Palouse Living, September 2020

Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

SEPTEMBER 2020

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Palouse Living is an advertising supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

COOK UP SOME QUESTIONS! 10 THINGS TO ASK YOUR AGENT DURING A VIDEO TOUR OF THE KITCHEN

2 | September 5, 2020 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | September 5, 2020 | 3

9 Grown-up things every new homeowner should have

By Ana Durrani | Sep 2, 2020 Courtesy of Realtor.com

Congratulations on buying your new home!

You survived the hardest parts: making an offer, mortgage approval, the home inspection, and closing. Whew! Go ahead and take a moment to pat yourself on the back. You earned it.

But now the real fun starts: outtting your home with everything you'd ever want and need. Of course, you do have every right to buy that neon beer sign you've always wanted.

It's your house, and you'll decorate it how you want! But allow us to suggest a few more grown-up items that every well-appointed house ought to have. After all, your brand-new mortgage does mean you've reached peak adult status.

Our experts say the following items are worthy investments and will lend a touch of comfort, sophistication, and elegance to your new home.

1. Luxurious bath towels

Your towels looked OK in your last apartment, but it's time to up the ante. No more mismatched sets or ragged edges.

“As an adult, it’s time to invest in some highquality bath towels. These are something you

and make you more productive during the day.

“Your bed is of the utmost importance.

You spend almost half your life in bed. This luxurious, high-quality mattress checks all the boxes," says Stucker. "We use Parachute's feather bed; it’s heavenly."

The mattress from Parachute ($1,299 and up, parachutehome.com) nds the balance between soft and rm and is constructed of layers of pure New Zealand wool, organic cotton, and pocketed steel coils hand-tufted together.

3. Bamboo silk sheets

use every day, and they should feel plush and luxurious, not like old gym towels from high school,” says Christine Stucker, founder and creative director for Stewart-Schafer, with ofces in New York and Connecticut.

Check out Coyuchi’s cloud loom towels ($18 and up, Coyuchi.com), which are made with certied organic cotton and woven in the Aegean region of Turkey.

With a deluxe mattress on your list, you’ll also need to ditch those decades-old sheets for something more elegant.

“Your bed is one of the most important places in your home, and high-quality sheets are absolutely necessary,” says Stucker.

“Cariloha’s thermal-regulating sheets will help you get a good night's sleep and are by far the softest sheets I have ever laid on.”

The sheets are made of viscose from bamboo and have a sleek sateen nish with advanced box-stitch seams. They are softer than high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, are 3 degrees cooler than nonbamboo fabrics, have odor- and allergy-resistant

2. High-quality mattress Sleeping on any old mattress won’t cut it in your new home. A supportive, comfortable mattress can help you get a good night's sleep

Grown-up

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4 | September 5, 2020 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

How long does it take to buy a house?

By Cathie Ericson Courtesy of Realtor.com

How long does it take to buy a house? While estimating a timeline for home buying will depend on many variables, real estate experts estimate that the average time required is around four months.

This timeline is important for buyers to keep in mind for a variety of reasons. Many buyers might hope to time their home purchase with when their rental lease is up.

Other buyers might want to pace their house hunt so that they are settled in their new home before the start of school. Still other buyers might also be home sellers who rst need to close on the sale of their old house before they can buy their next house.

In short, home buyers might need to t their home search into any number of timesensitive situations, so knowing how long the buying process typically takes can help them plan accordingly. Plus, buyers should know that four months is how long it might take if everything goes smoothly. If problems crop

up—with the home inspection, appraisal, mortgage, or other things—then the real estate buying process could take even longer.

Buying a house may take time, but there are good reasons why it's no impulse purchase.

To help illuminate what's going on, here's a rundown of the various stages you'll encounter while home shopping to help you plan your buying timeline just right.

Step 1: Get pre-approved for a mortgage

Your rst step shouldn't be to check out homes; it should be to get mortgage preapproval from a mortgage lender or broker.

This is presuming you aren't planning to make an all-cash offer to a seller, but rather need a loan to make your goal of home buying happen.

“Home buyers will want to speak to a mortgage lender or broker to start the loan process early so there are no surprises,” says real estate agent Beverley Hourlier with Hilltop Chateau Realty, in San Diego.

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There are a couple of reasons for this: One, unless you're really organized, it will take you a while to gather all the documents you need to show your lender for your loan, including pay stubs and tax forms. Two, if the mortgage lender nds out that your nances are less than ideal for homeownership—because of, for instance, a poor credit score—it can take months to clean up your nances so you're in better standing. Oh, and you'll need to make sure you've got enough cash so you can afford to make a decent down payment on your mortgage, too.

