Choosing the Right Homes for Sale Eastside WA For You

It will never be too wise to get the very first house you’ve seen, when you are looking for a house. You can have as many options especially if you want a house around Eastside of Washington. You can go to different areas in the eastside and find the best home for you. You can see many homes for sale Eastside WA can offer. It is up to you to choose for the right one that is perfect for you and your family.

When you try to find a house, there are several things that you need to consider. Not all houses are built on the same materials, design and location. You need to review your preferences before deciding on the things you want for your house. You can list important things that a house should have. This will help you decide easier on which type of house to have. Every house has different characteristics and you would want to review on them. Here are several important points that you can review and pick your choices for a house that is suitable for your taste.

1. Decide on what type of neighborhood you want to be in. Houses are built in different locations and not all people want to live nearby busy roads. Many home buyers would want to own a corner lot as these are often larger portions and are very accessible. Although houses in this location are not that child-friendly since there is a wider point of exit for children. To improve the safety and security, a fence may be used. If you have children and would want to keep the safety of your children from busy streets, you can choose a cul de sac. These are often found in dead ends, so there really it would be impossible for vehicles to pass. 

2. Look into the home type. Homes can be single detached, duplex type or building type. Some families choose to have single storey houses but with wide area. Some others want to have multistory houses. Multistory houses are really functional even with a smaller land area, where the spaces are maximized to be utilized as a significant part of the house. Another type of house can be appealing to some families. A house with split levels is often chosen by families who want to get a bigger house but does not mind too much of unused spaces.

3. Consider the Interior Arrangement. Specify how many rooms you want to have in a house and how many bathrooms you need it to have. The number of rooms that suits you will depend highly on the size of your family and if you want an extra room to be used a guest room. Some people who are looking for houses want it to have a specific area for entertainment and study. Although these are just additional parts of a house, it is still important to some individuals.

4. Choose the types of Garage. Also consider looking into the type of garage you want to have. Garages can be attached or detached. Also, look for houses with garages that can accommodate all vehicles that you own.

5. Select Houses with Special Amenities. If you don’t mind too much about the price of the house you are going to buy, you can look for houses with additional features. A pool would b a great addition to the beautiful house. If you want, you can choose a house with fireplaces. There are also houses that are sold fully furnished. If you want to skip buying the appliances and furniture for your home, look for full furnished houses. Also consider the plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling units of the house you are going to purchase.

Of course, you cannot expect all homes for sale Eastside WA offers to be perfect. Especially for houses that are already built, there will always be an offside. Despite this, you can always make use of your creativity to make a house look better or at least according to your preferences. If you cannot do the changes on your own, there are professionals who will be able to help you with your concerns. You can also get a real estate agent to help you choose the right home for you.

Meeting Promises Productive Relationship with Fannie, Freddie Regulator

Meeting Promises Productive Relationship with Fannie, Freddie Regulator

NAR President Steve Brown in a meeting yesterday with new Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mel Watt shared REALTORS®’ concern over the continued availability of safe and affordable mortgage financing and thanked the director for postponing a decrease in the size of loans Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can back. Watt also postponed an increase in the guarantee fees the companies charge lenders, a position NAR shares.

FHFA Director Mel Watt with NAR President Steve Brown

“Director Watt listened carefully to our concerns and took the prudent step of delaying any changes to loan limits and the guarantee fees,” Brown said after the meeting.

NAR supported the nomination of Watt, a former U.S. representative from North Carolina who was a senior member of the House Committee on Financial Services. It was Watt’s first meeting with a professional trade group since his confirmation.

“Based on our very productive meeting, it’s clear Director Watt understands the crucial role of residential real estate to the economy,” Brown said. “We are eager to work with him and promised to keep him apprised of what our members are seeing in markets across the country.”

More on the postponed g-fee increases.

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A Decorator’s Personal Guide to Surviving a Home Remodeling Project

A Decorator’s Personal Guide to Surviving a Home Remodeling Project

By Patti Stern, guest contributor

Whether an experienced do-it-yourselfer or a first-time remodeler, a remodeling project can be intrusive and overwhelming to every aspect of a person’s life. That’s why hiring a professional can save time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress.

