There’s one piece of advice that I give to my buyer clients, which is that if they approach the home buying process with thoroughness and confidence, they are much more likely to buy a house that they’ll be proud to call home.

Approaching the task of buying a home can be overwhelming, just because there are so many factors to consider: How much can I afford? How can I find the best loan? How much down payment will I need? What kinds of homes are likely to appreciate most in value over time? Should I work with an agent or look at homes on my own?

And these questions are just the beginning. If you’re like most people, buying homes will be the largest financial transactions you’ll make in your lifetime. That’s why it’s crucial to do as much research as you can, so you’ll be as well informed as possible. Two important things to remember along these lines.

1) You can and should understand everything that is happening in the home buying process.

There is nothing particularly complex about buying a home, but you might need to learn some new terms, apply some new concepts and take the time to understand what you’re getting into. That said, if at any point something happens that doesn’t make sense to you, simply demand a full and complete explanation. If it still doesn’t make sense, seek help from your Realtor, accountant, banker or lawyer. If necessary, get multiple opinions.

2) In the world of real estate sales, YOU are the most important person in the entire process.

It’s easy to think that everyone else carries more weight than you. The agent talks fast and has an answer for everything. The lender may decline your loan application, and on and on.

But the truth is that you, the buyer, are the one person in the transaction that makes it all happen. If you decide to not buy, the entire process comes to a grinding halt.

So flex your consumer muscle and take command of this process. Surround yourself with  professionals you trust and make them work for you. Approach home buying with an attitude of confidence and do your homework. That way, you’ll more likely buy a home you’re happy with and know that you’ve made the right decision.

Many people in real estate will tell you that the most important factor in whether your home sells or not is price. I don’t entirely agree, because from my experience maximizing a home’s exposure in the marketplace, and also properly showcasing its unique features and beauty go a long way to creating the emotion in buyers that will make them want to buy – and even pay a premium. 

That said, pricing your property when you put it on the market is a balancing act. On the one hand, you want to set a listing price that maximizes interest among qualified, motivated buyers who’ll be willing to pay top dollar. Indeed, such buyers will ultimately determine your property’s top market value. On the other hand, you do not want to set a listing price that attracts a lot of buyer prospects, but sets the stage for negotiations that result in your getting less than what your property is really worth. 

So what is your home’s actual market value? 

In a perfect world, your home’s value would be everything you think and need it to be. However, simply put, your home’s value is not determined by you, but by what the market is willing to pay for it at a given time. These days, the “market” increasingly refers to home buyers who have researched property values over the Internet for months, have already viewed a number of homes, and are not under any undue pressure to buy.  

On average, serious buyers look at about fifteen properties before they make an offer. Doing so gives them a basis for determining how competitively a property is priced, both in terms of the market generally and what they are looking for specifically.  

All this is why it’s crucial that you do not overprice your property, even if the strategy of doing so – knowing that you can reduce the price later – might make sense at first glance.  In fact, sellers who overprice their properties – even just 10% above market value – often end up getting less than they would if they’d priced it properly from the start. Here’s why: 

A high price on your property makes other comparable properties more attractive, so you actually help to sell your competition·       Fewer buyers will respond to ads, fewer agents will show your property to their buyer clients, and you’ll get fewer serious offers·       Inflated prices often lead to mortgage rejections and critical lost time waiting for finance approvals that don’t go through·       Reducing the price after buyers have begun to perceive your home as a “stale” listing will not generate nearly as much interest as if you’d priced it properly from the start 

From my years in the business, I’ve found that the bottom line is that realistically pricing your home right from the outset is the best strategy for getting top market value for it, because you’ll get more showings, as well as generate more interest and enthusiasm among buyers and their agents. After all, if you get multiple offers you can always raise the price!

On January 31, 2009 at 02:00 AM, you are invited to an Open House at 3429 10th Ave. W. in Seattle. If you are looking for a Resale - single family property in this area, don’t miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Resale - single family property, check out my site at . Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.

Over the years I’ve helped many of my clients buy second homes. Additionally, I have owned a vacation home since 1997. So I have learned many valuable lessons about second home ownership, but I would just like to pass on three simple rules of thumb to those of you who are considering this option.

First off, buying a second home is a big step and most likely your most valuable investment after your primary residence. You should never rush into a home purchase; you need to consider it over time. Determine how much use your vacation home will get and how it can fit into your finances.