If your nances are in good shape, you can get mortgage pre-approval, which is a contract that the lender will lend you a certain amount of money. Being pre-approved for a mortgage and having this paperwork in hand is a major asset, because it shows sellers that you can afford their house and mean business, and it's a prime way to negotiate with a home seller.

(Keep in mind that mortgage pre-approval is different than mortgage pre-qualication).

If your nancial circumstances don't change much by the time you close this real estate deal, you can ask a lender to extend that loan promise for an additional 90 to 120 days or longer; you can also lock in a great interest rate so it doesn't rise by the time you're actually buying a house.

Step 2: Find your dream home

While looking at real estate listings online is fun and easy, things slow down once you get to the point where you're visiting houses in person. After all, buyers can't just pop in whenever they want. Instead, you'll have to schedule an appointment for a home tour that work for the home sellers, too.

So in the same way buyers have to kiss a lot of frogs before nding a prince, you'll likely need to spend some time house hunting, and see a lot of homes before you nd one you love.

On average, buyers see 10 houses before they make an offer, but that number can be much higher.

But any good real estate agent will tell you that it's time well spent. According to agent Melanie Atkinson with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, in Tampa, FL, when buying a house, “The last thing you want is to feel rushed or make a decision in haste that you will later regret.”

Step 3: Prepare for closing day

Once you've found a house you love, made an offer that's been accepted, and are under contract to purchase the property (which can typically happen in a few days), the waiting game really begins.

On average, it takes around 50 days to close on a loan for buying a house, from the time lenders pre-approve your mortgage to underwriting the loan to the day you sign all the documents and move into your new home.

Can you see now why getting pre-approval early is so important for the buying process?

In fact, securing a loan is the most common holdup in buying a house.

Even with a pre-approval, it can still take 30 days for the lender to do its due diligence by conducting a home appraisal to make sure it's a good investment (since after all, the lender's money is on the line) and underwriting your mortgage.

Meanwhile, if you're under contract to buy a particular piece of real estate, it will also take time for you and your real estate agent to do your own due diligence to make sure the house isn't hiding some glaring aw you'll regret inheriting. You can do this by checking the home sellers' disclosure statements for any problems in the house that they're aware of, and also hiring a home inspector to check out the house from top to bottom for any problems. All of this takes time. Closing is a not a time to rush; you and your agent will want to

Buy

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | September 5, 2020 | 5

Virtual staging: the hot trend that can help sell your home during the coronavirus crisis

By Wendy Helfenbaum Courtesy of Realtor.com

In this age of social distancing, you might want to limit the number of strangers traipsing through your house. So chances are good you've said sayonara to the idea of having a staging company come in to artfully showcase your home for sale.

That means it's time to get creative in order to prep your property for sale. And guess what? There’s an app for that.

Actually, there’s a wide variety of virtual staging software options available, allowing designers to digitally add gorgeous furnishings and accessories to photos of each room in your house, enhancing its overall appeal.

Some tech platforms can even do virtual renovations like digitally erasing a tired sofa or peeling wallpaper, and revamping rooms with new wall color and different ooring so you can show it off online to potential buyers.

Eager to nd out more? Here’s how you can make virtual staging work for you.

Virtual staging is a practical solution during the pandemic

When Ed Gory, a Realtor®, was preparing to list a vacant two-bedroom ranch house in early March, staging companies couldn’t physically work in the house. Gory’s photographer suggested he contact roOomy, a company offering virtual staging services.

Digital decor elements are layered into highresolution photos of the home and rendered into a realistic nal image to look like you've actually accomplished the transformation.

“I’d never considered virtual staging before, because the nished product I’d seen looked a little cartoonish, but the technology has come a long way,” says Gory, who works at Intero Real Estate in San Carlos, CA. “Since buyers weren’t able to visit houses, virtual staging provided a means for us to show something more exciting than a picture of a blank room,” Gory says.

It worked so well, in fact, that the house was sold ve days later.

This didn’t surprise Lindsay Dillon, roOomy’s vice president of strategic partnerships and marketing. That’s because virtual staging is experiencing a surge in popularity.

“Even before the coronavirus, we

were seeing a shift in how the real estate community was approaching digital content," Dillon says.