Our 1969 master bathroom was cramped and outdated!

Recently, my husband and I decided to finally remodel the last room in our home that remained untouched by my interior decorator hands –- our master bathroom. My vision was to transform our 1969 master bathroom into a modern, stylish space, but I didn’t want to do anything too custom as we may look to sell our home in a few years. The design and décor needed to appeal to potential future buyers.

The first step of the renovation was deciding whether or not we could knock down the wall between the master bathroom and our guest room closet to maximize the space and upgrade to a double vanity and larger shower — the most important elements of the project. Once my talented carpenter determined we could, I was off and running with the design.

The entire bathroom was gutted to provide a blank canvas for the new layout and design.

As my own general contractor, I managed every element of the project and deciding on the design elements was particularly daunting, since this was a project for my family and me. I ultimately decided on a modern, spa-like design with an earthy color scheme — dark espresso, glass tiles, and a stone shower floor.

The actual renovation involved taking the original bathroom down to the studs and building from scratch (remember, this shower had lasted 44 years!). Working with a talented carpenter, excellent vendors, and my own knowledge of renovation projects helped the process along to final completion just a few weeks before the New Year.

The final reveal, pictured below, features a frameless shower door, which opens up the space, accent glass tiles on the walls and floor, modern eight-inch faucets, and jeweled light sconces fixed to the wall-to-wall mirror. We also added a silent ceiling fan for additional air flow and circulation in the space.

The new master bath features a modern, spa-like design with an earthy color scheme and includes an espresso, double vanity, glass tiles, a stone shower floor, frameless shower door, and jeweled light sconces. Photo Credit: Patti Stern, PJ & Company Home Styling, LLC

4 Tips to Getting Through Any Home Renovation

Throughout the process, I kept a journal and noted some key tips and advice for all home owners when taking on any renovation project including:

1. Have a written plan. Be sure that you are absolutely clear with your interior decorator, contractor, and carpenter — whomever you are working with — regarding the remodeling job and have a written plan and contract.

2. Plan ahead. Make sure you have all of your design plans and materials for your remodeling project ahead of time (including windows if applicable). Sometimes, though, things do have to change once the remodeling starts. For example, I opted for one large mirror instead of two as originally planned. Be flexible and plan for an additional 10- 15 percent above your budget for “just in case” scenarios.

3. Don’t skimp where it’s important. When putting in a shower floor, for example, make sure your contractor is using the right materials to prevent leaks, mold, and mildew. Sometimes spending a little bit more on better quality items will save you money in the long run.

4. Think about the big picture. How will your remodeling project affect other rooms or even future plans for your home? Will a wall being knocked down impact another room? If so, you may have to consider painting or repairing any walls in the impacted space. Are you thinking of selling your home in a few years?  If so, you’ll want to make changes you’ll enjoy now but that also will appeal to potential buyers in a few years.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patti Stern is a principal of PJ & Company Home Styling, LLC , and an interior decorator and accredited home stager. She and her team offer decorating and home staging services for individuals, real estate professionals, builders, and others in the industry. For more information visit www.pjhomestyling.com or www.facebook.com/pjandcompanyhomestyling.

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6 Questions to Ask when Buying Eastside WA Residential Property to Invest In

If you come to think of it, it is not that difficult to find an Eastside WA residential property. There are absolutely many properties that are up for grabs in the market. These properties are only waiting for your discovery. However, you have to consider some good things when you want to purchase any type of property. Here are the answers to some common questions that you might ask when buying a residential property.

What Should I buy?          

                                 

When buying a property, you would always want to consider your preferences. Say if you want a single detached residence, a condominium unit, a rent to own apartment, a duplex home and the like. You would also want to consider the size of the residence you want to purchase. Consider the size of your family or the number of people that are most likely going to inhabit the house. Also, the design of the house should be a concern. You can make a list of characteristics that you want in a home, before you actually one.

Is the Property Appealing for Resale?