Second, don’t forget to double everything. Buying a vacation home means that you will not only have two mortgages, but also two property tax bills, water bills, fuel bills, etc. Two homes also mean more maintenance, including two plumbing and heating systems, septic systems, and roofs. And if something breaks down in your second home, chances are you may not be there to see it. For some, this is too stressful to contemplate.

At the same time, owning a second home can be very rewarding. It can be the source of relaxation; a time to get closer to your family; a place to go and be a kid again; and a place to meet new friends. Someday, it can even be a place to which you retire.

Lastly, owning your own home is not like renting. You get to leave your “stuff” there to truly make it your home. You can make impromptu escapes, leaving the stress of everyday life behind. And your children and grandchildren will likely feel more comfortable in a place they have learned to call home.

If you have any questions about vacation homes or are interested in purchasing one, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to help you or to refer you to an experienced agent who works in the area where you are looking to buy.

No doubt you’ve had that sense of unease when trying to find a good contractor.  References are key but what questions should you ask?   Here are some suggestions: 

• Completed the job on time.

• Finish the job on time and on budget.

• Kept regular, reasonable hours.

• Was a professional they would hire again without hesitation.

When you meet with a contractor. make sure you ask:

• How long have you been in business?

• Does your company carry Workers’ Compensation and liability insurance?

• How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?

• What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?

The last question is very important. Quality contractors work nearly exclusively through repeat and referral business. A contractor who puts up his sign in one neighborhood and completes quality work will often find that he can stay in the neighborhood for an extended period of time through referrals.

Fifty years ago, a family room consisted of little more than an old couch, a beat-up recliner, a small television set, and a coffee table that did double-duty as a surface for board games, or a place to pile coats. It was usually a room to which children were banished when Sunday company dropped by, or where Dad retreated to watch sports in peace and quiet.

Today’s family rooms have little in common with those “spare” rooms of old. They are now family hubs, full of activity for all members of the household.  With careful planning, a good size family room (16 ft. x 25 ft.) can function as a media center, a place to do homework or crafts, or a place to throw a neighborhood party. To help your family get the most enjoyment from this room, it’s a good idea to have members contribute to a wish list of features they’d most like to see in a family room addition or remodel.

So, just what are the most popular features that will ensure you getting the most value from your master suite addition? The top six are: 

His-and-her sinks in the bathroom. Nothing promotes harmony better for couples than two sinks, with either separate mirrors, or one mirror large enough for both. One of the biggest reasons why master suites are added is because the lines have grown too long in the other bathrooms in the house. Those folks who pay the mortgage shouldn’t have to take a number to take a shower in the morning.  

A walk in closet (or two).  These should be large enough so that you don’t need to switch clothes seasonally. Closet space is at a premium in most houses, and adding enough to the master suite is critical. Anything smaller than 8ft-X-6ft may be a waste of time and money. When designing your closet, consider adding enough storage space for things like luggage and extra blankets.

A large soaking tub or whirlpool/bubble tub. You may consider adding one of these for your comfort, as well as resale value. Home spas are still very popular. Just remember that whirlpool tubs aren’t good for those who like to add bath oils as they clog the jets over time. Bubble tubs are the better choice. In areas pf the country with a large senior population, think about installing a shower with low-step entry and a bench inside for added resale value.

A fireplace. Nothing sets a relaxing tone after a hard day at the office better than the warm glow of the fireplace. Today, gas fireplaces are most often added in master suites, moving away from the need to drag in wood. Today all you need to do is flip a switch, and the realistic flames come to life. And even when it is too warm to enjoy, the fireplace remains the focal point of the room.

A heated floor in the master bath. Stepping onto warm tile in the morning is a great way to start your day. Tile can be warmed either by adding a radiant hot water system or electric wire system below the tile. And don’t forget the heated towel rack as well. 

An entertainment center. Especially one that gets tucked away when not in use. Flat-panel televisions with a DVD player and a surround sound system are making their way into master suites. But many are choosing to hide the high-tech gear in an armoire or other furniture that keeps it out of sight when not in use.

According to David Savageau in Retirement Places Rated, the following are the top retirement communities. 

Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Charleston Sea Islands, SC
Henderson-Boulder City, NV
Wickenburg, AZ
St. George-Zion, UT
Boca Raton, FL
Scottsdale, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Prescott-Prescott Valley, AZ
Fort Myers-Cape Coral, FL 

But what about Springfield?