Your home can be styled any way you like

Home stagers usually pull decorative items and furniture from their warehouse to t your rooms, limited to whatever inventory they have on hand at the time. They also generally just add basic elements—think sofas, dining and bedroom furniture, plus artwork—but they won’t usually change out light xtures, for example. Virtual staging designers have no limits, because they’re working with a huge digital library of 3-D assets.

“We want to show the space in its best light based on your target buyer,” says Dillon. But "we don’t want to be deceptive, so we won’t add a wall or kitchen island that doesn’t exist.”

Virtual staging can make a vacant home more attractive

Virtual staging is especially useful for sellers who have already moved out, says Lyndsey Garza, owner/broker at Galveston Vacation Real Estate. An empty house is typically much more expensive to stage, and it can be harder to sell.

“For people that don't have the imagination to see something as an ofce or a kids’ playroom, virtual staging gives them room to think outside the box,” Garza explains.

Click the arrows and slide from left to right to see a fully staged room from roOomy.

Virtual staging is cost-effective

Sellers can save signicantly with virtual staging, because the costs of physically staging a home—removing existing furniture, hauling in a bunch of new things, and then staging the home—really add up.

“Here, a 1,200-square-foot home could cost $2,500, but it’s about a third that price to do virtual staging,” says Gory. “Plus, you have a lot more control over the style, artwork, and even the plants you put out, so you could really dress up a house and give it a great online rst impression.”

Garza notes that to minimally stage a four-bedroom, three-bath, 2,500-square-foot

Staging

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6 | September 5, 2020 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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5 Rampant mortgage myths you’ll hear these days—completely debunked

By Erica Sweeney Courtesy of Realtor.com

These days, things are changing so fast, it’s tough to keep up. That’s especially true in the mortgage industry, where interest rates and the overall home loan landscape are shifting with such head-spinning speed, it's easy for outdated information to circulate, leading home buyers and homeowners astray.

You may have heard, for instance, that everyone can score a record-low interest rate, or that renancing is a no-brainer, or that mortgage forbearance means you don't have to pay back your loan, ever. Sorry, but none of these rumors is true—and falling for them could cost you dearly.

To help home buyers and homeowners separate fact from ction, we asked experts to highlight some rampant mortgage mistruths out there today. Whether you're looking to buy or renance, these are some reality checks you'll be glad to know.

Myth No. 1: Everyone qualifies for low interest rates

There’s a lot of buzz about record-low mortgage interest rates lately. Most recently, a 30-year xed-rate mortgage dropped to 2.88% for the week of Aug. 6, according to Freddie Mac. This is great news for borrowers, but here's the rub: "Not everyone will qualify for the lowest rates," explains Danielle Hale, chief economist at realtor.com®.

So who stands to get the best rates? Namely, borrowers with a good credit score, Hale says.

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of about 620. Some lenders might require an even higher threshold (more on that later).

Your credit score isn't the only factor affecting what interest rate you get. It also depends on the size of your down payment, type of home, type of loan, and much more.

So, keep your expectations in check, and make sure to shop around to increase the odds you'll get a good rate.

Myth No. 2: Getting a mortgage today is easy

Many assume today's low interest rates mean that getting a mortgage will be a breeze.

On the contrary, these low rates mean just about everyone is trying to get a mortgage, or renance the one they have. This glut of applicants, combined with the uncertain economy, means some lenders may actually tighten loan requirements.

In fact, a realtor.com analysis found that 5% to 20% of potential borrowers may struggle to get a mortgage because of these stricter standards. And getting a mortgage could become even tougher if the recession gets worse.

For example, some lenders may also require higher minimum credit scores and larger down payments. In April, JPMorgan Chase began requiring a 700 minimum credit score and 20% down payment.

Jason Lee, executive vice president and director of capital markets at Flagstar Bank,

says some lenders aren’t offering the loans that are considered riskier—such as jumbo loans, which exceed the conforming loan limit (for 2020, that max is $510,400).

"There aren’t as many loan products available," Lee says.

And even if you do manage to get a loan, it may take longer than you'd typically expect.

“Based on low rates and a high volume of renances, loans are taking longer to complete from application to closing,” says Staci Titsworth, a regional mortgage manager for PNC Bank.

As such, borrowers should ask their lender how long the process will take to close, and make sure they’re aware of the expiration date on the interest rate they’ve locked in—since with rates this low, they could go up.

“Most lenders are locking in the customer’s interest rate so it’s protected from market uctuations," Titsworth adds.