This is a good question to ask especially if you are buying a property as an investment. The value of the house should be reasonable enough that it can still be put to resale in the future with excellent investment returns. The resalable probability of a certain residential property is considered significant. The value of the property will depend on several aspects. Consider the design, the size, the amenities and its accessibility. These are only few aspects but you can add more according to your liking. You may also consider if the property is good for rental. If you don’t go for buy and sell, you may want to invest in a residential property and have it rented by another family.

Is the Location Accessible?

Aside from the design of the house and the amenities that come with it, it is mostly important to consider the location of the property. Most properties that are located in an intersection are highly resalable.  A corner lot usually has a bigger area. Also, it is more accessible and very useful if the family owns or uses multiple vehicles. The village or subdivision the property belongs in is also a main concern.

Can You Make Use of the Property for a Long Time?

 It is only good that you ask if a residential property can last long. If you are not able to resell the property or have it rented by somebody, you might want to use the property on your own and live in it. That is why it is important to see if it is viable for dwelling in a long period. Also, check if there is a need for major repairs or renovation to make it more presentable for the market.

Is it monetarily worth it?

Look into the price of the property. Consider its worth compared to it physical condition. Prices are relatively sensitive especially if you are dealing with property investments. Make sure that you will be able to make a great deal out of your transactions. Take a look at the profitability of a certain residential property before, during and after acquisition.

Who do I go to?

When buying an Eastside WA residential property, you should want to get an excellent deal. You should be knowledgeable enough to do transactions before you actually make purchases. For a better and more efficient transaction, you may get the help of a residential property investment manager. A manager has a wide knowledge about properties and most probably has studied about a certain property you are eyeing on. He/she is also keen with the procedures related to property investment and could give you good advises regarding your choices and purchases.

America’s Most Romantic Homes

America’s Most Romantic Homes

Can you feel the love in these homes? TopTenRealEstateDeals.com recently highlighted the most romantic homes for-sale in the world, from the mansions of celebrities to the homes where kings and presidents once lived. Here’s a rundown of the homes that made its list:

1. King Edward’s Love Nest

Location: Just north of Chicago

Price: $12 Million

Chicago’s Schweppe Estate once hosted a former King of England, Edward VIII, who left the British throne in 1936 to be spend time with American Wallis Simpson here. It sits on 5.3 acres and features a 24,500-square-foot English Renaissance mansion with 10 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, and 11 fireplaces, as well as a library, family-game room, elevator, sauna, leaded glass windows, hand-carved limestone stairs, and fountains.

2. The Romance of Remembrance

Location: Suisun Valley, Calif. (near Napa)

Price: $22 million

At the Villa de Madre estate, the owner reconstructed one of the buildings to resemble a 1950s soda shop, where he and his wife had their first date. Also along the estate, he replicated several downtown storefronts – from the grocery store, Rexall Drugs, Harley Davidson, and tackle shop – of where the couple would stroll past when they first started dating. The 80-acre estate also includes 63 acres of vineyards, which produces 150,000 bottles of Cabernet wine annually. The main house includes 22,882 square feet.

3. Romantic Island Retreat

Location: Costa Rica

Price: $29.75 million

This 50-acre oceanfront jungle retreat in Costa Rica belongs to actor Mel Gibson. The Happy Planet Index ranks Costa Rica as the happiest country in the world for its safe streets, gorgeous weather, good medical care, and thriving economy. This estate includes three homes, with the main hacienda-style home overlooking a beach and featuring seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a courtyard, and pool.

4. The Romantic Elkhorn Ranch

Location: Big Sky, Mont.

Price: $26.5 million

This 160-acre, Montana estate featuring mountain views belongs to Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart and husband TV and film producer, Burg Sugarman. It’s located inside the exclusive Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Mont., a resort that provides a private skiing and lift system as well as an 18-hole golf course. This ranch consists of three building, including a 7,000-square-foot, six bedroom, seven bath main residence, as well as guest quarters and a four-stall horse barn.

5. A Plantation Deep Rooted in History

Location: Off the banks of the James River in Prince George County, Va.

