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January/February 2018 Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
Home is not just a place, it’s a feeling. Everyone has goals, but not always a plan to reach them. We can help you find home financing options to meet your needs, whether you’re: • Purchasing your first home • Looking to buy a second home • Interested in buying an investment property And, with our PriorityBuyer® preapproval, you can shop for your home with confidence. Your home financing matters, contact me today. Rachel Ellen Laine Home Mortgage Consultant Office: 208-883-5659, Cell: 208-874-2452 rachel.e.laine@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/rachel-laine NMLSR ID 1015986
Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2016 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS3812380 Expires 09/2018
| January/February 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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Create a sale-worthy showplace MetroCreative
T
he sentiment “don’t judge a book by its cover” can be applied to many situations. When it comes to selling their homes, homeowners should remember this adage as they prepare their homes for prospective buyers. Statista indicates that there were 560,000 houses sold in the United States in 2016. The Canadian Real Estate Association said a record 536,118 residential properties changed hands in 2016, marking a 6.3 percent increase from 2015. Homeowners who want to make their properties stand out can take the following steps.
De-personalize the home Homeowners fill their spaces with family photos, heirlooms, personal interests, and other conversation pieces. Prospective buyers may not be able to see past personal belongings and may even be distracted by them. For example, buyers who have strong beliefs about animal welfare may not buy a home displaying hunting trophies. Remove personalized items where possible, replacing them with generic items.
Improve the exterior HGTV says that curb appeal is crucial to making a strong first impression. A messy or lackluster landscape can turn buyers away even before they reach the front door. Mow the lawn and make sure shrubbery has been trimmed. Seasonal potted flowers and plants can help make the house look polished. Repair cracks or damaged walkways, and consider a fresh coat of paint on trim around windows and doors. Pressure-wash siding if necessary.
may assume the house doesn’t have enough storage space and move on.
Make it light and bright Open up all of the drapes and blinds, and turn on overhead lights so the house is well-lit. Add table lamps or other fixtures to especially dim rooms.
Create a hotel experience Forbes suggests making bathrooms look like a spa. Stack a few pretty washcloths tied with ribbon, add some scented candles and faux plants and buy bathmats and towels in coordinating tones. Remove extraneous items from kitchen counters and replace them with vases of flowers. In addition, set up dining spaces as if one were sitting down to a meal, and ensure appliances are sparkling clean.
Use common ‘scents’ Skip the fish, bacon or other aromatic meals for a few days, as such foods can leave lingering aromas. Baked goods, vanilla and cinnamon might make for more appealing scents. Making a home sell fast involves preparation and the knowledge that buyers are often greatly influenced by their first impressions.
Put things in storage Rent a storage unit to house items that can make a home appear cluttered. Clean out closets and cabinets, so that when buyers “snoop” during appointments or open houses they see orderly storage areas. If closets are brimming with stuff, buyers
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Which renovations are worth an investment? MetroCreative
T
he cost of remodeling a home is easier to stomach when homeowners can expect to recoup a sizable percentage of the costs of the renovation. While basing renovations on their potential impact on resale value may be unwise, return on investment is something homeowners must consider when mulling renovation projects. Many homeowners wonder which renovations will resonate most strongly with potential buyers when a home is put up for sale. According to Remodeling magazine, homeowners are less likely to recoup their investment in a major kitchen or bathroom remodel
than they would with basic home maintenance, such as new siding. That’s because buyers are most interested in how the bones of the house - or those elements that keep the house protected and can be costly to fix - were maintained. Each year Remodeling magazine issues its “Cost vs. Value Report,” which highlights the projects that offer the most return on investment. In 2016, the No. 1 project was the installation of fiberglass attic insulation, which could produce 116.9 percent recouped cost and a resale value of $1,482. Rounding out the top five were manufactured stone veneer for the exterior, a standard new garage door, a steel entry door, and an upscale garage door. Projects with the least return on investment tended to be more expensive undertakings that offered returns of roughly 57 percent. Such projects included bathroom additions, upscale bathroom additions, upscale master suite additions, upscale bathroom remodels, and deck additions. For those considering more expensive renovations, keep these figures in mind, courtesy of Forbes. · A major remodel of a 200-square-foot kitchen can cost around $113,000, with homeowners recouping 60 percent. · Replacing 1,250-square feet of siding with new fiber siding can cost $13,000, but homeowners can expect to recoup 80 percent of that cost at resale. · Replacing 10 existing double-hung windows with vinyl lowe glass windows is valued at $14,000, and the return can be between 68 and 73 percent. There are even renovations that seem like good ideas but can actually hurt the resale value of a home. MSN Money lists these projects as money-wasters for those who want to sell soon. · Lavish lighting fixtures can look dated in a few years when trends change. · Wallpaper or textured walls can be notoriously hard to change, and buyers know that. · Kitschy renovations, such as 1950s diner tiles, may appeal to only a select number of people. Neutral renovations are better if resale is the goal. · Many real estate experts warn against converting a bedroom into anything other than a bedroom - even for the purposes of a home office. Such conversions can immediately devalue the property. The same can be said about combining two small bedrooms into one larger space. Homeowners should investigate potential renovations before committing the time and money to something that may offer little value at resale.