Myth No. 3: Everyone should refinance their mortgage

“With mortgage rates hovering near record lows, a renance can make sense and can help

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | September 5, 2020 | 7

free up monthly cash ow,” Hale says.

Still, not everyone should renance.

Homeowners should make sure to take a good hard look at their situation to see whether it makes sense for them.

For one, it will depend on your current interest rate. If it's low already, it may not be worth the trouble—particularly since renancing comes with fees amounting to around 2% to 6% of your loan amount.

Given these upfront costs, renancing often makes sense only if you plan to remain in your house for a while.

In general, “renancing is a good idea for homeowners who plan to live in the same home for several years, because they will reap the monthly savings over a longer time period," Hale explains.

Myth No. 4: You can apply for a mortgage after you've found a home

Many people assume that you can nd your dream home rst, then apply for the mortgage.

But that's backward—now more than ever.

Today, your rst stop when shopping for a house should be a mortgage lender or broker, who can get you pre-approved for a home loan.

For “a buyer in a competitive market, it's typically essential to have pre-approval done in order to submit an offer, so getting it done before you even look at homes is a smart move that will enable a buyer to move fast to put an offer in on the right home,” Hale says.

Mortgage pre-approval is all the more essential in the era of the coronavirus pandemic. Why? Because many home sellers, leery of letting just anyone tour their home, want to know a buyer is serious—and has the cash and nancing to make a rm offer.

As such, some real estate agents and sellers require a pre-approval letter before a potential buyer can view a home in person.

Nonetheless, according to a realtor.com survey conducted in June of over 2,000 active home shoppers who plan to purchase a home in the next 12 months, only 52% obtained a pre-approval letter before beginning their home search, which means nearly half of home buyers are missing this crucial piece of paperwork.

Aside from getting their foot in the door of homes they want to see, home buyers benet from pre-approval in other ways. Since preapproval lets you know exactly how much money a lender will loan you, it also helps you target the right homes within your budget.

After all, as Lee points out, “You don’t want to get your heart set on a home only to nd out you can’t afford it.”

mortgages. To get some relief, many have been granted mortgage forbearance.

Nearly 8% of mortgages, or 3.8 million homeowners, were in forbearance as of July 26, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

The problem? Many mistakenly assume that mortgage forbearance means you won't have to pay your loan, period. But forbearance means different things for different homeowners, depending on the terms of the mortgage and what type of arrangement was worked out with the lender.

“Forbearance is not forgiveness,” Lee says.

“Rather, it’s a timeout from having to make a mortgage payment where your servicer—the

company you send your mortgage payments to—will ensure that negative impacts to your credit report and late fees will not occur. However, because forbearance is not forgiveness, you will need to reach some sort of resolution with your loan servicer about the missed payments.”

The paused payments may be added to the back end of the loan or repaid over time.

“It does not forgive the payments, meaning the borrower still owes the money,” Hale says. “The specics of when payments need to be made up will vary from borrower to borrower.”

Erica Sweeney is a writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Parade, HuffPost, and other publications.

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Cook up some questions!

10 Things to ask your agent during a video tour of the kitchen PALOUSE LIVING

8 | September 5, 2020 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

By Lisa Marie Conklin Courtesy of Realtor.com

Video tours have become an indispensable tool for house hunters in the COVID-19 era, although they do have their drawbacks—you won't notice a bad odor through a video screen, after all.

And if there's one room for which you really need a sense of how you'll be able to use it, it's the kitchen. After all, it needs to work for your needs, whether you're enjoying a peaceful cup of coffee in the morning, putting together school lunches, baking some of that quarantine sourdough, or (someday) entertaining friends and family.

That's why you'll need to pay attention to the details that matter in the kitchen when you do a virtual video tour with your agent— sometimes, the smallest ones can make a big difference. Here are the things agents say you should be sure to check out over video.

1. Can you show me the room from all angles?

Even with the room dimensions in your hand, it is difcult to get a true sense of space.

Veronica Sniscak, a Realtor® and owner of VSells & Associates, in Ellicott City, MD, shows the kitchen from several different angles during a virtual tour. They include the perspective from other rooms and doorways that lead to the kitchen.

"You'll want to know if the door to the garage is in the kitchen or if there is a bathroom off the kitchen," Sniscak says.

"Without knowing those things, [there] could be an unpleasant surprise when you see the home in person."

2. Can you zoom in on the appliances?

If the appliances are in bad shape, the replacement cost could eat into your budget.