Price: $20 million

This plantation has been designated a National Historical Landmark and has been in agricultural operation since 1607. With a rich history, the plantation once belonged to Nathaniel Harrison, a family that produced multiple governors and two U.S. Presidents, and the plantation also has family ties to William Shakespeare. Thomas Jefferson is credited with designing the central section of the main house as a gift to his friends, the Harrisons. This plantation has more than 4,500 acres – 1,600 of which grow soybeans, wheat, barley, and corn. The farm has 14 structures, including a horse stable, and two-story brick mule barns, a dairy barn, and more. The Palladian styled main house – reminiscent of a Roman country house — is 7,700-square feet with seven bedrooms and seven baths.

6. Sensual Sensation

Location: Palm Springs

Price: $14.5 million

Actress Suzanne Somers home and husband TV host Alan Hamel have been married for 36 years, and have called this romantic Palm Springs home for years. The home is modeled after L’oustau De Baumaniere in Provence, France. It’s located on 73 acres on a mountainside above the valley in Mesa Canyon. The estate features an outdoor amphitheater carved into the mountain that can seat 50, a dance floor, and a pool, spa, hiking trails, and natural waterfall that inches down the hillside.

7. West Indies Hideaway

Location: St. Barth Island

Price: $11.59 million

Actor Steve Martin’s Villa Au Soleil is located high in the hills of Lurin, St. Barthelemy, and includes a 28,191-square-foot, tropical colonial-style home that sits above the Atlantic Ocan. The home features views of the ocean, multi-level terraces, and a two-tiered infinity pool.

8. The Kennedy’s Honeymoon Haven

Location: Beverly Hills

Price: $115 million for-sale, or leased at $600,000 per month

After they were married in 1953, John and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned in this 1920s era Beverly House, which features more than 50,000 square feet in a blend of Spanish and Italian style. The home features gardens, which were used as the backdrop for scenes in “The Godfather,” “The Bodyguard,” “Topaz,” “Into the Night,” among other movies. The estate boasts 29 bedrooms, 40 bathrooms, two guesthouses, and a separate apartment. It is located three blocks from Sunset Boulevard.

9. Water Views Everywhere

Location: Houston

Price: $14.5 million

Actors Ryan O’Neal and Jacqueline Bisset, stars of the 1973 movie “The Thief Who Came to Dinner,” filmed most of the movie at this Houston mansion. The home belongs to the Van Dyke family, and is located on 2.8 private acres, which inclues an 11,737-square-foot home. It features plenty of water throughout its grounds – from pools, waterfalls, pool island with trees to pools in shade; pools in the sun; and a small lake. It also has one of the largest private pools in the U.S. The grounds also feature an orchestra stage with an outdoor kitchen, spa, and guest house.

10. A Private Gulfstream Island

Location: Near the Florida Keys

Price: $5.995 million

Located on the Atlantic side of the Overseas Highway, Melody Key is situated a half mile off Summerland Key. The island can be reached by boat only. The home is powered by solar and features a desalination system for fresh water. The main house has 2,800-square-feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms and an observation deck to watch sun rises over the Atlantic or sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. The grounds include a swimming pool and spa surrounded by tropical trees. This estate also comes with a waterfront lot with dock on Summerland Key.

Read more about these romantic retreats for-sale at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

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When Selling a Home, Don’t Forget About the Garage!

When Selling a Home, Don’t Forget About the Garage!

By Charlene Storozuk, guest contributor

Could your listing's garage need a makeover?

Being the car enthusiast my husband is, when we were shopping for our home, the first thing he wanted to see was the garage. After checking it out, some of the homes would only get a cursory glance before he’d announce that he didn’t like it. There were some that I had to agree with him on; however, there were others that I thought were “the one”.

Finally, I got him to put into words what it was that he didn’t like about them. In a lot of cases, it was the garage. If it was being used as a dumping site, he was put right off. Like many buyers, he couldn’t visualize its potential.

To make your home appeal to the car enthusiasts out there, here are a few simple ideas for the garage:

· Don’t use the garage as a storage facility. Rent a unit to store all of your extra furniture and unnecessary belongings. Storage units can be pricey, but the benefit of having one definitely outweighs the cost. Not only will your garage look great, but other areas of your home will also be less cluttered.

· If you have a double car garage, you may want to set up a portion of it as a workshop (unless you are fortunate enough to have a separate workshop in your home). It’s not necessary to go to a lot of great expense. A set of saw horses underneath a piece of ¾” plywood will create an instant work area.