| January/February 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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What is the tiny house movement? MetroCreative
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iny houses may appeal to eco-friendly prospective homeowners looking to cut costs.
The tiny house movement has transformed the way many people look at housing and how it can help them downsize not only their residences, but also their lives. Living small has been embraced as an eco-friendly way to cut costs and simplify life. According to the tiny house resource The Tiny Life, the typical American home is 2,600 square feet, while the typical tiny house is between 100 and 400 square feet. Many tiny homes are smaller than the average urban apartment. Proponents of the small house movement say that living the tiny life isn’t really a sacrifice, but a way to experience a simpler, fuller life that frees them from expensive mortgage payments and unnecessary clutter. One of the advantages of tiny house living is that buyers are often able to buy their homes (whether stationary or mobile) outright, eliminating the need to finance their purchases. Tiny homes also boast much lower utility bills than more traditional homes. Outfitting tiny homes with wood-burning appliances can keep heating costs to a minimum. In some instances, tiny homes are completely off the grid, harvesting electricity through solar panels and employing rain-capturing technology to supply water.
According to the resource Living Big in a Tiny House, the tiny house movement is eco-friendly. Small homes create much smaller carbon footprints than large homes. In addition, the resources needed to build and sustain such homes pales in comparison to those needed to build and maintain more traditional homes. Furthermore, with less interior space, residents of tiny homes are less likely to acquire items they don’t necessarily need, reducing clutter and saving money. The following statistics, courtesy of The Tiny Life, paint a picture of the tiny home lifestyle: ¡ Sixty-eight percent of tiny house people have no mortgage, and 78 percent own their home. ¡ The average cost to build a tiny house is $23,000 for do-ityourselfers. ¡ Eighty-nine percent of tiny house dwellers have less credit card debt than the average person. ¡ Tiny house owners earn an average of $42,038 each year. ¡ Many tiny home owners are age 50 or older. Empty-nesters looking to downsize may find tiny homes are an affordable way to simplify their lives.
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | January/February 2018 |
Exploring condos and townhouses MetroCreative
I
ndividuals have many options when seeking places to call home. Among those options are condominiums and townhouses. While quite similar, condos and townhouses are different. Learning what sets these residences apart can help people find the right fit for them.
Condominiums Condos are private residences owned by an individual or family in a private building. According to Realtor.com, condos are similar to apartments. However instead of paying rent, condo dwellers own the space. Condos share common areas, such as pools, recreation rooms, gyms, and outdoors spaces.
People may be attracted to condos because there is very little maintenance involved. Condos can be in large buildings similar to apartment buildings, and living spaces may be confined to one floor. High-rise condominiums may resemble skyscrapers, offers Coldwell Banker, which notes that a condo owner shares ownership of the land, the roof, the staircases, and the exterior of the condominium complexes. The only thing the condo owner may own outright is his or her individual living space. Condo owners typically rely on maintenance companies and other contractors to handle the repairs and upkeep of the spaces outside of the interior of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific condo. Residents typically
| January/February 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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pay condominium fees to a condo board to manage and cover these expenses. Because of the multiperson ownership, condos place strict restrictions on what can and can’t be done to the property.
Townhouses Townhouses are usually multileveled attached properties. Townhouses may fall within a row of other homes or be an end unit where only one side is attached. Many people are drawn to townhouses because of their various levels and architectural styles. Some also feel that townhouses provide more of a traditional home feel than condominiums. Townhouses may come with a small parcel of land, a driveway or a private garage. Although there may be some community amenities accessible to owners of townhouses, such amenities are rare. However, because townhouse communities do not handle as much maintenance - exterior repair and roof maintenance may be the responsibility of the townhouse owner - homeowners association fees tend to be less expensive than those incurred by condo owners. Townhouse owners typically take ownership of the home, the roof and the land that lies below it. However, both townhouse and condo owners are urged to read the bylaws of their communities, which should specifically list responsibilities of the owner versus the homeowner’s association or condo board. Condos and townhouses have similarities and differences, but both can be ideal places to live for those who desire help with maintenance and worry-free living.