"I suggest doing quick tests on all the

appliances, and really look hard to see how much wear and tear the appliances have endured," says John Gluch, founder of The Gluch Group in Scottsdale, AZ. Open the doors and check inside for things like damaged racks, shelving, seals, and hardware.

One place buyers always overlook is the refrigerator's surface, Gluch says. Look under all those magnets and paper stuck to it. Be sure to have your agent zoom in and check for scratches and other unsightly blemishes that will stand out once the magnets are removed.

3. How much space is really available when I cook?

It's essential for you to get a feel for what it's like to actually prepare a meal in the space.

"This may not seem important, but it will help you visualize how you will use the appliances in the kitchen and envision how much space you are working with," says Sniscak.

She and her associates open cabinets, drawers, appliances, and the pantry closet, and measure countertops for their clients.

4. Can you show me a closeup of the cabinets?

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The gorgeous cabinets you drooled over in the online listing might not look as good in person. Imperfections that don't pop up on video might be noticeably prominent in person. The cabinets may be in poor condition, or upon closer inspection, they've actually been painted—badly.

"Ask your agent to open up the cabinets and inspect their condition, along with how much storage they have," says Gluch.

Take note of the hardware, hinges, and style. Do they extend to the ceiling? Is there an open space above them to display pretty plates? Is there a soft that hides wiring or pipes?

5. Can you measure the dining space?

"Have your agent measure the table or dining space to know for certain if your current dining set is a good t—or if the dining set you have our eye on will t," Sniscak recommends.

She also suggests measuring bar stools at the island. It's good to know whether you can keep your existing stools or will have to purchase new ones.

6. What kind of sink is that?

"Showing the size and style of the kitchen sink is another 'must view' on a video tour," Sniscak says. "It's important to know depth and orientation, so you will know if your current process for dishes will remain the same. Having two sections is important to some, while one large opening is better for others."

Request a closer look at the counter surface to check the condition around the sink. Ask your agent to measure the area on both sides of the sink to determine if there's ample room to store dish drainers and small appliances.

7. Can you shine a light on the plumbing?

Any areas that might be susceptible to water damage—such as under the sink and near the dishwasher and refrigerator waterlines— warrant extra attention.

"It's important to run the water while making these checks to spot any leaks," Gluch says. "This is also a good time to assess how dated or current the plumbing is and if anything was installed oddly or in a problematic fashion."

8. What condition are the ceiling and floor in?

Ask your agent to scan the ceiling. Faded paint probably isn't a deal breaker, but chipped paint and water stains could be indicators of a roof or plumbing leak. While your agent is showing you the ceiling, ask to get a peek at the light xtures.

Next, examine the oors.

"Look for how much wear and tear the high-

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | September 5, 2020 | 9

7 home improvement projects that promise serious return on investment

By Lauren Sieben Courtesy of Realtor.com

DIY home improvements can be great feelgood projects. You get to learn a new skill, use your hands, and take pride in something you create yourself.

But let’s face it: Your DIY project doesn’t make sense if it won’t make cents. In other words, it needs to pay off when it comes time to sell your home.

“The key to winning the ROI game with home improvement is to take a less-is-more approach,” says Dan DiClerico, home expert at HomeAdvisor.

If your goal is to earn a return on your DIY investment, DiClerico suggests taking on smaller improvements that will have a big impact on buyers.

“Bells and whistles tend not to rank high on ROI,” DiClerico says. “The high-tech home theater might mean hours of fun for you and the family, but it’s probably not going to pay for itself when the time comes to sell.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t outt your house with the latest technology—if you’re making an improvement that you’ll love and enjoy, go for it. But if you’re looking to roll up your sleeves and tackle a project that will offer serious bang for the buck, try one of these home improvement projects next weekend.

1. Refresh your kitchen cabinets

“If the cabinets are in good shape, adding a fresh coat of paint or stain will dramatically transform the feel of the entire kitchen,” DiClerico says.

Be warned: Even though painting isn’t very difcult, it’s still time-consuming. You’ll need to remove the doors and drawers to ensure trafc sections of the oor have endured," Gluch advises.

Is there continuity in ooring from the kitchen to the neighboring rooms, or is there a stark difference in color, stain, or wear and tear?

9. Can you show us the view outside of each window?

A light and bright kitchen is near the top of many a wish list, yet kitchen windows can be easily overlooked in a video tour. Be sure to have your agent point the camera out each window, so you can see what's outside— especially if there's a coveted window over the kitchen sink.

