the neighbor's accurately priced home instead.

Next, is EXPOSURE. Here's where advertising comes in. You can place ads for weeks on end in the Nickel Saver or in the Columbia Basin Herald and spend hundreds of dollars on exposing your home to Grant County. Or, you could use the services of a Realtor who will market your home to 30,000 real estate agents in Washington state, several of whom have buyers who are looking for your home and are qualified and ready to make an offer. Can YOU expose your home and all its wonderful benefits to 30,000 agents all across Washington state and put it on our exclusive Virtual Tour (seen by thousands of buyers every day)?

Last is the SELLER. That's you, naturally. It's important for you to cooperate fully with your real estate agent who has done their homework and worked hard in researching an accurate price to market your home at. They will provide countless services and dedicate hours to selling your home, calling agents and buyers who are interested in buying your home, then preparing the stack of paperwork that will lead to a winning sale on your home. Your cooperation means that you ask for advice on marketing your property, leading potential buyers to the agent, letting the agent know when the flyer box is empty, following tips on making your property more salable, packing up all your personal items so the home (not your belongings) will show well. Buyers want to see your home and driveway.... not your nick-nacks (sorry! I know they're cute!) or the 1969 GMC Ford parked in the driveway (mine is parked in a hidden spot.... anybody want to buy a class 1969 GMC Ford? It's been in the family for 38 years!)

*********************************************************************************

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "This past weekend I had a delightful time with my sister's 6-year-old granddaughter whose mother was told by the doctor that she would be retarded, etc and would never be able to walk. It is hard for her to walk- she much prefers running." (I love stories like this!)

*********************************************************************************

Call or email me for a FREE report of tips on How to Make Your Home More Salable 509-431-5804. homes@iglide.net

*********************************************************************************

On February 27, 2008, the news WAS "The economic situation has become distinctly less favorable" since the summer, the Fed chief told lawmakers.
Since that time, the housing slump has worsened, credit problems have intensified and the job market has deteriorated.

HOWEVER, in Moses Lake, On January 8, there were 10 homes in pending, and on Feb 26, there were 30 houses in pending. That means that the housing slump in Moses Lake is looking good! And we also know that the job market is beginning to grow again! That’s GREAT news for Moses Lake, even though the national news may not know about us.

**********************************************************************
Quote of the day:
"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them."
- George Bernard Shaw
**********************************************************************

For a free list of homes in your price range, call me at 509-431-5804.

Connie Suehiro
Gary Mann Real Estate
Moses Lake, WA
509-431-5804

Homes for Sale in Moses Lake

Today, there are 82 homes for sale in the Moses Lake/Ephrata/Warden area for $180,000 and less.

That price might be a little steep for you, so how about the houses for sale for $120,000 and less? There are 81 homes for $120,000 and less in Moses Lake/Ephrata/Warden areas with 23 of those being in Moses Lake. Which one would you like to buy? What are your real estate needs? How will you use your backyard? How will you use your kitchen? For entertaining? For large crowds, or for smaller crowds? The way you will use your home will determine what your criteria will be for the kind of house you want to buy.

When I bought my home, I thought of the needs of my children who like to run and climb, and how I wanted to have a hobby room. I wanted a tree for the kids to climb. And I didn't want to find a home that I had to fix up. I'm not a fixer-upper, and neither is my husband. (I change the lightbulbs in our home!) We knew what we could afford, but we didn't want to spend that much money and opted for lower house payments so we'd have more money for entertainment. Our real estate agent showed us several properties, including one that qualified for a home buying program since my husband is a teacher. We finally found the home we liked. It was perfect! My husband wanted to offer $2,000 less for the home so we could negotiate a little. I said, 'No way. I want THIS house, and I'm tired of looking for a home. Let's offer MORE than the listed price." So, we offered a little more and our offer was accepted! It was great! We have the perfect home for us, minus the big tree that I wanted for our kids to climb. But since there's no tree, the trampoline fits in the back yard just perfectly!

So, you see, it's important for your realtor(r) to know what your needs are so that the "almost perfect" house can be found for you.

Oh, by the way, the house that we bought was on the market for only one day when we made an offer. Don't let the house you want get away when your real estate agent tells you she has the perfect house for you!

For a free list of houses in your price range, call 509-431-5804 today!