· Good lighting is very important in a garage. Buy a three- pronged fluorescent light fixture, hang it from chains and plug it into the ceiling receptacle socket. You can even remove it when you move and replace it with a standard light bulb. However, be sure to exclude the fixture from your agreement with the buyer.

· Keep your gardening and workshop tools organized by installing pegboards on the wall. It’s an easy DIY project that will add bonus storage space.

· In a large garage, create a loft storage area by installing ceiling mounted shelving units. If possible, don’t install them above where your car(s) will be parked.

· If you have a very small garage that just manages to fit your car, you may want to have it parked in there for showings. Potential buyers will see that a car fits in there. If the garage is empty, they may not be sure if one will fit.

· The floor of the garage should be clean. Remove oil stains as best you can. A solution of TSP works well, however, you may need to visit your local hardware store to get advice on what to use for your floor. If you’re really serious, fill in any cracks and roll a concrete sealer onto the floor followed by a primer and top coat of white paint. Your garage will look cleaner and brighter and may possibly seem a little larger.

These tips will help your home become more attractive to potential buyers. Believe it or not, there are people out there that put a lot of emphasis on the garage when house hunting. I don’t think my hubby is the only one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Charlene Storozuk is the owner of DEZIGNER DIGZ, a professional home staging, interior decorating and redesign firm based in Burlington, Ontario Canada. She is certified as an International Staging Professional, International Design & Decorating Professional, Professional Colour Consultant, and Feng Shui Design Professional. Her work is published in the book “FabJob Guide to Become a Home Stager,” 2009 edition. Storozuk is recognized as a local leader in the home staging industry. She founded the Halton & Hamilton-Wentworth Real Estate Staging Association Chapter and served on the association’s Executive Committee for two years as Regional Vice-President, Canada. Storozuk is a past recipient of RESA North American Leadership Awards for Chapter President of the Year (2007) and Regional Vice-President of the Year (2011). For ideas on how to bring “WOW” Factor to your home, follow her HIP TIPZ Series for daily home staging, design and decor inspiration. HIP TIPZ can be found on the Dezigner Digz Facebook Fan Page and on Twitter: @dezigner_digz .

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VIDEO: Coldwell Banker’s Latest Hit to Be Released During Grammys

VIDEO: Coldwell Banker’s Latest Hit to Be Released During Grammys

With the 56th Annual Grammy Awards coming up on Sunday, we’re all reminiscing about some of the classic hits over the decades. Coldwell Banker Real Estate has one in mind: Mötley Crüe’s anthem “Home Sweet Home.” It’s the perfect blend of everything that makes music great along with a message of the importance of home. And that makes it the perfect soundtrack to Coldwell Banker’s latest advertising campaign.

The real estate giant will air its “Home Sweet Home” commercial during Sunday’s Grammys telecast, the second year in a row Coldwell Banker has chosen the coveted nationally televised awards ceremony as the launching pad for its campaigns. The commercial features vignettes of all those little moments of joy after arriving home from a long day — kicking off your shoes, falling into the couch, sinking into the tub — as Mötley Crüe’s hit wails in the background.

“Music and home certainly go together, no matter where you are in the world, and we believe we have found the appropriate major events to showcase the emotional value we place in our homes,” says Sean Blankenship, Coldwell Banker’s senior vice president of marketing. “We felt the words and energy of ‘Home Sweet Home’ matched the emotional attachment people have with their homes.”

The commercial will coincide with Coldwell Banker’s social media hashtag campaign, appropriately called #HomeRocks. Coldwell Banker is planning to launch a second ad campaign called “Your Home,” which will mark the third campaign in which the company has used the voice of actor Tom Selleck, during the telecast of the Academy Awards on March 2.

“The Grammys and Academy Awards give us a unique opportunity to speak to millions of Americans with a brand message that lays the groundwork for continued dialogue with Coldwell Banker sales professionals,” Blankenship says. “Those local, one-on-one conversations are critical because that’s where consumers can learn about the positive changes that have occurred in their housing markets.”

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