"The kitchen window might be the one that folks look out the most," says Sniscak. "It's

a clean nish. “But in terms of skill level, it’s something even novice DIYers can handle,” DiClerico says.

And remember, slow and steady wins the race when it comes to any painting project.

“You could lose some buyers with a sloppy paint job,” says Scott W. Campbell, a real estate agent in Milwaukee. “If you truly want to increase ROI, a good paint job takes time and patience.”

2. Create curb appeal

Making a great rst impression on home buyers is one of the quickest ways to boost your home’s value.

“Landscaping and gardening are the biggest ones that also are simple,” says Kendall Bonner, a real estate agent in Lutz, FL. “Curb appeal has a signicant impact on buyer’s purchasing decisions.”

Aside from adding tasteful foliage and keeping your lawn manicured, a few strings of café lights can also improve your home’s outdoor space and curb appeal. Don’t forget to paint old fences and prune overgrown plants.

3. Give your front door a makeover

Want to boost your home’s curb appeal but don’t have a green thumb? Spruce up your front door instead. All it takes is a few coats of paint. (The same rules apply: Work slowly and carefully to avoid drips and roller marks.)

“A fresh pop of color at the front door is a great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal for not a lot of money or time,” DiClerico says.

4. Create a backyard deck

space,” DiClerico says.

Creating a new deck is possible to do yourself, but “it’s not for the faint of heart,” he adds, especially if you’re putting in concrete footings for the deck posts. This project is best for intermediate to advanced renovators, and it helps to have a few friends on board to assist.

Keep the design simple—avoid any tricky changes in elevation—and work with pressuretreated lumber instead of hardwoods that are tough to cut and screw into, DiClerico says.

5. Brighten up the basement

You don’t need to spring for a fully nished basement to appeal to prospective buyers.

“Spraying the basement unnished ceiling with at black latex paint can make big difference to clean up a look, and spraying the walls,” Campbell says.

To take your project to the next level, you can add carpeting and adjustable lighting.

By cleaning up the basement, you can help prospective buyers envision a space that will t their needs, whether it’s as a rec room, play area, or home gym.

10. Can you show us around one more time?

A close inspection of every room is important, but the kitchen ranks fairly high.

"Buyers doing a virtual video tour with their Realtor should plan on taking more time during the walk-through. It's going to require more coordination to show you everything you would naturally scan while being in person," says Gluch.

Lisa Marie Conklin knows a little something about moving.

She's moved eight times in the past 10 years but currently calls Baltimore home. She writes for Reader's Digest, Family Handyman, The Healthy, Taste of Home, and MSN.

“Anytime you add usable living space to the home, you increase its value,” DiClerico says.

“That’s true now more so than ever given all the time we’re spending at home.”

Making an addition to your home might not be realistic. But smaller improvements, like adding a pantry in the kitchen, a new storage unit in the garage, or even closet organizers, add valuable storage space to your home and will pay off when you’re ready to sell.

7. Make small repairs and keep up with maintenance

It may not be as satisfying as tackling a big project, but staying on top of your home’s basic maintenance is just as important and promises serious ROI. “Many of today’s buyers are staying away from xer-uppers in favor of move-in ready homes that won’t require frequent repairs,” DiClerico says.

Seemingly small problems like a leaky faucet, loose gutter, or missing light xture can be a red ag.

“When buyers see things like that, they think to themselves, ‘What else is wrong with this house that I can’t see?’" DiClerico says.

"Spending a few hundred dollars on these small repairs will let the buyer know that this house has been cared for.”

Lauren Sieben is a writer in Milwaukee. Her work has appeared in the Guardian, Washington Post, and other outlets.

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9 Types of tables:

10 | September 5, 2020 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

trestle, console, and more table types for dining and display around the home.

By Jennifer Kelly Geddes Courtesy of Realtor.com

Have you given much thought to the table you're using? Sure, four legs and a at surface might be the sum of its parts, but the shape and purpose of this piece can make a difference in your rooms.

When selecting tables, be sure they serve a true purpose, rather than just sitting there collecting dust.

"I believe in really using furniture, rather than just staging it and then ensuring nothing ever moves again," says Michael Diaz-Grifth, an art consultant and founder of Material Cult.

Be creative with the tables you choose, and know that you can break the rules if you happen upon a look you love.

"An old desk with open legs could make a great dining room table, and some tables can even be used in place of kitchen islands, which is exactly the look you've seen in Europe for centuries," he adds.