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | January/February 2018 |
Tips for buying a home in a seller’s market MetroCreative
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he real estate market can be difficult to navigate for both buyers and sellers. First-time buyers can easily become overwhelmed as they search for homes, while sellers hoping to get the best price for their homes might be frustrated if offers are slow to come in or fall short of their asking prices. If met with an underwhelming market, many sellers can pull their homes off the market and wait until it becomes more advantageous to sell. But buyers, particularly those shopping in a seller’s market, may not have that flexibility. Buying in a seller’s market can be competitive and frustrating, but buyers
can employ various strategies to survive such markets and land the homes of their dreams.
Get mortgage preapproval Sellers’ markets typically feature low inventory, which can make the buying process very competitive. Prospective buyers who do not have a mortgage preapproval letter in hand when making offers may find themselves losing out on their dream homes to fellow buyers who have gotten preapproval from a lending institution. Sellers may be impatient with buyers who have not yet been preapproved for a mortgage, even accepting a lesser offer from buyers who are ready to begin transactions immediately. The preapproval process is relatively quick and simple, so buyers should not hesitate to apply.
Stick to your budget Lenders will indicate to prospective buyers how much they’re willing to lend them, and that figure is typically considerably more than buyers are willing to borrow. In a seller’s market, bidding wars can quickly drive up prices, but buyers should stick to their budgets so they are not house poor after buying. Sticking to a budget can be difficult in a seller’s market, but such patience will likely pay off in the long run.
Be ready to compromise Unless they have unlimited budgets, buyers often must compromise when purchasing a home. That’s especially true in a seller’s market with limited inventory. Buyers who need to buy a home must identify their needs versus their wants and recognize the likelihood that they will have to compromise.
Work with real estate agents Some buyers may be tempted to go it alone, searching for and ultimately buying homes without the help of real estate agents. That can be a foolish move in a seller’s market where competition is high and inventory quickly disappears from the market. Veteran real estate agents have worked in buyers’ and sellers’ markets, and buyers can use that experience to their advantage. In addition, real estate agents likely have access to inventory before homes appear on popular real estate websites, giving buyers working with them a leg up in competitive markets. Buying a home in a seller’s market can be fast-moving and very competitive. But various strategies can ensure buyers still find great homes at great prices in such markets.
| January/February 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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Transforming empty-nester homes MetroCreative
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fter bringing home a bubbly baby boy or girl, it can be hard for parents to imagine that a day will come when their kids are off to college and then onto their own apartment or house. After spending decades nurturing and caring for children, parents are then left with a suddenly quiet house and probably much more time to spare. If saying goodbye to the kids also means extra house, there’s the option to downsize or make that extra space more useful. Homeowners who choose to stay put can renovate vacant rooms into spaces that meet their newfound needs.
overnight guests. Be sure there is at least a queen-sized bed and a dresser or chest of drawers to stash belongings.
At-home gym Save on gym membership fees by building a mini studio right at home. Choose one of the larger bedrooms and then fill it with some fitness equipment, such as an elliptical trainer, a bench press bench and some free weights. Store rolled-up mats in the closet for yoga or Pilates sessions.
Expanded bathroom
Hobby haven If you’ve always meant to set up a crafting room, home-brewing station or an artist’s studio, now is an ideal time to do just that. Figure out which supplies you will need and begin reworking that former bedroom into a new sanctuary for leisure interests.
If space has always been at a premium in the bathroom, borrow area from an empty bedroom and turn it into a spa. Install a soaking tub separate from the shower, and fill the room with other amenities, such as a warming lamp or even a small sauna.
Home office Working from home a few days a week may be more plausible when nearing retirement, as it will be a smoother transition from heading to the office each day to spending more time at home. Turn a bedroom or den into an office space with a new desk and bookshelves.
Guest suite If you’ve never had a spare bedroom to entertain guests, a child’s former bedroom can fit the bill. It may not be that difficult to transform such spaces into relaxing and inviting rooms for
New home, new adventure, new memories.
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | January/February 2018 |
Surviving a home renovation MetroCreative
ahead of time and have a firm plan in place. Establish backup choices for tiles or color schemes in case the items you want are out of stock. Trying to make decisions under duress may result in bad choices.