To help you shop the best looks for your rooms, here are nine of the more common

1. Drop-leaf table

If you have a tiny house or just a tight space in need of a table, the drop-leaf is your go-to.

"This pick can save space when used as intended," says Diaz-Grifth.

Push it against the wall with two chairs at either end, and it'll stand in for a console when it's closed. Open the leaves, and add more chairs for dining or game night.

The small prole of an easy-to-assemble, attractive drop-leaf table makes it ideal in a small apartment.

2. Pedestal table

When it comes to tables for dining or as a display top in a center hall, choose a timeless pedestal.

"A columnar base on a round top provides both simplicity and visual impact," notes Anna Brockway, co-founder of the furniture design site Chairish.

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If you're in the market for a true classic with these same lines, you can't go wrong with a tulip table from Eero Saarinen. But for those with shallower pockets, a wood-and-metal pedestal sports a look that's modern and streamlined.

3. Trestle table

The trestle table is an ancient breed that was once prized for its ease of transport and assembly—largely because it was simply made with a couple of supports and a top that was quick to remove.

Both pedestals and trestle tables can be found with marble tops, which are popular right now.

"Marble has a fabulous, Instagram-worthy surface for photographing everything from cookies to diplomas, and the patina that develops over time is the exact cafe-in-Paris feeling you're going for," says Diaz-Grifth.

4. Console table

Sometimes called a sofa table because it's often found pressed up against this piece of furniture, a console table is a workhorse. You'll usually nd it in skinny entryways topped with a small lamp, a vase, and a dish to catch car keys and loose change.

5. Farmhouse table

Traditionally made from local wood found on the (you guessed it!) farm, this table has always been a utility player in the home.

Look for solid construction and sturdy legs, though modern versions are also available

(think zinc tops and metal accents).

6. Nesting tables

No home is complete without a set of nesting or bunching tables. Keep them together, and use the top one as an end table— and then slide them apart for more drink space during a party.

7. Drum table

True to its name, a round drum table is a fun option to place next to a couch or between club chairs, though it could also stand in as a bedside table.

8. C-table

Another pick with an eponymous name is the C-table, known for its boxy lines in the shape of the letter. Try a C-table in a reading nook to hold your glasses and cup of tea, and then swivel it around, desk-style, to support an iPad.

9. Coffee table

Just about anything can work as a coffee table (ottoman, steamer trunk, a pouf), but the classic rectangle shape is the most common.

Pick one with a lower shelf for storing magazines and books, or consider an option with lift-up top that reveals handy storage Jennifer Kelly Geddes creates content for Livestrong.com, the National Sleep Foundation, American Airlines Vacations, Oxo, and Mastercard.

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Staging

continued from page 5 home in Galveston or the Houston area for three months, sellers fork over $3,500. A simple virtual staging would cost about $500.

“Very few sellers want to put any more money into their home, and virtual staging saves them money with less trafc through the home,” she says.

You can save valuable time when listing your home

Because virtual staging is done on a computer, it saves a lot of time, Gory says.

Grown-up

continued from page 3 properties, and are environmentally sustainable. ($239, cariloha.com)

4. Pretty dinnerware set

Mismatched plates, cups, and cutlery were part of your old life. A new home means you have more space to hold extravagant (and socially distanced) gatherings and dinner parties. And you denitely don’t want to be entertaining with paper plates, either.

“Chic, well-made serveware is a must,” says Nicole Palczynski, designer and founder of Vein Design in Los Angeles. She recommends a set of handmade ceramics ($262.50, MontesDoggett.com) from Montes Doggett, a North Carolina–based company that believes in fair trade and celebrates the inherent beauty and craftsmanship of pottery.

5. Meaningful artwork

After moving into a new place, you'll notice the walls are glaringly bare. Add some life and character to your abode with artwork from talented emerging artists.

"Artwork brings spaces to life and helps curate your unique story," says Palczynski.

"Pro tip: Layering mediums into your collection creates awesome depth and tactile interest to your spaces. Tappan Collective curates a wide breadth of price points and mediums so you can create depth and visual interest in your new space."

We love the Morocco pastels series ($350 and up, TappanCollective.com) that celebrates the design of cities in North Africa, such as Marrakech.

6. Unique serving bowls

Beautifully designed serving bowls can add a statement to your home and showcase any food or items placed in them.

“Wren Pottery makes elegant one-of-a-kind, wheel-throw stoneware," says Stucker.

The company’s large wildower stoneware serving bowl ($125, WrenPottery.com) features bamboo brushwork of cobalt blue wildowers and bees.