Do one project at a time It’s tempting to want to improve as much as possible at once to maximize motivation and renovation materials. However, having no place in which to escape the mess can elevate stress levels. Do not think about renovating kitchens and bathrooms all at once, or you will not have any working fixtures for tasks like washing up.
P
lanning, patience and an understanding of what the project entails can make home improvements easier to survive. Homeowners invest large sums into improving their homes to make them more comfortable living spaces or to increase their odds of selling quickly. The Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University predicted U.S. spending on home renovations and repairs to peak at $327 billion in 2017. Whether one is doing a large renovation or a small remodel, life may be turned upside down during the project. Furniture may be moved out of the room, walls may be demolished, water or electricity may be turned off, and appliances may be missing or not hooked up. Home improvements often drum up dust and disarray. Such projects can try the patience of any homeowner, and things may get worse before they get better. Even though remodeling can be taxing, the end result is often worth it. Here’s how to look forward to the silver lining and come out unscathed.
Discuss the project before it starts All family members should be in agreement before the first hammer is swung. Decide on as many details as you can
Have everything in place Before demolition even begins, have building materials bought and stored, contractors and subcontractors lined up, and see what you can do to minimize the time workers need to spend in your home.
Expect delays In a world where things move at lightning speeds, renovations have not gotten the memo. Home projects take lots of time and will likely take longer if you are doing the work yourself in your free time. Build lots of extra time into the project so you are not disappointed when delays happen - even when you’ve done your best to avoid them.
Plan an escape zone Construction environments can be messy, loud, smelly, and a host of other unsavory adjectives. The chaos that ensues when life is turned upside down can be overwhelming, particularly for the person who spends the most time in the home while work is being done. Build escape moments into the plan and make sure everyone else at home is on board. During the real grind of the project, a night or two at a hotel may be a welcome respite.
Learn about buying a home will show you how! Course required for some affordable loans.
6-hour course offered by Moscow Affordable Housing Trust. In Moscow: Feb. 20 & 21, April 24 & 25, Sept. 18 & 19, Oct. 23 & 24 In Lewiston: March 20 & 21, May 22 & 23 5:30-8:30 PM each night, must attend both nights $15/household Registration Fee To register and for more information, visit www.FinallyHomeIdaho.com
10 | January/February 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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Early-blooming spring flowers MetroCreative
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rocus blooms are some of the first seen in early spring.
The arrival of spring is a welcome occurrence for many people. Budding flowers are among the harbingers of spring. Spring flowers can revitalize winter-weary people just when they need it most - and provide reassurance that brighter, warmer and longer hours of sunlight are just around the corner. Cold-tolerant flowers are hardy enough to start blooming before the last frosts have dissipated. Other flowers will begin to fill in as days warm a little bit more, according to Better Homes and Gardens. Home gardeners looking to warm up their gardens with early blooms can use these flowers in their early-season containers, window boxes and planting beds.
· Pansy Pansies prefer cool weather, which can make them one of the best flowers to plant in early spring and late fall. Pansies come in a variety of colors, so there’s bound to be an offering that will blend with any homeowners’ landscape design.
· Creeping phlox Also known “moss phlox,” creeping phlox is a short groundcover that is a herbaceous perennial. Phlox produces small, fragrant flowers in dense clusters, which can attract wildlife, such as butterflies, to their mats across the soil surface.
· Snowdrops Snowdrops can peek out even when there is snow still on the ground - sometimes as early as January and February. But their name is actually a reference to their appearance, as snowdrops have three white petals that hang down like drops dripping off the stem.
their familiar shape and fragrant aroma.
· Lenten rose Hellebores, also called the Lenten rose or Christmas rose, can tolerate light frosts. These blooms get their name from the time of year when they bloom, which is typically around the Christian Lenten season. Despite their name, these delicate flowers are not actually related to roses, however.
Beauty S SET IN STONE.
· Violets These flowers are closely related to pansies and, as a result, prefer cool seasons. Violets are generally slightly smaller than pansy blooms, but they can be just as beautiful. But as with pansies, violets will start to fade when the heat arrives.
· Crocus Crocus plants are relatively small, only reaching three to six inches in height. However, their grass-like leaves are some of the first sprouts that can be seen among bulb and corm plantings. Preferring full to partial sun, these gold, purple, lavender, white, or yellow flowers can be enjoyed during the earliest days of spring.
· Daffodil Daffodil bulbs produce cheerful, yellow flowers in early spring. They’re one of the most recognizable flowers thanks to
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