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | September 5, 2020 | 11 Usually real estate agents meet with a live stager to assess the house, wait for an estimate, and then wait again for movers to bring over rented furniture—and nally, the photographer takes listing photos.

“That process could easily take a week from start to nish, and it took a lot quicker to stage virtually, because I did everything from my computer,” Gory says.

And consider this: If you’re in the middle of sprucing up your place, you don’t have to wait until your renovations are complete before posting listing photos—virtual staging allows buyers to visualize how great the house will look when you’re done.

7. Fancy vent cover A decorative vent cover can add an extra special detail to further beautify your home.

"One by one, invest in items around your home that make every detail seem thoughtful," says Palczynski. "The wide range of vent covers from aptly named Vent + Cover add sophistication to a location many people tend to overlook."

These vent covers ($33.95, VentandCover. com) come in different sizes and designs in resin, metal, or wood for your oor, wall, and ceiling.

8. Scented candles

Set the mood of your home with a handpoured scented candle made from natural ingredients like coconut wax and a cotton wick. Whether it’s something sweet, fruity, musky, or beachy, there’s a candle that’s right for you.

Our pick is the Moon Beach candle ($46, marmarlosangeles.com) from Mar Mar, a small company in Los Angeles.

Mar Mar's candles "are meant to evoke 'future memories'—a potent mix of past experience and hopes for what's to come," according to the company.

Sounds like just the thing for a new homeowner.

9. Linen napkins

Linen napkins add a touch of luxury to your dining experience and as well as a splash of color to your table.

"Every homeowner needs linen napkins," says Palczynski. "The colorful selections from Gjusta Goods were designed for daily use at their sister restaurants and are sturdy, soft, and as groovy as Venice itself."

These napkins come in a set of six ($70, GjustaGoods.com) with contrast stitching. The napkins come in a choice of seven colors and can be machine-washed.

Anayat Durrani is a freelance education reporter for U.S. News and World Report. Her work has been featured in Military Ofcer, California Lawyer, the American Scholar, and PracticeLink magazines.

Be transparent about what’s real and what isn’t The last thing you want is a buyer who feels tricked into going to see a house that looks nothing like the photographs, says Garza.

“The downfall with virtual staging is that sometimes it can appear misleading: Even though the perspectives and measurements are theoretically correct, it’s ctitious—it's an idea of what the space could be versus the actual space,” she says, adding that it’s important to clearly note on the online property listing that the images have been virtually staged.

Consider a true virtual staging platform

There's a reason virtual staging hasn't taken off in the past—it's tricky to get right. Make sure you have condence in the technology being used by the company you choose.

“Because we’re able to transform a 2-D image into a 3-D space with our patented

Buy

continued from page 4 make sure to do everything right.

Bottom line: As much as people complain about how long it takes to buy a house, it's all in the interests of making sure you're happy

technology and add real 3-D furniture to that space, we're ensuring that what you're seeing in scale is accurate,” says Dillon. “You're not trying to t a king-sized bed in a room that has no business to have one by using photo-editing tools.”

And be sure to carefully vet the companies you and your agent are thinking of hiring.

“Some of them look way too spiffed up and don’t t the property, and sometimes it looks like you're playing a video game," Garza says.

"I like to show clients samples, because I want sellers to be happy with what's online. Then, chances are buyers are going to be happy with it, too.”

Wendy Helfenbaum is a journalist and TV producer who covers real estate, architecture and design, DIY, gardening, and travel. Her work has appeared in Woman's Day, Metropolis, Costco Connection, Garden Collage, Parenting, Canadian Living, Canadian Gardening, and more.

once you're a homeowner and this piece of real estate is nally yours. So when in doubt, there is no better time to start than now! If you're worried you'll nd your dream house too soon, there are ways to negotiate with a seller and their agent so that it all works out.

Cathie Ericson is a journalist who writes about real estate, nance, and health. She lives in Portland, OR.

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12 | September 5, 2020 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

BRINGING WARMTH AND SMILES TO AREA KIDS! Join Coldwell Banker Tomlinson in supporting Coats 4 Kids!

Our community needs our help now more than ever. Please sort through coats your children have outgrown to find some that are still usable. Your donated coats will be sorted, cleaned, and distributed to area youngsters in need of winter clothing.

Drop off your new or gently used children’s coats Sept. 1st to Oct. 31st Coats may be dropped off at the following locations: COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON 217 S. Main, Moscow

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